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TomTom Go Live 1000 plus future Magellan units hit FCC
Surprise surprise, the Webkit interface-packing TomTom Go Live 1000 just hit European shelves earlier this month and now it's popped up at the FCC complete with a user manual and a posse of mysterious brethren dubbed the GO 1000, GO 7100 and GO LIVE 9100. Clearly the lack of Live in two of the titles implies they won't feature TomTom's real-time traffic updates, but it's still unclear how any will compare to the Go Live 1000's 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen and 500MHz ARM11 processor hardware-- which we experienced mixed results using during our early hands on with a prototype. Two new Magellan models listed as the RoadMate 9020 and 9055 also have surfaced with very few details, however considering their high model numbers we're guessing they'll be top of the line devices. Looking at the ruler in the included 9055 photos does roughly hint it has a 5-inch screen though -- exciting, we know. There's also no mention in any of the documentation about new systems to prevent dumb couples from off-roading in the Oregon wilderness. So much for safety in new technology eh?
TomTom rolls out Urban Rider motorcycle GPS
We didn't get a glimpse of this one when we checked out TomTom's new Go Live 1000 navigation unit earlier today, but the company has also just introduced a new GPS device for motorcycle enthusiasts: the Urban Rider. This one sticks fairly close to the company's previous RIDER units, but apparently simplifies even further with a revised interface designed to allow easier operation with gloved hands -- yeah, you can bet this screen is resistive. Otherwise, you can expect features like TomTom's IQ Routes and Map Share, along with advanced lane guidance, and a promised six hours of use from the battery -- that larger battery comes at the expense of an SD card slot this time around, though. No word on a release over here just yet, but this one will be available in Europe next month for €249 (or about $330).
TomTom rolls out Start 2, XL IQ Routes edition 2 nav units for the UK
TomTom's already announced some new lifetime map and traffic options for its navigation units in the US today, and it's now followed that up with a pair of new nav units in the UK. That includes the 3.5-inch Start 2 (pictured after the break) and 4.3-inch XL IQ Routes edition 2 (above), both of which support TomTom's IQ Routes technology, along with RDS-TMC traffic data, and the usual features like spoken street names and advanced lane guidance. The Start 2 model also mixes things up a bit with some interchangeable StartSkins covers, which are sold separately for £14.99 (or $22) apiece. Look for both to be available next month, with the Start 2 running £119 (or $180) and the XL IQ Routes edition 2 setting you back £139 in the UK and Ireland and £159 in Western Europe ($210 and $240, respectively).
Magellan SE4 navigation unit turns up at Best Buy
Well, Magellan doesn't seem to be doing much talking about this one itself just yet, but Best Buy has a fresh listing for a new SE4 nav unit from the company, and it seems to be available right now. Better still, Best Buy also looks to have knocked a full $60 off the MSRP right of the bat, bringing it down to just $119.99. That'll get you a 4.3-inch touchscreen, NAVTEQ maps of the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, six million POIs, and text-to-speech and turn-by-turn voice prompts, but seemingly few other notable features to speak of -- not even so much as a memory card slot or MP3 playback, if Best Buy's listed specs are right. [Via GPS Review]
Upcoming Garmin nvi spotted on FCC site
Well, well, well; that chatty little birdy over at the FCC came buzzing by our offices once again today, and let us know that Garmin's got a new nüvi GPS device / multimedia player in the pipeline. Because Garmin double pinky swore the FCC birdy to secrecy, all that's known at this point is that the new model will be part of the 6xx series (the 660, perhaps?), and that it contains both a Bluetooth radio and FM transmitter. So in other words, we pretty much know nothing at all. Still, we can tell by the pictures (of the back of the device -- thanks a lot, Garmin) that the upcoming nüvi retains the same form factor as the older models, so we're expecting either a souped up 360 or a same-speced model at a lower price point. Oh, and if anyone cares to go through the 43-page testing documentation to dig for more details (good luck with that), please be our guests; just remember to come back and report your findings in the comments section, as we and your fellow readers will be eternally grateful.Update: That was certainly a slap in the face; Garmin won't tell us jack about the 660, but it has no problem spilling the beans to e-tailer buy.com. Thanks to eagle-eyed reader AMtech, we now know that the nuvi 660 will feature a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixel display (compared to the 360's 3.5-inch QVGA screen) and come bundled with either the GTM 20 or GTM 21 traffic receiver (optional on the 360). Oddly enough, though -- at least if buy.com's got the accurate specs -- the 660 will only sport 700MB of internal storage, quite a drop from the 2GB preloaded on a 360 ( you can still upgrade via SD, however). Oh, and if you were hoping for a price break, keep dreaming: buy's got this one listed at an even $1,000.
Garmin nvi 360 reviewed
If you're looking for a nav unit that has a dash of everything and no major digs (aside from the price), the Garmin nüvi 360 just might do the trick. Although the nüvi lineup has been a tad expensive from the get-go, it packs a lot of desirable traits into a portable package, and PC Mag has slapped their Editor's Choice tag on Garmin's latest unit. While not drastically different than the well-received nüvi 350, the 360 was given a pat on the back for the inclusion of Bluetooth and the ability to double as a speakerphone. While the built-in maps, excellent 3.5-inch LCD screen, intuitive GUI features, and pocket-sized design were briefly praised, the bulk of the critique was spent on the most noticeable upgrade. Reviewers raved over the ability to call a restaurant or landmark via Bluetooth with just the press of an on-screen button, and felt that the the only shortfall in the wireless integration was the slightly poor voice quality while speaking from a distance. Adding even more pizazz, the nüvi 360 switches from navigating to a caller ID screen when it detects an incoming call so you can see if potentially veering off course is worth burning those precious peak minutes. Aside from a few minor software nuisances, PC Mag couldn't find any reason to dislike the NAV, and although this isn't the cheapest tour guide on the block at about $900, the Bluetooth integration on an already solid unit could make for some pretty happy campers.
