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DokiWatch lets kids make video calls and share their location
A cellular watch that can make video calls? You won't find many of them because smartphones are so much better at doing that, but we've probably all longed for this seemingly futuristic concept when we were young (just as our own James Trew confessed in his Neptune Pine review). Thanks to the folks over at Doki Technologies, kids these days will get to realize this dream. The DokiWatch is a rugged Android smartwatch with a 1.22-inch touchscreen, and it packs all the essentials for keeping an eye on a child: It comes with 3G radio (1900/2100 MHz; works on AT&T and T-Mobile) plus a Micro SIM slot, as well as location tracking (using GPS, WiFi and cellular signal), an SOS button and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera -- the part which makes it stand out from the other kids smartwatches.
T-Mobile updates FamilyWhere location tracking service for worrisome parents
It was never intended as such, but The Rolling Stones' song Under My Thumb could easily pass as the anthem of overbearing parents across the globe. Now, T-Mobile is tossing its paranoid constituents a bone with an updated version of its FamilyWhere lineup. First onto the platform is FamilyWhere Check In, a free app that lets kids manually send their location to family members, which is delivered as a web link within a text message. The carrier's more robust application, known as FamilyWhere Locate, is a $10/mo subscription service that automatically provides location tracking for up to ten devices. Here, doting parents (and untrusting spouses) can keep tabs on their family via a web browser or the FamilyWhere app, and may choose to have regular location updates delivered via SMS or email. Now all you have to do is slap DriveSmart onto your kids' phones, and they're certain to resent you forever.
T-Mobile intros DriveSmart Plus service to block texting while driving, FamilyWhere to track down your kids
The texting-while-driving epidemic is starting to get a lot of carrier attention, and T-Mobile's taking it to the next level today by throwing its weight behind a new subscription-based upgrade to the DriveSmart app that's been available on the LG Optimus T since launch. DriveSmart Plus runs $4.99 a month for all lines on your account (provided the lines are attached to compatible devices) and upgrades the basic DriveSmart app by automatically detecting when your car's in motion -- no need to enable it by hand -- at which point incoming calls are automatically sent to voicemail and incoming text messages are met with an automatic response that the recipient is currently driving. Naturally, there's an emergency override built-in -- but to make sure young drivers aren't abusing it, DriveSmart offers parents the option of being contacted by text or email when it's overridden and can let them monitor overall phone usage through a web interface. The service is only available on the Optimus T initially, but more hardware support is "coming soon." On a related note, T-Mobile is also introducing FamilyWhere, matching similar services already offered by Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint by letting parents see where their young'uns are and set up customized alerts by location and time; it's apparently compatible with "nearly any type" of phone on the T-Mobile network, so you shouldn't need to equip the tykes with superphones just to get this action set up. It runs $9.99 a month and covers all the lines on your account; follow the break for both press releases.
