Instant GPS camera technology set to explode location tagging of pictures

Geotate announces commercial availability of radical "geotagging" solution for digital camera market

LAS VEGAS, USA, 30 January 2008 – Geotate, a software GPS-company which delivers location-based solutions via a radically different method, announced the commercial availability of its instant GPS solution, “Capture and Process”, in the first quarter of 2008. Geotate uses software-based GPS technology to “geotag”, or mark with location data, digital files on portable devices such as digital cameras. The new technology will, for the first time, allow mainstream digital camera makers to enter into the market for GPS in consumer devices, a sector IMS Research predicts will increase five-fold by 2011 .

“New advances in GPS and location based services, such as geotagging are driving growth of GPS into consumer devices such as cameras and laptops. We expect to see the market take off in 2008 with well over one million GPS-enabled cameras sold and strong growth forecast for the next four years, thanks to new, disruptive technologies like geotagging coming of age,” said Matia Grossi, analyst at IMS Research.

Geotate’s approach captures raw GPS satellite signals in the available memory using its patented technology to later be unlocked via web-based services. This unique low-cost and low-power method of handling GPS satellite signals removes essential hurdles for the use of GPS signals in resource-limited devices such as digital cameras, location-loggers and other devices.

Hans Streng, CEO of Geotate, said:“We expect in the region of four million cameras in the next 18 months to two years to come with embedded geotagging functionality. Until now, embedding GPS in portable devices has incurred lag times of 30 seconds to a minute, resulting in a clunky customer experience. Nobody is going to say ‘Hey, hold that pose for a minute while I fire up the GPS’. For the first time, a spontaneous, instantaneous GPS solution is available that meets the consumer’s high expectations and provides market differentiation for camera manufacturers.” Furthermore, growing demand for GPS functionality in portable devices such as digital cameras is being spurred on by the phenomenon of social networking. Popular sites such as Flickr, YouTube and Facebook already enable users to manually tag content. The creation of a “geoweb” is now being advanced by a series of new technologies, concepts and products like Geotate’s “Capture and Process” which enables users to intuitively and instantly add a new, physical dimension to existing online communities.

Matia Grossi, IMS Research, explained, “Photo sites and online communities need to maintain financial growth through traffic-based business; camera manufacturers need to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market; and end users need new and innovative management functionalities for their photo libraries. GPS is potentially the answer.”

Geotate’s “Capture and Process” technology will become commercially available in two modules in the first quarter of 2008, aimed at differing user needs:

• Yuma – automatic geotagging solution aimed at camera manufacturers for their DSC product lines. Geotate’s “Capture and Process” approach ensures an instant geo fix whilst solving the problem of lag time.
• Hopi – automatic geotagging solution for photo accessory and peripherals manufacturers. “Capture and Process” technology solves the problems of battery consumption and instant capture for photo matching accessories, enabling camera and internet users to share experiences quickly and easily.

About Geotate

Geotate is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NXP which is in the final stage of spinout negotiations with an investor. Final agreement is expected in the near future and closing by the end of the first quarter of 2008, after which NXP will hold a minority position. Further details of the agreement, including the name of the investor and financial terms, are not disclosed. Geotate is a geo software company whose solutions enable portable devices to automatically add a geotag to an object without compromising the user experience and the devices’ resources. Geotate’s patented approach captures raw GPS satellite signals in the available memory that are later unlocked via a web-based service. This disruptive technology enables instant, intuitive “geotagging”.

Reference: Geotate

STT-D370, the latest Samsung Bluetooth GPS

Samsung offers a very nice GPS for cars, which is totally compatible with your phone. So, on top of being a GPS with a 3D map and a DMB TV tuner, it also has a kit for a Bluetooth phone. With its 3.7” touch-screen, you will be able to directly dial your phone numbers and use its speakerphone and mike to communicate. The STT-D370 also has an MP3 and PMP player, and an SD port to bring in your videos and audio files.






Seoul, Korea, January 3, 2007 - Samsung Electronics Co, LTD, a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, launches Bluetooth Navigator (STT-D370) which is connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth®. It also adopts the latest technologies, such as Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) and terrestrial DMB.

