GpsReceiver
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Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver hit the FCC, get torn down for good measure
Hasty, no? Merely hours after being announced to the world, Garmin's GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver have touched down in the FCC's database. Per usual, that's a fairly solid indicator that the devices will be available for sale on US shores within a few weeks, and if you're curious, there's even a draft user guide tucked in the source link below. Truth be told, there's not a ton here that wasn't already made public -- it's obviously "Made for iPod / iPhone / iPad," and Garmin asserts that the included battery will take three hours to charge but 12 hours to deplete. The manual also asserts that Android users "may need to use an application to allow the sensor to properly communication over Bluetooth," and just in case you're thinking of getting wet and wild, the outer casing is said to be "rugged, but not water-resistant." For shame -- we were totally looking forward to geotagging our next romp down the Gauley. %Gallery-160289%
Garmin GLO Portable GPS and GLONASS receiver: location refresh rate 10 times faster than typical GPS
Maps. Everyone loves 'em. But while plenty of companies are showing off some very fancy map updates, we're still being left somewhere, staring at tall buildings, waiting for our location to update and lead the way. Garmin reckons it's solved the problem with its first GPS and GLONASS-compatible receiver, which can connect to both iOS and Android devices. Initial lock-on times are apparently 20 percent faster than typical GPS, while GLONASS' additional 24 satellites will make faring through canyons and urban sprawls less of a struggle for signal pick-up. Garmin has also upped its position refresh rate to 10 times per second: typical GPS receivers will update just once every second. It connects to devices through Bluetooth and will offer a 12-hour navigation boost on a single charge. If you're a pilot, there's even a GLO for Aviation package, which throws in a mount, power cable and six-month trial for its Pilot navi app. The standard receiver will launch in August, priced at $99, while those with wings can skip the queue and nab their version now for $139.
Magellan unveils Switch, Switch Up GPS watches for runners, swimmers, extremists
Magellan is tossing its hat into the sporty ring today, with the Switch and Switch Up -- a pair of GPS watches designed for number-crunching runners, cyclists and other endurance enthusiasts. Boasting a petite, 1.26-inch display, these petite devices allows joggers to monitor and record their distance, pace and elevation, thanks to a sensitive GPS receiver that promises an accuracy range of between three and five meters. Its onboard ANT+ wireless technology, meanwhile, provides biometric and performance data culled from an optional heart rate monitor or a variety of other accessories, including bike sensors and power meters. Swimmers can take solace in the fact that the Switch is water resistant at depths of up to 50 meters, while truly hardcore Ironmen and women will be happy to know that they'll be able to store up to 60 hours' worth of data on the watch, which promises up to eight hours of battery life while in workout mode. The Switch Up, pictured above, offers many of the same benefits, but features a vibration-based alert system and ships with a multi-sport mount for bikers and triathletes. Magellan has yet to announce a release date for these watches, though the Switch will be priced at $250, or $300 with the heart rate monitor. As for the Switch Up, it'll cost you $300 (including the accompanying Multisport Mounting Kit) or $350, if bundled with the monitor. Head past the break for an extra image of the Switch.
