Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Google applies for 'snap a landmark, find your location' patent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/google-photo-location-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/google-photo-location-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/google-photo-location-patent/#comments
We're taking a trip into the fantastical world of patents, so the usual disclaimer applies. There's no guarantee we'll ever see this in a product, or that a patent will even be granted. Got that? Good. You're lost in the city and GPS isn't exactly being helpful, so whaddya' do? Well, if this application from Google get's the go-ahead, the solution might be as simple as snapping a pic of the nearest landmark. Uploading the image to Mountain View's servers, it'll compare your image to its geographical database of images and work out the closest match before sending you back your location. If it ever emerges from the two dimensional world of line drawings, it might be a handy navigation tool, or as an even more elegant way of getting around with those rumored Google Glasses.

Google applies for 'snap a landmark, find your location' patent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GoogleGoogle GlassesGoogle GogglesGoogle Navigation PatentGoogle Photo NavigationGoogle Picture NavigationGoogleGlassesGoogleGogglesGoogleNavigationPatentGooglePhotoNavigationGooglePictureNavigationGPSLocationPatentPhoto NavigationPhotoNavigationWed, 07 Mar 2012 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/28/toyota-and-samsung-turn-your-smartphone-into-a-second-display-fo/#comments
Toyota and Samsung are pairing up to get the latter's smartphones to work perfectly with the former's vehicles. The duo will launch Samsung Mobile Car Application to sync your Android device to the in-vehicle-infotainment (IVI) systems of modern cars. You'll be able to use voice control and improve the accuracy of your GPS by hooking it up to mobile internet. At the minute it's just an announcement, we won't see any products entering the market until the second quarter of the year. They just wanted to tease, those lovable scamps.

Continue reading Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride

Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBarcelonaFinanceGoogleGPSIn CarIn Car ElectronicsIn Vehicle InfotainmentInCarInCarElectronicsInVehicleInfotainmentIVIMobile World CongressmobilepostcrossMWCMWC 2012Mwc2012SamsungSamsung ElectronicsSamsung Mobile Car ApplicationSamsungMobileCarApplicationSci/TechToyotaTue, 28 Feb 2012 04:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung announces Galaxy Note 10.1 at MWC (update: hands-on photos!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/samsung-galaxy-note-10.1/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/samsung-galaxy-note-10.1/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/samsung-galaxy-note-10.1/#comments Samsung's announced another 10.1-inch tablet to join its burgeoning collection of slates. The Galaxy Note 10.1 is an S-Pen toting variant of the similarly sized-and-named Galaxy Tab. It's running Touchwiz-infused ICS on a 1.4GHz dual-core CPU with 1GB of RAM, but here's the answer to the question on everyone's lips: nope, you can't use it as a phone. Sadly you'll only have access to HSPA+, WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0, dashing our hopes of using this as our primary cellphone to annoy people on the train. The 10.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) display is nestled opposite a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and beside a 2-megapixel one for video conferencing. S-Pen specific features include S Note for scrawling text, Shape Match and Formula Match (to digitize images and mathematical formulae) -- but more importantly is the ability to use Adobe's new Photoshop Touch and Ideas, which will both come pre-installed.

If you'd rather use the slate as one of the world's largest sat-navs, you'll be relieved to know it's packing both GPS and Glonass. For the businesspersons of you out there, there's Exchange ActiveSync, on-device encryption, Juniper Junos Pulse and Cisco VPNs. It'll come in 16, 32 and 64GB variations, with a microSD slot for you to add up to a further 32GBs into the mix. It's clear that Samsung's bisecting its tablet business: purely touch-driven devices will now be branded as a "Tab" and anything with a stylus S-Pen will be suffixed with "Note." Pricing and availability are currently unspecified, but we'll do our best to shanghai that information out of a passing company rep when we see one.

Update: We've added a gallery of hands-on photos just below.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 hands-on

Gallery: Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Galaxy Tab 10.1, compared



Brad Molen contributed to this report.

Continue reading Samsung announces Galaxy Note 10.1 at MWC (update: hands-on photos!)

Samsung announces Galaxy Note 10.1 at MWC (update: hands-on photos!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivesyncAdobe IdeasAdobe Photoshop TouchAdobeIdeasAdobePhotoshopTouchAndroidAndroid 4.0Android4.0Bluetooth 3.0Bluetooth3.0Cisco VPNCiscoVpnExchangeExchange ActiveSyncExchangeActivesyncgalaxy notegalaxy note 10.1GalaxyNoteGalaxyNote10.1GlonassGoogleGPSHSPA+Ice Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichJuniper Junos Pulse VPNJuniperJunosPulseVpnmicroSDmwcmwc 2012Mwc2012S-PenSamsungSamsung Galaxy NoteSamsung Galaxy Note 10.1SamsungGalaxyNoteSamsungGalaxyNote10.1WiFiWXGAMon, 27 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wind River and Clarion pair up to bring Android to your imported street racer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/wind-river-and-clarion-pair-up-to-bring-android-to-your-imported/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/wind-river-and-clarion-pair-up-to-bring-android-to-your-imported/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/wind-river-and-clarion-pair-up-to-bring-android-to-your-imported/#comments Wind River, Intel's embedded systems arm has been the subject of some misty-eyed advances from car stereo makers Clarion. Ol' Windy (as we're trying to get it called) will be providing a custom version of its Android implementation to power the forthcoming "Clarion Malaysia IVI" in-vehicle-info-tainment kit. The device will be powered by a Freescale i.MX processor (a heavy duty ARM implementation that can utilize multiple cores) and pack Clarion's usual range of high-end multimedia, GPS and reversing camera functionality. We're excited to see this bad boy roll off the production line, but remember that, at least in Illinois, it's illegal to enjoy the "tainment" part whilst driving.

Continue reading Wind River and Clarion pair up to bring Android to your imported street racer

Wind River and Clarion pair up to bring Android to your imported street racer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidBoy RacerBoyRacerCar TechCarTechClarionGoogleGPSHUDICSIn Car StereoIn-CarIn-Car-EntertainmentIn-Vehicle EntertainmentIn-Vehicle InfotainmentIn-vehicleEntertainmentIn-vehicleInfotainmentInCarStereoInfotainmentIntelIntel Wind RiverIntelWindRiverIVAMalaysia IVAMalaysiaIvaminipostWind RiverWindRiverThu, 01 Dec 2011 00:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps 6.0 hits Android, adds indoor navigation for retail and transit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/google-maps-6-0-hits-android-adds-indoor-navigation-for-retail/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/google-maps-6-0-hits-android-adds-indoor-navigation-for-retail/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/google-maps-6-0-hits-android-adds-indoor-navigation-for-retail/#comments Google's already put its stamp on the great outdoors, what with its Street View fleet chronicling the well-trodden ways of our world for Maps. Which is precisely why Mountain View's turning its attention inward for that next, great navigation innovation, as it attempts to chart a course through the wilds of indoor spaces. Hitting the Android Market in the U.S. and Japan today, the company's ever-popular app gets a full version bump to 6.0, bringing with it the inclusion of retail and airport floor plans.

The newly added indoor maps don't quite offer the turn-by-turn navigation you've come to know and depend upon (that's outside-only for now), but the provided layouts should help usher you along to the nearest bathroom, clothing shop or elevator. There's no fancy equipment at use, either. All of your positioning information is culled from the same set of data (including GPS) used for "My Location," although here it's been optimized to detect movement along the z-axis. What does that mean for you, dear end user? Try a nifty feature called "Automatic Floor Detection" that'll keep track of your progress as you move about from escalator to escalator. Google's also endeavoring to extend its indoor reach, opening up its mapping inventory with a self-service tool (currently in beta) that'll allow business owners to upload floor plans directly to Maps.

