Click on the above image to see more photos of the TomTom Ease.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)LAS VEGAS--On Wednesday, we told you about TomTom's newest entry-level GPS device, the TomTom Ease, and now we have up-close photos of the device from the show floor. We still weren't able to coax a final price out of TomTom's reps, but we were able to confirm that the Ease will be priced in the $100 to $120 range.
After an admittedly quick poke through the Ease's menus and interface, we've concluded that TomTom's interface simplifications don't appear to extend too deeply into the menu structure. The new home screen is nice and slick with its large main buttons and an array of smaller secondary buttons, but dig deeper into the options and it seems like more of the same from TomTom.
Still, the inclusion of advanced features--such as IQ Routes, MapShare, and text-to-speech--on a fairly cheap GPS device are the makings of a great bargain. Check out the photos of ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
In as few as 10 minutes, you can give yourself directions on your Garmin.
(Credit: Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET)LAS VEGAS--Even with the advent of robotic text-to-speech turn-by-turn directions, I still really enjoy playing with the different prerecorded voices on the GPS devices that I test. There's something about getting directions in a funny accent that's just comforting to me, which is why Garmin's new Voice Studio software is so intriguing.
The downloadable software will allow users to record and upload their own voice prompts to compatible Nuvi GPS devices, so that they can hear turn-by-turn directions in their own voices. The software guides users through recording replacements for the 65 words and phrases that the device uses to give directions, which can then be previewed in the application before packaging for download to your or your friends' devices.
I can see all kinds of ways that this could be dangerous in the wrong hands. I could confuse my parents by swapping the audio prompts for left and right; replace all ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
(Credit:
Garmin)
LAS VEGAS--Most of our readers are pretty familiar with Garmin's Nuvi line of in-car GPS navigators, but most have never heard of the manufacturer's Zumo line of motorcycle GPS devices. At CES 2010, Garmin has added a new top-of-the-line model, the Zumo 665.
The 665 replaces the previous Zumo flagship, the 660, but almost matches the previous unit spec for spec. Both units have the same 4.3-inch WQVGA touch screen, removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery, and waterproof construction. Both feature Bluetooth hands-free calling with A2DP stereo audio streaming.
Dig a little deeper and you'll find that the new 665 boasts a better battery life (up to five hours versus the 660's three), but the biggest change is the switch to XM NavTraffic and weather from the soon-to-be-defunct MSN Direct network used by the older unit. A cool byproduct of the XM traffic integration is that the Zumo 665 can also stream XM Radio programming through its integrated speaker or to Bluetooth-connected headphones or helmet headsets.
Combining an XM ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
The TomTom Ease features simpler hardware and software.
(Credit: TomTom)LAS VEGAS--TomTom is attempting to lower the learning curve for the entry-level GPS buyer with its new Ease line of GPS navigation devices. The Ease is remarkably similar to the TomTom Start, which debuted in European markets last year, and may well be the same device but with North American maps.
For users unfamiliar with the Start, the Ease is a smallish device, built around a 3.5-inch color touch screen with either a black or white chassis. TomTom's EasyPort mount is recessed into the back of the device, resulting in a flat profile with none of the suction cup bulge of other EasyPort devices. However, the Ease is also small on the inside, with a lowish 320x240-pixel resolution and only 2GB of flash memory onboard, most of which is occupied by TomTom's new Tele Atlas map data. However, the benefit of this simple hardware is that the price can be kept at an easy-on-the-pocket MSRP of about $100.
We wonder if the
The system's base station directly connects one's home to a monitoring station.
(Credit: Medical Mobile Monitoring)It's said we exit this life the same way we enter--drooling and in need of diapers. It is, then, cruelly fitting that Medical Mobile Monitoring has recently developed a medical-alert tracking system that resembles a baby monitor.
