SiRF and Intel sign license and development agreement - Engadget

SiRF Technology Inc. (makers of the SiRFstar chip line, amongst others) and Intel (makers of everything else) have just signed a license and joint development agreement to collaborate on products which the companies hope will "help location and wireless connectivity become more mainstream in next generation mobile devices." As part of the agreement, SiRF will license some of its technologies to Intel, but the company will also co-develop new products which will be destined for Intel-powered gear like mobile phones and "mobile internet devices." So what does this mean for us? Well, we're probably about to see a lot of "you got chocolate in my peanut butter" scenarios, like GPS operability hardwired into Intel chipsets -- which will pretty much guarantee the mainstreaming of GPS, and open a lot of very interesting doors.

SiRF and Intel sign license and development agreement - Engadget

Asus P530w GPS PDA phone -- NaviGadget

Asus’ other new addition to its line of GPS PDA phones is the new P530w. P530w works on UMTS networks as well as GSM and has an impressive 150-200 hours standy but only 2-3 hours talk time. The Li-Ion battery has 1200mAh capacity. The OS is Microsoft Windows Mobile6 which runs on a TI OMAP 850 processor at 200MHz. Asus P530w also has 802.11 b/g, bluetooth, and USB connectivity and a microSD slot for memory expansion.

Here are some of the other features:

• Memory: 256 MB flash + 64MB SDRAM
• Display: 2.4″, 65K colors, TFT, 320×240 resolution
• Camera: 2MP camera with auto macro, VGA camera for VT
• Audio: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, MIDI support
• Browsing: HTTP and WAP 2.0
• Messaging: SMS, MMS 1.2, and email
• JAVA: J2ME (CLDC 1.1, MIDP 2.0)
• Video: MPEG4 / H.263 playback and recording; audio video streaming video call
• Ringtone: 64 channel polyphonic ringer and MP3
• Others: ClearVue document viewer, Bluetooth remote presenter, and business card recognition

We have no information on pricing or availability for Asus P530w just yet.

Asus P530w GPS PDA phone -- NaviGadget

Pets locator in UK 20 pounds/month

Buddi of UK is getting ready to release a new personal GPS locator that is miniaturized in size to make it easier to carry around with you. The specs are not released at this point but it probably is a GPS GSM tracking device that notifies a network at a pre-determined time interval.

You will have to spend an initial £300 on the GPS/GSM hardware and then pay £20 per month to get the service which will include 24/7 customer support as well as a website to pinpoint your loved ones on a map

buddi GPS locator coming out soon -- NaviGadget

Sirf Chipset for tracking and accuracy capabilities

GPS manufacturer SiRF today announced a new technology they call “SiRFDirect” which enables GPS navigation manufacturers to provide tracking and accuracy capabilities so far only available in higher-end systems.

SiRFDiRect technology uses heading and acceleration data from the sensors to boost the accuracy of portable navigation systems when GPS signals are weak or blocked, such as in dense urban canyons and tunnels. Transitions between combined GPS/DR and dead-reckoning-only operation are seamless and accurate without operator intervention, and the closely coupled GPS/DR architecture of SiRFDiRect technology continuously auto-calibrates the heading and acceleration sensors…

The first adapter of SiRF’s new SiRFDirect technology will be Mio which is expected to reveal a few new models at Computex Taipei 2007. Mio will call this technology Navsteadi.

new SiRFDirect uses heading and acceleration sensors -- NaviGadget

Nokia N95 A-GPS available with new firmware -- NaviGadget

Nokia after hearing a few bad things about the GPS performance on the N95 decided to include A-GPS support with its new V12 firmware. With the new A-GPS support your N95 will connect to the assistance server operated by Nokia which in return send back the up-to-date ephemeris data of the GPS constellation and help decrease the time it takes to get a satellite fix where GPS signals are poor even in places with no direct view of the sky.

Nokia N95 A-GPS available with new firmware -- NaviGadget

HTC Omni revealed with GPS and VGA/TV-out? - Engadget

It'll also be packing a GPS/A-GPS nugget in a 130 x 81 x 16-mm slab making it a bit smaller than an Advantage but bigger than the phone-that-shall-not-be-named.

