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Last night Yahoo! Maps beta released 1-meter/pixel resolution color satellite photos for the entire continental US. This is significant because it is more consistent data instead of the patchwork of varying color, black and white, varying resolution imagery we are used to in other mapping applications like Google Maps/Earth, and Windows Live Local. Yahoo! now has the best medium resolution dataset for the entire continental US.
TomTom has released details on its new add-on service for TomTom GPS units called TomTom Strangers.
Once of the biggest problems with GPS navigation is that the devices will frequently give routing instructions that are not the most efficient way to get somewhere. This is particularly true in smaller, less urban areas. Well, TomTom thinks it has come up with a solution: from now on, anyone who purchases a TomTom device will be asked if they are willing to participate in TomTom Strangers. If you say yes, your mobile number will be made available to other TomTom users, who can then call you if they are driving in your area and check with you for the inside scoop on the best way to get where they’re going.
Sounds like a horrible idea to me – Next up, Cable Providers publishing my phone number so people who missed the Sopranos can call me the following day for a re-cap?
Fidelity labs has been cozying up to Google lately and produced two new web services: Fidelity Branch Locator and Fidelity Homes Sold.
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The Branch Locator is pretty self explanatory – you key in your zip code and you get directions to the nearest Fidelity branch office. |
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Fidelity Homes lets you see the prices of homes sold in your neighborhood, or in a neighborhood you are considering moving to (currently only works for CT, RI, and MA, but the service will be expanding soon). |
MapQuest Navigator, in partnership with Telmap, will soon enable consumers to access Global Positioning Service (GPS), turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions on mobile phones.
The system includes a database of millions of restaurants, hotels, theaters and other points of interest which consumers can navigate to, direct dial to make reservations or send any location to a friend via text message.
MapQuest also announced that it is making it easier for consumers with Web-enabled mobile phones to access MapQuest.com. Available now, the free Web service is specifically designed and formatted for mobile phones and provides a convenient way for anyone with a Web-enabled phone to access interactive maps, get driving directions and find places. The service is based on technology from InfoGin Ltd., a leading pioneer of Web to mobile content adaptation solutions. Consumers can access this service on their mobile phones by going to http://wap.mapquest.com.
In what sounds like the coolest in-car navigation system ever developed, Volkswagen has teamed up with Google and chip maker NVidia to create a 3D GPS navigation system that provides drivers with a Google Earth-like view of upcoming maneuvers. VW believes current GPS systems display map information in a non-intuitive way, and that a photo representation of the surrounding area is a better way to convey the information.
The system was shown at CES last month in Las Vegas, and VW says this system should make it into their production cars. Information Week has the skinny HERE
Update: CNET has posted a review of the system and includes a video showing the system in use.
Pioneer has released the AVIC-S1, a Windows CE-powered GPS receiver with built-in Bluetooth. The unit features a 320 x 240 touchscreen, SiRF III chip for improved accuracy, a 2GB of flash memory for pre-loading maps. There’s nothing official on Pioneer’s website yet, but Engadget has the scoop. No word on pricing or availability yet.
Boston based Loki has released the a software-only positioning system that leverages a nationwide database of known Wi-Fi access points to calculate the precise location of any Wi-Fi enabled device.
According to Loki’s website, the service utilizes the web (via WiFi) to identify your exact physical location, then lets you easily find the nearest jazz club, directions to the cloest Thai restaurant, cheapest gas prices in town, etc.
Sounds like it could be an interesting option in dense urban environments where getting a clear GPS signal is more difficult than WiFi. Check it out HERE
Looks like the genie is out of the bottle. After weeks of internet “rumors” and even a few pics posted here and there, Magellan has coughed up official deets on the three latest RoadMate units. All three units are based on the new SiRF III 12-channel GPS chipset, and will include:
The 3050T includes real-time traffic incident reports and can route you around accidents. The 6000T adds Bluetooth that can integrate with your cell phone for hand-free calling/speakerphone. The 3000T will be available in April for $599, the 3050T in June for $649, and the 6000T in July (no word on pricing for the 6000T yet). Check out Magellan's press release HERE
NOVOGO V Series navigator is the first personal navigation device equipped with advanced voice command function. With one simple word from your mouth and your NOVOGO V Series takes you to your desired destination. No official word on pricing or availability yet. The styling is “reminiscent” of the Magellan Roadmate series, but the NOVOGO feature list puts the Magellan to shame:
Starting today, April 1st, Amazon is taking pre-orders for the TomTom GO910. There's no photo yet, the text says it all. Amazon is selling the TomTom GO910 for $799 and says they expected to start shipping the units on May 31st. Place your orders HERE