The Samsung STT-D370 is the first Global Positioning Systems (GPS) navigator to connect a mobile phone via Bluetooth® feature. The microphone and speaker phone, embedded in Bluetooth Navigator enable the users to make or receive phone calls and SMS text messages, without using a mobile phone.

The Bluetooth Navigator also offers a built-in Real 3D map developed by Samsung, ensuring that the driver sees the road ahead in crystal-clear 3D graphics. The latest maps can be updated through Anycall Land (www.anycall.com).

The STT-D370 also offers a dynamic navigation feature, which uses TPEG (a transportation information service based on terrestrial DMB data broadcasting) information updated every five minutes via a terrestrial DMB data channel to select the optimal route by incorporating road situations in real time.

The highly portable Bluetooth Navigator with a 3.7-inch LCD and 16.8mm thickness, together with its long-lasting battery allows the user to enjoy navigator features and the various additional features it offers not only in vehicles but also while walking.

The Samsung STT-D370 includes various multimedia functionalities, such as high-resolution Personal Media Players (PMP), MP3, and photo albums; as well as a translator, an electronic dictionary, a file viewer. It also supports SD memory card.

Ki-tae Lee, President of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business said, “Samsung is leading the convergence technology to make people’s lives more convenient. We will continue to deliver a wider range of convergence terminals that incorporate next-generation telecommunication technologies.”

The Bluetooth Navigator is currently available in Korea at a price of around 600 USD.

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고급형(SET-100)

■ 통행료 잔액/이용요금 음성안내 ■ 카드잔액 부족 사전 안내 ■ 통행이력 조회 기능 ■ 백라이트 LCD 적용으로 야간에도 손쉽게 확인 가능 ■ 안테나 내장형으로 차량내 설치, 공간 최소화

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Solar Energy Bluetooth GPS Receiver

TranSystem’s BT GPS receiver has the longest operation time on the market. Now with the add-on solar energy panel, it sure can be a “Power Forever” BT GPS device.

Features:

•	Always “Power On”
•	Compact size
•	Built-in rechargeable 1000 mAh Lithium battery
•	Fashion look, shining design

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GPS3000 navigation system from Leadertone

Leadertone of Shenzen is another Chinese company that will be making an appearence at the CES 2007 this year. Their hottest product is the GPS3000 - unless they’re getting ready to reveal something better - we’ll have to see. GPS3000 is a sharp looking device with multimedia capabilities in addition to giving you directions.

It has a 3.5″ touchscreen that can support 65K colors and supports SD/MMC cards so you can easily update/change your maps. You can expect about 4 hours of power from the 1200mAh battery and get voice directions from the integrated 1W speaker. If the onboard GPS chip isn’t satisfactory for you, you can choose to connect an external GPS receiver through the antenna port as well. But the -159dBM sensitivity should be good enough for most conditions.

Here is a breakdown of the media files it supports:

• Video format: WMA, ASF, AVI
• Audio format: WMA9, MP3, WAV
• Photo browsing: JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG
• Text reading: TXT

Via

ハイテク調査の全国プライムグループ - GPS Shoe

調査は日本全国ＯＫです

ハイテク調査システムにより、人件費や諸経費を大幅削減！低料金での調査が可能です。
最新鋭の機材で貴方をサポートいたします。

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Guide Dog: GPS navigation, MS Office and parking sensor?

We came across this product on website of a company which will be attending CES 2007 in Las Vegas in January. The product is called Guide Dog and it does various useful things in a super slim body that would make the iPod Nano jealous.

According to the manufacturer - Power Digital Card - Guide Dog is the world’s first CE device featuring a 4 TFT LCD super bright touch screen, the world’s first navigation kit with a built-in antenna, the world’s first navigation device with 2D/3D gaming, and the world’s thinnest GPS device. We’re not sure if these claims are true, but whatever it is, it looks sexy.

In addition to providing GPS navigation, Guide Dog also supports PSD (Personal Storage Disc), a new technology of memory device, along with traditional memory cards such as MMC, MMCplus, and SD.