If you're itching to test the tech out, you'll want to find yourself at one of the dozen-plus airport partners scattered across the country, in addition to transit hubs and major retail outlets both stateside and in Japan. Familiar commercial forces like Macy's and Takashimaya have opted-in to the indoor location service, but your best bet's going to be IKEA -- which has agreed to roll the feature out to all of its stores nationwide. So, whether you're rocking Android 2.1 or the forward-facing 4.0, prepare to let your Googlefied smartphone almost always be your guide. Follow past the break for additional shots and a video demo of the indoor geo-location in action.

Continue reading Google Maps 6.0 hits Android, adds indoor navigation for retail and transit

Google Maps 6.0 hits Android, adds indoor navigation for retail and transit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirportSecurityAndroidAndroid Marketandroid market appAndroidMarketAndroidMarketAppappappsGoogleGoogle MapsGoogle Maps 6.0GoogleMapsGoogleMaps6.0GPSikeaindoorindoor locationindoor mapsindoor positioningIndoorLocationIndoorMapsIndoorPositioningJapanmacysMaps 6.0Maps6.0mobilepostcrossMy LocationMyLocationTakashimayau.s. economyU.s.EconomyvideoTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[ZTE Warp hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/zte-warp-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/zte-warp-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/zte-warp-hands-on/#comments We're here at the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC, where Boost Mobile is showing off its latest prepaid Android smartphone running on Sprint's 3G CDMA network, the ZTE warp. If you'll recall, this 1GHz Gingerbread 2.3.5-equipped device dropped on November 2nd for $250, only to receive a price drop to $200 days later. Boost is citing the Warp's 4.3-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display as the largest of its current offerings, along with its 5-megapixel, LED flash-equipped camera (raising the count up from the two on its $229 Samsung Transform Ultra). The phone is Android Market-compatible and comes with 4GB of internal storage and a 2GB microSD card, which can be maxed out to 32GB. So, did the Warp feel worthy of its moniker in the few minutes we spent with it? Join us past the break for our impressions.

Gallery: ZTE Warp hands-on

Continue reading ZTE Warp hands-on (video)

ZTE Warp hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1Ghz4.3-inch5-megapixel camera5-megapixelCameraAndroidandroid 2.3android marketAndroid2.3AndroidMarketboostboost mobileBoost ZoneBoostMobileBoostZonegingerbreadgmailgoogleGoogle voiceGoogleVoiceGPShands-onMobile IDMobileIdmobilepostcrossno contractNoContractprepaidsprintvideowarpztezte warpZteWarpMon, 07 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Nexus barometer explained, Sam Champion not out of a job]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/galaxy-nexus-barometer-explained-sam-champion-not-out-of-a-job/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/galaxy-nexus-barometer-explained-sam-champion-not-out-of-a-job/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/galaxy-nexus-barometer-explained-sam-champion-not-out-of-a-job/#comments

Google's Galaxy Nexus may be a lot of things: the fourth-coming of Android, an HD Super AMOLED showcase and iPhone 4S competitor. But weather forecaster? Alright, so it won't give you hourly atmospheric updates with an air swipe, but the built-in barometer that's got so many of us scratching our heads has a much different purpose. Android engineer Dan Morrill took to the social pages of Google+ to clarify the confusion. Turns out, Sammy added the barometer to help the device more rapidly acquire a GPS lock by delivering altitude coordinates to the required latitude and longitude GPS equation. Morrill goes on to note that the original Xoom also packed a similar feature, so if anything, this Nexus is simply following that Moto tab's lead. Next quandary Morrill needs to solve? Why, that would be the omission of carrier release dates.

Galaxy Nexus barometer explained, Sam Champion not out of a job originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid 4.0 ice cream sandwichAndroid4.0IceCreamSandwichbarometerDan MorrillDanMorrillengineerGalaxy NexusGalaxyNexusGoogleGoogle Galaxy NexusGoogleGalaxyNexusGPSIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichICSmobilepostcrossNexusSamsungSamsung Galaxy NexusSamsungGalaxyNexusThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Navigon demos upcoming MobileNavigator for iOS and Android, latest Windows Phone app (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/garmin-demos-upcoming-mobilenavigator-for-ios-and-android-lates/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/garmin-demos-upcoming-mobilenavigator-for-ios-and-android-lates/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/garmin-demos-upcoming-mobilenavigator-for-ios-and-android-lates/#comments So, get this. We were cruising through the halls of Pepcom's Mobile Focus with a horrible fever and on the brink of delirium. Unsure how much longer we could keep composure, we came upon Navigon's booth. In addition to displaying its brand new Windows Phone application, the company was also showing off its upcoming releases of MobileNavigator for Android and iOS. Fortunately, Navigon's Public Relations Manager, Johan-Till Broer, was kind enough to give us a demo of each app. Among the new features, users will be able to select individual states for local map storage, which goes a long way toward freeing up space. Additionally, there's also a driving mode called Cockpit, which allows leadfoots to check their speed and acceleration over the last 30 minutes. The app updates will be free to all existing users, although if you want to load up new maps, that'll be a one-time fee. We're told to expect these latest gems in a couple of months. As for the Windows Phone version, it sells for $50, although is currently available for $30 -- at special introductory pricing. A demo video and full PR is just after the break. Be sure to check it out.

Gallery: Navigon MobileNavigator sneak peak for Android, iOS and Windows Phone

Continue reading Navigon demos upcoming MobileNavigator for iOS and Android, latest Windows Phone app (video)

Navigon demos upcoming MobileNavigator for iOS and Android, latest Windows Phone app (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappleappsctiactia2011ctiaea2011garmingooglegpshands-oniosmicrosoftmobilenavigatormobilepostcrossnavigationnavigonNavigon MobileNavigatorNavigonMobilenavigatorvideowindows phoneWindowsPhoneWed, 12 Oct 2011 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/amazon-adds-kindle-fire-specific-details-to-developer-portal-a/#comments
The Kindle Fire may not be hitting the market until November, but Amazon has already updated its Developer Portal FAQ page with an entire section devoted to its forthcoming Android tablet. On the new page, you'll find largely standard information on things like the application process and how to set up an Android SDK emulator, though there are a few more salient tidbits, as well. For instance, Amazon says it will review every app in its Appstore for Fire compatibility, as part of an automated process. Rejected apps, Amazon informs us, will include those that rely on a gyroscope, camera, WAN module, Bluetooth, microphone, GPS, or micro SD. Apps are also forbidden from using Google's Mobile Services (and in-app billing), which, if included, will have to be "gracefully" removed. In terms of actual content, Amazon has outlawed all apps that change the tablet's UI in any way (including theme- or wallpaper-based tools), as well as any that demand root access (it remains to be seen how the company will treat the root-dependent apps already in its store). Interested devs can find more information at the source link, below.

Amazon adds Kindle Fire-specific details to Developer Portal, A's your FAQ originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon app storeamazon appstoreamazon kindle fireAmazonAppstoreAmazonKindleFireandroidAndroid SDKAndroidSdkappapp storeapplicationAppStorebluetoothcameradevdeveloperfiregooglegoogle mobile servicesGoogleMobileServicesGPSgyroscopein-app billingIn-appBillingkindlekindle fireKindleFiremicro SDmicro-SDMicroSdroottabletthemeUIuser interfaceUserInterfacewallpaperWAN moduleWanModuleFri, 07 Oct 2011 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: Nexus One, Sansa Clip Zip, DeLorme PN-60 and the HP TouchPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/irl-nexus-one-sansa-clip-zip-delorme-pn-60-and-the-hp-touchpa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/irl-nexus-one-sansa-clip-zip-delorme-pn-60-and-the-hp-touchpa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/irl-nexus-one-sansa-clip-zip-delorme-pn-60-and-the-hp-touchpa/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Welcome back to IRL, a new column where we dissect, defend and gripe about the gadgets we're using in real life. This week, Dante gets a firesale TouchPad, Dana ditches her Shuffle for a Sansa Clip Zip, Tim's on a boat with the DeLorme PN-60 and Darren explains why, exactly, he's still clinging to his Nexus One.

