There is an interesting study coming out today from TÜV SÜD in conjunction with Tele Atlas. TÜV SÜD is a testing, inspection and certification organization which (I assume) was commissioned by Tele Atlas to conduct a test of map accuracy. Their results showed that the Tele Atlas maps were more accurate in two-thirds of markets tested. They used “the latest commercially available GPS devices from two leading brands”. This is similar to a test I performed a couple of years ago (NAVTEQ VS Tele Atlas), but with much more sophistication. Continue–> TÜV SÜD Claims Tele Atlas Maps Most Accurate
With the recent surge in smartphone based navigation systems many people have been asking about the hidden differences between having maps stored on the device, versus the maps coming from “the cloud”. Each method has advantages and disadvantages and a few qualities you think would be a large disadvantage don’t happen as often as you would expect. Continue–> On-Board VS Cloud Maps for Apps
Hey, did we call that or what? A couple of weeks ago we put forth our suspicions that Magellan was actively developing an iPhone app. Today we find out that it is real, and available now in the App Store at a special price of $79. (Still trying to confirm the non-sale price.) By the looks of the features it appears they’ve done a bang-up job– but we’ll reserve full judgement for a road test. Continue–> Magellan RoadMate for iPhone
TomTom has just announced they have submitted a new app, presumably version 1.2, to the App Store for approval. This will be a free update which includes a host of features users have been asking pleading for. Apple’s approval times can vary widely so it is difficult to say exactly when the app will be available for users to download. Here are some of the new features. Continue–> TomTom iPhone App 1.2 Update
We’ve been hearing about various concepts for integrating GPS and a rear view mirror for close to four years now, however the new Mirror from Directusnav actually exists. It is an interesting concept as it addresses many of the aesthetic issues a traditional PND is plagued with… suction cup mounts, dangling cords, etc. My first reaction was concern that it might be difficult to reach, although as I sat in my car I realized that the mirror is actually a closer reach than the bottom center of the windshield where PNDs are typically installed. Continue–> Directus Rear-view Mirror GPS
We’ve seen a number of indications over the past three months that Magellan is actively developing an iPhone application. While details are very elusive right now, the hints are starting to line up. Here is what we’ve seen and heard so far that leads us to believe a Magellan iPhone app is coming soon. Continue–> Magellan RoadMate iPhone App?
Garmin introduced a new series of GPS devices today aimed at recreational pilots who want a single GPS to keep them aligned to the airways and highways. The Garmin Aera series devices include both aviation charts as well as road maps.
“Customers who use Garmin products in their plane and car often ask us to create an all-in-one GPS that combines our aviation expertise with the operational simplicity and clean exterior design of our automotive devices,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing.
Since the TomTom Car Kit started appearing in the Apple Online Store recently, eagle-eyed readers noticed that compatibility was listed for the iPhone 3G and 3Gs, but not the original iPhone (2G) and iPod Touch. This lead to rumors that the kit would not (as in ever) be compatible with the iPod Touch and iPhone 2G. But this didn’t seem quite right so we sought clarification from TomTom. Here it is, direct from TomTom Media Relations. Continue–> TomTom iPhone app for iPod Touch – Clarification
Forbes recently wrote about the possibility of Google providing a turn-by-turn directions app. It seems now that this new app is just about in the “confirmed column”. The leaked specs of the Motorola Droid include not only “Google Maps”, but also “Google Turn-by-turn Directions” under the list of Google Mobile Services. Continue–> Google Turn By Turn Directions on Android 2