Apparently it also functions as a PC allowing for internet browsing, email access, MS Office functions, and IP Phone. You can also buy external accessories to turn your Guide Dog into DVB-T receiver, Parking Sensor (what?), Bluetooth (questionable), GPRS, UART and Handsfree. OK, it sounds made up. We’re contacting the manufacturer!

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The Samsung SCH-V960 phone with optical joystick

The SCH-V960, the latest Samsung slim phone, has a 2Mpix camera, GPS, Bluetooth, the Smart Lighting feature to always keep your screen well lighted, and an optical joystick to effortlessly navigate in the different menus.








Samsung Electronics, a leading provider and innovator of mobile phones, launches the world's first mobile phone featuring an optical joystick for a whole new mobile experience.

Samsung’s latest ‘Optical Joystick’ Phone (Model: SCH-V960) is suited with the latest technology that may revolutionize the way users interact with the menu and user interface of mobile handsets. Users utilize the optical joystick key by placing their finger and moving a cursor to navigate through the menu, similar to a cursor of a mouse on a PC.

Optical sensors will read and react to users' finger movement, thus breaking down the traditional four-way menu navigation and providing 360 degrees of freedom.

The familiarity and free movement of the V960's Optical Joystick will result in quick and hassle-free menu navigation.

Users can point the cursor and click directly on icons on MyScreen, similar interface to that on a PC environment, and gain direct access to frequently used menus such as photo album, messaging, and music menu. Users can also use the Optical Joystick to easily scroll through the play list while listening to their music.

Through an illumination sensor, the Samsung V960 also includes a 'Smart Lighting' feature that automatically controls the brightness of the LCD screen and keypad.

By using the 'Smart Lighting' feature, users are protected from eye strain and will minimize power consumption for increased efficiency. In addition, the V960 also supports a 2 megapixel camera, GPS and Bluetooth? function.

Kitae Lee, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication and Network Business said, “As the importance of user-friendly interface increases, Samsung is researching and developing methods that enhances intuitive use of mobile phones. Samsung will continue to combine innovative idea and the latest technology that will benefit our end users."”

The V960 will be launched in the Korean market at the end of December.

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Transplant GPS introduces the EMTAC mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS Receiver.

Byron, MN (USA) December 7, 2006 – Transplant GPS, the worldwide distributor of EMTAC brand products, today announced the release of the EMTAC mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS Receiver (mini-S3).

Nearly a third smaller than its predecessor, the mini-S3 easily fits into a pocket or purse and is perfect for almost any application. From hiking and geocaching to vehicle and marine navigation, the mini-S3 shines in nearly any setting. The mini-S3 is powered by the SiRFstarIII chipset for fast acquisition times and the ability to maintain a GPS fix, even in tough conditions.

Weighing in at 60 grams and measuring a mere 67 x 48 x 18 mm, the mini-S3 is a high performance, low power consumption, and very small Bluetooth GPS designed to compliment Smartphones and other Bluetooth enabled handheld devices. Its rubberized, non-slip coating keeps it from sliding around on the dash or slipping out of your hands.

Compatible with Bluetooth enabled PDAs, SmartPhones, Handheld PCs, Notebook PCs and other Bluetooth enabled mobile devices, the mini-S3 allows you to receive GPS data wirelessly. By transmitting GPS position data via Bluetooth, the user can position the receiver for the best possible reception.. The SiRFstarIII chipset provides superior sensitivity, enabling the user to enjoy clear reception in difficult environments like urban canyons, in the mountains, or under dense foliage.

The user replaceable, Lithium-Ion battery allows for eight hours of continuous use and is easily powered and recharged by the included home & car chargers. Recharging takes only one hour and the mini-S3 can be used while charging. Plus, the mini-S3 utilizes a mini-USB charging plug, eliminating the need for multiple charging systems and making it possible to charge the unit practically anywhere.

The EMTAC Bluetooth mini-S3 receiver is available through EMTAC resellers worldwide at a suggested retail price of $99.99 USD. For additional information, visit www.EMTAC.com or www.TransplantGPS.com.