Continue reading IRL: Nexus One, Sansa Clip Zip, DeLorme PN-60 and the HP TouchPad

IRL: Nexus One, Sansa Clip Zip, DeLorme PN-60 and the HP TouchPad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 2.2Android phoneAndroid phonesAndroid2.2AndroidPhoneAndroidPhonesDana WollmanDanaWollmanDante CesaDanteCesaDarren MurphDarrenMurphDeLormeDeLorme DN-60DelormeDn-60Engadget IRLengadgetIRLFireSaleFroyoGoogleGPSHPHP TouchPadHpTouchpadIRLMP3 playerMP3 playersMp3PlayerMp3PlayersNexus OneNexusOneSanDisksandisk sansasandisk sansa clip zipSandiskSansaSandiskSansaClipZipSansaSansa Clip ZipSansaClipZipTim StevensTimStevensTouchPadwebOSFri, 09 Sep 2011 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft licenses GeoVector's augmented reality search for local guidance (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/microsoft-licenses-geovectors-augmented-reality-search-for-loca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/microsoft-licenses-geovectors-augmented-reality-search-for-loca/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/14/microsoft-licenses-geovectors-augmented-reality-search-for-loca/#comments After the ho-hum AR demonstration of Windows Phone Mango, Microsoft appears to be stepping up its game by licensing a mature set of technologies from GeoVector, (a company previously known for its defunct World Surfer application). While the details remain elusive, Ballmer's crew was granted a multi-year, non-exclusive right to use and abuse the pointing-based local search and augmented reality elements of GeoVector's portfolio -- surely capable of bringing Local Scout to the next level. While much of the technology relies on GPS and a compass for directional-based discovery, the licensor also holds intellectual property for object recognition (à la Google Goggles), although it's unclear whether this element falls within the agreement. Of course, Microsoft could have turned to Nokia's Live View AR for many of the same tools, but that would have been far too obvious. Just beyond the break, you'll find the full PR along with an (admittedly dated) video of GeoVector's technology.

Continue reading Microsoft licenses GeoVector's augmented reality search for local guidance (video)

Microsoft licenses GeoVector's augmented reality search for local guidance (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented realityAugmentedRealitycompassGeoVectorgooglegoogle gogglesGoogleGogglesgpslicenselicensinglocallocal searchLocalSearchmapsmicrosoftMSFTnavigationobject recognitionObjectRecognitionpatentpatentssearchvideowindows phoneWindowsPhoneThu, 14 Jul 2011 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/magellans-ios-roadmate-gps-application-gains-free-lifetime-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/magellans-ios-roadmate-gps-application-gains-free-lifetime-maps/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/magellans-ios-roadmate-gps-application-gains-free-lifetime-maps/#comments Magellan's RoadMate GPS app has always struck us as one of the better options within the App Store, and it just got a heck of a lot better with v2.0. One of the main reasons for sticking with Google Maps Navigation on the Android side is the availability of continually updated maps... at no charge. Now, folks who split with $59.99 will get the newest build of RoadMate, which just so happens to have lifetime map updates, Yelp and Google local search. Curiously, those "lifetime" maps run out after three years, but c'mon -- you're replacing that iPhone 4 just as soon as Steve trots out its finely tuned successor, aren't you?

Continue reading Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search

Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appgooglegoogle local searchGoogleLocalSearchgpsgps appGpsAppguideioslifetime mapsLifetimeMapsmagellanmappingmapsnavnavinavigationroadmateupdateThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Live transit updates in Google Maps help you plan your romantic bus-catching sprint]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/live-transit-updates-in-google-maps-help-you-plan-your-romantic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/live-transit-updates-in-google-maps-help-you-plan-your-romantic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/live-transit-updates-in-google-maps-help-you-plan-your-romantic/#comments
Brooklynites on their way to the latest Reggie Watts show have long had real-time bus-tracking information, but public-transit aficionados in six other cities now have one less reason for BK envy. With the latest version of Google Maps, even the least cool citizens of Boston, Portland, Ore., San Diego, San Francisco, Madrid and Turin can see not just when their bus or train is scheduled to arrive, but when it actually will. Selecting a stop on the map displays "live departure times" and service alerts, thanks to Google's data-sharing partnerships with city transit operators. That won't always guarantee fewer delays or less waiting, but will help riders budget their time, and maybe find those precious seconds necessary to post more Tumblr pictures of "ironic" Hitler-kittens.

Live transit updates in Google Maps help you plan your romantic bus-catching sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidGoogleGoogle MapsGoogle Maps NavigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationgpsmaps for mobileMapsForMobilenavigationpublic transitpublic transportpublic transportationPublicTransitPublicTransportPublicTransportationtrackingtransportationThu, 09 Jun 2011 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps Navigation to get offline mode? Garmin and TomTom on notice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/google-maps-navigation-to-go-offline-this-summer-garmin-and-tom/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/google-maps-navigation-to-go-offline-this-summer-garmin-and-tom/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/google-maps-navigation-to-go-offline-this-summer-garmin-and-tom/#comments Google Maps Dutch tech site All About Phones claims that Google Maps Navigation will get a true offline mode later this summer. In December the Android app received an update that cached routes and the surrounding areas, but without a data connection you still couldn't enter a new destination. A source inside the Dutch telco industry said that Goog would removing the requirement for coverage -- an obvious next step for the nav tool, especially with Ovi Maps bringing its turn-by-turn prowess to WP7. The move is also bound to be another thorn in the side of standalone GPS makers like Garmin and TomTom. After all, it's tough to compete with free.

Google Maps Navigation to get offline mode? Garmin and TomTom on notice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidGoogleGoogle MapsGoogle Maps NavigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationgpsmaps for mobileMapsForMobilenavigationnetherlandsovi mapsOviMapsrumorrumorsturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnNavigationwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Google adds News Near You, reminds you that it's always watching]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/google-adds-news-near-you-reminds-you-that-its-always-watching/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/google-adds-news-near-you-reminds-you-that-its-always-watching/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/google-adds-news-near-you-reminds-you-that-its-always-watching/#comments
We can't say location-based services have the best reputation right now, but Google continues to crank them out regardless. The search giant introduced "News Near You," a feature that lets you search for news stories that are based around your current position. After pointing your Android or Safari browser to Google's news page and agreeing to reveal your locale, you'll find these customized stories in its own special category. We tried out the site for ourselves, and within a few seconds we were discovering new and wonderful things in our own neck of the woods. You can check it out, too, provided you don't mind Mountain View knowing exactly which bit of woods your neck happens to reside.

[Thanks, vivek]

Google adds News Near You, reminds you that it's always watching originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidApplebrowsergoogleGoogle NewsGoogleNewsGPSGPS trackingGpsTrackingiOSiPhonelocationmobilenewsprivacytrackingWed, 18 May 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Internal emails reveal Google's desperation over Skyhook's Android deal with Motorola]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/10/internal-emails-reveal-googles-desperation-over-skyhooks-andro/#comments While Skyhook's lawsuit against Google has been ongoing since September, we've yet to hear the latter's side of the story to fight back anti-competition claims. That's all changed now that a Massachusetts state court has published a collection of internal emails from Mountain View, shedding some light on the reasons behind Motorola's -- and apparently Samsung's as well -- abandonment of Skyhook's XPS location service on its Android phones. In particular, soon after the deal was announced in April 2010, an Android product manager became worried that such a deal would pull more manufacturers away from Google's Location Service, thus jeopardizing the company's ability to maintain and improve its location database through continued data collection. "That would be awful for Google," wrote the manager.

