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Magellan updates Roadmate for iPhone with new interface and free 'lifetime' map updates
Magellan has pushed out a rather massive and free update to iPhone Roadmate users. The entire engine and user interface have been freshened up and greatly improved (to my taste, that is). Yelp! and Google search are included, and the app has added personalization features to the display, including arrival time, distance to destination, and your speed. The update is free for current users, and the USA version of RoadMate sells for US $34.99. The North American version is $54.99. In a quick test of the app I found it functioned smoothly, and I like the addition of lane assist and Google searching. One thing to note is that Magellan defines 'lifetime' updates for maps and traffic data as "the life of the product or 3 years, whichever is reached first, or until Magellan no longer receives relevant map and traffic data." That's not that long, but it's better than no updates at all. I've generally liked the Magellan iPhone product but still prefer the Navigon app for day to day driving. With Navigon about to be purchased by Garmin, I'll be keeping my eyes open to see how competition develops.
Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search
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?
Magellan's eXplorist Pro 10 does GIS data collection for $700, makes Google maps green with envy
It's been quite awhile since we last saw a GIS unit from Magellan, but the company is once again dipping its toes in the cold, clear waters of GPS data collection. Running Windows Mobile 6.5 (so it'll play nice with existing GIS data collection programs) and powered by dual AA disposables, the eXplorist Pro 10 has a three-inch 240 x 400 color transreflective display -- so on-screen site surveying is as easy in direct sunlight as it is in the dark of night. The device fears neither raincloud nor Super Soaker and comes with a 533 Mhz CPU, 128MB of RAM, 4GB of onboard memory, and room for more bits and bytes via microSD. A 3.2 megapixel camera, three-axis compass, pressure altimeter, and a barometer round out the geographic measurement gear, and a Bluetooth radio is included for connecting peripherals should the existing array of tools be insufficient for your mapmaking needs. On sale now for $699.99, the Pro 10 is aimed squarely at the pro crowd (shocking, we know), but Google's pretty much made casual cartography unnecessary, anyway. Press release is after the break.
Navigation app sales and Verizon friendliness
There's a flurry of GPS related news today, so let's get right on with it. First, one of our favorite nav apps, Navigon, is having a pretty big sale to celebrate its milestone of 2 million sales worldwide. If you've been lusting after a Navigon app, there's a 4-day, 50% off sale beginning today. Regional versions for the US are $14.99. The US-Canada app is $29.99. The USA-only version is $24.99. Current users can take advantage of the promotion as well, with prices for in-app purchases of Traffic Live, Panorama View 3D and Zagat Survey for MobileNavigator iPhone at 25 percent off. On the TomTom front, that excellent nav solution is on sale for $34.99 for the US version. The US-Canada app is $39.99. The sale has no end date. TomTom also notes that new iPhone users on Verizon will be seeing a "connect to GPS" warning when they start up. TomTom advises users to just hit continue, and all will be well. The glitch doesn't affect your navigation and will be fixed ASAP.
Magellan reveals Roadmate 9055 and Explorist 310 GPS units
Remember that Roadmate 9055 that popped up in the FCC's database back in September? Looks like Magellan's using CES to officially launch it. Listing for $299.99 here in the States, this monstrous 7-inch navigator packs a WVGA touchscreen, Bluetooth and a lifetime supply of free traffic updates. It's preloaded with maps of the 50 US states, Canada and Puerto Rico, not to mention six million points-of-interest, loads of content from the AAA Tourbook Guide (including Diamond ratings and descriptions for US and Canada), and a roadside assistance feature that provides your precise location in case you need to tell it to some fine man or woman on the other end of an emergency call. If you're more of an argonaut, the Explorist 310 handheld navigator is likely more your speed. This one's retailing for $199.99, and it includes a 2.2-inch color display, a rugged, waterproof enclosure, a SiRFstar III GPS chipset and a slew of features catering to the outdoor navigation market -- things like waypoint creation, a premium, preloaded World Edition map, active tracking, and track summary. There's also 500MB of user-accessible memory (for adding extra maps), and we're told that two AA batteries can power it for an astounding 18 hours. So, where's life planning to take you? %Gallery-112297%
Great GPS navigation deals for holiday travelers
As the holidays approach we're seeing some very tempting prices on navigation apps for the iPhone. Here are some deals worth considering if you've been waiting for price drops. My favorite app, from Navigon is on sale Black Friday only. The USA version drops to $29.99 from the regular $49.99. The MyRegion versions, giving you a choice of the US East or West Coast, or the central states drops $10.00 to $19.99. I've consistently recommended the Navigon app because of it's many features, excellent voice directions, and easy GUI. I'd also point our readers to the CoPilot Live app which is on sale this week only. The North American version, which contains maps of both the US and Canada is now $9.99. A high resolution version for the iPad is now on sale for $19.99. Those prices are 50% off the regular cost. If you'd like to see what CoPilot Live can do, watch this video demo. We've already reported that the Magellan Roadmate app is also on sale for $34.99 until December 1, so no more excuses and stop getting lost on those road trips.