---------------

Byron, MN, November 7, 2005 – Transplant GPS, the worldwide distributor of EMTAC brand products and creator of the world’s first Bluetooth GPS, today announced the release of EMTAC Bluetooth S3-GPS Receiver (S3-BTGPS) featuring the SiRFstarIII chip set.

The EMTAC S3-BTGPS features the latest in technology, the SiRFstarIII chip set. The SiRFstarIII is a high performance and low power consumption chip set. Its superior sensitivity has the ability to trace signals from 20 geo-synchronous satellites simultaneously while updating information from the satellites once every second. These speed and sensitivity improvements in reception capacity enable the user to enjoy clear reception in environments with typically poor signal reception, making the S3-BTGPS ideal for navigating in urban canyons, in the mountains, or under dense foliage.

Similar to its predecessor the EMTAC BTGPS, the S3-BTGPS allows you to receive GPS data wirelessly. By sending GPS position data over Bluetooth, the user can position the receiver for the best possible reception all without wires. It interoperates with various platforms: PDA, PDA Phone, SmartPhone, Handheld PC, Notebook PC and other Bluetooth enabled mobile devices. The internal lithium-ion battery powers the GPS for at least 6 hours of continuous use, saving your PDA or Laptop's battery. Recharging takes only 1 hour with the included charger.

The EMTAC S3-BTGPS will be available through EMTAC resellers and distributors worldwide. For additional information, please see www.EMTAC.com or www.TransplantGPS.com.

Transplant GPS is a leading provider of high quality GPS solutions. Working with the creators of the world's first Bluetooth GPS, Transplant continues to lead the industry in innovations for today’s consumer. Transplant is the world wide distributor of EMTAC products and currently provides a full line of GPS products including: GPS components, compact flash, serial/USB GPS, Bluetooth GPS, data loggers and Palm Navigation software.

Via

Sony PSP GPS Receiver

Heres the Specs of the GPS Receiver:

Product detail:

Sony PSP GPS Receiver (PSP-290)
Release date: 12/07/2006
Comes with case accessory

Hardware specs:

Reception Frequency: 1575.42MHz (L1 ban, C/A code)
Reception System: 20 Channels
Reception Sensitivity: Following: -153dBm, Captured: -140dBm
Position Update Interval: Approximately 1 second
Position Precision: 5m (2DRAMS, -130dBm)
Hardware size: 45mm x 41mm x 17mm (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight: Approximately 16 grams

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The EMTAC mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS powered by SiRFstarIII Technology

At almost a third smaller than previous models, the mini-S3 packs in a ton of features. Powered by the SiRF III chipset, the mini-S3 is fast to acquire a GPS fix and shines in dense cover as well as urban canyons.

Other new features include a user replaceable Lithium-Ion battery, charging via mini-USB, and AC & DC chargers.

The mini-S3 continues the tradition of its predecessors and allows you to receive GPS data wirelessly via Bluetooth. By sending GPS position data over Bluetooth, the user can position the receiver for the best possible reception all without wires. The internal lithium ion battery powers the GPS for at least 8 hours of continuous use, saving your PDA or Laptop's battery.

The SiRFstarIII is a high performance and low power consumption chip set. Its superior sensitivity has the ability to trace signals from 20 geo-synchronous satellites simultaneously while updating information from the satellites once every second. These improvements in reception capacity enable the user to enjoy clear reception in environments with typically poor signal reception, making the mini-S3 ideal for navigating in urban canyons, in the mountains, or under dense foliage.

What is included:

• mini-S3 Bluetooth GPS
• DC (car) charger
• AC (wall) charger
• Lanyard
• Manuals and test software CD

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VIAMICHELIN Navigation X-930 Portable In Vehicle GPS System

3.5" TFT Color LCD / Voice Guidance in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish / US and Canada Maps / Dash and Windshield Mount

Feeling lost? you won't be if you"ve got the ViaMichelin Navigation X-930 Portable In Vehicle GPS System. Combining ease of use and portability, ViaMichelin's Portable GPS Navigation X-930 is the lightest weight product in its class, and has the latest GPS receiver technology (based on SiRFstarIII chip), plus a complete set of pre-loaded U.S. maps and points of interest. (Canada maps may be downloaded from included DVD) The X-930 is a full-featured GPS with optimized routing, user address book, flexible destination selection and useful points of interest.
This new product from ViaMichelin builds on Michelin's over 100 years of maps and guides publishing experience and the X-930 has a slim, convenient design, while providing a full-size touch screen for easy use and navigation. The unit also features voice and text prompted turn-by-turn driving directions with comprehensive street-level maps.