Fair enough, but here comes the juicy part of the story: in the following month, Google informed Motorola that it wasn't happy with the way Skyhook blends location data from WiFi, GPS, and cellular signal. Or in Google's words: this is data "contamination." Despite Motorola refuting such concern, a week later it informed Skyhook that Google had told Moto that its choice for a third-party location service "renders the device [Droid X] no longer Android Compatible." It's not exactly clear what this compatibility issue is, but it's believed to be the ultimate reason that forced Motorola -- being a close pal of Google -- to drop Skyhook's XPS in favor of Google's Location Service. If you're still not feeling sorry for Skyhook, then note that last month Google called this "a baseless complaint" and a "thinly veiled fishing expedition" for internal Google documents and emails. Funnily enough, one email quotes an Android manager saying it was obvious to phone manufacturers that "we are using compatibility as a club to make them do things we want." Question is: which direction will the club swing now that the two companies are battling it out in court?

Internal emails reveal Google's desperation over Skyhook's Android deal with Motorola originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidanticompetitionanticompetitivedroiddroid xDroidXemailGoogleGPSinternal emailInternalEmaillawsuitlegallocationlocation serviceLocationServicemotorolaSamsungskyhookskyhook XPSSkyhookXpswith googleWithGoogleXPSTue, 10 May 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia trialing new emergency finder system with centimeter accuracy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/australia-trialing-new-emergency-finder-system-with-centimeter-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/australia-trialing-new-emergency-finder-system-with-centimeter-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/australia-trialing-new-emergency-finder-system-with-centimeter-a/#comments This year has seen the evil doings of many powerful natural disasters around the world, and while the capable organisations are doing their best to provide relief, many lives could've been saved if the stranded victims were able to provide their precise positions for quicker rescue. Having seen the number of recent floods and cyclones in Queensland, Australia, Ergon Energy started trialing a new emergency tracking system earlier this year, which utilises pole-mounted mobile GPS stations to pinpoint cellphones equipped with special but cheap location-based chips -- Samsung and Nokia are said to be participants in this project. Over the next 12 to 18 months, said energy firm will be deploying 1,000 of these stations to cover 95 percent of the state, in order to let emergency services track down calling victims within centimeters -- that's a huge leap from conventional GPS devices' 10 to 20 meters, though an updated land database with matching accuracy is still required before the system reaches its full potential. Regardless, here's hoping that this brilliant project will be brought over to many more disaster-prone areas sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Justin]

Australia trialing new emergency finder system with centimeter accuracy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaCo-operative Research Centre for Spatial InformationCo-operativeResearchCentreForSpatialInformationdisasteremergencyemergency equipmentemergency finderemergency trackerEmergencyEquipmentEmergencyFinderEmergencyTrackerErgon EnergyErgonEnergyfinderglobal positioning systemGlobalPositioningSystemGoogleGPSgps trackingGpsTrackingnokiapositioning systemPositioningSystemQueenslandQueensland University of TechnologyQueenslandUniversityOfTechnologyRemote Observation Automated Modelling Economic SimulationRemoteObservationAutomatedModellingEconomicSimulationROAMESsamsungSeabird AviationSeabirdAviationToowoombatrackertrackingtracking systemTrackingSystemTue, 03 May 2011 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[France fines Google €100,000 for Street View privacy violations, then mulls striking for no apparent reason]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/france-fines-google-100-000-for-street-view-privacy-violations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/france-fines-google-100-000-for-street-view-privacy-violations/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/france-fines-google-100-000-for-street-view-privacy-violations/#comments Ah, France. Land of beautiful beaches, a respectable railway system, and more unexplained delays and work stoppages than anywhere else in the developed world. Oh, and a primary airport that forces you to use "tickets" to buy food from certain vendors and refuses to complete a CDG -> JFK flight on schedule. Gripes aside, it seems that at least one thing is getting done today over in The country of the Human Rights, with France's data protection regulator confirming a record €100,000 fine sent over to Google in relation to improper data collection during its Street View sweeps. Granted, El Le Goog has run into privacy issues before on this very matter, but none quite as ginormous as these. The National Commission for Computing and Civil Liberties claims that the company's infractions include "collecting passwords and email transferred wirelessly," and its highest ever fined has been levied due to the "economic advantages Google gained from these violations." We're told that the company has two months to appeal the penalty, but as of now, it seems as if Google's frightened to make any comment at all in English. Thank heavens for Translate, right?

France fines Google €100,000 for Street View privacy violations, then mulls striking for no apparent reason originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CeBITdatafinegooglegpsguidancemapmappingmapsprivacystreet viewStreetViewunfair collectionUnfairCollectionMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google VP lays down mobile stats, boasts 150 million Maps users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/google-vp-lays-down-mobile-stats-boasts-150-million-maps-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/google-vp-lays-down-mobile-stats-boasts-150-million-maps-users/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/google-vp-lays-down-mobile-stats-boasts-150-million-maps-users/#comments
Care for a cup of Google data, anyone? At SXSW, the vice president of location services, Marissa Mayer, stated some interesting facts about the state of all things mobile at the Goog. Most notably, the company provides its map service to 150 million users. Just to give you an idea of how many peeps that is -- it's about half the number of individuals in America. Crazy, we know. What's more, Mayer claimed that Google Maps guided users 12 billion miles per year and that its latest build of the app saves people an average of two days worth of travel time each year. Another bit worth noting is how the company feels about Google Maps for iPhone. "We like being the default provider, but we'd like to get some of these updates out to a broader audience. That's still a debate / question we're considering." Updates? An actual Google Maps application that works as a GPS on an iPhone? Wake us up when iOS 5 is previewed, or we can just keep dreaming.

Google VP lays down mobile stats, boasts 150 million Maps users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationappsgooglegoogle mapsGoogleMapsgpsiosiphonemapsmaps applicationMapsApplicationmarissamarissa mayerMarissaMayermayermobilenumbersstatisticsstatssxswsxsw 2011sxsw2011usersvpMon, 14 Mar 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[MapQuest for Android brings free turn-by-turn navigation, OpenStreetMap support to Google lovers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/mapquest-for-android-brings-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-openst/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/mapquest-for-android-brings-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-openst/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/mapquest-for-android-brings-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-openst/#comments Oh, sure -- iOS had it first, but the Android flavor of MapQuest's mobile app has OpenStreetMaps. How d'ya like those apples ? The aforesaid app has just found its way into the Android Market, and as with the iPhone version, it's 100 percent free to download. Unlike most other alternatives, this one provides gratis voice guidance / turn-by-turn navigation, voice search, a map toolbar, walking / driving directions, live traffic flow information and a couple of "major" new adds. Those are OpenStreetMap (OSM) data -- useful for allowing consumers to use the app internationally -- as well as the ability to directly report errors onto the map. Check out the source link to learn more, and head on over to the Market (if you're rocking v1.6 and up) to get your download on. Happy trails, as they say.

Continue reading MapQuest for Android brings free turn-by-turn navigation, OpenStreetMap support to Google lovers

MapQuest for Android brings free turn-by-turn navigation, OpenStreetMap support to Google lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappeuropeeuropeanfreegooglegpsmapmappingmapquestmobileOpenStreetMaproutingsoftwareturn-by-turnThu, 17 Feb 2011 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[VZ Navigator Version X breaks cover, adds 'virtual city' maps, social features, and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/vz-navigator-version-x-breaks-cover-adds-virtual-city-maps-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/vz-navigator-version-x-breaks-cover-adds-virtual-city-maps-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/vz-navigator-version-x-breaks-cover-adds-virtual-city-maps-s/#comments Paying a monthly fee -- or any fee, for that matter -- for turn-by-turn navigation on Android devices has felt pretty unpalatable ever since Google Maps Navigation happened, but Verizon's still trying to make things interesting with the latest version of its VZ Navigator product. A quick feature rundown of its new "Version X" is up on YouTube right now, and we'll admit, we're a little intrigued by some of this stuff: realistic 3D buildings in major cities (unlike the nondescript boxes in Google Maps, we imagine), some form of dead reckoning capability for those times that you don't have GPS reception, satellite maps, overhead street signs, social integration for letting folks know where you are, and a whole bunch of views for customizing the experience. We're assuming service is the same $9.99 a month that Big Red charges currently, but there'll also be a free version -- VZ Navigator Maps -- that dispenses of some of the crazier features. We're hearing this might be officially announced in a few hours, so more details will presumably be in tow; in the meantime, follow the break for the teaser video.

