bluetooth-gps
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CSR shows off eGPS, says it's superior to A-GPS
There's not too many deets on this just yet, but apparently, UK's CSR is getting set to showcase a technology known as eGPS (enhanced Global Positioning System, if you couldn't guess) at Mobile World Congress 2008. According to the firm, it delivers a "universal positioning capability that will not only work reliably indoors and in zero GPS signal conditions, but greatly speed time to fix in poor GPS reception areas where most handsets are used." More specifically, it can "exploit data available from the cellular network to speed GPS fixes and provide complementary, fast, and reliable location sensing when GPS signals are weak or unavailable." Best of all, the firm is hoping to add eGPS capabilities to handsets for under $1 per unit, and it's also using the stage in Barcelona to trumpet a single-chip GPS receiver with embedded Bluetooth and FM radio. Unfortunately, mum's the word on when this stuff will actually find its way into mobiles. [Via NaviGadget]
GlobalTop's 51-channel G66 Touch Bluetooth GPS receiver
Sure, we've seen a plethora of Bluetooth GPS receivers over the years, but GlobalTop's latest manages to stand out in the crowd. Boasting 51-channels, a reported 20-hours of battery life, and a built-in antenna, the oh-so-sexy G66 Touch measures in at just 3.09- x 1.96- x 0.27-inches. Additionally, you'll find USB connectivity / charging support, -158dBm sensitivity, a trio of LED indicators, and a fairly respectable startup time. Not a lot of dirt beyond that just yet, but review units should be hitting hands soon enough.
Mainnav MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver touts FM transmitter
Cramming superfluous (or useful) extras into GPS receivers definitely isn't new, but Mainnav's trying to go out a bit further on that limb by adding an interesting feature that could actually be put to good use in the right situation. While most of you probably carry an all-in-one NAV with a built-in GPS receiver, the MG-920 is designed to connect to Bluetooth navigation systems that need a little help syncing with satellites, and although the SiRF Star III LP chip and rechargeable Li-ion cell are entirely average, the bottom-mounted FM transmitter allows a turn-by-turn instructor to be channeled to one's FM radio. Once the device syncs with a navigation unit, the audio is then piped to the Mainnav via a 3.5-millimeter audio cable, and if you're actually in one of those remote areas where an FM transmitter can broadcast something other than fuzz, you're good to go. Per usual, there's no word on pricing or availability just yet, but judging by the surface, it seems like this thing requires a few too many connections to make the consolidation freaks happy anyway.[Via NaviGadget]
Wonde Proud's Bluetooth GPS receiver touts unreal battery life
Alright, so maybe "unrealistic" is more like it, but regardless, we highly doubt the latest Bluetooth GPS device from Taiwan's own Wonde Proud can actually live up to its lofty claims. Of course, the GPS-BT760 could indeed be using some early prototype form of EEStor's sensational battery, but considering the company itself proclaims the built-in battery is of the 2400mA/h Li-ion variety, we're a bit miffed. Aside from claiming up to "55 hours of continuous use" on a single charge, the unit is fairly ho hum, and sports a SiRF Star III receiver, -159dBm sensitivity, four hour recharge rate, four LEDs to indicate status, and a "non-slip back pad" for chilling on your dash. Nah, there's no pricing -- or more importantly, actual availability -- information just yet on this one, but if someone manages to scoop one and has just over two full days to prove or disprove a claim, let us in on the results.