Magellan updates RoadMate with free traffic and iOS 4 support
It was almost exactly a year ago that I reviewed the first version of the Magellan RoadMate app for the iPhone. Over the last several months the price has dropped, and features have been added. In the latest update of the app, released this week, RoadMate USA now fully supports multitasking and fast application switching. If you are listening to music, it fades it for voice announcements, and voice guidance continues if you switch to another app. There is also an option to pause audio, which is nice if you're listening to an audio book and the voice guidance needs to interrupt. More value from Magellan: traffic info is now free (with a catch, see below). You won't need an in-app purchase or any kind of subscription. I consider that a big plus if you commute in an urban area. The app also allows you to share your route or points of interest via email or with another Magellan user. In a test drive, everything functioned very well. The voice guidance is clear, and you can choose a male or female voice, as well as other languages. If you zoom out and are in 3D mode, you can see the terrain, which is a nice feature. In downtown areas of bigger cities, you get 3D renderings of major buildings. %Gallery-107896%
Magellan RoadMate GPS app updated for iOS 4, includes real-time traffic and multitasking
Magellan may not be the head honcho when it comes to standalone PNDs here in North America, but that's not stopping the outfit from keeping its iOS app up to snuff. With TomTom, Navigon and Garmin all introducing iOS 4-compatible apps over the past few months, Magellan has finally done likewise -- version 1.3 of the app now enables navigation to occur in the background, meaning that iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users will still hear turn-by-turn guidance while using another application. Better still, real-time traffic information is provided free of charge through NAVTEQ, alerting motorists to accidents, traffic flow and the nearest ice cream truck. If you've already sunk cash into this one, now's a solid time to check those updates -- otherwise, you can hit the source links for a trifecta of versions catering to various regions.
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?
Magellan busts out 510, 610 and 710 eXplorist outdoor GPS for all you... outdoors types
Magellan's just updated its eXplorist handheld outdoor GPS units. The 510, 610 and 710 (as they are called) all feature 3-inch, touchscreen displays, 3.2 megapixel, auto-focus cams, plus a microphone and speaker for recording notes along the way. They're also waterproof, and come pre-loaded with maps of the entire world. The 710 unit comes with the most detailed on and off-road maps of the series, and both the 610 and 710 feature 3-point compasses. The new eXplorist units are available now, and the 510 will run you $349.99, the 610 is $449.99, and the 710 is $549.99. Full press release is below.
Magellan's waterproof Toughcase wraps GPS module, extended battery around your iPhone
There are iPhone cases, and then there's Magellan's waterproof Toughcase. Priced at $199.99, it's actually just as expensive as a new iPhone 4 on contract, and double the price of an iPhone 3GS (which it actually houses). So, what does two Benjamins get you? Most would argue "not nearly enough," but argonauts may beg to differ. The case meets IPX-7 waterproof standards, enabling it to be submerged at a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes, and there's also an integrated 1,840mAh battery that's able to "double the life" of your iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS or second / third-generation iPod touch. Moreover, there's a built-in high sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS chipset for superior GPS reception, and nothing here prevents consumers from accessing the touchscreen. 'Course, the sex appeal of your iDevice goes right out of the window once you strap this monster on, and there's no official support for Apple's newest iPhone, but it's hard to knock the approach here.
Global Positioning Shocker: Magellan rolls out ten new RoadMates for Spring
Looks like Magellan isn't messing around with its new Spring lineup of RoadMate navigation units -- and by not messing around, we mean not changing things very much. Totaling ten units in all, the company's new lineup features models with 4.3-inch, 4.7-inch and 5-inch touchscreens, and seemingly similar specs across the board otherwise, with the biggest difference being the inclusion of lifetime maps, lifetime traffic, and Bluetooth on some models. Look for the whole lot to start trickling out to retail over the coming days and weeks, with about half of them already available on Amazon and directly from Magellan for between $169.99 and $299.99. [Thanks, Rich]
Magellan's new eXplorist GC for geocachers is far too easy to find
There's certainly plenty of GPS devices that are well-suited to geocachers, but Magellan is claiming that its new eXplorist GC is the very first such device that's been "designed exclusively for geocaching." That means you'll get loads of pre-loaded geocaches, a free 30-day premium membership to Geocaching.com (which the device links to), and even some merit-based awards that will let you boast about your geocaching skills. Of course, the device will also handle your other GPS needs, and includes all the usual features like waypoint creation, a worldwide basemap, and a trip odometer. Sadly, it won't be much of an adventure to find the device itself -- it'll be available from all the usual sources next month for $199.99.