[Thanks, Misty]

Update: It's official. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading VZ Navigator Version X breaks cover, adds 'virtual city' maps, social features, and more

VZ Navigator Version X breaks cover, adds 'virtual city' maps, social features, and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegpsnavigationturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnNavigationverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessversion xVersionXvideovz navigatorvz navigator version xVzNavigatorVzNavigatorVersionXvzwFri, 28 Jan 2011 00:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer engineers Android-powered cyclocomputer, might remind Landis to stop doping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/pioneer-engineers-android-powered-cyclocomputer-might-remind-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/pioneer-engineers-android-powered-cyclocomputer-might-remind-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/13/pioneer-engineers-android-powered-cyclocomputer-might-remind-la/#comments Think Android has reached its limit when it comes to applications? Think again. Pioneer has conjured up a new cyclocomputer, and compared to the antediluvian rivals available on the market today, this one looks like a bona fide supercomputer. It's designed for mounting on the bike's handlebars, where riders can then see speed, cadence, heart rate, and power at a glance. The device is engineered to play nice with the ANT+ wireless specification, and it can also pull data from optional crank sensors that can be installed to monitor one's pedaling force. Furthermore, it's equipped with GPS, and we're guessing it's a prime candidate for running Google's own My Tracks app. There's no time table for release, but we're guessing the International Cycling Union will have one out in no time... one that continuously tests riders for illicit substances, of course. Video's after the break, if you're down for more.

Continue reading Pioneer engineers Android-powered cyclocomputer, might remind Landis to stop doping

Pioneer engineers Android-powered cyclocomputer, might remind Landis to stop doping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidantant plusAntPlusbicyclebicyclesbikeCyclocomputergooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidgpsnavnavinavigationpioneersensorsensorsvideoThu, 13 Jan 2011 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Latitude makes brief appearance in App Store, gets yanked post-haste]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/google-latitude-makes-brief-appearance-in-app-store-gets-yanked/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/google-latitude-makes-brief-appearance-in-app-store-gets-yanked/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/08/google-latitude-makes-brief-appearance-in-app-store-gets-yanked/#comments Ah, the games that grown-ups play. It's a situation that's beginning to feel an awful lot like the Google Voice fiasco that made the rounds in mid-2009, but if it ends in a similar fashion, you won't find us kvetching about the teases. As the story goes, a bona fine Google Latitude app made its appearance in Japan's App Store hours ago, only to be yanked before it could sashay over to any other nation. TechCrunch reckons that it was El Goog doing the pulling -- it's quite possible that the folks in Mountain View weren't quite ready to publicly reveal it, and with all that Chrome action going down yesterday, it's not hard to imagine how an impending launch was overlooked. At any rate, the description of the app as well as most of the screenshots were in English, so we're cautiously optimistic that it'll resurface in the near future once a few Is are dotted and Ts crossed. With iOS 4 supporting background location, there's hardly a reason to wait any longer, right?

Google Latitude makes brief appearance in App Store, gets yanked post-haste originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStoregooglegoogle Latitudegoogle voiceGoogleLatitudeGoogleVoicegpsiphone appIphoneAppLatitudemapmappingnavnavinavigationpulledregulationsroutingsoftwareWed, 08 Dec 2010 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Street View Shocker! Google pays Boring couple $1 for trespassing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/street-view-shocker-google-pays-boring-couple-1-for-trespassin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/street-view-shocker-google-pays-boring-couple-1-for-trespassin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/street-view-shocker-google-pays-boring-couple-1-for-trespassin/#comments It's hardly a surprise that there's a cadre of individuals who aren't too fond of Google's seemingly omnipresent Street View fleet, but the ending of this dispute is downright absurd. Back in 2008, Aaron and Christine Boring were looking for a little excitement, and decided to find it in a courtroom; the duo sued Google for trespassing on their property while collecting photographs for Street View. According to them, Google's Street View car ignored the "No Trespassing" sign planted out front, and while they noted that they would've accepted a simple apology letter, they had no qualms pushing for damages when that wish fell upon deaf ears. The payout? A single dollar. Let's repeat that: 100 pennies. A buck. Barely enough to buy a Whopper Jr. in Portland, and definitely not enough to do so across the way in Vancouver. We suspect both parties are eager to put the whole mess behind 'em, but if you've been looking for a story to prove that America actually isn't as aimlessly litigious as the world thinks they are... well, this one ain't it.

Street View Shocker! Google pays Boring couple $1 for trespassing originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle street viewGoogleStreetViewGPSlawsuitlegalprivacyshockerstreet viewStreetViewsuesuittrespassingSat, 04 Dec 2010 20:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Navigon MobileNavigator finally hits American Androids, includes augmented reality POI view]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/navigon-mobilenavigator-finally-hits-american-androids-includes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/navigon-mobilenavigator-finally-hits-american-androids-includes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/navigon-mobilenavigator-finally-hits-american-androids-includes/#commentsNavigon MobileNavigator finally hits American Androids, includes augmented reality POI view We got our first taste of Navigon's MobileNavigator for Android way back at CES last January, and since then Googlephone users across Europe have been merrily navigating around using the thing. Finally, Americans get our chance, with Navigon announcing a North American release. This version includes maps of the good 'ol US of A, downloaded to the storage card (1.5GB worth) to enable full offline navigation, though you'll need a connection to get traffic updates. There's an improved Reality View Pro mode, which shows "photo realistic 3D views" of street signs and, the cream of this frothy app, a new Reality Scanner mode. This Layar-like view overlays nav and POI information over a real-time stream of the world from the phone's camera, letting you spot that Stuckey's from afar. The app hits the Android Market today for $39, but that's one of those limited time deals. After two weeks it jumps up to $59, so don't be slow with the clicking.

Gallery: Navigon MobileNavigator for Android

Continue reading Navigon MobileNavigator finally hits American Androids, includes augmented reality POI view

Navigon MobileNavigator finally hits American Androids, includes augmented reality POI view originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappgooglegpsmobile appmobile navigatorMobileAppMobileNavigatornavigonWed, 27 Oct 2010 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer Liquid Metal S120 spotted running Android 2.2 on AT&T bands in FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/acer-liquid-metal-s120-spotted-running-android-2-2-on-atandt-bands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/acer-liquid-metal-s120-spotted-running-android-2-2-on-atandt-bands/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/acer-liquid-metal-s120-spotted-running-android-2-2-on-atandt-bands/#comments Rumors of a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 Liquid Metal handset from Acer have been heating up in recent months. Now the aluminum handset said to be housing an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230-1 processor just cleared the FCC sporting GSM/EDGE 850/1900 and WCDMA Band II and V making it the perfect candidate for an AT&T launch. The listing also confirms Android 2.2 Froyo, GPS, Bluetooth, and 802.11b/g/n WiFi on the tested model S120 DVT2 (that's Design Verification Test 2) prototype. With an October launch set for the UK, well, it won't be long before we see this babe in North America. A bit of documentary evidence after the break.

