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Magellan launches Maestro 3000 lineup of GPS handhelds
There always seemed to be an inexplicable void between the Maestro 2000 and 4000 series, but now Magellan has finally filled that gap with the launch of the first two units in the 3000 lineup. Holding down the low-end, the 3100 navigation device sports a 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, SiRF Star III chipset, QuickSpell, turn-by-turn guidance, SmartDetour technology, over 750,000 POIs, and a three-hour battery life as well. Upping the ante a bit is the 3140, which mimics the aforementioned unit in most areas, but adds a few more niceties such as Bluetooth, text-to-speech, AAA TourBook information, handsfree calling, and an expanded map selection. Of course, there's nothing here to get overly excited about, but if something does manage to catch your fancy, you can snap up the 3100 later this month for $299.99, while the higher-end 3140 will hit in May for an extra Benjamin.[Thanks, Alloy]
Clifford's Scout 355B personal navigator
Following the oh-so-soft steps of its highly elusive Scout 420 brethren, the forthcoming Scout 355B is taking the quiet approach to bursting on the (admittedly crowded) 3.5-inch GPS scene. According to NaviGadget, the newfangled navigator has just been spotted in FCC filings, and looks to be a fairly respectable run-of-the-mill GPS with its built-in MP3 player, 266MHz Samsung S3C2410 processor, SiRF Star III receiver, and removable Li-ion battery. Additionally, the unit will boast NAVTEQ maps, a QVGA touchscreen, photo viewer, SD card slot, handsfree calling via Bluetooth, and will be powered by Windows CE .NET 4.2. As expected, there's no hints as to when the 355B will be headed to store shelves, but it will reportedly cost around three Benjamins whenever it does.[Via MobileWhack]
Prober P360 GPS / PMP handheld does it all
These fanciful all-in-one devices just don't seem to come Europe or North America's way very often, and unfortunately for most, Prober's P360 doesn't seem to be breaking that mold anytime soon. Packing a respectable mix of multimedia and GPS capabilities, this pocket-friendly device packs a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, 400MHz Samsung S3C2440A processor, 64MB of NAND Flash ROM, 64MB of SDRAM, WinCE 4.2 runnin' the show, a SiRF Star III chipset, and a built-in speaker to boot. Furthermore, you'll find a dual-mode map for wrapping your brain around POI locations, voice guidance, a rechargeable five-hour Li-ion battery, SD card slot, USB 1.1, wired remote / headphones, audio out, and the ability to play back WMV, WMA, and WAV files on the AV front, while handling a bevy of snapshot formats and even boasting a text viewer. Unfortunately, we've no idea how much the P360 will run folks who are lucky enough to acquire it in four to six weeks, but just know that most of the world will probably envy you.[Via NaviGadget]
Magellan preps Maestro 4000, 4040, and 4050 GPS units for release
Magellan's been known to toss out GPS units three at a time before, and while the company hasn't come forward yet about its presumably forthcoming trio of navigation devices, we've got the skinny anyway. All three Maestro units will sport a 4.3-inch WQVGA touchscreen display, SiRF Star III chipset, and an in-car mounting kit, but the similarities basically end there. On the low-end, you'll find NAVTEQ maps for the 48 contiguous United States, QuickSpell, 1.6 million POIs, and a rechargeable battery with around three hours of juice. The 4040 steps it up by adding more detailed map coverage, 4.5 million POIs, text-to-speech / Bluetooth capabilities, and by playing nice with the real-time traffic add-on service. The flagship unit boasts all the capabilities of its lesser siblings, but also adds traffic functions right out of the box as well as voice recognition software. The Maestro 4000 / 4040 are each slated to land in "early April" for $449.99 / $599.99, respectively, while the high-end 4050 will demand a somewhat steep $799.99 for its niceties when it arrives in May.Read - Magellan Maestro 4000Read - Magellan Maestro 4040Read - Magellan Maestro 4050[Via GPSGazette]