Pentax releases O-GPS1 add-on for DSLRs, appeals to astronomy nuts
Pentax's Optio WG-1 GPS point-and-shoot satisfied geotaggers out of the box, but owners of its K-5, K-r and 645D DSLRs have had to make do with third-party taggers like the PhotoTrackr or Eye-Fi. The new hotshoe-mounted O-GPS1 module fixes that oversight by recording latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time and shooting angle. Everyday snappers might find an extra hotshoe attachment cumbersome, but astro-photography enthusiasts could well be enticed by the device's interesting "ASTROTRACER" function. This helps you take clearer photos of celestial bodies by using the in-built sensors to calculate a star's movement and then employing the camera's shake reduction system to compensate. Sounds clever, but be advised: this module is only for Pentax DSLRs -- and only for very specific models at that. You'll get full functionality with the K-5 and K-r cameras, and geotagging (no ASTROTRACER) with the 645D. Oh, and you'll need to make sure your camera's firmware is up-to-date. Peer carefully through that lens and you'll see the O-GPS1 heading for a July landing, priced at $250. [Thanks, Iddo]
QSTARZ intros diminutive BT-Q1300 / BT-Q890 Bluetooth GPS receivers
Leave it to QSTARZ to innovate so dramatically upon the tried-and-true Bluetooth GPS receiver design. Okay, so maybe it just created two new 66-channel ones that are exceptionally small. Up first is the new BT-Q1300, a "miniature" device that's dubbed the world's smallest travel recorder. Continuing on with superlatives, we see "the best" of the best in the BT-Q890, which measures in at 60- x 40- x 7-millimeters and is somehow also the "world's smallest GPS receiver." We're on to your fuzzy math, QSTARZ, and we don't like it one bit.[Via NaviGadget]Read - BT-Q1300Read - BT-Q890
World's biggest drawing created with the help of GPS and DHL
There are all sorts of creative uses for GPS, but here's a fellow who says he sent a self-designed GPS "device" in a briefcase to DHL with express travel instructions. He plotted the shipment's movement and ended up with the drawing you see above. We're a bit confused. First, he says he developed a GPS device with extended tracklog and battery time. Okay, but... using what, exactly? Also, we've received some things from DHL, and we have a hard enough time just getting them to deliver stuff to the right address, let alone make circles in the Caribbean in the name of art. To be fair, his documentation looks complete, so serious kudos to him if this is all for real. Peep the travel instructions document that he says he gave to DHL along with shipping receipts and video after the break.[Via Hack a day]Update: Ah, well that explains why DHL went out of its way to do a bunch of backtracking loops over the ocean -- it was an ad (supposedly in the name of art). From the "artist's" site: "The best advertising is developed with society. using [sic] a GPs [sic] and the express shipping company DhL [sic], i [sic] drew a self-portrait on our planet. i [sic] used the technological aids of our time to make the world's biggest drawing, along with advertising adapted to the contemporary era. a [sic] campaign the recipient wants to see and which is interesting enough for people to want to share it with their friends."Way to sell out, Erik. [Thanks, Chris]
QSTARZ intros "most powerful GPS receiver in the world"
Really, QSTARZ? You've actually had independent testers confirm that your BT-Q818 eXtreme is the most powerful GPS receiver on the entire planet? We're guessing not, but for what it's worth, the second incarnation of the BT-Q818 features 51-channel tracking, 32-hours of navigation time, -158dBm sensitivity, USB connectivity, built-in Bluetooth, adjustable 1 to 5Hz update rate and a 36-second signal acquisition time (when cold). Sounds pretty run-of-the-mill from here, but QSTARZ wouldn't fib about this thing's world ranking, now would it?[Via NaviGadget]
Globalsat shows off BT-368 GPS receiver
It doesn't seem that Globalsat has come out and officially announced the introduction of its BT-368, but sure enough, it made the trek to Vegas. Reportedly, this Bluetooth GPS receiver features an ultrathin design, 10 hours of battery life, a SiRFstarIII chipset and support for WAAS / EGNOS. Regrettably, we've no more information to share just yet, but feel free to tag the read link for one more angle.
u-blox kicks out 50-channel LEA-5 GPS module
It's been a hot minute since we've heard from u-blox, but the outfit definitely caught our attention thanks to a new 50-channel GPS receiver that "boasts an acquisition performance of less than one second" when combined with its AssistNow A-GPS service. These fifth-generation devices have been stuffed into the industry standard LEA form factor, which should make embedding them into a wide range of automotive, consumer and industrial applications a breeze. Moreover, it sports a -160 dBm acquisition and tracking sensitivity, operating temperature range of -40 to 85°C and a Flash EPROM that allows for easy firmware upgrades in the future. Currently, engineering samples of the 17- x 22-millimeter chips can be ordered for $119 apiece, but they don't look to be shipping (let alone finding their way into consumer devices) until January of next year.[Via NaviGadget]
Deluo stuffs GPS receiver into travel mouse
We've seen some pretty portable GPS receivers in our day, but Deluo's latest manages to perform double duty as a mousing device while still maintaining a small footprint. The MouseGPS sure isn't sexy, but it does boast all the basics and includes a retractable USB cable for good measure. Reportedly, users can just flip a switch on its underside to activate the internal GPS module, and just in case you're currently going without any type of mapping software, Deluo is offering the $99.95 critter up with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 for an extra $29.95 if you so choose. According to Amazon, expect this to ship "in four to six weeks."[Via SlipperyBrick]
Proporta's Freedom key ring GPS receiver stays out of sight, keeps you located
Sure, your phone has GPS capabilities, but who wants to carry around a receiver everywhere you go? Well, what if the receiver were tiny... and your key ring? That's exactly what Proporta is proposing (ha ha) with its latest "world's smallest" (the company's claim, certainly not ours) GPS receiver, the Freedom. The ultra-compact device does in fact function as a key fob, in addition to being a SiRF Star III-equipped receiver which can interface with whatever friendly device you happen to have nearby. The Freedom will last you nine hours on a single charge, connects with up to 20 satellites, and plays nice with Bluetooth devices, making your navigational world slightly more enjoyable. The little guy is available right now for €99.95, or $129.99.[Via theunwired]
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.