HTC Omni revealed with GPS and VGA/TV-out? - Engadget

TomTom, Vodafone Team for U.K. Traffic Data Service - GPS LBS

Vodafone and TomTom expect to make the service commercially available sometime in the first half of 2008; they will release more details of the system and service at that time, the companies said. The traffic data service will also be available for road authorities and businesses for dynamic traffic control and fleet management purposes, according to the two.

TomTom, Vodafone Team for U.K. Traffic Data Service - GPS LBS

Yahoo Expands LBS Offerings, Integrates GPS - GPS LBS

Yahoo says Go 2.0 will incorporate improved mapping with both satellite and hybrid maps available, as well as navigation including current traffic conditions. It will also give users the option to enable the software to utilize the GPS technology embedded in a users' device for its location-based services, the company says.

In addition to releasing Go for Mobile 2.0 in the United States, Yahoo said it was offering localized beta versions of the software in 13 other countries: Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, Thailand, and Vietnam. These localized versions will incorporate much of the functionality found in the U.S. version including oneSearch, the company said; it will initially be available on some 200 different models of mobile phone, with plans to expand to 400.

Yahoo Expands LBS Offerings, Integrates GPS - GPS LBS

Mobile Phones Threaten Dedicated PND Market - GPS LBS

Recent research by In-Stat found that:

• The market for PNDs will reach 56 million units worldwide by 2011, up from 14 million in 2006.
• Market drivers include falling price points, enhanced features, stronger consumer awareness of PNDs, and increased marketing and promotion by leading PND manufacturers.
• In 2006, PND manufacturers significantly reduced prices, with entry models priced under $200.

Mobile Phones Threaten Dedicated PND Market - GPS LBS

AmberWatch Mobile GPS tracking service announced - Engadget

The AmberWatch Foudation used QUALCOMM's recent BREW 2007 conference to take the wraps off its latest initiative, with QUALCOMM CEO Paul Jacobs himself helping to talk up the new AmberWatch Mobile GPS tracking service and urge others in the industry to jump on board. Among other things, the new service will allow individuals to send alerts to family and friends when they're in need of assistance (which'll include their GPS location), allow chosen friends or family members to check on an individual's location from their PC or cellphone, and give parents the ability to set up scheduled checkups with their kids. Look for the software to roll out this September, with about half of the proceeds from sales going to support the AmberWatch Foundation.

AmberWatch Mobile GPS tracking service announced - Engadget

Engadget Mobile's got five Bluetooth car kits to give away - Engadget

What better way to blow out the holiday than with a handful of Motorola T305 car kits? Does one of 'em have your name on it? Only one way to find out, we figure: enter the contest!

Have a look at our other contests, too, before it's too late:


Engadget Mobile's got five Bluetooth car kits to give away - Engadget: "What better way to blow out the holiday than with a handful of Motorola T305 car kits? Does one of 'em have your name on it? Only one way to find out, we figure: enter the contest!

Have a look at our other contests, too, before it's too late:"

100 GBP Sate Navi

TomTom buys VDO from Siemnce

Several European sites report that TomTom has bought all or part of a stake in Siemens VDO’s Eindhoven, Netherlands operations. Official details were not immediately available from either company. It’s not clear whether TomTom intends to acquire just VDO’s R&D staff, estimated at 90, or if TomTom plans to take over VDO’s OEM business, or just VDO Dayton, an aftermarket operation.

In any event, the move is in character with recent moves by TomTom and other large players in the navigation space. Last year, TomTom announced joint development with Johnson Controls to develop a Bluetooth device that could be moved from car-to-car, and at CES, showed, with Fujitsu Ten, a true portable, that could be used in the car and outside. Garmin recently announced a deal with Honda last month for entry-level in-vehicle units. Late last year, Navigon acquired NAVTEQ’s navigation technology, saying that it would pursue the automotive space. Navigon also recently introduced its own PNDs, the company’s first in its history. Until then, it had only developed software.

TomTom, Siemens Deal for Nav R&D - GPS LBS

GPS chip on SIM cards

Putting a GPS Chip Inside a SIM Card

Start-up company BlueSky Positioning says that it has managed to fit a GPS receiver and proprietary antenna inside a SIM card. This would enable network operators to launch location based services without either relying on network intensive cell-positioning, or requiring customers to upgrade to a GPS capable handset.