Mainnav kicks out Bluetooth-enabled MW-705 GPS watch
GPS watches certainly aren't new 'round these parts, but a timepiece that sticks up around 1.1-inches off your arm has to set some sort of unwanted record. Hot on the heels of the company's MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver, Mainnav is offering up a GPS wristwatch with built-in Bluetooth and a SiRF Star III LP chip that could probably double as a weapon in a fistfight. Aside from sporting an unnaturally large design, the Taiwanese device can track your current position, operate as a standalone GPS receiver, and also handle heart-rate monitoring, speed and distance tracking, and sense the temperature whilst frolicking in the great outdoors. Unsurprisingly, this beast can handle underwater excursions without a hitch, and the built-in Li-ion cell should keep things humming along for a good bit before needing a recharge. As of now, it doesn't look like Europe nor the US will ever see the behemoth on their shelves, which seems fairly smart considering the fashion sense most of western civilization holds dear.[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]
Mio's WiFi-less A501 GPS smartphone in pictures
While rumors of Mio cranking out a new duo of GPS handhelds had already been circulating, the company made good on offering up a slightly less-spec'd sibling to its A701 handset, and now we've got the pictures to prove it. Boasting a fairly chunky enclosure but lacking an notched antenna, the A501 packs a TI OMAP processor, 1GB of storage, 64MB of system RAM, a 2.7-inch QVGA touchscreen display, quad-band connectivity, and Bluetooth 2.0 (sorry, no WiFi). Additionally, you'll find the older rendition of Windows Mobile, the obligatory SiRF III GPS chipset, a 1.3-megapixel camera, SD / MMC expansion slots, and a removable Li-ion battery to boot. No word on price or future availability just yet, but if it's pictures your after, be sure to click on through for a few more teasers, and hit the read link for the full set.[Via NaviGadget]
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]
Mainnav MG-920 Bluetooth GPS receiver touts FM transmitter
Cramming superfluous (or useful) extras into GPS receivers definitely isn't new, but Mainnav's trying to go out a bit further on that limb by adding an interesting feature that could actually be put to good use in the right situation. While most of you probably carry an all-in-one NAV with a built-in GPS receiver, the MG-920 is designed to connect to Bluetooth navigation systems that need a little help syncing with satellites, and although the SiRF Star III LP chip and rechargeable Li-ion cell are entirely average, the bottom-mounted FM transmitter allows a turn-by-turn instructor to be channeled to one's FM radio. Once the device syncs with a navigation unit, the audio is then piped to the Mainnav via a 3.5-millimeter audio cable, and if you're actually in one of those remote areas where an FM transmitter can broadcast something other than fuzz, you're good to go. Per usual, there's no word on pricing or availability just yet, but judging by the surface, it seems like this thing requires a few too many connections to make the consolidation freaks happy anyway.[Via NaviGadget]
Wonde Proud's Bluetooth GPS receiver touts unreal battery life
Alright, so maybe "unrealistic" is more like it, but regardless, we highly doubt the latest Bluetooth GPS device from Taiwan's own Wonde Proud can actually live up to its lofty claims. Of course, the GPS-BT760 could indeed be using some early prototype form of EEStor's sensational battery, but considering the company itself proclaims the built-in battery is of the 2400mA/h Li-ion variety, we're a bit miffed. Aside from claiming up to "55 hours of continuous use" on a single charge, the unit is fairly ho hum, and sports a SiRF Star III receiver, -159dBm sensitivity, four hour recharge rate, four LEDs to indicate status, and a "non-slip back pad" for chilling on your dash. Nah, there's no pricing -- or more importantly, actual availability -- information just yet on this one, but if someone manages to scoop one and has just over two full days to prove or disprove a claim, let us in on the results.