Integrated GPS receiver (SIRF Star III technology): ensures GPS reception, even through heat reflective windscreens

Powerful and quick route calculation

Clear and precise voice instructions

Saves your last 10 destinations

Speed warner: alerts you when you exceed speed limits

Bypass: change your route to avoid roadworks, traffic jams

Canada maps are loadable from included DVD software disc

Via

BT-Q920 - The Compact SiRF Star III BT GPS with Radio Transmitter (Optional)

Applications

• Adopt SiRF Star III chipset
• 20-Channel GPS Receiver for fast acquisition and reacquisition
• The compact GPS receiver with stylish design
• Smart power saving and support 12 hours usage
• High sensitivity (to -159dBm)
• Excellent performance - Cold/Warm/Hot start time: 42/38/1 sec. (average)
• Support standard NMEA-0183 at 4800 ~ 38400 bps baud rate
• Compatible with Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) in 10m wirelessly

Specifications

General
GPS Chip			SiRF Star III
Frequency			L1, 1575.42MHz
C/A Code			1.023MHz chip rate
Channels			Support 20 channels
Antenna (Intemal)			Built-in low noise antenna
Sensitivity
To -159dBm Tracking, Superior Urban Canyon Performance
Acquisition Rate
Cold Start	42 sec, average
Warm Start	38 sec, average
Hot Start	1 sec, average
Reacquisition	0.1sec
Accuracy
Position	<>
Velocity	0.1m /sec, without SA
Time	1 m s synchronized to GPS time
Power
Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery and input
Operation Current		<75ma>
Operation Time		12hrs, fully charged, in continuous mode
Charging time		4.0hrs. (Typical)
Input Voltage		5.5 0.5 V DC

Datum
WGS-84
Dynamic Conditions
Altitude	<>
Velocity	<>
Acceleration	<>
Motional Jerk	4 m /sec.
Interface
Communication Protocol
Communicate with host platform via
Bluetooth (class 2) serial port profile
Bluetooth communication distance 10 M .(Typical).
GPS Protocol
Default: NMEA-0183 – GGA, GSA, GSV, GLL, RMC,VTG Baud rate 4800~38400 bps, Data bit : 8, stop bit : 1(Default) *
Device Size
59 (W) x 44 (D) x 21 (H) ( m m)
60g (including battery)
Accessories
Car charger (mini USB)			AC adaptor (Optional)
Rechargerable Battery
Environmental
Operating Temperature		- 10°C to + 60°C
Storage Temperature		- 20°C to + 85°C

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Enhance the security by using GPS - I

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i-Station NetForce Navi

We’ve covered the T43 from i-Station before. They have a new model out called the NetForce Navi which uses the same GPS cradle as T43 but considerably shorter. The whole back side of the device is attaches to a 3000mAh battery pack and it comes with all the cables you may need to attach to another video source, USB drive, headset, etc… Also included in the box is the GPS cradle, windshield mounting bracket, car charger, T-DMB antenna and more.

The NetForce Navi can also be used as a portable audio player and it comes with a remote that can attach to your clothing and gives you the ability to control volume, FF, RWD, pause, and so on.

Here are some specs we could pull out from the all the Korean text:

• 4.3 WVGA (800 x 480) TFT LCD screen
• WinCE.NET 5.0 operating system
• Rousen Navi navigation software
• 3000mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery
• 148 x 78 x 21.8 mm / 340g
• T-DMB receiver as H.264
• Supported file formats: MPEG 1/2, MPEG4, MP3, WMA, AC3, OGG, WAV, MSADPCM, JPEG, BMP, PNG, RAW

You should check out the product page for a longer set of features, however keep in mind that the site is in Korean - but the icons are pretty self explanatory.