BlueSky Positioning has developed patent-pending technology and processes to embed Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) capability in the SIM card (USIM in the case of 3G handsets), with minimal impact on signal strength and battery life. BlueSky Positioning's A-GPS SIM uses an assistance data server in the mobile network to reduce the location identification time (Time To First Fix) and increase accuracy, particularly within buildings and densely populated areas.

Risto Savolainen, BlueSky Positioning CEO, said "The LBS market has promised much and delivered little. This strengthened EU legislation to enhance public safety services will also catalyse the LBS market by putting the means of access into the hands of every user. Working with SIM card manufacturers, BlueSky Positioning enables mobile operators to embed the service in every consumer's SIM and USIM card, without compromising the existing levels of card security and privacy protection."

The company is pitching its product as a cheaper way for operators to comply with legislation which will shortly require all emergency calls within the EU to be locatable
Putting a GPS Chip Inside a SIM Card

GPS Track

GPS Track: "he path that you travel. Tracks can be uploaded to a web site, sent by email, transferred via Bluetooth, or written to a flash memory card. Google Maps and Google Earth are used to view the tracks. File formats such as GPX and CSV are also supported.
Compatibility

Requires a cell phone or other mobile device with:
bullet J2ME (Java 2 mobile edition)"

garmin and tomtom making phones? -- NaviGadget

Here is some speculation: According to some sources Garmin and Tomtom are looking into getting GPS enabled phone market. Well, they better: Soon all mobile phones are going to have embedded GPS chips in them so nobody will want to spend $400+ on a standalone GPS navigation system. It is already happening! (nokia n95, mio A501)



garmin and tomtom making phones? -- NaviGadget

GPSで子どもの位置を確認できる安心機能が充実：ITpro

表1●子ども向け携帯電話で使える「位置情報サービス」
◎：月額料金不要のサービスで対応　　○：有料サービスで対応　　×：非対応

提供会社	NTTドコモ	KDDI	ソフトバンク モバイル	ウィルコム
サービス名	イマドコサーチ	安心ナビ	イチなび	位置検索サービス
検索される側の機種	GPS対応機種（キッズケータイSA800i，903iシリーズの一部など）はGPSで位置検索，他は基地局情報を利用	ジュニアケータイ A5520SAII・A5525SAのほか，現行のほとんどのau携帯電話	コドモバイル812Tのほか，813T，911TなどGPS対応機種	papipo！（バンダイ）
検索対応機種	FOMAおよびmovaのiモード対応機種	現行のほとんどのau携帯電話	3G機種	インターネット対応機種（事業者を問わない）
子どもから 位置情報を通知	◎ SA800iの機能として提供	◎ A5520SA II・A5525SAの機能として提供	◎ 812Tの機能として提供	◎※
子どもの 現在地確認	○	◎ 子どもの同意なく検索したい場合は有料	○	◎※
スケジュール機能	○	○	○	×
エリア通知	○	◎	◎ 812Tの機能として提供	×
経路追跡	×	◎ A5525SAの機能として提供	×	×
地図情報の閲覧	○	◎ サービスによっては有料	◎ サービスによっては有料	○
パソコンによる確認	○	○ 2007年4月上旬開始予定	○	◎※
有料サービスの 初期登録料	なし	なし	なし	525円
有料サービスの 月額使用料	210円	315円	210円	315円
1回あたりの検索料	5.25円	3.15円 保護者と子どもそれぞれに課金されるサービスもある	5.25円	検索10回まで無料 11回目以降は5.25円
保護者が子どもと同一会社の携帯電話でなくても利用できる	×	×	×	◎

※　papipo！の機能として提供するサービスは無料。位置検索サービスによる精度の高い位置情報を検索する場合は有料

GPSで子どもの位置を確認できる安心機能が充実：ITpro

TomTom GPRS PND

We caught this one on its trip to the FCC, but TomTom has now officially taken the wraps off its GO 715 GPS navigation system, the follow-up to its GO 710 unit. As we mentioned last time, the big news here is the addition of a SIM card slot for GPRS data, which will let the device send and receive messages, as well as location information, to other vehicles. That, of course, makes it a slightly less consumery device than some of TomTom's other units, with this one aimed instead at business looking to manage a fleet of vehicles. There doesn't appear to be any word on pricing just yet, but it should be rolling out sometime next month.

http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/102237081/

Webraska Wireless Navigation Worldwide

Webraska powers Orange Business Navigation Services in the UK

London and Paris - November 01, 2006

Webraska, a leading provider of mobile GPS navigation solutions and high-end geospatial software platforms for wireless carriers and major service providers worldwide, announced that Orange UK has selected Webraska Navigation to offer a GPS navigation solution to corporate customers and SME's through its Orange Business Services.

