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If you thought you had seen all that GPS devices had to offer, think again. This cuddly thing is not some kid’s toy: it’s the prototype of a talking car navigation system from iXs Research Corporation.
The teddy bear doesn’t have a screen, but it uses its arms to point the way, while also giving voice instructions. It even comes with an alcohol detector in its neck, so if you’ve been drinking you might get a warning from a talking toy, and it includes a sensor to detect reckless driving - if you speed or slam the breaks too fast you will get told off. It can also be useful for those more interested in tourism: when you stoke his head, he gives you info about nearby landmarks.
If you got excited, sorry, there’s no way to buy it yet. It will only (probably) be available next year.
via.
Motorcycle theft is not necessarily a threat to bikers, but I would feel a lot better if I would know my bike is where it is supposed to be all the time (or, at least almost all the time).
BikeGPSTracking is supposed to be the best in Bike/Motorcycle GPS Tracking and Theft Recovery. Their system includes, among other things:
# Locate your bike if it gets stolen
- Know where your motorcycle has traveled with unlimited, continuous tracking
- Ignition on/off alerts
- Tether alarm; panic switch
- Small size; can be easily hidden
- Track anywhere in the USA and Canada (Mexico optional)
- Lowest cost GPS tracking for motorcycles and ATV’s
Of course, don’t take your bike with you if you are planning a visit to Europe :)
Find more information on their website. via
How many times were you bored while driving? Not anymore. You can start prepare yourself for a career in showbiz. Justin Timberlake, watch out!
This GPS device with karaoke was found by people at ShinyShiny while visiting CES 2008, in Las Vegas:
Yeah, all of these:
1. Goodyear, the tire manufacturer, will start its satnav line of products. The company that will produce them is called The NCC.
2. Garmin Edge 305 has a Heart Rate Monitor included in the device, so that you know when you are having a heart attack. Or when you are tired… Really, I can’t see the reasoning behind it. via
3. Gramin nuvi 5000 has a 5.2′ touchscreen. It’s aimed mainly to use in large vehicles and it has features like built-in games, SD expansion, FM Traffic Message Channel, automatic rerouting and the ability to save up to 10 routes.
4. NavStar Voice Navigator doesn’t have a screen, on the other hand. It is based only on voiced directions. I would not be too happy with it, what can I say?
Here is a round up of all GPS device related articles around the web today:
1. Engadget tells us about the Blusens G01 satellite imagery GPS device, that uses satellite images downloaded for the area you are in.
2. Gizmodo writes a review of Pharos Drive GPS 250.
3. BlueNavi N7000 is a 2-in-1 gadget that is a multimedia player and a GPS device. via
4. Gadgetizer found out that you can change your GPS device voice, replacing that annoying one you already have (go here for that, but you need to understand Dutch)
The new Mio C620 brings something different to an already saturated and competitive market: GPS stand-alone devices. The software used allows some limited 3D graphics enhancements, like terrain elevation or even buildings you are looking for or passing by in your way to the destination.
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I get sometimes bored of all the GPS systems not bringing anything new to the devices we test. But this one, though we didn’t test it, looks like a great combination of SF, 3D graphics and GPS system. I mean, I could really use this one and I can remember a situation I’ve been involved in recently that would have had a faster and happier ending I would have had such a thing.
To appear real within the landscape, the image must be truly three-dimensional. The Virtual Cable™ uses a unique volumetric display to create this 3D image (patent pending).
The Virtual Cable™ displays can be offered at prices competitive with the embedded screen-based car navigation systems. All components used by the Virtual Cable™ display are currently mass produced for other purposes.
In terms of components independence, the Virtual Cable™ display (as a part of navigation system) is analogous to a PC monitor (as a part of a personal computer system). Just as a PC (CPU) may by upgraded, or replaced, without replacing the monitor, the route-planning device may be upgraded, or replaced, while keeping the original, factory-installed Virtual Cable™ display.
See more, including videos, here.
Is it a GPS device? Is it a fashion accesory? Is it something you would wear while going to a bar with friends?
All we know is that O’Neill Europe just announced “the launch of the NavJacket - a dedicated navigation tool integrated into a high performance Gore-Tex® jacket for the mountains”. In short? It’s a damn jacket with GPS capabilities, for those that wander around in the mountains.
It’s insane, I know, but really, what can be more cool than that? And, while on the mountains, it can really be a life saver. Here are some more details:
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After Jeep branded GPS devices, we have now the Porsche Design GPS device: Navigon P9611. Isn’t it a little overkill? I love the car, but I wouldn’t pay so much more on a Porsche branded GPS.
Here are the features you get for EUR750:
* Dimensions: 125 x 82 x 19mm [ width x height x depth ]
* Display: Extra-large 4.3-inch touch-screen display
* Memory: 64 MB RAM, 64 MB ROM
* Maps: Entire European road network pre-installed on SD memory card
* Traffic report info: Traffic information via the integrated TMC receiver*
* Additional map or display information: Real Signpost Display, Speed Assistant, Lane Assistant, Special Destinations, road blocks, auto zoom, automatic new route calculation when leaving the planned route, “Go Home” Function, last destinations, Route Planning, Reality View*
* Views: 2D View, 3D View, map overview, Day & Night Mode, Dynamic Route Overview
* GPS: Integrated 3rd generation GPS receiver: μ-blox Antaris 4 SuperSense
* Speakers: Dual Audio System: in the device 0.5 watt, in the mounting, 2.0 watt
* Hands-free set: High-quality Bluetooth hands-free set
* Languages: In 18 languages
* Weight: Approx. 250 g
* Charger leads: Domestic charger lead 100 - 240 V, car charger lead 10 - 30 V
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth-compatible
* Battery: 1400 mAh Li Ion rechargeable battery
* Slot: SD memory card
* Connection options: Headphones, external GPS antenna, USB 1.1
* Processor: Intel PXA 270, 520 MHz
TomTom just launched the LINK 300/TomTom WORK device, providing additional capabilities to your TomTom GPS device.
Stuff like the ability to select and read orders, exchange text messages with the head office, register working time/breaks are now a piece of cake. When your navigation device and the TomTom LINK 300 have been connected, you get a quick-access menu of buttons Active Order and Change logbook/Report work time.
These new additions transform the TomTom GPS device you might have in a tool that is more complete and more usable.