GasPrices
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Google Maps for iOS displays gas prices along your route
As if Google Maps wasn't useful enough already, the application is getting yet another handy feature. Today, Google updated its iOS version of the app to show gas prices when people search for stations, making it easy to see how much each location charges for Regular, Midgrade, Premium and even Diesel.
Mitsubishi cars get Nokia's Here Traffic road updates in near real time
If you're the sort of driver who needs up-to-the-moment road conditions, you may want to consider a Mitsubishi for your next ride. The automaker's touchscreen-equipped 2014 Lancer and Outlander models in North America can now use Nokia's Here Traffic services, including (almost) real-time congestion alerts, fuel prices and weather. The cars don't need direct internet access; all data goes through HD Radio, which has enough bandwidth to provide updates every 30 seconds. While Here Traffic is only one piece of a full navigation system, it's hard to object to getting more connected car services at relatively little cost.
Nav apps keep updating, adding features
Today it's CoPilot live, continuing a holiday sale price of U.S. $24.99 [iTunes link] through the end of December. We've had a look at the app before. It is good for a low-cost app, but the database seems a bit out of date and the POI list is limited. The new version adds live traffic, local search and fuel prices for an extra $19.95. The new features are for 12 months only, and then you would have to renew. The new features make up for the POI omissions, but it costs extra to solve the problem. As all these GPS apps race to add features and keep prices down, we all benefit. And of course, we're still holding our breath to see if the new Google Navigator app makes it through the Apple approval gauntlet. With word that Apple has bought a mapping technology company and wants to beef up mapping, the Google app may never see the light of day. We'll be doing a roundup with our views on the best GPS solutions for the holidays, so stay tuned.
Gas price widget + remote control tool from PocketMac
The fine folks over at PocketMac have released a couple of goodies over the past week. First, a new commercial product, PocketMac Remote: a $9.95 utility to quickly and simply turn your Apple remote into a presentation controller for PowerPoint [as commenters point out, the remote already works for Keynote]. There are a lot of other tools in this area; Mira was just reduced to $9.90, and Sofa Control, the somewhat-pricier Remote Buddy, and the free beta of iRed Lite all can accomplish the same goal. Once I get a chance to test the PocketMac offering against Mira or SofaControl I'll report back on how well it does.Secondly, just in time for the summer driving season, the free Gas Pump Genie widget is now among the PocketMac offerings. Gas Pump Genie will download the gas prices for your zip code from GasBuddy.com and present them in an, uh, interestingly designed widget. This is all fine and dandy, except for a few issues: the widget is big, unattractive and possibly frightening to animals and small children you have to register for PocketMac's newsletter to get your download link (bad form!) the data for my immediate area isn't as complete as the pricing info on GasPriceWatch.com; your mileage may vary there's already a perfectly good Gas widget that looks nicer, has more features and won't ask for your email address You make the call. Happy motoring!
Widget Watch: Local Gas Prices
It's nearly summer again, and once again gas prices are on the rise. I thought I'd remind you about one of the gas widgets available for download. Interdimension Media's widget allows you to enter a Zip code and locates the lowest priced gasoline in your area using data from GasPriceWach.com. Choose the gas grade you want to search for and a search radius. The Gas widget displays the lowest price per gallon and its location within that search area. Adjust the number in the top right corner of the widget to search for the 2nd lowest price, 3rd lowest and so forth. Interested in helping out? Sign up to become a GasPriceWatch.com spotter.
Pod2go 1.6 released
That beta version of Pod2go we mentioned last year (ok, a month ago) has gone official. The new version boasts a wealth of upgrades to the way it handles lyrics, Mail, iCal information, backup, news and apps, as well as support for multiple iPods. A number of usability enhancements are present as well, such as holding down the option key to change the "Sync" option in the menu bar icon to "Sync and Eject." Check out the lengthy list of release notes to catch up on the massive amount of changes in this unassuming point upgrade.[via Hawk Wings]