AT&T rolls out FamilyMap locator service for protective parents, bummed kids
Following its competitors down the path of familial omniscience, AT&T has rolled out its aptly-named FamilyMap service for tracking signed-up phones from afar. Interestingly, any AT&T phone is supported -- if you're looking to track one that doesn't have GPS / AGPS, it simply falls back to less-accurate techniques like tower triangulation, which is better than nothing. Besides simply scouting your kiddies (or spouse, or whomever else agrees to your oversight) on a map, you can do cooler things like set up automatic emails or text messages to get location updates, track a swiped phone, and more. Sadly, your ability to spy is limited by the fact that AT&T periodically sends tracked phones text messages reminding them they've got Big Brother on their tail, but it's better than nothing. The first 30 days are free to try, then you're looking at $9.99 a month for up to two phones or $14.99 for up to five. [Via Boy Genius Report]
First Look: NMobile for iPhone
If you find yourself running into police speed traps often, then you might want to give a new iPhone app a try. NMobile [iTunes link] allows you to locate speed traps, red light cameras, and radar locations. All of these speed detection devices are mapped out on a Microsoft Live map -- this is one of the first native uses of Microsoft Live Maps on the iPhone. If you are using this application with the iPhone 3G, then you will have the ability to use your GPS location in conjunction with the tracking service from Njection. In "Browse Mode," you can check your area for speed traps, red light cameras, and radar devices. The speed trap locations are submitted by users, and can be submitted through the application (or on Njection's website). Red light cameras and radar locations are also submitted by users, and verified for accuracy by the developers. Speed trap locations are only verified by users. In addition to browsing for speed traps, you can also be alerted audibly of upcoming traps -- you can find this under "Alert Mode." In this mode, NMobile will tell you when you are approaching a trap, you will also see how many miles ahead the trap is. Bottom line: this application is solid, but I would like to see a couple features added. For one, you can't get directions in this application like you can in the default Maps app on the iPhone. It would be nice if you could plan a route, and see the speed traps along the way. If you're using this application on a first generation iPhone, you might not get the best experience; however, this can't really be blamed on NMobile; the location data on the GPS-less phones isn't specific enough. You should exercise care and caution while using this application on the road. This application is just a little pricey at $9.99, and is now available on the iTunes App Store. %Gallery-36948%
GPS-equipped Car Camera Voyager Pro logs fender benders
Sure, these in-car crash loggers are a dime a dozen these days, but Brickhouse Security is pushing its Car Camera Voyager Pro as better than those ho hum alternatives thanks to the inclusion of GPS. As with most of its highly functional rivals, this one also packs a G-sensor that detects when a vehicle has been slammed into, bumped or otherwise rocked in an unorthodox manner; after that, it captures the 10 seconds immediately prior to and the 30 seconds immediately following the incident. Of course, you'll also be able to pinpoint your exact location thanks to the corresponding GPS information, which could certainly help you out when hunting down CCTV footage of the nut-job who rammed your whip and wheeled off to Wendy's as if nothing happened. Hand over $449.95 now and expect it to arrive later next week.[Thanks, Frank]
Where Is HD? integrates VOD into listings
Not too much to say beyond the title, but everyone's favorite high-def lister has now begun to integrate video-on-demand offerings into the lineups. It should be noted that VOD listings aren't totally implemented just yet, so if you see a few holes in your own carrier's list, rest assured that plugs are on the way.
Where Is HD? adds HD-ready channels to listings
Your favorite HD locator has been updated yet again, barely a week after colored genres and printouts appeared. This time, the refresh brings in HD-ready channels, which are networks that do not currently produce any bona fide HD content, yet are apt to make the switch in short order. For example, here in the frigid town of Barrow, Alaska, we see that 5 StarMAX and Independent Film Channel HD are both being included for the 99723 zip code as HD-ready. On a related note, a listing of HD News is now available for those fervently checking their listings on a daily basis.
Where Is HD? adds colored genres, printable listings
Yeah, we're still not thrilled that Where is HD? lists TBS HD, TNT HD and other stretch-o-vision networks as broadcasting 100-percent high-def material, but aside from a few minor gripes, it's still a fairly useful service. Recently, the HD locator tool has added in colors to differentiate between genres (locals, sports and movies currently), and just in case you feel like printing your listing out and posting it up for grandma to peek when she house-sits, there's an option for that as well. Now, if only we actually had a domicile in 96740...
DirecTV relies on Where Is HD? data for quantity comparisons
We're not entirely sure how long this has been going on, but on DirecTV's "Stomps the Competition" page, it relies on data from Where Is HD? in order to stack cable providers up against itself and DISH Network. In reality, there's no question that DTV currently holds the crown as the provider of the most HD in America, but given the pool of complaints from commenters about the accuracy of Where Is HD?, we're curious to know if the figure shown is just an average of zip codes sampled or something else. Overall, it's a petty matter -- after all, 55 HD channels on cable is a heck of a lot more than a huge chunk of cable users get today, so it's not like DirecTV is giving coax an unfair rub. Check the full spread below.[Thanks, Cody] %Gallery-19843%
Where Is HD? lays out your options when selecting a provider
There's really no other way to say it: Where Is HD? is one of the -- if not the -- most incredibly tool to date for folks yearning to see if they've made the best choice for an HD provider. Early last month, we laid out the basics for you to digest, but the Where Is HD? website takes things one step further by enabling you to input your zip code and browse through the various providers available to you. Best of all, it not only includes cable and satellite carriers, but OTA options and fiber operators as well. Heck, there's even a percentage listing to tell you how much content on each channel is actually being aired in high-def. Eager to see what's readily available in your neck of the woods? Tag the read link below and eat your heart out.
