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Magellan SmartGPS review: further proof your phone is the only navigator you need
When speaking with executives from the Google Maps team earlier this year at I/O, I was reminded that Maps wasn't even a product in 2004. In less than a decade, one of Google's bright ideas has completely and unabashedly transformed the entire routing industry. (Avid readers will no doubt recall this graph, depicting real moves in the stock market moments after Google Maps Navigation was first introduced.) That development, coupled with the explosion in smartphone adoption across emerged markets, has left players like Magellan in quite the predicament. It wasn't that long ago that dedicated PNDs (personal navigation devices) were the gift to get for the holiday season. And indeed, many units from Garmin in particular delighted me plenty over the years. But the reality today is that PND makers have found themselves redundant. A few have resorted to innovating on the software side and nailing down partnerships with automakers and fleet-management firms in order to keep revenue rolling in, while Magellan has opted to create a new piece of hardware. That hardware, of course, is the SmartGPS. Rather than being a standalone PND suitable for mounting on one's dash or window, the device works best when used in concert with an accompanying iPhone or Android app (sorry, Windows Phone and BlackBerry users). In essence, the company is hoping that by creating a product that extends the functionality of your smartphone, you'll be inclined to hand over $250. After a week of road tripping through the US southwest, however, I'm inclined to believe differently.%Gallery-190765%
Nokia Drive offline navigation review: taking the Lumia 900 for an off-the-grid spin
I've sung praises about it for years, but it seems like only now the industry is getting on the same train of thought. It could be my unnatural adoration of travel, or just an entirely healthy fear of getting lost, but offline navigation has long since been a top priority for me when choosing a mobile device. Or, more importantly, a mobile operating system. For the longest while, iOS forced my hand to Android due to Google Maps Navigation being available only on the latter, and while even that wasn't offline, it still far surpassed any other routing app in terms of system integration, map updates and general silkiness. Even dating back to our 2010 mobile GPS shootout, Nokia has been a player. At that time, it was the outfit's Ovi Maps leading the pack, offering the only legitimate offline solution amongst a legion of ho-hum alternatives that required bits of data to keep you on track. But frankly, there wasn't a Symbian device in Nokia's stable that could show up my Nexus One in terms of overall utility, so begrudgingly, I pushed it aside. Eventually, Google came around and added caching to routes, which effectively downloaded all routing guidance along your path as soon as you plugged in a destination. The killer, however, was that it wouldn't take too kindly to veering far from that path should you ever drop signal. Close, but no cigar. Fast forward to today, and we've got Google Maps already working in offline mode for Android 2.2+ devices. Furthermore, the company's Brian McClendon confessed to us at its June 2012 'Maps' event that it's "committed" to bringing all of the app's features to iOS (and potentially other platforms). But in my haste to find something in the here and now, I recently turned to the Lumia 900 for guidance. Literally. Back in late March, the Lumia-exclusive Nokia Drive application gained full offline access, and I sought to use the handset exclusively to navigate a 1,900-mile trek through some of America's most remote locales. How'd it go? Join us after the break to find out. %Gallery-159721%
Garmin shows the way with new nüvi 3500 series, Smartphone Link and Approach G6 (video)
The shrink wrap may be barely off the last nüvi refresh, but Garmin clearly wanted to keep a little something back for CES, and here it is: the new 3500 series, the Approach G6 golfing GPS and an Android app. The new 3500s have the ultra-thin form factor of the company's "prestige" range, while adding an inch of screen space, taking it up to five. As these are the new top-of-the-line, all the nav-goodies you could want, like the Guidance 3.0 nav engine, Digital 3D Traffic and photoReal junction view (covering some 60,000 junctions in the US and Canada), as well as compatibility with its latest Android app (3590LMT only), but more on this shortly. The 3550LM gets free lifetime map updates and will cost $369.99 when it launches in February. The Bluetooth enabled 3590LMT gets all the same, plus lifetime digital 3D traffic updates plus that Smartphone Link support for an extra $30. If you're more into tearing up the fairway than the freeway, Garmin's lawn friendly Approach G6 golfing GPS is likely more your cup of "tee". Weighing a touch over three ounces, it shouldn't affect your swing, and the number of mapped courses has been upped to 20,000 from the G5's 17,500. The G6 should also be out in February, just in time for that spring trip, and will take an estimated $299 out of your children's college fund. The last of Garmin's new wares is the aforementioned Android app: Smartphone Link. Essentially adding functionality -- some free, some not so -- to your bluetooth enabled 2012 nüvi. Services such as traffic information, traffic camera images, weather and fuel prices can be piped in via the app (and your cell data plan) instead of being bundled into the GPS itself at an extra cost. Makes sense. Prices for each service will vary, but range from $4.99 to $19.99 for a year's access. For the full PR, and a video demo of the app, click that link to see more.