Wouldn’t this be the ultimate Nuvi 660 killer if it were to come out in North America?

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LG soon to release LN500

After releasing the LN700 and LN600 the Korean manufacturer now will launch a new range of PND: LN500. Contrary to the LN700 and its predecessor, the LN600, both with a large screen (4 inches), the LN 500 will have a screen of standard size: 3.5 inches. This new GPS comes to supplement the LN700 and positions itself in the entry range. It is small and light, with a design sympathetic and less bulky than his big brother. Especially the GPS antenna is from now on integrated not fold-out style. Another innovation, its ROM memory of 512 MB in order to store maps of France. For navigation software LG uses Destinator 6

Its main features:

• Integrated SiRF Star III GPS receiver with integrated antenna
• 3.5 inches touch screen 65K colors with 240 x 320 resolution
• Atlas ARM9 processor at 300 MHz
• 512 MB of ROM
• SD port
• Mini USB 1.1
• 2 to 3 hours of battery life
• Weight : 170 gr. approximately
• 3 buttons in fronte including 2 to control volume
• Windows CE.net 5 operating system
• Destinator 6 navigation software with Navteq maps
• Photo viewer (BMP, GIF, JPG)

Several versions of LN500 (LN505, LN510, LN515…) are predicted but to date, but only the LN505 will be marketed in France. It will be shipped with maps of France preinstalled on the integrated ROM memory. Also a CD with countries of Europe is included if installation is necessary.

The LN505 will be marketed in France during January for 250 Euros.

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LG soon to release LN500

After releasing the LN700 and LN600 the Korean manufacturer now will launch a new range of PND: LN500. Contrary to the LN700 and its predecessor, the LN600, both with a large screen (4 inches), the LN 500 will have a screen of standard size: 3.5 inches. This new GPS comes to supplement the LN700 and positions itself in the entry range. It is small and light, with a design sympathetic and less bulky than his big brother. Especially the GPS antenna is from now on integrated not fold-out style. Another innovation, its ROM memory of 512 MB in order to store maps of France. For navigation software LG uses Destinator 6

Its main features:

• Integrated SiRF Star III GPS receiver with integrated antenna
• 3.5 inches touch screen 65K colors with 240 x 320 resolution
• Atlas ARM9 processor at 300 MHz
• 512 MB of ROM
• SD port
• Mini USB 1.1
• 2 to 3 hours of battery life
• Weight : 170 gr. approximately
• 3 buttons in fronte including 2 to control volume
• Windows CE.net 5 operating system
• Destinator 6 navigation software with Navteq maps
• Photo viewer (BMP, GIF, JPG)

Several versions of LN500 (LN505, LN510, LN515…) are predicted but to date, but only the LN505 will be marketed in France. It will be shipped with maps of France preinstalled on the integrated ROM memory. Also a CD with countries of Europe is included if installation is necessary.

The LN505 will be marketed in France during January for 250 Euros.

Sat-nav for blind 'not a gimmick'

The Telegraph reports that blind residents of Turin have been equipped with GPS trackers so that they can be directed around the northern Italian city by satellite.

" When wearing the device, a blind user can be tracked by call-centre workers on a map of the city. If he needs help, he can press a special button on a mobile phone to ring in and be guided towards his destination.

Another button can alert staff in case of an attack, or another emergency. The trial scheme, named B>Easy Walk, started last week.

The service runs 24 hours a day and can work across Italy and even France."

Magellan RoadMate 2200T Review

Verdict: Good

What a year it's been for Magellan! Several months ago they released the RoadMate 3000T, 3050T, and 6000T, only to discontinue the 3000T a few months later, and replace it with the RoadMate 2000 and 2200T. Oh, and along the way Magellan was acquired by Shah Capital Partners (SCP). Magellan was once my undisputed favorite GPS manufacturer, and was responsible for some of the best navigation systems ever developed, including the legendary Hertz NeverLost system and the 750NAV. Over the years, however, Magellan had let their product line become stagnant, and the company was dying a slow, under-funded death. Around 9 months ago I was starting to worry that Magellan may have lost the secret sauce altogether and might cease to exist.