Continue reading Acer Liquid Metal S120 spotted running Android 2.2 on AT&T bands in FCC

Acer Liquid Metal S120 spotted running Android 2.2 on AT&T bands in FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nacerandroidandroid 2.2Android2.2attbluetoothdvt2fccfroyogooglegpsliquidliquid metalLiquidMetals120Mon, 25 Oct 2010 01:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: select Android apps sharing data without user notification]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/study-select-android-apps-sharing-data-without-user-notificatio/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/study-select-android-apps-sharing-data-without-user-notificatio/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/study-select-android-apps-sharing-data-without-user-notificatio/#commentsCome one, come all -- let's gather and act shocked, shall we? It's no secret that Google's Android Market is far easier to penetrate than Apple's App Store, which is most definitely a double-edged sword. On one hand, you aren't stuck waiting a lifetime for Apple to approve a perfectly sound app; on the other, you may end up accidentally downloading some Nazi themes that scar you for life. A curious team of scientists from Intel Labs, Penn State and Duke University recently utilized a so-called TaintDroid extension in order to log and monitor the actions of 30 Android apps -- 30 that were picked from the 358 most popular. Their findings? That half of their sample (15, if you're rusty in the math department) shared location information and / or other unique identifiers (IMEI numbers, phone numbers, SIM numbers, etc.) with advertisers. Making matters worse, those 15 didn't actually inform end-users that data was being shared, and some of 'em beamed out information while applications were dormant. Unfortunately for us all, the researchers didn't bother to rat out the 15 evil apps mentioned here, so good luck resting easy knowing that your library of popular apps could be spying on you right now.

Update: A Google spokesperson pinged up with an official response to the study, and you can peek it after the break.

Update 2: Looks as if the full study (PDF) has been outed, with the 30 total apps named. Here they are: The Weather Channel, Cestos, Solitaire, Movies, Babble, Manga Browser, Bump, Wertago, Antivirus, ABC - Animals, Traffic Jam, Hearts, Blackjack, Horoscope, 3001 Wisdom Quotes Lite, Yellow Pages, Dastelefonbuch, Astrid, BBC News Live Stream, Ringtones, Layer, Knocking, Barcode Scanner, Coupons, Trapster, Spongebob Slide, ProBasketBall, MySpace, ixMAT, and Evernote. Thanks, Jordan!

Update 3: Flixter, the company that makes Movies, has chimed in with this: "At Flixster, we do not and never have sold any personal or identifiable confidential information with anyone. We do use non-identifiable location information (e.g. metro-area) to show more relevant ads, as does almost every mobile app that relies on advertising. Users have to opt-in to sharing their location when they install the app, and how we use information is explained in detail (for those that care) in our privacy policy."

Update 4: And here comes The Weather Channel's comment: "Regarding our Android app - Our customers and their privacy are very important to us. In our Android application, TWC does not share any of your personally identifiable information with advertisers or third parties. TWC does track location - which users consent to at install - for the purpose of providing you the most relevant and accurate weather conditions based on your location."

Update 5: And there's more, this time from Barcode Scanner: "Barcode Scanner has never collected or sent personal information. There is no "third party" server to receive such info any way. Barcode Scanner has never requested location information, or phone or user ID ("phone state" permission in the TaintDroid paper). It didn't help that the paper originally reported that the app had these permissions -- it has been fixed since. The app can't send information it can't collect in the first place. The application has always been open source; anyone can inspect exactly what it does (http://code.google.com/p/zxing). We have a complete statement on app permissions (http://code.google.com/p/zxing/wiki/FrequentlyAskedQuestions). Finally, the authors of the paper have in fact confirmed Barcode Scanner was not one of the "guilty" apps: http://appanalysis.org/letter_oct-01-10.html"

Update 6: The hits just keep on coming. Today, the developers of Astrid have both addressed privacy concerns and added a detailed EULA to the newest build. They've also added the ability for users to opt-out of analytics through the settings menu

Continue reading Study: select Android apps sharing data without user notification

Study: select Android apps sharing data without user notification originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapp marketAppMarketappsdatageolocationgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidgpslocationlocation dataLocationDataprivacysecuritystudysurveyTaintDroidThu, 30 Sep 2010 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Captivate gets GPS fix, other Galaxy S versions wait patiently]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/22/samsung-captivate-gets-gps-fix-other-galaxy-s-versions-wait-pat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/22/samsung-captivate-gets-gps-fix-other-galaxy-s-versions-wait-pat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/22/samsung-captivate-gets-gps-fix-other-galaxy-s-versions-wait-pat/#comments Sammy just hit us up with a brief statement that should make Captivate owners jump clean out of their seats and do a spit take if they're enjoying a cup of joe:
"An update to improve the Samsung Captivate's GPS performance is now available. Captivate customers will receive a notification on their device that an update is available and will simply need to download the file to update their phone. The updates will be pushed to customers' devices over the next few weeks.

The update for the Captivate will also improve additional device functions, such as media scanning time, add the full version of Quickoffice and address Microsoft Exchange 2003 policy support."
Awesome, right? Of course, the proof is in the pudding -- we'll need to wait and see how "fixed" the GPS really is after this gets installed, but it's a start. Notably, this doesn't seem to include Froyo, so we don't know whether these guys are going to be going the British or Spanish routes in getting that deployed.

Update: We've independently confirmed with AT&T that this update does include GPS improvements.

Samsung Captivate gets GPS fix, other Galaxy S versions wait patiently originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidattbreaking newsBreakingNewscaptivatefixgalaxy sGalaxySgooglegpssamsungupdateupgradeWed, 22 Sep 2010 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy S GPS-gate: two problems, not one (and what to do about it)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/samsung-galaxy-s-gps-gate-two-problems-not-one-and-what-to-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/samsung-galaxy-s-gps-gate-two-problems-not-one-and-what-to-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/samsung-galaxy-s-gps-gate-two-problems-not-one-and-what-to-do/#comments You may have noticed the update on our Epic 4G review from yesterday where we lauded the fact that Samsung seemed to have fixed the GPS problem plaguing every other Galaxy S flavor released thus far, but it turns out there are actually two distinct issues. One has a fix -- sort of -- while the other is hopefully what we're going to get next month. Here are the two failure modes, based on what we know so far:
  • "Use wireless networks" is now turned off by default, but even with it on, the phone may be slow or unable to determine even a rough location. Originally, we'd believed this was the only problem. Samsung tells us that it's a new Google mandate that Android devices be shipped with the "use wireless networks" option disabled, which means you're relying on traditional GPS alone to determine your location -- a lost cause indoors, in urban canyons, or under dense tree cover. Indeed, we discovered it was turned off on our Captivate, Vibrant, and Epic 4G after fresh hard resets, and there's no indication to the user that it's probably in their best interest to enable it; we're accustomed to being presented with the option during account setup on other Android devices, but it doesn't happen here. After enabling it from settings, we found that both the Captivate and Epic 4G were able to get our location with 1,000 to 1,500-meter accuracy practically immediately in Google Maps, though the Vibrant still never came through; it had the weakest signal of the three, which may have accounted for that (though it never dropped the signal altogether).
  • The regular GPS circuitry and software aren't doing their job. Cell tower triangulation and WiFi location database services like Skyhook only take you so far -- at the end of the day, you still need to tune in to the birds a few thousand miles up to figure out precisely where you are. All Galaxy S models seem to be having trouble turning GPS reception into coordinates, even when the phone is able to see four or more satellites in view (four is the minimum you normally need for a precise, three-dimensional lock). In some cases, resetting the phone apparently helps, but it ceases to work again after a day or two of use. To our knowledge, none of the homebrew fixes out there have been able to solve this part of the problem perfectly and permanently. The Captivate and Vibrant are both affected by this one; we're not sure on the Epic, but we're working to nail it down.
What this means for you: for now, simply make sure you have "Use wireless networks" checked in your Galaxy S's settings under the "Location & security" menu. It won't get you the most reliable, precise location you should be entitled to, but it's a start -- and next month's round of firmware updates should hopefully take us the rest of the way.

