Amik Tech » GPS

TomTom to bring free lane guidance, text-to-speech, iPod control to iPhone GPS app

Mylo — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:44:27 +0000

TomTom’s probably still dizzy from the hit that Google laid on it just a few days ago, but it has somehow managed to get its bearings long enough to announce that a slew of gratis updates are incoming for its highly-hyped iPhone navigation app. Following in Navigon’s footsteps, the outfit has today stated that a free update has been submitted to Apple for approval, and when (er, if) it clears Cupertino’s ambiguous review process, it’ll deliver advanced lane guidance, text-to-speech, “Help Me,” updated map / safety cameras (in select European nations) databases, customizable audio warnings and iPod player control. Not a bad list of additions for the grand total of $0.00, but we wouldn’t expect anything less given the lofty admission price.

Dual Electronics announces XGPS300 navigation cradle for iPod touch

Mylo — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:42:45 +0000

Well, it looks like iPod touch users pondering the somewhat pricey (and still unfulfilled) proposition offered by TomTom’s Car Kit now finally have another option to consider, as Dual Electronics has announced a navigation cradle of its own that’s aimed solely at Apple’s GPS-less handheld. While it’s not quite as sleek as TomTom’s unit, Dual’s new XGPS300 rig does boast a few decided advantages, including a cradle that also doubles as a rechargeable battery for some added juice when you’re out and about and, most importantly, a free NavAtlas navigation app, which will apparently only work with Dual’s cradle (sorry, no mix-and-matching here). You’ll also get a built-in speaker, a mini USB port for charging and, of course, an adjustable windshield mount for in-car use. Still no firm word on a release date just yet, but it looks like this one should be available sometime this month for $179.99. Head on past the break for a video.

Telmap taps NAVTEQ for iPhone GPS solution, understands the inevitable

Mylo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:44:47 +0000

Man, talk about awful timing. At least TomTom and Navigon were able to sell a few rounds of their pricey iPhone GPS application before Google went and ruined everyone’s day (at least in the GPS biz), and now that Google Maps Navigation is but an approval away from hitting iPhone users for free, we’ve got serious doubts about Telmap’s ability to market its newest product. Utilizing NAVTEQ maps and familiar shells like MapQuest Navigation (in the US) and Orange Maps (in France), the company seems quite proud of its newest routing solutions. Oh sure — there’s live traffic, turn-by-turn guidance, in-car and pedestrian modes, etc., but is anyone really doling out cash for a phone-based routing system right now with Google at the wheel? Exactly.