A complete roll out of the service launches on 1st November 2006. The service is packaged as 'Sat-Nav from Orange', comprising, a Bluetooth® GPS receiver, a car cradle, in-car charger and a lifetime license of the navigation software.

Sat Nav from Orange is compatible with a wide range of Blackberry, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and HTC/SPV Smartphones and PDA phones, already in wide use by businesses, saving companies the expense and time involved in acquiring additional devices or memory cards. The use of a single unit also means that the device is less likely to be stolen than other navigation tools, which may be left behind in cars or offices.

The system relies on Webraska's powerful servers to store the detailed street-level maps powered by Navteq covering 100% of UK, together with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, parking and other useful points of interests, which allows detailed and personalised routes to be calculated instantaneously. These servers are accessed by the Sat Nav from Orange client application stored in the user's handset via Orange's mobile network.

This enables Orange business users to benefit from :

• Unlimited access to the most up to date, fully detailed maps of the UK (easily extendable to all of Europe) with no need to purchase expensive updates or upload maps on to various memory cards.
• Optimised routes according to real time traffic information, accurate travel time estimates that take into account actual traffic conditions, minute per minute traffic updates and automatic reroute should traffic conditions ahead on the route change.
• Local search capabilities among an extensive, up-to-date database of points of interest which can include guides, ratings and comments on local bars and restaurants.
• Improved productivity through a decrease in the time and cost of business journeys, as well as the stress involved to the employee themselves.

The partnership with Webraska offers Orange UK an opportunity to create real value for their business end users as well as adding value to Orange handsets. Webraska is already working with leading operators in other European countries, such as Vodafone in Italy and Orange in France.

"This partnership confirms Orange UK's recognition of the potential value-add the combination of GPS navigation and the Smartphone offers, and the continuous investment in bringing the most recent productivity tools to professionals. It is clear that being able to get to any location without stress, anywhere in the UK, and to save time by avoiding heavy traffic areas, brings immediate business benefits." says Gareth Williams, Group Manager Solution Products, Orange Business Services.

Nigel Brooke, Sales Director at Webraska adds: "We are very pleased to announce this partnership with Orange. Corporate and SME users immediately see the advantage of having a precise and reliable satellite navigation capability directly available on their smartphone."

Webraska Wireless Navigation Worldwide

Webraska Wireless Navigation Worldwide

Orange Navigation 7, Orange France's new satellite navigation offer developed by Webraska, launched at the Paris Motor Show

New interface, 3D view, call centre interface with 118 712 directory assistance service and exclusive points of interest are among the new features showcased

Paris, France - September 29, 2006

Webraska, a leading provider of mobile GPS navigation solutions and high-end geospatial software platforms for wireless carriers and major service providers worldwide, is pleased to announce thatOrange France launched Orange Navigation 7, the latest version of its satellite navigation service, at the Paris Motor Show.

This new version features Webraska Navigation's latest software developments including :

• Fully re-designed user interface: even more user friendly, the newly designed interface features attractive menus with 3D icons and re-engineered points of interest management.
• 3D view: the 3D view function for the maps is a popular feature; it allows the user to display a bird's eye view of the itinerary map, providing the driver with the most realistic representation of the route ahead.
• Interface with directory assistance service 118 712 : users benefit from a new address entry option allowing them to generate a call to the directory assistance service 118 712 in order to get assistance to search for an address; once found, the address is sent by SMS by the call centre operator to the mobile device that automatically launches guidance towards the destination (service billed according to standard 118 712 tariffs).
• Making use of the Point of Interest dynamic integration capabilities of Webraska Navigation, Orange offers exclusive access to the Champérard's Guide, one of the leading French guides for restaurants and food businesses. Users can now search for nearby Champérard's addresses, rank addresses according to price or quality criteria, bookmark the address of their choice, generate a phone call to the selected address and then be guided at the touch of a button. Access to the Champérard's Guide review and comments is charged extra. This service showcases rich content integration withinOrange Navigation that Orange France is willing to develop in the short term.