TomTom looks to shed ten-percent of workforce in restructuring effort
We have some sad news to report out of Holland today. TomTom has announced that it will release nearly ten-percent of its employees as the company works to reorganize and move away from the personal navigation device market. The struggling firm previously stated that it would trim €50 million from its annual operations budget, and many of TomTom's employees will now face the ramifications of this effort. Moving forward, the company will focus primarily on in-dash navigation equipment that's pre-installed by automotive manufacturers, along with fleet management for delivery companies. Hopefully we'll see some better times ahead for the Dutch firm. Frankly, we don't know what we'd do without the likes of Mr. T, Han Solo and Burt and Ernie leading the way.
Garmin to purchase Navigon, plans to complete acquisition by late July
News of Garmin's plans to acquire Navigon leaked out earlier this month, but we now have official word that the GPS giant will bring the smaller German company under its wing beginning in late July. Pending regulatory approval, the deal would have Navigon, one of the largest GPS brands in Europe, functioning as a subsidiary of Garmin, which has a much stronger presence in North America. The companies were unable to reveal any financial information, though previous estimates priced the deal in the "mid-double-digit million" Euro range. Navigon says it's not ready to share any details concerning the acquisition, but we're unlikely to see major effects in the US, where the company has smartphone apps but hasn't sold dedicated GPS devices in several years.
Garmin in talks to buy Navigon?
It's hard out there for a company making endangered gadgets. According to Reuters, flailing satnav maker Navigon could be acquired by none other than Garmin, which has struggled itself to maintain strong handheld navigator sales in the face of stiff competition from smartphones. The deal could be worth somewhere in the "mid-double-digit million" Euro range -- a none-too-helpful estimate, but enough for us to understand that the personal navigator market is in such a state that Garmin could scoop up its rival for a pretty modest sum. Garmin, for its part, has been doing well, considering -- it's the top navigator brand in the US (a market Navigon has long since exited), and its profit nearly tripled in the most recent quarter. That's largely thanks to those bestselling navigators, but also because the company's been wise enough to reinvent itself as a purveyor of running watches and expand its boating and aviation businesses. In any case, if the Navigon brand is going bye bye, it looks like we could find out as soon as this month.
TomTom sends HD Traffic update to all Live models, extends Traffic Manifesto to US (video)
TomTom CEO Harold Goddijn announced at a NYC event last night that the company's HD Traffic service, previously only included with the Go 2535 M Live, would be available on all U.S. Live models, including the Go 740 Live and XL 340 Live. Traffic updates will be one component of the subscription-based Live, which will also see a 50 percent price drop, to $60 per year. This is all part of TomTom's grand Traffic Manifesto, which aims to cut traffic by five percent overall. Achieving this rather lofty goal in the U.S. would require 10 percent of the country's drivers to be using Live, which transmits real-time traffic data using a dedicated AT&T SIM. The company says drivers using the service themselves can expect to see travel times reduced by up to 15 percent. Our commute often involves a pajama-clad hike from the bed to the desk, so if you're currently a subscriber who drives to work, let us know if Traffic is making a dent in your travels.