Haicom's HI-505SD Bluetooth-enabled GPS SDIO receiver
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get GPS (and Bluetooth) onto your PDA, handset, or other SD-slotted handheld, there's not exactly a smorgasbord of offerings out there to choose from if you're not willing to sacrifice your flash-based storage, but Haicom's latest takes care of all those dilemmas in one fell swoop. The HI-505SD plugs directly into your device's SD slot and utilizes its battery in order to power up the SiRF Star III GPS receiver and Bluetooth antenna, but rather than whining about your sudden loss of storage, this SDIO adapter offers up a miniSD slot to cram a few extra gigabytes back into your machine. Interestingly, Haicom also sells a bevy of attachment cables in order to use this device directly from a power source, but we envision this slightly unsightly device spending most of its time docked in your Treo. Unfortunately, there's an absence of details regarding price and future availability, but we're sure these will be available for import sooner rather than later.[Via NaviGadget]
Meister unveils DMB-equipped Mando Wholsee MWN-7200D GPS
Joining the growing list of DMB-enabled GPS units hitting South Korea, the Mando Wholesee MWN-7200D is checking in with a rather large screen and a few electroluminescent keys, too. Demanding your full attention is a Samsung seven-inch WQVGA touchscreen LCD, and beneath the relatively thin 0.78-inch frame is a SiRF Star III receiver, DMB tuner, 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of Flash NAND, and Windows CE 5.0 runnin' the show. You'll also find an SD card slot, audio output, AV input, USB connectivity, MP3 playback, image / text viewer, PIP support, and maps provided by Mando and Soft's GiNi. Per usual, we've no idea how much this fairly well-featured device will be selling for when it hits the streets of Seoul, but we sincerely hope its owners focus more on the turn-by-turn guidance and less on whatever television show is running on the side when navigating their routes.[Via MobileWhack]
Asus joins the crowded portable GPS market with S102
Taking a saturated market and cramming yet another alternative in it is Asus, as its "first entry into the portable GPS market" looks to be yet another mundane offering with little to differentiate it. The S102 touts an internal antenna, SiRF Star III receiver, and "advanced natural voice technology" so those turn-by-turn instructions sound eerily lifelike. Other features include a 3.5-inch 320 x 240 resolution touchscreen, handwriting / voice recognition capabilities, 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of Flash ROM, SD slot, external antenna jack, MP3 playback support, photo viewer, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery that should be good for about four hours. Although Asus was kind enough to belt out the specs, it left us hanging in regard to price or future availability, but we're sure it'll fit right in with all the others whenever it lands.[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]
Asus revamps GPS-PDA offerings, kicks out A686 / A696
With the overall PDA market slowly dwindling into oblivion, Asus is attempting to keep the PDA kickin' for just a bit longer, and the company's latest duo actually isn't half bad considering the GPS functions and relatively slim enclosure. The A686 / A696 units ditch the MyPal moniker from days past, and rather than adding that bulky GPS antenna the side, Asus has bumped up the style points by crafting a stainless steel frame with a non-protruding GPS antenna. Both units pack Windows Mobile 5.0, 802.11b/g, a SiRF Star III receiver, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 64MB of SDRAM, 3.5-inch 320 x 240 resolution touchscreen, integrated speakers / microphone, audio recording capability, rechargeable battery, and it comes in at just 1.57-centimeters thick. The A686 is powered by an Intel XScale 312MHz processor with 128MB of Flash ROM, while the A696 picks up a 416MHz CPU and double the Flash ROM, and both units should be making their way onto store shelves soon for currently undisclosed prices.[Via MobileTechReview]
Globalsat kicks out GH-615 GPS watch / receiver
For those who take comfort in wearing a GPS module wherever they go, or for runners and athletes who incorporate GPS technology to fine tune their workout, Globalsat is expanding its GPS lineup by tossing out the GH-615 wristwatch. Although details are a bit scarce, the black timepiece houses a SiRF Star III GPS antenna, supports WAAS / EGNOS, and offers up tracking, positioning, and time alert functions. Furthermore, the watch can be connected via USB to double as a GPS receiver for laptops and other mapping applications, and it's pre-programmed to record the user's route by marking and saving tracking points as you go. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but if you're in a rush get GPS on your wrist, there's a plethora of worthwhile alternatives just waiting to get strapped on.[Via GPSGazette, thanks Dimitris]
PDC's Guide Dog gets real, loses parking and Bluetooth
Sure, we don't mind the impossible happening every once in awhile, but as with our favorite flavor of vaporware, if it sounds too sensational to be realistic, it (almost) always is. PDC hasn't quite pulled a no-show like the lapboard, but the firm's handheld conglomerate most certainly isn't everything it claimed it would be. NaviGadget caught up to PDC while at CES and got some first looks at the Guide Dog, which is now referred to as the PDC-668C, and while it does pack a SiRF Star III receiver, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD, directional pad, two pre-loaded games, adjustable backlight / volume controls, PAPAGO R12 navigation software, and SD / MMC / PSd memory slots, this Windows CE 5.0-powered navigator (unsurprisingly) lacks the far-fetched parking sensor and Bluetooth capabilities it previously boasted about. Moreover, it's grown quite a bit since its puppy days, garnered a coat of glossy white, and picked up a "suggested price of around $450 to $500," but the firm is still looking for a North American distributor to get these things moving.