Orange Navigation 7 will be available soon across Orange France's retail network. It will be compatible with a large range of mobile devices including recently launched Sony Ericsson M600 and GPS enabled SPV M700.

Orange Navigation 7 is demoed live on these new devices at the Paris Motor Show (Sept 28 - Oct 15) on the Orange stand #140, Hall 4.

Webraska Wireless Navigation Worldwide

Google Maps adds real-time traffic data | CNET News.com

Google has added real-time traffic data for several major cities to its mapping service, the company said Wednesday.

The traffic information is integrated with Google Maps and is available in more than 30 American cities, including San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago and New York.

The data is provided for major highways and is color-coded to signify traffic conditions: green means no congestion; yellow is for minor holdups; and red means significant slowdowns.

According to Google product manager Carl Sjogreen, the data is aggregated from several sources, including road sensors, as well as car and taxi fleets.

As a result, Sjogreen said, there is sometimes not enough data to report road conditions. In that case, the roads appear gray.

For the time being, he added, Google will provide traffic data only for major highways, but it may expand the offering eventually.

Google Maps adds real-time traffic data | CNET News.com

Siemens GPS / GRPS for tracking

Siemens AySystem utilizes GPS / GRPS for emergency tracking, alerting

While Siemens HQ is probably still dusting itself from last year's invasion, that's not stopping the whole show 'round those parts, as the firm is introducing a new form of emergency communication with its AySystem. By utilizing worldwide GSM / GRPS networks (and optionally, GPS), the pocketable device can be tracked, modified, and used as a channel of communication between a caregiver and patient, parent and child, boss and subordinate, or any other useful combination of individuals. Essentially, the Ay token is given to the person who needs monitored, and the other party can adjust various "thresholds" such as motion (or the lack thereof), temperature, and sound, and if that limit is surpassed (i.e. a patient stops moving), the token will sound an alarm whilst simultaneously texting / calling a user-selected individual. Moreover, it can be remotely controlled and tweaked via a web-based interface, and users can add "SnapOns" such as GPS receivers and cameras to extend its functionality even futher. Thankfully, the platform in which the device runs on is entirely Java-based, which should please those looking to code their own programs to take full advantage of what's being offered. As of now, we're not exactly sure how much this fancy panic button will end up costing, but it is slated to be made available "via mobile carriers or through pre-paid plans" in the not too distant future.

[Via Gizmag

Why Parents Buy Mobile Phones for their Children

Asus WM GPS phone

This thin (15.4mm) and light (115g) GPS integrated mobile phone provides Quad-band GMS/GPRS/EDGE support for global roaming, and numeric keys and wheel for easy operation. With its high quality picture viewing (640 x 480) and 2M-Pixel camera with camcorder function, the P526 provides superb visuals for the user. The P526’s 2.6″ TFT (Touchscreen) display provides 65,536 colors at 240×320 pixels resolution. This mobile wonder also comes with Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6.0.

Asus P526 is now official -- NaviGadget

Highe end chipset for Media flo & agps

• Position-location capabilities of gpsOne® assisted-GPS technology and gpsOneXTRA assistance technology, which expands the capabilities of standalone GPS
  
  
• MediaFLO Technologies demonstration of 20 live-streaming television channels, including Spanish and European content from Abertis and Sky, and Clipcasting™ content from Warner Music Group on three OEM handsets
  
  
• IP datacasting demonstrations of news, sports and weather streaming
  
  
• The world's first demonstration of MBMS mobile TV technology, delivering multiple channels over the air using UMTS networks
  
  
• Mobile Station Modem™ (MSM™) MSM7XXX-series chipsets, showcasing stunning 3D graphics and gaming capabilities
  
  
• High-quality VoIP demonstration using HSPA technology, and running simultaneously with other leading data applications such as video sharing, video streaming and Web browsing
  
  
• HSPA video streaming, Web browsing and video sharing
  
  
• Commercial uiOne™ handsets and demonstrations of advanced uiOne capabilities
  
  
• BREW gaming and BREW locate signature solutions
  
  
• Dell, HP and Lenovo will demonstrate their latest HSDPA-embedded notebook computers in QUALCOMM's booth, all on the commercial Vodafone Spain HSDPA network

New tomtom comes with GL long term orbit hosted solustion

SAN JOSE, CA, Jan. 8, 2007 – Privately held Global Locate, Inc., (www.globallocate.com) a leading producer of A-GPS semiconductors and software, today announced that its Hammerhead™ GPS solution and software have been incorporated into TomTom N.V.’s (Amsterdam:TOM2.AS) portable navigation device TomTom ONE™.