Rand McNally's TripMaker RVND 5510 promises RV-easy navigation, Robin Williams at extra charge
Are you a mild-mannered California beverage executive tired of having your family vacations degenerate into antics? Do you feel like every time you try to clean the sewage system of your Recreational Vehicle, some (admittedly hilarious) fecal-matter-related mishap occurs? Well, we can't help you with that, honestly, but we can point you toward Rand McNally's TripMaker RVND 5510 -- "the first navigation device designed specifically for RVers." This isn't for supervans or campers: it's for RVs, son, whether they be an Airstream, a Monaco, a sweet South Korean custom job or a hippified veggie-RV. The 5510 features RV-easy GPS routing, keeping you safe and legal on the road. It also has over 14 million points of interest, helping you find everything from campsites to the nearest animal hospital. And its Best of the Road feature threatens to turn your trip into a memorable adventure. The TripMaker RVND 5510 retails for $350 and ships to North America in June (just in time for road trip season) and yes, includes support for Canadian French.
Samsung SENS-240 Navigation Tablet is strange and familiar
It's been a few years but iriver just released an updated version of its NV GPS navigator with SPINN UI. Wa... wait a second, that's a Samsung logo. Sorry, this is the Samsung SENS-240, a hybrid car navigation system / tablet that plays nice with your Android-powered Samsung smartphone or, uh, tablet. According to Akihabara News, the SENS-240 uses Bluetooth to take over your voice, data, voice search, and even "video features" from your smartphone when driving. You can then control the SENS-240 using your smarpthone or tablet as an "advanced" remote when idle. The details behind how this works, or why you'd want to do it, is a mystery. We do know that the SENS-240 comes packing 256MB of RAM, USB-host mode, and an SD slot in addition to a 1.43GHz processor (of unknown origins) said to be powerful enough to handle 3D maps, video, or DMB TV on that 7-inch, 800 x 480 pixel display. Oh, and it's Korea-only for now.
TomTom's GO 2435 / 2535 PNDs get quiet teaser, we're left wondering what's new
The very busy folks over at TomTom have just squeezed out two new sets of PNDs sporting touchscreens, voice recognition, and a "new, intuitive user interface," but despite the company's high profile on the GPS market, the GO 2435, which works a 4.3-inch screen, and the GO 2535, a 5-inch iteration, slipped out without much ado. Both PNDs come in three versions: the "T" series supports lifetime traffic updates, the "M" line offers lifetime map updates, and the "MT" edition features -- you guessed it -- lifetime traffic and map updates. Thus far, the basic specs resemble those of previous GO PNDs -- both tout Bluetooth calling, 4GB flash storage, and 3 hours of battery life -- leaving us to wonder what's up with this "new, intuitive user interface?" Among other things, TomTom is still mum on price and availability, which means we'll have to wait until they speak up to give you all the dirty details.
Callaway Upro mx offers touchscreen GPS to golfers, we long for a Caddyshack edition (video)
The folks at Callaway just announced the Upro mx, a followup to the device they so humbly referred to as the "iPhone of golf GPS technology." PNDs for golfers aren't exactly rare, but the new Upro claims to be the only one packing "hi-resolution actual aerial photography" of 25,000 different courses. It also boasts a multi-gesture touchscreen and optical finger navigation, as well a slew of viewing modes: Virtual Green offers exact putting distances, Smart View displays the best angle for each shot, and ProMode features video flyovers. Who knows, if they could land a Bill Murray tie-in we might actually be enticed to pick up a club and ... Oh, who are we kidding? The Upro mx hits stores in May at $199, and you can check out a video of the device in action after the jump -- that is, if you swing that way.
