It appears that Mio is going to release a new portable Car Navigation System called Mio C220. I don’t have a lot (if any) information about it other that it will be selling in the $270 range. For those that wonder where did I get this information it’s simple, Amazon and CompSource.
Of course there is always the possibility that this is just a misspelling of the Mio C250 (time will tell)
Asus launched last week two new Ultra Slim GPS PDA, the Asus A686 and the Asus A696. It appears that the company will no longer be using the MyPal name, although while digging for information about these new units I found a .pdf product sheet that refers to these two as MyPal A686 and MyPal A696. Nonetheless, Asus has created two good looking, encased in stainless steel PDAs that despite the fact that they are super slim (just 1.57cm) the offer GPS functionality. One major improvement over the previous MyPals as far as it concerns the looks of the device is that they have removed the protruding antenna.
No pricing details are available at this time.
Ricoh officially announced the release of their GPS-ready digital camera the Ricoh 500SE. The 500SE was developed for outdoor location-based photography and feature a rugged body and waterproof and shock-resistant shell that protects the high- resolution 8MP sensor. 500SE has an integrated precision GPS module that geo-coding of images at the time of capture. In addition to that it is capable of receiving NMEA data streams from external GPS devices via its on-board Bluetooth radio.
Finally according to the press release
Once the captured “geo-images” and “geo-video” files are transferred to a PC, they are automatically converted to shape files or merged into geo- databases for instant integration into Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Points representing each file’s position may be hovered over to display a thumbnail of the file, or clicked on to access the original image or video.
In addition to storing GPS data in the image and video files, the camera also utilizes a user-configurable “data dictionary” to tag files with workflow-related information. These attributes become part of the GIS layer table for automated database integration.
…….Additional features include GPS track log capability, GPS lock (to record the position of an object as opposed to the position of the photographer), and the ability to send images wirelessly to handheld devices via Bluetooth or WiFi.
Holux has posted information on its website about a new GPS Unit targeting the automotive and personal navigation GPS market, the Holux GPSmile 53. Like the previous models of the GPSmile series it is equipped with the SiRFstar III and feature a 3.5″ screen while it is powered by the Samsung S3C2440A, 400 MHz processor and uses the Microsoft Windows CE. Net 4.2 Core Version as its operating system. Some of the other features and specifications include:
No information about pricing and availability are available at this time.
Garmin Nuvi 680is the newest member of the very succesful family of GPS receivers. The most innovative new feature of this new GPS receiver when comparing with the previous Nuvi receivers is the MSN Direct functionality that Garmin is integrating to its latest releases. This feature will allow its users to receive up to date information on movie showtimes and other similar events or even compare gas prices at their current location.
Garmin Nuvi 680 is expected in 1st Quarter, 2007 with a suggested price of $1071.41
Garmin announced yesterday a new release in the Zumo series, the Garmin Zumo 450.
Garmin officials said.
The zūmo 450 is positioned towards the budget conscience rider who wants a solid and reliable GPS designed for motorcycles
Since this new GPS device is geared towards motorcycle riders it was essential for it to have a glove friendly design, and indeed it features left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. Some others features declare include that it is waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards), sunlight-readable, UV-resistant screen.
And from Garmin’s official site here is a roundup of it’s features and specifications.
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver
- Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; high bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant, touch screen display
- Unit dimensions: 4.8″ W x 3.9″ H x 1.6″ D
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Removable lithium-ion battery
- Supports optional FM TMC traffic alerts
- Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
- Look up addresses and points of interest
- Choose 2D or 3D maps
- Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cameras
- Built-in MP3 player and JPEG Picture Viewer
- SD card slot makes it easy to store data and share routes
- Export and review your travels in Google™ Earth with a free account from MotionBased.com
- Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls makes it easy to operate
- Motorcycle console for trip information, including fuel gauge to warn you when it’s time to fill up
- Motorcycle mount with standard 4-hole AMPS pattern so you can mount it anywhere
- Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
- Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 min.)
It is expected to become available in the first quarter of 2007 with a suggested price of $857.13
Magellan besides the Roadmate 3000T, has also announced another model in the Roadmate series the Magellan Roadmate 3050T. The features of the Roadmate 3050T are similar with those of the 3000T and no major differences are reported in the press release. However, the 3050T will be a little more expensive than the 3000T (50$) since its expected retail price is 649$. Probably because of a bigger harddisk? Just speculating here.
Some of the features include:
3.5 inch color touchscreen
2-D or 3-D bird’s eye view
Preloaded maps of the USA
Music player
Photo viewer
SmartDetour(TM)
QuickSpell(TM)
Optional traffic module
The Magellan Roadmate 3050T is expected to start shipping in June with a price of 649$
Globalsat has introduced the Globalsat GV 201 at CES. Some of it’s features and specifications are:
Guardianlion has released a small GPS locator specifically created as a child locator. The device is pocket sized looks like a pager, so it can easily be carried by children in their pocket or backpack. Parents can track the location of their children from the Guardianlion website using a unique username name and password throughout the day. Guardianlion also provides a geo-fencing capabilities. This allows you to program an invisible parameter around a school walking route or designated safe playing area. An alarm will automatically initiate the moment your child crosses this invisible parameter. An alert will instantly be sent to you with a text message to your cell phone!
You also get the control of periodic report signaling. This way you can automatically receive a location report at a specified time of day each day. This feature will allow you to know if your child has arrived home safely after a visit from a friend, walking home from school or a bus stop, etc
More information at the Guardianlion website