British army gets new target acquisition system, enemies cower
Not only is the British army hoping to make tanks and troops invisible to the naked eye, but it'll soon be honing in on targets way before the mind would normally allow. In a $58.8 million deal, Thales UK has been selected to supply the troops with new Surveillance System and Range Finder (SSARF) technologies, which will reportedly "enable quick identification of enemy locations along with the ability to determine the best mortar or artillery firepower the situation on the ground requires." Best of all, the handheld system will feature integrated GPS, thermal imaging and a five kilometer range, but unfortunately, it won't be giving any Britons in the field an edge until 2009.[Via MOD]
Zoombak's pet, automobile locators officially launch
It's been a tick since Zoombak's pet locator snuck into the FCC's database, but the time has finally come for the unit to go commercial. The outfit has at long last launched its A-GPS-based locator that can be used in both automotive and pet applications to find your favorite critter anytime of the day or locate your rebellious youngin' who decided to take the family minivan for an extended Sunday drive. Owners of the device can create "safety zones" around particular locations and can be alerted via e-mail / SMS whenever something goes awry. As for pricing, you'll be looking at $199 to keep an extra close eye on Fido or $249 for your vehicle, but don't forget to factor in the $9.99 monthly service fee for "unlimited locating."
Google unveils GPS-less handset locator technology
If your smartphone came with a built-in GPS receiver, you can choose to just overlook Google's latest technology, but if your mobile is among the 85-percent (or so) out there lacking an integrated GPS module, listen up. The search giant has revealed new software (dubbed My Location) that enables non-GPS-equipped phones to be pinpointed within three miles of their actual location. Google is claiming that it can provide "neighborhood-level" data, and that pressing "0" while in the app will enable users to skip the task of entering in a starting address when looking up directions. Notably, the system is not set up to collect phone numbers or any other personal details, and for those still paranoid, it can indeed be switched off. Currently, the tracking database still has a few gaps to be filled -- namely locales in Europe and all of China / Japan -- but Google could very well use the location data to eventually provide targeted ads to those who use it.[Image courtesy of TracyAndMatt, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T launches iPhone store finder for the planners
We know the pencil pushers, er, Excel gurus out there are already crunching numbers, mapping out routes, calculating the opportunity risk in ditching work entirely on Friday, and figuring if you'd rather wait for the next iteration, so here's one more asset to help you wrap your mind around an attack plan. AT&T's "Find a Store" feature now boasts a selection that enables users to find retail outlets nearby that will definitively stock iPhones, meaning that your strategy of misguiding your local "friends" to an empty store is likely to backfire. Additionally, an anonymous tipster has noted that current Cingular / AT&T customers who aren't yet eligible for a new contract can still purchase an iPhone, but it sounds like an extension to their current contract will be tacked if this does prove true. Enough chatter -- now, get back to your scheming.[Thanks, Anonymous, image courtesy of Seattle Post-Intelligencer]
Zoombak's Pet Locator hits the FCC
We'll admit, Zoombak's a bit late the Fido tracking game, but we're sure that pet owners won't complain about a bit more competition in the pet location biz. According to documentation at the FCC, this here device is most effective on animals that weight 15 pounds or more, and essentially consists of a wireless transceiver and Li-ion cell wrapped within a semi-rugged, water resistant enclosure. The 73-gram box straps around your pet's neck and purportedly communicates with a variety of GSM bands in order to keep you notified about your animal's location. Unfortunately, details surrounding the actual operation of the device is still scant, but it shouldn't be too long now before Zoombak is cleared to offer these up for (straying) pet lovers everywhere.[Thanks, Rich]