Clarion unveils N.I.C.E. 430 navigation system / PMP
Although Clarion's N.I.C.E. navigation unit got a decent review way back in the day, it was certainly in dire needs of a makeover, and since your P200 is probably half melted by now, you may be interested in the fresh N.I.C.E. 430. The latest handheld GPS / PMP device to come from Clarion's doors sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD, 1GB of internal memory, SD flash card slot, SiRF Star III GPS antenna, built-in speaker for the MP3 playback / robotic creature giving you turn-by-turn directions, handsfree Bluetooth support, photo viewer, rechargeable battery, and USB connectivity. Really, the only thing completely necessary still missing about the $499.99 device is a hard release date and a blown up glamour shot, but we do know it'll be launching "sometime in 2007."
Fortuna NaView GPS-610B gets thumbs-up from FCC
With all these foreign-based GPS units suddenly making their way stateside, we're thrilled to see yet another Taiwanese navigation device get that coveted FCC seal of approval. The latest to pave its way to North American soil is Fortuna's NaView GPS-610B, and while we only truly know that it'll sport an SD / MMC slot, built-in stereo speakers for MP3 playback / turn-by-turn guidance, rechargeable battery pack, external antenna connector, car mounting kit, mini-USB support, integrated microphone for handsfree use, an audio out jack, and a four-inch touchscreen LCD, we suspect it'll resemble the GPS-600 pretty much to a T. If it does, you'll find a SiRF Star III receiver, 64MB of onboard NAND memory, 64MB of SDRAM, a Samsung CPU, and an optional Bluetooth transceiver. Per usual, those FCC documents aren't spilling any beans regarding pricing or availability, but it shouldn't be too long until the GPS-610B can enjoy the American air (and mile-long traffic jams).[Via NaviGadget]
Space Machine GPS-306 lands in North America
If you've yearned for an Asian-based GPS, but didn't feel like worrying over those annoying import duties or changing out the maps, Space Machine apparently feels your pain. Contrary to its title, this device actually doesn't include the marked highways on Jupiter and Mars, but it does manage to include NAVTEQ maps of North America in case you're traveling there, and also features a 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, integrated MP3 player, automatic re-routing, turn-by-turn voice guidance, SiRF Star III GPS receiver, 256MB SD card, car mounting kit, headphone jack, and a carrying case to boot. While most rebadgers actually take the time to slap their own logo on there, the GPS-306 apparently still rocks the Holux GPSsmile 51 motif, right down the "Holux" branding atop the screen. Nevertheless, we do appreciate the effort of importing the unit for us, and those attracted to the name more than its functionality can pick one up now for $399.95. [Via NaviGadget]
Amaryllo launches Purity Bluetooth GPS receiver in Europe
Joining the fairly saturated Bluetooth GPS market -- but not exactly competing for that "world's smallest" crown -- is Amaryllo's Purity. Sporting a 3.39- x 1.73- x 0.52-inch enclosure and weighing 2.08 ounces, the sleek, matte-finished device sports internal Bluetooth for connecting with PDAs, smartphones, and other GPS-lovin' gizmos, and receives its intel via the SiRF Star III LP (low-power) chipset. Reportedly, the unit can muster 15 hours on a single charge, and should also ship with a car charger, AC adapter, rubber anti-slip stickers, and a silicon protections sleeve. While we doubt this €90 ($118) receiver will see US shores anytime soon, it's slated to land in Europe next month, but we American (and Taiwanese) lads have plenty of alternatives to choose from, anyway.[Via NaviGadget]
Spectec rolls out microSD-packin' SDIO GPS receiver
If that handy SD slot in your Treo (or similar smartphone) has gone lonely long enough, you've probably been waiting for "that killer device" to slam down in there and boast about. Thankfully, that time has seemingly come, as Spectec's latest SDIO GPS receiver packs a whole lot of functionality into a minuscule (and sleek) package. Unlike alternative GPS attachments for your handset, the SDG-810 provides a SiRF Star III 20-channel tracking adornment, is WAAS-enabled, and sports a microSD slot to carry up to 2GB of excess data (like maps, for instance) since your original flash memory slot just got occupied. While pricing information wasn't readily available, this nifty smartphone must-have should be available in your neck of the woods (read: everywhere) real soon.[Via GearDiary]