TomTom intros GO 2505 M LIVE, VIA series GPS units in North America
Not that Las Vegas is terribly difficult to navigate, but TomTom's unveiling its latest PNDs here at CES, regardless. Up first is the GO 2505 M LIVE, the followup to the Go Live 1000 that was launched last April. This one packs a familiar design, with a 5-inch glass touchpanel, Bluetooth handsfree calling support, pinch-to-zoom mapping and a newfangled voice recognition system. You'll also get the full suite of LIVE services, including TomTom HD traffic, local search, fuel prices and weather updates. It should be noted that said services rely on AT&T's wireless network, and this unit marks the first time that US motorists will have access to TomTom's HD Traffic. It'll hit retail in mid-2011 for $349, with a "trial subscription" of LIVE thrown in gratis. Moving on, there's the new VIA series of mid-range PNDs. The VIA 1405 and 1435 both sport 4.3-inch panels, while the VIA 1505 and 1535 inch up to 5.0-inches. The fourpack will be available with or without lifetime maps / traffic, and you'll get voice recognition and Bluetooth handsfree calling to boot. These will ship in mid-2011 as well with prices starting at $169, and you can catch the full release just after the break. %Gallery-112729%
Garmin's nuvi 2400 pairs a 5-inch screen with voice control, isn't a phone
You don't need us to tell you that phones are posing a huge threat to the dedicated navigation device market, but Garmin isn't giving up without a fight (or without hedging its bets). It just announced its nüvi 2400 series of "large format" PNDs, with 5-inch screens and a wealth of features. Standouts include voice control and some serious routing capabilities based on "trafficTrends" and "myTrends," which are exactly what they sound like. Prices start at $250, with all the features available but except for traffic and free map updates. At the $350 mark you can get lifetime map and traffic, traffic adapter . The whole line should be out in Q1 of this year.
Ripxx ski app out now for Android, still has no idea what the street value of this mountain is
The closest we have ever come to a ski race is the worn out VHS copy of Better Off Dead we still have in the back of our closets somewhere, but if you're an Android-lovin' ski bunny jealous of all the attention Ripxx has been giving the iPhone, you're in luck. That's right, your fave open source smartphone OS has its very own version of the Ripxx Ski and Snowboard app. Version 1.1 features over 200 mapped out resorts, GPS tracking, stats recording (including speed, distance, and vertical drop) and more. Not bad for $5, eh?
Ripxx ski app for iPhone great for athletes, useless for Epyx Winter Games
We received an interesting email from Ripxx this morning, stating that due to an unprecedented outpouring of comments on our previous post for its sports GPS, the company's gone and developed its very own iPhone app. That's right, instead of planning your ski trips around a piece of dedicated hardware, you can now do it on the same device you use to read Texts From Last Night while sitting on the loo. The Ripxx iPhone Ski App, as it's called, features trail maps from over 200 North American ski resorts, Google Maps integration, the ability to track time, speed, distance, and vertical drop for your various trips down the mountain. Whatever that means. But hey -- it's only five bucks! And it's available now. Video after the break.
Garmin officially exits the smartphone business, reports mixed Q3 earnings
Based on our experience with relationships, we've learned that it takes two to tango. It also takes two to produce co-branded wares, and with ASUS already withdrawing (respectfully, of course) from the ill-fated Garmin-Asus smartphone partnership, this here is more a formality than anything else. That said, those worried that Garmin would try to loop in another handset maker in order to manufacturer yet another Garminfone that 3.4 people would consider buying can rest easy. In the company's Q3 2010 earnings, it confirmed that it is "winding down" its smartphone efforts, and rather than continuing on a path to doom and destruction, it'll be ramping up marketing efforts in the aviation and maritime sectors. As for quarterly results, the company did see net income rise to $279.5 million (up from $215.1 million a year ago), but shares fell as it issued a depressing outlook for Q4 amid weakening demand for standalone PNDs. Hate to say we told you so...