Now it looks like Magellan's new parent company, SCP, is injecting new life (and money) into their product line, and the good news is Magellan is finally releasing some good products again. Fresh on the heals of the RoadMate 2000, Magellan has released the 2200T. With a suggested retail price of $499, the 2200T is aimed squarely at competing with the TomTom ONE and Garmin's nuvi 350 and the Garmin StreetPilot c530. The 2200T improves slightly on the RoadMate 2000, offering text-to-speech, optional real-time traffic data, a longer battery life, more rugged (and water resistant) case, a photo viewer, and a music player.

1. Features

• Traffic upgradeable - Get LIVE traffic incident reports when you add the Magellan TrafficKit ($99, available later this month from Magellan. Requires service subscription after introductory 3-month period for $59/year)
• Turn-by-turn voice and visual guidance
• Waterproof to IPX-4
• Rechargeable battery - (battery lasts about 8 hours between charges)
• SirfstarIII 20-channel high performance GPS receiver
• Text-to-speech - Hear the street name of your next turn
• Multi-destination Routing - Select up to 20 destinations
• SmartDetour - Automatically routes you around sudden slow freeway traffic using your own custom settings
• Built-in maps - United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
• Bird's-eye 3D view
• SD card compatible - Insert outdoor maps, music and pictures
• Digital Music Player - Play music through the integrated speaker or your own headphones
• Photo Viewer
• Auto re-route - (automatically re-calculates the route if you miss a turn)
• Auto night view - Adjusts color and contrast for night viewing
• QuickSpell - Easily enter addresses with Magellan's efficient auto-complete feature
• 1.5 million points of interest (POI) - find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, airports, parks and more
• Interactive POI icons - Touch an onscreen icon for a nearby destination; see phone number and get an instant route
• 4 routing methods available - Shortest time, shortest distance, least use or most use of freeways, avoid toll roads
• Address Book and Favorites List - Create and store personal points of interest to route to places you go to often
• Instant locate - One touch shows your location; quickly advise roadside assistance or emergency services

2. Specifications

PHYSICAL

Case: High-impact plastic
Base Map: Pre-loaded - 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico
Size: 4.28" W x 3.15" H x 1.12" D (W 108.8 mm x H 88 mm x D 28.5 mm)
Weight: 7.8 oz / 221 g
Display: 3.5" color touch screen display, 2.11" x 2.81" (53.6mm x 71.5mm)
Data Storage: Secure Digital (SD) Card compatible
Antenna: Built-in multidirectional patch
Operating Range: 14 to 140°F (-10 to 60°C)

PERFORMANCE

Receiver: 20 channels, SirfstarIII
Acquisition Time: Hot: 1 second, Cold: 40 seconds, Initial: 5 minutes
Accuracy: 3 to 5 meters (10 - 16 feet) - WAAS/EGNOS, <>Languages: English

POWER

Source: Li-Ion rechargeable 1900mA, 12 V AC or 12 VDC vehicle adapter (sold separately)
Battery Life: Over 8 hours continuous use

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Epson cranks out "world's smallest" GPS module

Epson Japan has developed an ultra-sensitive, ultra-compact global positioning system (GPS) module to meet high demand from manufacturers of mobile phones and other handsets with GPS functionality. The Epson S4E19863 series was developed using Epson's advanced original technology and know-how relating to GPS baseband processors and A-GPS software. Featuring a remarkably broad detection range capable of identifying both strong outdoor signals and weak indoor signals, the new module far outstrips the levels of sensitivity found in conventional GPS technology. The Epson S4E19863 module also supports the three 3GPP-compliant positioning modes (MS-Based, MS-Assisted and Autonomous), for world-class GPS positioning performance in any application and under any network environment.

Moreover, thanks to clever use of space-saving technology the S4E19863 series is the world's smallest GPS module (7 mm x 6 mm x 1.28 mm), making it ideal for applications with limited component space, such as mobile phones. Volume shipment of the Epson S4E19863 series has already begun.

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