[Thanks, Carl]

Samsung Galaxy S GPS-gate: two problems, not one (and what to do about it) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agpsandroidattcaptivateepicepic 4gEpic4ggalaxy sGalaxySgooglegoogle mapsGoogleMapsgpssamsungsprintt-mobilevibrantTue, 17 Aug 2010 02:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung commits to September updates for Galaxy S GPS woes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/samsung-commits-to-september-updates-for-galaxy-s-gps-woes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/samsung-commits-to-september-updates-for-galaxy-s-gps-woes/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/samsung-commits-to-september-updates-for-galaxy-s-gps-woes/#comments AGPS capability on various versions of the Galaxy S -- including the Captivate and Vibrant released here in the US -- has been deeply hosed since launch, the apparent result of a bunk positioning server being used to associate towers to geographical locations. In practical terms, that's made apps like Google Maps nearly useless indoors and in urban canyons where line of sight to the birds up in orbit is dicey or impossible, and for European users where the phone's been out even longer, the wait's been an especially excruciating one. Fortunately, Samsung's finally come out with some concrete details on Twitter today, saying that updates are expected next month with "details and download to follow." No word for Euros specifically, but we imagine (er, make that "hope") they'll all be fixed around the same time.

Samsung commits to September updates for Galaxy S GPS woes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agpsandroidcaptivatefirmwaregalaxy sGalaxySgooglegpssamsungsoftwareupdatevibrantFri, 13 Aug 2010 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Where's the GPS fix for the Samsung Vibrant and Captivate?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/wheres-the-gps-fix-for-the-samsung-vibrant-and-captivate/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/wheres-the-gps-fix-for-the-samsung-vibrant-and-captivate/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/wheres-the-gps-fix-for-the-samsung-vibrant-and-captivate/#comments Though we admittedly missed it in our initial review -- this is the kind of thing you just expect to work -- we circled back and amended our look at Samsung's Captivate and Vibrant when we discovered that AGPS is completely busted. Not "sort of working," not "flawed," just utterly broken and non-functional; we waited minutes upon minutes without a location lock in our follow-up testing. AGPS is the kind of thing you don't miss until you don't have it, at which point you realize how woefully inadequate straight-up GPS alone is for mobile use when you're frequently (for some of us, nearly always) trying to locate yourself indoors, under a tree, or in the heart of an urban canyon.

This isn't a low- or medium-priority fix -- this is something that Samsung, T-Mobile, and AT&T should've been working to get out immediately. Actually, let's step back a bit: this is a problem for which there's no reasonable explanation why it made it all the way to retail devices, and it raises concerns over just how well these products were tested (you might remember from our review just how many egregious examples of weird English we found, for instance). Put simply, all three of these companies should have these phones pulled from shelves until the problem's fixed, should be communicating tirelessly with customers and the press to make sure that everyone knows the status of the issue, and should have a fix available right this second. Android's ecosystem has proven just how important frequent, reliable firmware updates are, and Sammy's already working from a damaged reputation thanks to the Behold II debacle. Let's make this right, guys.

[Thanks, Steve]

Update: We've just received an official statement from Samsung on the matter:
"Samsung Mobile is aware that under certain conditions, the GPS on our U.S. Galaxy S devices may not be meeting performance expectations. We are diligently evaluating the situation and will provide an update as soon as possible."
Update 2: Several readers have pointed out that there are workarounds for the problem available -- we've got one linked in the More Coverage section below which points to an Android Central article. It's a good start, but not one that's practical for the average phone buyer, bearing in mind that most folks aren't power users (and, sadly, don't read Engadget Mobile). That still leaves the impetus on Samsung to get an official firmware update pushed out on the double.

Where's the GPS fix for the Samsung Vibrant and Captivate? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agpsandroidattbugcaptivateeditorialgalaxy sGalaxySgooglegpsissuemobileproblemsamsungt-mobilevibrantMon, 02 Aug 2010 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps Navigation comes to Canada and mainland Europe, remains free as a bird]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/google-maps-navigation-visits-canada-and-mainland-europe-remain/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/google-maps-navigation-visits-canada-and-mainland-europe-remain/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/google-maps-navigation-visits-canada-and-mainland-europe-remain/#comments Patience has had to be your foremost virtue if you were eager to use Google Maps Navigation outside the US or UK, but you might be in luck today as a sizable new batch of countries is getting the free turn-by-turn nav service activated. Googleites in Canada and most of mainland Europe will now be able to hear their Android (version 1.6 and above) giving them voice directions, and as an extra bonus, some nations are also seeing voice search activated, with Canada and German-speaking countries among them. Google's clearly not sitting on its laurels here, so why not power up your phone and let us know how well it finds its way around De Wallen?

Update: The full list of countries has been made official now:
"Today we're launching Google Maps Navigation version 4.2 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland for Android devices 1.6 and higher."
Google Search by Voice has also been confirmed, it's rolling out in French, German, Italian, and Spanish versions today -- with iPhone and BlackBerry compatibility to boot!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Google Maps Navigation comes to Canada and mainland Europe, remains free as a bird originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid osAndroidOsblackberrybreaking newsBreakingNewscanadaeuropefree navigationFreeNavigationgooglegoogle maps navigationgoogle voice searchGoogleMapsNavigationGoogleVoiceSearchgpsiphonenavigationsatnavsearch by voiceSearchByVoicevoice searchVoiceSearchWed, 09 Jun 2010 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/google-partnership-has-gm-onstar-exploring-maps-open-apis-and-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/google-partnership-has-gm-onstar-exploring-maps-open-apis-and-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/google-partnership-has-gm-onstar-exploring-maps-open-apis-and-m/#comments In a move that could shape the mobile landscape -- or simply suck down cash, of course -- General Motors just revealed that Google was its mysterious infotainment partner. In the final hours before Google I/O, we sat down with GM VP Nick Pudar to tell us what the future thus holds for OnStar. As we saw in January, GM's already developing smartphone apps for the Chevy Volt on iPhone, Blackberry and Android that will let you remotely lock doors, honk the horn, check tire pressure and more.... But sometime after the Volt launches, Google Maps Navigation will be integrated into the smartphone app, and we got a hands-on tour. Check out the new interface and hear about GM's strategy after the break.

Continue reading Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more

Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAPIappappsautoautomobileautomobilescarcar integrationCarIntegrationcarsChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChevy VoltChevyVoltGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM OnStarGM VoltGmOnstarGmVoltGoogleGoogle AndroidGoogle IOgoogle io 2010Google MapsGoogle Maps NavigationGoogleAndroidGoogleIoGoogleIo2010GoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationGPShands-oninfotainmentinfotainment systeminfotainment systemsInfotainmentSystemInfotainmentSystemsinterviewnavigationOnStarOnStar APIOnstarApiVoltWed, 19 May 2010 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile shipping the Garminfone for $199 in June, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/t-mobile-shipping-the-garminfone-for-199-in-june-we-go-hands-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/t-mobile-shipping-the-garminfone-for-199-in-june-we-go-hands-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/11/t-mobile-shipping-the-garminfone-for-199-in-june-we-go-hands-o/#comments T-Mobile and Garmin-Asus have just gotten down to the nitty gritty with us on the long anticipated Garminfone: the phone ships in June for $199 on a two year contract. Just to show they're serious, they also let us play with the phone, which is running a speedy, heavily custom Garmin UI on top of Android. Check out some hands-on shots below, and stand by for more coverage of the handset as we get to cuddle up with it during some long, geotagged walks on the beach.

