Thursday, January 4, 2007

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

guidegod-494.jpg

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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Wednesday, January 3, 2007

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.

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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

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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