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CSR debuts SiRFstarIV location-aware architecture, kisses slow fixes goodbye
Nary half a year after snapping up SiRF, CSR is already tooting its horn about an all new SiRFstar architecture. The predictably titled SiRFstarIV technology takes quite the leap over its three-pronged predecessor, all but promising to nix those annoyingly long location fixes that are all too common on existing PNDs. The new location-aware, self-assisted, micro-power tech enables devices to be continually aware of location without requiring network aide; furthermore, there's hardly any power drain to speak of, which ought to please smartphone owners who can literally watch their battery meter drop with GPS enabled. CSR's first SiRFstarIV product is the GSD4t receiver, which is optimized for mobile phones and "other space and power-sensitive consumer devices." We're told that samples of the chip are shipping out now, with mass production slated for October and device integration happening shortly thereafter.
SiRF and Intel sign license and development agreement
SiRF Technology Inc. (makers of the SiRFstar chip line, amongst others) and Intel (makers of everything else) have just signed a license and joint development agreement to collaborate on products which the companies hope will "help location and wireless connectivity become more mainstream in next generation mobile devices." As part of the agreement, SiRF will license some of its technologies to Intel, but the company will also co-develop new products which will be destined for Intel-powered gear like mobile phones and "mobile internet devices." So what does this mean for us? Well, we're probably about to see a lot of "you got chocolate in my peanut butter" scenarios, like GPS operability hardwired into Intel chipsets -- which will pretty much guarantee the mainstreaming of GPS, and open a lot of very interesting doors.
Space Machine GPS-306 lands in North America
If you've yearned for an Asian-based GPS, but didn't feel like worrying over those annoying import duties or changing out the maps, Space Machine apparently feels your pain. Contrary to its title, this device actually doesn't include the marked highways on Jupiter and Mars, but it does manage to include NAVTEQ maps of North America in case you're traveling there, and also features a 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, integrated MP3 player, automatic re-routing, turn-by-turn voice guidance, SiRF Star III GPS receiver, 256MB SD card, car mounting kit, headphone jack, and a carrying case to boot. While most rebadgers actually take the time to slap their own logo on there, the GPS-306 apparently still rocks the Holux GPSsmile 51 motif, right down the "Holux" branding atop the screen. Nevertheless, we do appreciate the effort of importing the unit for us, and those attracted to the name more than its functionality can pick one up now for $399.95. [Via NaviGadget]
Pharos announces GPS 135 and 140 navigators, bumps specs on GPS 525
Pharos just busted out two new little wonders onto the world with their Drive GPS 135 and 140 while giving their GPS 525 a spec bump in the process. The Drive GPS 135 come pre-loaded with maps of the US and Canada on a 2GB SD card along with Pharos OSTIA navigation software, 3.5-inch touch screen, and SiRFstar III chipset for an entry-level $350. The $550 Drive GPS 140 aims to entertain by upping the touch-screen to 4-inches for unspecified picture and video playback, adding Bluetooth for hands-free calling, and slipping in support for MP3 audio. While the 135 and 140 are powered by Windows CE 4.2 and 5.0, respectively, their rebadged HTC Galaxy, now dubbed the Traveler GPS 525+, goes Windows Mobile 5.0 like the GPS 525 it replaces only now with those US and Canadian maps preloaded on to a bigger 2GB SD card. Expect the GPS 525+ to pull an MSRP of $550 with the whole shebang arriving for retail near the end of the month.
Palm's homegrown nav solution for Treos
It looks like Palm was inspired by Garmin's Mobile 20 Bluetooth GPS-sportin' cradle for Treos, releasing its own variation on the theme this week. Their "GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition" includes the cradle itself along with TomTom's NAVIGATOR 6 software and US / Canadian basemaps loaded onto a 1GB SD card. Happily, the cradle is SiRFstarIII-based, giving us some confidence that the cradle is worth at least a good chunk of its $299 asking price. The kit is available immediately and should hook up pretty effortlessly with all 650 and 700-model Treos.[Via Geekzone]
ViaMichelin's Navigation X-950T GPS unit
Yeah, it's European GPS, which means it's of little or no use to us in the US, but for our, um, European weekend readers we present ViaMichelin's Navigation X-950T, featuring your now-standard SiRFStar III GPS receiver, FM radio, SD slot, and supportfor TMC (Traffic Message Channel) and sent via RDS (radio DATA system), so there ya go.[Via MobileWhack]