FineDrive 400 will use WindSpring Micro Data Format
WindSpring, a data miniaturization innovator, today announced that Fine Digital USA, has licensed the patented WindSpring technology for integration into its FineDrive 400 personal navigation devices (PNDs). WindSpring technology will improve mapping application performance and enable Fine Digital to reduce the overall cost of devices for consumers.
WindSpring’s patented Data Miniaturization Technology (DMT(TM)) shrinks and transforms large mapping and data files into a Micro Data Format (MDF(TM)). The MDF format allows the data files to retain all original data performance attributes while enabling high-speed access and full manipulation of data, including high-speed seek, search, edit and display in the miniaturized state. In addition, MDF is uniquely suited for space-constrained applications such as GPS Navigation, where large amounts of data can slow system performance and data access.
Photo-quality 3D navigation system from Siemens VDO
Siemens VDO is taking automotive navigation to a new dimension. To make orientation even easier for drivers, the company has developed a three-dimensional, state-of-the-art photo-quality map display. With detailed, true-to-life imaging, hundreds of digitally integrated orientation points and realistic simulations of whole city neighborhoods, drivers should be able find their way to their destinations through even complicated intersections and unfamiliar urban areas more easily, more relaxedly, and above all more safely in the future. Development of this three-dimensional navigation system is already at an advanced stage so mass production will be possible starting in 2007. It is based on the open, freely scalable system platform TLA (Top Level Architecture).
Navizon now available for Windows Smartphones
Mexens Technology, announced the launch of the newest version of the Navizon software for use with Windows Smartphones, cellular phones that run the Windows Mobile software. This revolutionary new version of Navizon offers an increased accuracy when using cellular signals for positioning. In addition to Windows smartphones, Navizon’s software is also currently compatible with Windows-based Pocket PCs and cell phones using the Symbian operating system, and is free for non-commercial use.
Globalsat GH-601 & GH 602, wrist / athletic GPS training system
Globalsat will release soon the new wrist-watch SirfStar III Gps device for outdoor activities and athletic training.
Globalsat GH-601 provides a fully-sealed, waterproof, large LCD wrist-watch device, as well as a GPS navigation function that locates and tracks points from start to stop. It is adopted for people who exercise for broad kinds of outdoor sports, such as Jogging, Running, Biking, Snow Skiing, etc. It also can be used as GPS receiver by USB interface.
Roadside Eye-Catchers drive motorists to distraction
Gps navigation systems could be dangerous during driving along a road.
According to new research by Privilege Insurance(an insurance Uk company), one in four drivers in the UK (23 per cent) have become so distracted by roadside eye-catchers that they have actually veered out of lane, causing driving chaos.
Roadside objects such as billboards, flashing signs and Christmas decorations cause a third of motorists (32 per cent) to lose concentration while behind the wheel. And 41 per cent of these drivers confess to being distracted for up to 5 seconds – which equates to driving 15 car lengths at 30mph – two and a half times the stopping distance needed at this speed. At 60mph, this means drivers would find themselves travelling at least the length of a football pitch without their full concentration on the road.
Magellan RoadMate 760 introduces audible street names and traffic detour
Thales’ navigation business, global provider of Magellan GPS products, introduces the new Magellan RoadMate 760, an even easier to use portable vehicle navigation system boasting SayWhere™, an industry-first text-to-speech option that announces street names for upcoming maneuvers.
Based on the market-leading, award-winning Magellan RoadMate 700, the color, touch-screen Magellan RoadMate 760 delivers convenient navigation capabilities that allow drivers to find destinations quickly, detour around traffic, route to multiple destinations and more.