TomTom shows signs of life with Traffic Manifesto, aims to shorten European travel times by 5 percent
We're actually surprised that TomTom's still going strong after Google and Nokia unleashed their free satnav offerings many months ago. If you need some convincing, try this: following the launch of its Go Live 1000 series earlier this month, TomTom has just published a manifesto on its mission to encourage "better use of existing road capacity," and eventually "reduce journey times for everyone by up to 5 percent where there is traffic." Actually, by "everyone" TomTom means Europe, and according to its computer simulations, this would apparently require 10 percent of the continent's drivers to be hooked up to its HD Traffic active load-balancing service. There's no time frame given here, but it'll probably be awhile -- in the video after the break, CEO Harold Goddijn admits that out of TomTom's 45 million drivers, only about 1 million (or 2.2 percent) are currently connected to its live services. That said, this figure might get a little boost once TomTom starts providing free traffic data to radio stations and TV channels as part of its manifesto (in return for some cheap publicity, of course). On a related note, TomTom has also just rolled out HD Traffic 4.0, touting its "higher accuracy, reporting up to 200 percent more traffic jams during rush hours than previously." Existing HD Traffic customers from eight nations -- including Switzerland -- need not fiddle with anything to utilize the new service, and by year's end seven more countries will join the party. Meanwhile, we're still waiting on TomTom's own take on the App Store -- who knows if the company will even survive long enough to reach its goals. We kid, we kid. Or do we?%Gallery-103666%
TomTom offers free iPhone 4 adapter for Car Kit
We still maintain that you've got better options than TomTom when it comes to iPhone GPS software, but if you pulled the trigger before giving yourself a moment to consider what you were actually doing, this here news may just interest you. In an effort to maintain compatibility with Apple's latest and greatest iPhone, TomTom is now including a simple adapter for all Car Kit orders going out on September 1st or later. If you ordered one prior to that, you can apply down in the source link for a freebie to be sent your way. Or just hack something up in the garage that looks like the insert above. Your call, vaquero. Update: Full press release after the break. [Thanks, Dan]
Garmin's nuLink! 1695 attracts high-end GPS buyers, nuvi 2200 and 2300 mop up the rest
Looks like Garmin's cellular nüLink! service was something of a success -- it's now become the brand of the company's new top-tier GPS. The Garmin nüLink! 1695 replaces the nüvi 1690 with a model nigh-identical on the outside but for a larger, 5-inch touchscreen, but imbued with the traffic trending features of the 3700 series -- in other words, pretty much just what we expected. Unfortunately for spendthrifts lusting after its connected search functions (including traffic, weather, Google, fuel prices, flight times and more) and new integrated services store, the price is about what we expected as well, starting at $450 for the unit with a year of nüLink data and $5 a month thereafter. However, if that's out of your price range Garmin's not going to let you go without a fight -- it's also introduced no fewer than eleven new nüvi 2200 and 2300 series PNDs with a wide variety of features at nearly every wallet size. Press releases after the break, and find the full lineup at our source link.
Rydeen hopes to cash in on tablet fever with Android-based, Armada-powered PND
You may never have heard of auto electronics provider Rydeen Mobile, but it certainly knows of you -- or more specifically, your desire to obtain a slick new tablet PC -- and has thus created an 7-inch Android tablet that integrates the dedicated map functionality of its GPS machines. The "gPad" GCOM701 won't be a terribly high-end device, mind you, with an 800MHz ARMADA 166 SOC, 256MB of RAM, bring-your-own-microSD-storage and what we're led to believe is a resistive touchscreen, but it sounds like at least Rydeen isn't being stingy on the software front. You'll find a full suite of Google Apps, Adobe Flash Lite 4 and AVI support, not to mention 4 million points of interest thanks to the integrated Navteq client. Connectivity include GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, both mini and full-sized USB ports, plus a front-facing camera for video chat, and there's a 2400mAh battery the company claims will provide six hours of solid use. Find it this November at an unspecified price, no doubt alongside the pictured (but not mentioned) car dock.