Dandella handheld GPS devices simplify navigation
The methods available to track your youngsters are growing by the week it seems, but for those looking to acquire a less voyeuristic (and likely more effective) way of tracking down your wandering kids, Dandella's for you. Taking home the gold at the International Design Competition Osaka, the dandelion-inspired GPS sticks come with a flower pot vase that syncs with your computer in order to select a "home" point in which the device continually seeks to be near. Designers Yong-kai Tan and Priscilla Lui's invention was spurned by the need to "simply find someone" if you get detached in a busy theme park or office building, and if each stick is programmed to find one another, even a child should be able to walk in the direction that the flexible, LED lit tip points. Additionally, it packs built-in Bluetooth in order to sync with mobile devices or other wireless computers, and gets powered by an integrated Li-ion battery. Now, how in the world do we choose just one location? Decisions, decisions.[Via PopGadget]
Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services
It's quite possible that you're at least somewhat familiar with Skyhook's ability to use WiFi in order to track down various objects, and while you've likely become desensitized to SiRF after seeing it in just about every GPS / NAV device ever produced, the two are teaming up to deliver a GPS / WiFi hybrid module for wireless carriers. Skyhook's WiFi Positioning System (WPS) will be getting a boost after inking a deal to get inside SiRF's Multimode Location Platform, which "promises to boost the availability and adoption of location-based services." The new duo will join ACCESS (among the throngs of others) at 3GSM next week in order to showcase the new technology, which is slated to provide a new level of accuracy by giving handsets the ability to find your way with two tracking protocols. Additionally, the inclusion of WiFi is said to help lock onto an initial signal much quicker than a typical standalone GPS receiver can, and if all goes as planned, we could see the hybrid technology alive and well in SiRF's Star III series of chipsets "later this year."[Via GigaOM]
KLIC launches KP-100 terrestrial-based personal locator
If you're not exactly keen on breaking your cellphone contract in order to pick up a new geo-tracking edition, or you're looking for a streamlined method to easily cover every footstep of your mischievous child (or your elderly grandparents), KLIC has your answer. Korea Location Information & Communications has announced the "world's first" terrestrial-based personal location detection device in the KP-100, which operates on a fee-based "my Pol" service rather than GPS. Aside from charging the user a monthly fee for the tracking capabilities, it also boasts the ability to work inside of solid metal buildings and in the trenches of Kalamazoo (or other places GPS has difficultly connecting), and with the simple press of the clever "SOS" button, a user-determined individual will be alerted to the carrier's location "within one meter." Furthermore, the device is designed to be charged with a common cellphone adapter, and can run for around four days without a recharge. Currently, the KP-100 will run you around 160,000KRW ($170) up front, with the monthly tracking services ringing up at 9,000KRW ($9.56), but KLIC plans on introducing smaller, more functional (think MP3 player) devices in the near future.[Via AVing
Fujitsu unveils GPS receiver with integrated RFID tag
While we've got both GPS receivers and RFID tags handling very important duties around the world, Fujitsu has gone and unveiled a GPS unit with built-in RFID capabilities to provide the best of both worlds. The Tag Locator V2 sports the locating abilities we've come to know and love, promising accurate longitude / latitude measurements between "three and five meters, and bundles in an active RFID tag that operates on the 429MHz frequency band. Once the GPS receiver beams out the location data, the device then communicates the RFID information via "a unique ID," and can purportedly channel its data to any reader within 200 meters. Designed primarily to provide constant streams of precise data in airports, garages, and other locales that manage a plethora of equipment / vehicles (or lucrative PS3 boxes), the units should hit shipyards soon at ¥20,000 ($169) a pop.[Via RFID in Japan]
