Until I see this thing on a shelf at a store somewhere, I'm going to suggest taking the promotional video with a hefty grain of salt. Still, Blaupunkt's new TravelPilot 500 and 700 GPS units are advertising some pretty astonishing features. According to the marketing video, the TravelPilot 700 has a built-in camera that takes live video of the road, and overlays GPS navigation instructions, creating a heads-up display-like experience.

Still not intrigued? How about Internet access, camera-based traffic sign recognition, voice recognition, the ability to automatically detect speed limit signs, WiFi for web browsing or e-mail, and a built-in TV receiver via DVB-T! Read on to see a video of this thing in action.

Continue reading "Blaupunkt TravelPilot 500 & 700 Turns Your Boring Station wagon Into A Virtual Jet Fighter, Complete With Heads-up Display" »

Posted by Fletch at 9:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Sure, we've seen various GPS-equipped remote control vehicles before, but the Dragonflyer X6 is the most incredible remote controlled aerial vehicle (short of a military-grade combat UAV) yet.

The Dragonflyer X6 can fly indoors and out, comfortably handle 18MPH headwinds, be fitted with digital still, wireless video, or night vision cameras, and can maintain a flight pattern using its on-board GPS. Oh, and did I mention the wireless video goggles that let you see what the X6 sees?

Read on for more photos, details, and pricing info.

Continue reading "Dragonflyer X6 is the Most Awesome Remote Control Helicopter Ever. Has GPS, Night Vision, Auto-Pilot, Wireless HD Video" »

Posted by Fletch at 1:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Navigon has announced the 7200T, a feature-rich GPS that will include free lifetime traffic service, as well as voice address entry, and something called "Landmark View 3D".

When I reviewed the Navigon 7100 last year, the impressive list of features was undermined by a pervasive slowness when using the device. Navigon is claiming that the 7200T will sport "next generation software that is faster and easier to use." Read on for more details and pricing info.

Continue reading "Navigon's 7200T Brings Free Lifetime Traffic, Voice Recognition" »

Posted by Fletch at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Garmin today announced seven new nuvi GPS models: three new 2x5T models and three new 7X5T versions. Before you yawn at the thought of yet more Garmin nuvi GPS models, the new units are actually delivering some exciting new features.

All the new nuvis will include free lifetime traffic - no more subscription or annual fees. The new 2x5T models add Bluetooth and traffic to the nuvi 250 series. The new 7x5T models are the first Garmin models to feature lane assistance, accelerated map-drawing and routing capabilities, and 3-D transparent view of buildings in when driving in cities.

Here's the details on the seven new nuvis introduced today:

Continue reading "Garmin Announces Nuvi 2x5 and 7x5, Free Lifetime Traffic, Lane Assist, 3D Transparent View" »

Posted by Fletch at 5:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (47)

If the rumors are true, Apple is planning to release iTunes 8, iPhone firmware 2.1, a new iPod touch, and a completely redesigned iPod nano featuring a larger screen and built-in GPS -- all within the next 2-3 weeks!

The leaked photo of the iPod nano seems to substantiate the rumored 4G iPod nano. The new above photo does indeed look like it has a larger screen, taller case, and a sleek curved face. What use would an iPod nano have for GPS? Your guess is as good as any, but the possibilities are endless. Post your speculations now...

Posted by Fletch at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It's still unverified, but rumors are flying that TomTom is about to release the GO 940 LIVE.

The GO 940 LIVE is said to feature wireless GPRS connectivity for real-time traffic information and fuel prices, and leaked screenshots are showing Google search capabilities. Read on for more technical details and pricing information.

Continue reading "Is This The TomTom GO 940 LIVE?" »

Posted by Fletch at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Yup, this is really happening. It seems Mexico has something of a kidnapping problem lately, and a company called Xega is looking to change that by offering implantable Assisted-GPS tracking chips to wealthy fools those willing to pay the $4,000 surgical fee, plus the $2,200 annual service charge.

The crystal-encased chip is about the size and shape of a grain of rice, and is injected under the skin using a syringe.

Continue reading "Implantable GPS Tracking Arrives...Sort of." »

Posted by Fletch at 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

NPD has released its latest list of top selling PNDs, and Garmin's nuvi 200 snagged the top slot for units sold between June 2007 and May 2008.

Garmin's nuvi 200 is the first sub-$200 nuvi, and is currently the top selling automotive GPS. The nuvi 200 is a basic model with relatively few features (no text-to-speech, bluetooth, or traffic), but the price is right, and buyers associate the nuvi name with high-end quality.

Want to see GPSmagazine's list of the best GPS units? Check out the Buyer's Guide for all the ratings.

Posted by Fletch at 12:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Remember when you first got your driver's license and hit the open road, rolled the windows down, and basked in the afterglow of your newfound freedom? Well, if tiwi gets its way, those days are over. Inthinc's "tiwi Drive Aware" is an in-car GPS device that delivers real-time data on your kid's driving behavior. Parents can lookup the vehicle's location, speed, seat-belt status, and receive wireless email or SMS alerts for aggressive turning, speeding, hard braking, rapid acceleration, and up to 30 other safety-related items.

Continue reading "Meet tiwi: Guaranteed to Make Your Kids Hate You" »

Posted by Fletch at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Verdict: Like a Garmin Colorado mated with an Apple iPhone

The Oregon is Garmin's latest generation of handheld mapping GPS units, and the company's first handheld model to use a touch screen interface. Available in five different models, the 400t ships with preloaded U.S. Topo maps, has pre-configured profiles for recreation, driving, Geocaching, boating, and fitness, has an electronic compass and altimeter, and can be expanded with additional maps.

Continue reading "Garmin Oregon 400t Review" »

Posted by Fletch at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (53)