Gallery: T-Mobile Garminfone hands-on

T-Mobile shipping the Garminfone for $199 in June, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 May 2010 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgarmingarmin-asusgarminfonegooglegpshands-onTue, 11 May 2010 17:51:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom Go Live 1000 taken for first test drive (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/tomtom-go-live-1000-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/tomtom-go-live-1000-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/tomtom-go-live-1000-hands-on/#comments We've just returned from a ride with the TomTom Go Live 1000. In general, the device met our relatively high expectations set by a purported flagship navigator from the likes of TomTom. Unfortunately, the prototype unit guiding our vehicle was limited to a scripted demonstration on pre-selected routes. And when we did veer off course thanks to an unhelpful, but rather posh, voice guiding us to turn left a bit early, it took about 8 seconds for the ARM 11 device to reroute -- not bad but not exactly the 0 seconds we were promised during the pitch. Again, we were told that this was the result of using a prototype device... though it must be a near production-ready model given the summer launch timeframe. The unit also wasn't equipped with the automatic volume adjustment that raises and lowers volume based on the ambient noise around it. We did witness the Webkit UI in action and it does seem significantly improved based on our brief 15 minute test ride with it. However, it was still cumbersome enough to give our tour guide (a TomTom quality manager) fits as he tried to jump between 2D and 3D navigation modes. And the capacitive touchscreen was a mixed bag: at times it seemed to require the kind of finger mashing usually reserved for resistive screens; at others it was a bit too sensitive to effectively target street names from a pick list while being jostled about on a Dutch road (accidentally brushing the display selected the entry either above or below the street desired). As bad as all this sounds, we had the good fortune to have a Garmin nuvi 1690 in the vehicle with us to go head-to-head, flagship-to-flagship, and the Go Live 1000 was the clear winner in getting us back to our starting location. Check the Go Live 1000 in action after the break.

Gallery: TomTom Go Live 1000 given a first test drive

Continue reading TomTom Go Live 1000 taken for first test drive (video)

TomTom Go Live 1000 taken for first test drive (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1000amsterdamGO LO CO2GoLoCo2googlegpsgps navigationGpsNavigationGPUhands-onsatnavtomtomvideoTue, 27 Apr 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/26/motorola-gives-google-the-boot-turns-to-skyhook-for-location-se/#comments Well, this is... something. Out of seemingly nowhere, Motorola has just made the decision to shun Google's location services in favor of those from Skyhook, proudly becoming the "first Android device maker to abandon Google for its location services." According to the release -- which feels atypically jovial to us -- the device maker will marry Skyhook's GPS, WiFi and cellular location in the "vast majority" of its phone models, and since Skyhook will be baked into the OS, every single app can reap the benefits. Reportedly, developers are pretty stoked about the news, and it's pretty clear that Motorola is equally confident that Skyhook's location solution is the best on the market. Not like Google really needs any more frenemies right now, but hey -- you won't find us kvetching about anyone keeping the Big Shot on its toes.

Continue reading Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services

Motorola gives Google the boot, turns to Skyhook for location services originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidCore LocationCoreLocationdroidgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidgpslocationmotomotorolaskyhookSkyhook wirelessSkyhookWirelesssmartphoneMon, 26 Apr 2010 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps Navigation could come to iPhone, other platforms soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/google-maps-navigation-could-come-to-iphone-other-platforms-soo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/google-maps-navigation-could-come-to-iphone-other-platforms-soo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/google-maps-navigation-could-come-to-iphone-other-platforms-soo/#commentsOoh, goodie! Try as we may, we've yet to really find a (good) free alternative to Google Maps Navigation on the iPhone, and while Navigon's MobileNavigator gets our highest recommendations in the paid GPS department, Google's own turn-by-turn option is just about enough to make any iPhone-toting traveler jump ship and snag an Android handset. Thankfully for us all, it seems as if this predicament won't be nearly as trying in the near future, with the company's own Steve Lee confirming to TechRadar that Google Maps Navigation would be coming to "other platforms" in due time. MacUser specifically mentions the solution coming to iPhone OS, and frankly, we couldn't think of a better app to ship alongside version 4.0 than this. You're good at taking hints, right Goog?

Google Maps Navigation could come to iPhone, other platforms soon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegooglegoogle mapsGoogle Maps NavigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationgpsiphoneiphone 3gsiphone osIphone3gsIphoneOsmappingnavnavigationrouteroutingsoftwareFri, 23 Apr 2010 02:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Aero is 'the lightest' Android phone yet, poses for pictures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/dell-aero-is-the-lightest-android-smartphone-poses-for-pictur/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/dell-aero-is-the-lightest-android-smartphone-poses-for-pictur/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/dell-aero-is-the-lightest-android-smartphone-poses-for-pictur/#comments AT&T's teaser site for the Dell Aero has gone live and we can now fill in a few more gaps in our knowledge about this forthcoming handset. It's looking every bit the renamed Mini 3 we thought it was, so click here and here to get a closer look at the body of the device. The official web mouthpiece confirms a 3.5-inch screen with nHD resolution -- which may or may not signify the same 640 x 360 as on the Brazilian and Chinese versions -- and one definite point of departure, a 5 (rather than 3) megapixel camera on the back. Claimed to be the lightest Android smartphone yet, the Aero will also come with WiFi and GPS built in, though its biggest attraction will undoubtedly be the thoroughly tricked out Android UI, which promises Picasa, Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitpic integration right out of the box. Check out the gallery below for some hints of what that will look like.

[Thanks, Chilko]

Gallery: Dell Aero

Dell Aero is 'the lightest' Android phone yet, poses for pictures originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeroandroidandroid osAndroidOsattcustomizeddelldell aerodell mini 3DellAeroDellMini3googlegpsmini 3Mini3smartphonewifiTue, 23 Mar 2010 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone app hits 1.3, gains real-time traffic and Google local search]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/13/tomtom-iphone-app-hits-1-3-gains-real-time-traffic-and-google-l/#comments
 Here lately, Navigon has been crushing it on the iPhone GPS front. Every couple of weeks, it seems that MobileNavigator is getting yet another fantastic update, all while TomTom's lackluster offering hangs back in the land of complacency. Thankfully for us all, the outfit has just pushed out the v1.3 update, which adds real-time traffic (an unfortunate $19.99 add-on), Google local search, updated roadways, automatic music fading between text-to-speech instructions and the ability to add locations from other apps and websites. We'd still recommend Navigon's software if you're looking to buy into iPhone GPS for the first time, but this is certainly a boon for those already locked into the TomTom alternative.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

TomTom iPhone app hits 1.3, gains real-time traffic and Google local search originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappleAppStoregooglegpsiphoneiphone appIphoneApplocal searchLocalSearchnavnavigationReal-Time trafficReal-timeTrafficsoftwaretomtomTomTom 1.3tomtom iphoneTomtom1.3TomtomIphoneupdateSat, 13 Mar 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin and TomTom cling to profits, hope]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/garmin-and-tomtom-cling-to-profits-hope/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/garmin-and-tomtom-cling-to-profits-hope/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/garmin-and-tomtom-cling-to-profits-hope/#comments As everyone knows, Garmin and TomTom have their backs against the ropes in a fight to remain relevant in an age of free GPS turn-by-turn navigation on smartphones (thanks Google and Nokia). While dedicated personal navigators are almost always superior to their converged competition, the gap has certainly narrowed such that it's become difficult to justify another device when an increasing number of people already carry a fine navigation device in their pockets. But that's just gut instinct talking, where's the hard evidence? Certainly not speculative stock prices. A good place to start is in forward-looking financial statements like the one Garmin, the leading navigation device maker in the US, just issued. Gamin says that it expects competition to cause prices to decline by about 10% in the personal navigation device (PND) industry putting pressure on margins, and thus profits, in 2010. It also sees flat or slightly declining revenue over the same period. Fortunately for Garmin, it has a diversified product offering that includes the Nuvifone. However, Garmin admits to being disappointed by sales of the handset that "won" our Editor's Choice award for Worst Gadget of the Year.

Things aren't all doom and gloom, though. Garmin has a pair of Nuvifones in the chute including the Android-powered A50. And its Q4 results of $1.43 per share easily beat analyst expectations of 95 cents a share. Even TomTom surprised many last week with a 1% increase in Q4 revenue and net profit of €75 million compared to a €989 million loss a year ago. So there's some hope left for the dedicated PND market... but not much.

Filed under: ,

Garmin and TomTom cling to profits, hope originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsgarmingooglegoogle navigationGoogleNavigationgpsmapsnavigationnokianuvifoneovipndtomtomThu, 25 Feb 2010 02:44:00 EST