GlobalSat's BT-359C Bluetooth GPS receiver
GlobalSat, purveyors of fine GPS-related products such as a stylish GPS watch and the child-tracking, parent-worrying GPS "phone", has launched a new Bluetooth receiver sure to make your teeth chatter with excitement. The BT-359C is the latest and greatest the California-based company has on offer, featuring a SiRF Star III low-power chipset, Bluetooth 2.0, and a built-in ceramic patch antenna. The receiver can be coupled to PDAs, or laptops via its "Serial Port Profile", and provides faster acquisition times and improved accuracy in "urban canyons" (which we're pretty sure is fancy GPS-speak for "cities"). The BT-359C will be sold at AT&T retail locations, and is available now online for $159.99.
Freedom Input's Bluetooth GPS receiver hangs on your keychain
It's not like the Bluetooth GPS receiver market really needed another combatant, but for those who prefer carrying as much as of their life as possible on a key ring, this one's for you. Coming in at a minuscule 1.54- x 1.3- x 0.79-inches in size, this SiRF Star III-equipped device can connect simultaneously to up to 20 satellite channels, operate for ten hours on a single charge, sports a tracking sensitivity of 159 dBm, supports an external antenna, and purportedly plays nice with your BT-enabled device from up to ten meters away thanks to Bluetooth 2.0. Charging is handled by the included cigarette adapter or USB charger, and while we wouldn't be keen on losing a $99.99 receiver right along with our keys, this should prove quite convenient if you're the organized type.[Via NaviGadget]
Transystems intros solar-powered Bluetooth GPS receiver
There's no shortage of Bluetooth GPS receivers out there, but Taiwan's Transystems seems to think there's room for at least one more, hoping to sway would-be users in favor of its i-Blue757 unit by sweetening the deal with some added solar power action. Supposedly, the unit's battery will give you a full 26 hours of juice on its own, or up to 100 hours of use when backed up by the attached solar panel (in direct sunlight, of course), taking just three hours to refill after you've drained it. How much good all that staying power will do you when it's tied to your comparatively less long-lasting laptop or PDA is another matter. Apart from the sun soaking capabilities, the unit appears to be a fairly standard Bluetooth GPS receiver, with a 16 channel Nemerix GPS module at its core and weighing in at a relatively lightweight 3.7 ounces. Exactly when you might be able to get your hands on one, however, (or how much it'll cost) remains to be seen.[Via Shiny Shiny]
Japan gets PSP GPS, others can import
The plug-in GPS Receiver for PSP was released today in Japan and inevitably, has been made available to potential importers via Play-Asia ($68.70, includes shipping to US). Its usefulness is currently limited, as the navigation software (of Japan's roadways) has yet to be released; though Sega's constellation navigator is available.In addition, the device is compatible with Metal Gear Solid: Potable Ops, but limited GPS usage in the game doesn't exactly warrant the $70 splurge. The receiver will also be compatible with the next installment of Hot Shots Golf, which is due out early next year in Japan (as Minna no Golf-jou).
Gold Kiwi's toy car GPS receiver with Bluetooth
Sure, a GPS receiver designed for in-car use is far from unique, but an actual geo-locator disguised as a car is an entirely different animal. AVing was able to sneak a peek at a new SiRF Star III GPS receiver that throws a unique twist on your more vanilla alternatives. Apparently manufactured under a "Gold Kiwi" moniker, the tiny vehicle also sports Bluetooth capability, but a built-in sound system and handsfree support couldn't be verified. While we have our doubts about these undercover receivers wheeling their way to American shores, you might want to double-check the undercarriage of the next Hot Wheels toy you buy -- unless, of course, you don't mind the far-fetched possibility of bringing an unsolicited tracking device into your home.[Via NaviGadget]
