CES - GPS

CES 2009 didn't dish up any major surprises in the GPS department, but that doesn't mean it was a complete snoozer. A handful of new portable navigation devices were introduced at the show, as well as a number of services for both standalone PNDs and GPS-enabled smartphones.

As expected, we saw a new connected GPS debut, this time from TomTom. While not the first PND to offer an Internet connection, we feel the TomTom GO 740 Live promises the best combination of features and design (compared to the current Dash Express and TeleNav Shotgun offerings) and might just … Read more

Mio Technology unveiled four new models to its Moov line of portable navigation devices at CES 2009, along with an improved software platform called Mio Spirit.

Calling 2009 a "watershed year for Mio," the GPS manufacturer debuted the Mio Moov S300, Mio Moov S500, Mio Moov S556, and Mio Moov S700, which will all come preloaded with the Mio Spirit navigation software. The revamped interface was designed to simplify map views and searches, including those for points of interest and other key navigation tools. Responding to customer feedback, the new search capabilities make it easier to search for … Read more

If knowledge is power, then salespeople in the field and roving business execs can now wield their share of it thanks to two new mobile apps. Hoover's Mobile and Hoover's MobileSP tap into the Hoover's business directory to bring instant company and employee information to sales, financial, media professionals, and just about anyone else drenched in B2B.

The free Hoover's Mobile for iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile phones looks up company information, phone numbers, the building address, executive organization, competitors, and financial overview for any company you enter--like the one whose doors you're about to … Read more

For the hopelessly turned around, 3DVU announced Way2Go at CES this week, a mobile app and online mapping service that will let you put personalized 3D routes on your mobile phone.

Subscribers to the new Way2Go service will be able to create up to 30 3D aerial picture routes online, which they'll then be able to access from their cell phones through a downloadable viewer. GPS tracking and verbal and written directions will also be there to keep you on course.

In addition to using routes to get from point A to point B, the service lets you forward … Read more

On the first day of CES 2009, GPS manufacturer TomTom introduced its newest portable navigation device, the TomTom GO 740 Live. Like the Dash Express and TeleNav Shotgun, the GO 740 Live is a connected GPS using a built-in SIM card and GPRS modem, so you'll get more up-to-date information delivered to your PND right over the air.

What kind of information? Well, I'm glad you asked. With the purchase of the TomTom GO 740 Live, you'll get a complimentary year subscription to TomTom's Live services, which include Google Local Search, fuel-price information, weather data, and … Read more

Garmin's been quite busy at CES 2009, and the show hasn't even officially started yet. In addition to introducing the Garmin Nuvi 885T, Garmin Zumo 660, and the nuMaps Lifetime Map Update Program, the GPS manufacturer announced something called EcoRoute.

EcoRoute brings a new routing option to Garmin Nuvi devices (in addition to faster time and shorter distance) and creates itineraries based on the most fuel-efficient course. You can even select your vehicle type under the "Vehicle profile" option in the Tools menu and enter your car's fuel economy.

Other features include a Fuel Report … Read more

Updating your GPS with the latest map updates can get quite expensive, but Garmin is hoping to offer its customers a better deal with its new nuMaps Lifetime Map Update Program.

For a one-time fee, you'll be able to download new points of interest, streets, and addresses to your Garmin unit for life. Subscribers will be alerted to new updates (up to four times a year) via e-mail and maps will be downloaded directly to your computer to be transferred to the GPS via USB cable. There are some restrictions in that you can't transfer the subscription to … Read more

On Wednesday, Garmin expanded its Nuvi line of GPS devices at CES 2009 with the introduction of the Garmin Nuvi 885T. The high-end Nuvi 885T adds lane assistance with junction view and enhanced MSN Direct services.

The new MSN Direct capabilities include the ability to check the status of your flight (departures and arrivals), more advanced weather information, enhanced movie listing information and continued support for real-time traffic data, fuel prices, and more. Meanwhile, the added junction view presents you with details on upcoming turns with accompanying arrows and road sign detail.

The Garmin Nuvi 885T comes preloaded with maps … Read more

On Tuesday, just a couple days ahead of CES 2009, Dual Electronics announced its new flagship portable navigation device (PND), the Dual XNAV43HD.

The XNAV43HD is unlike any other GPS in the U.S. market currently in that it offers built-in HD Radio technology, bringing live traffic updates right to your screen. Sure, you may be thinking, real-time traffic data on PNDs is nothing new, but the advantage of HD Radio over regular TMC receivers is that it offers more bandwidth, allowing you to receive more information about traffic and beyond, such as gas prices and weather information.

While the … Read more