Magellan Car Kit for iPhone nav apps coming soon to a car near you
After a dearth of car kits for iPhones and accompanying GPS navigation apps, manufacturers are starting to announce new kits on a regular basis. The latest news comes from Magellan, who will soon be introducing a new vehicle mount for the iPhone 3GS, 3G, and the second generation iPod touch. As with the Navigon and TomTom car kits, the US$129.99 Magellan Premium Car Kit includes a built-in GPS receiver for better accuracy. Other features include: Secure vehicle mounting for iPhone or iPod touch Accommodates most silicon skins and hard shell cases Adjustable mount securely rotates iPhone to either portrait or landscape mode for optimal positioning and widescreen route display Recharges battery via the vehicle power outlet Amplified speaker with volume control for loud and clear phone calls and directions Noise canceling microphone for full duplex speakerphone operation Auxiliary audio output (for connection to your car stereo) Bluetooth enables hands-free calling While designed for use with the Magellan RoadMate app [US$79.99 (sale price), iTunes Link], the Premium Car Kit works with any navigation app. I find the ability to accommodate hard shell cases to be one of the most compelling features, as many of the other car kits require a "naked" iPhone or iPod touch. The car kit is currently available for pre-order from Amazon.com, Best Buy, and MagellanGPS.com.
Magellan's GPS Car Kit for iPhone and iPod Touch: $130, coming next month
We heard earlier this month that Magellan was looking to one-up TomTom by outing an iPod touch / iPhone GPS car kit of its very own, but a few critical details were missing: namely, a price and a release date. Thanks to a new product listing on Amazon (capped after the break), we at least have a clue as to when this thing will be shipping stateside and for how much. If you'll recall, this one's compatible with the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod touch as well as the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and aside from providing a built-in speaker, charging capabilities and a noise-canceling handsfree speakerphone, it'll also work with any navigation or location-based app -- not just Magellan's own $79.99 RoadMate program. The unfortunate part here is that Magellan has somehow managed to produce a cradle that's actually more expensive that the ludicrously overpriced TomTom variant, but those willing to part with $129.99 can place their order now and look for a December 11th ship date. [Thanks, Mark]
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: GPS devices
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. Look, we all know "that guy / gal." The one that never seems to end up at a meeting place on time, who incidentally is the same one that always gets tied up at the local fuel station asking for "directions." We've always heard that true friends don't let friends drive sans a robotic navigator, and if your BFF is still traversing the highways without any sort of GPS device on board, it's time for that situation to be remedied. There's a whole slew of options out there, so we'll be breaking 'em down as best we can based on how much dough you're willing to spend. Whatever you decide, just make sure you get one with the maps of your own country; after all, you wouldn't want that special someone to end up like this guy, right? Read on!%Gallery-79787%
Magellan debuts GPS app / car kit for iPhone and iPod touch
Magellan's new iPhone navigation app won't do much for the iPod touch on its own, but it looks like the company's forthcoming Premium Car Kit will in fact work just fine with the handheld out of the box, unlike TomTom's similar Car Kit. Otherwise, there aren't exactly a ton of surprises, but the cradle is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of sleeves or cases, and it'll of course also charge your iPhone or iPod touch, and give it some amplified sound courtesy of the built-in speaker. The navigation app itself also seems to be more than ready to challenge the competition, with it boasting spoken street names, NAVTEQ maps, 3D landmarks, in-app music control, a pedestrian mode, and a price tag of $79.99. No word on a price or release date for the cradle just yet, but Magellan says it is "coming soon" -- iPhone users can get the app from the App Store right now. [Thanks, djphatjive]
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]
7-inch Magellan RoadMate 1700 slips out to retailers
Well, Magellan itself may not be saying much about it just yet, but it looks like company's new RoadMate 1700 nav unit is doing its best to make itself known, with it now showing up for order on at least a few retailer's websites. The big selling point with this one, as you might have surmised, is its spacious 7-inch widescreen display, which gets paired with a number of other features right in line with Magellan's other recent RoadMate offerings. That includes complete maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, built-in AAA TourBook listings, six million points of interest, text-to-speech, and a microSD card slot for expansion, among other standard fare. No firm word on a release date, but Best Buy is estimating availability between September 14th and 21st, and currently has it listed for $299.99.[Via GPS Review]
Magellan Maestro 4700 available for pre-order, hits the street July 15
We know you all have been eagerly awaiting the good word on that new Magellan GPS ever since it came to our attention (via some cat's diligent FCC carousing) at the end of May. According to an announcement dropped this morning, the Maestro 4700 should be making the scene on July 15 for an MSRP of $299. Among the features sure to thrill and titillate one who is lucky enough to purchase this guy: OneTouch favorites, hands-free Bluetooth calling (with your compatible cellphone), a predictive traffic mode that analyzes past traffic patterns and suggests alternate routes, both standard POI and AAA TourBook databases, "Find Your Car" with pedestrian mode, 3D Landmarks while driving, and our personal favorite -- QuickSpell with Smart City Search. Including a windshield mount and cradle, power adapter, USB cable, and a carrying case, this guy is available for pre-order now. Full PR after the break.