The company's MobileHelp medical-alert system, launched in November, tracks users no matter how far they wander, as long as they are within range of an AT&T cellular network. It costs about $35 a month. The system also uses GPS satellite tracking, so you can literally watch the person you are monitoring online in real time:
When subscribers need help, they simply press their help button and are connected via two-way voice to a central monitoring station that is live 24/7/365. The technology from Medical Mobile Monitoring also allows family members to see an online map and location of their loved ones over the Internet and be notified via mobile phone and email when an emergency arises.
Aside from such a service being both inherently creepy and inherently useful, it is also a sign of the times. In October, we covered the release of a similar tracking system, called EmSeeQ, whose faceless black watch has the unfortunate effect of looking like something Batman or a secret agent would wear, thereby calling unnecessary attention to itself.
MobileHelp's waterproof pendant may be better, but still doesn't hit the mark. ... Read More
Garmin's Oregon 450t wilderness GPS device
(Credit: Garmin)Garmin announced two new midrange touch-screen GPS devices Tuesday, the $399 Oregon 450 and $499 Oregon 450t for hikers or others who want a navigation system in the wilderness.
Both the models offer a 3-inch color display that can be operated even with gloved hands, the company said. Among improvements over earlier models are user-selectable "dashboard" interfaces, high-speed USB, photo navigation, a three-axis electronic compass that compensates when the device is tilted, and better track navigation that shows upcoming changes in elevation. Like earlier models, the 450 and 450t have a barometric altimeter and can exchange tracks, waypoints, routes, and geocaches with various newer Garmin GPS systems.
The 450t also has built-in 100,000:1 scale topographic maps for the United States and 3D perspective to better gauge terrain elevation. That map includes major trails, roads, coastlines, rivers, lakes, parks, and wilderness areas, Garmin said.
Both are due to ship in the first quarter of 2010, the company said.
The units also come with utility software for Mac or Windows computers to bring details of paper or electronic maps to the device.
This TomTom Car Kit for iPhone uses the EasyPort suction cup windshield mount.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)Any automotive GPS worth its salt will come packaged with some sort of suction cup mount that will let users stick it to a vehicle's windshield. For most users, this is where road ends where GPS device mounting is concerned. But is this the best way to keep your navigation device in place while you drive? And what about that weird plastic disk that was also in the box? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of the different GPS mounting options.
Pay attention, because what you learn here can also be applied to mounting your GPS-enabled smartphone.
... Read More
(Credit:
Magellan)
Following the launch of its turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone, Magellan has released its Premium Car Kit for iPhone and iPod Touch. The Premium Car Kit features an amplified speaker for spoken directions, a Bluetooth speakerphone for hands-free calling, a built-in GPS receiver that should improve positioning compared with the iPhone 3G's built-in GPS as well as adds GPS positioning to first-generation iPhones and the iPod Touches.
The mount lets you rotate the iPhone to portrait and landscape views, and has a built-in charger. Essentially, it will behave exactly like TomTom's Car Kit; however, the Magellan kit has an adjusting arm that will let it accommodate an iPhone or iPod Touch with a protective case.
The Magellan Premium Car Kit will cost $129.99. When TomTom's kit debuted for slightly less than that price, it was universally regarded as too expensive, so we can already guess what sort of reception Magellan's kit will get.
Magellan's Premium Car Kit for iPhone is available now for preorder.
(Credit:
Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
You've received a new GPS navigator over the holidays...now what? Just jump in the car and start navigating, right? Maybe, but maybe not.
While most modern portable navigation devices are simple plug and go affairs, there are a few things you can do to make your navigation experience both easier and more efficient. Check out our guide to get the skinny on getting started with your new (or old) GPS device.
That's not the kind of fun I meant, but you get the idea...
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)So, you're all set up with your new GPS device, effortlessly navigating, dodging traffic jams, and the like. However, when you're not charging from point A to B on the fastest available route, your shiny new sat-nav is just sitting in the bottom of your glove compartment, backpack, or purse.
Wouldn't it be great if there were some way that your could use your GPS device to have fun? Well, it just so happens that you can! We've gathered nine of our favorite fun things to do with a GPS device for your perusal. Check them out here and then let us know how you use your GPS device for fun in the comments.