Hammerhead, the industry’s first single die, single chip GPS solution, will begin shipping worldwide in the TomTom ONE™ in January 2007. In addition, Global Locate’s patented extended ephemeris technology known as Long Term Orbit (LTO™) will be made available through TomTom’s exclusive QuickGPSfix™ service to further enhance the navigation performance of TomTom’s devices.

Global Locate’s host-based, GPS architecture approach means that both the TomTom software application and the GPS chip and navigation software application share the same processor resources. The result is a highly integrated product solution that delivers superior turn-by-turn navigation performance for users. The host-based approach reduces system redundancy, avoiding the need for multiple CPUs, memory system and other costly components.

“Host-based GPS solutions are often perceived as being relevant only for the cellular handset market,” said Richard Najarian, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Global Locate. “This new business initiative with TomTom shows that our solution delivers added value in other GPS product applications such as portable navigation devices, not just mobile phones.”

Global Locate - Press_Releases: "TomTom ONE"

some details on Motonav and T805 (and T815) -- NaviGadget

some details on Motonav and T805 (and T815) -- NaviGadget

LG GPS phone in korea, maybe in Europe

It’s been a while since we talked about a phone with GPS feature. Today we have SB-190, which is the latest phone from LG that features an onboard GPS chip. Other features of the SB190 include 1.3MP camera, DMB receiver, and an MP3 player. TFT-LCD screen on this slide phone supports 262K colors with 240 x 320 resolution.

It looks like it’ll only be available in Korea from SK Telecom for a while and it may also hit Europe. Don’t hold your breath if you live in NA.

More info in Korean and an annoying video available here.

http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/2006/12/30/lg-sb190-cell-phone-with-gps/

Blackberry 8800 GPS navigation with NaviGadget

In case you haven’t heard yet, the new Blackberry 8800 from RIM has integrated GPS capabilities. Today we know that the on board GPS software is from Telenav.

What makes this BlackBerry unique is its GPS capability. We were very impressed with the bundled TeleNav GPS Navigator. For a reasonable $9.99 per month, you get spoken turn-by-turn directions (including street names), 3D maps, and local search via the Biz Finder tool. We tested the system by asking the 8800 to get us home from a park-and-ride using local roads. The very natural-sounding female voice told us the distance before the next turn and alerted us at just the right time before the turn itself. TeleNav also pulls up addresses from your contact list. The local search function worked well, too, allowing us to map a business address, navigate to it, or dial the number.


Blackberry 8800 GPS navigation -- NaviGadget

video review of new Nokia 6110 GPS navigator -- NaviGadget

Here is a video review of the new Nokia 6110 GPS navigator. The video also includes an interview with Juha P Kokkonen, director of Mobile Experiences for Nokia’s Mobile Phones business. It is a great interview if you want to learn first hand about the different GPS navigation services offered by Nokia. They also talk about the N95 and discuss which maps come free and which don’t.

video review of new Nokia 6110 GPS navigator -- NaviGadget

GPS+GSM phone for Pet

The PetsCell™ is the first voice enabled waterproof GPS cell phone optimized for animals. It will be available for commecial distribution late in 2006 and consumer distribution in mid 2007.

Combining industry leading GPS technology with the ability of 2-way communication, the PetsCell™ delivers consistency and quality of locates across a spectrum of encompassing conditions that existing pet tracking devices simply will not match. With remote programmable geo-fence capability and an ambient temperature sensor accompanied by a variety of other attachable devices, the PetsCell™ is quite simply the standard against which all other pet tracking devices will be measured.

The PetsMobility™ PetsCell™ is the ultimate solution for lost pets.

The PetCell™ by PetsMobility™ Inc.

SiRF Deliver GPS-WiFi Hybrid Positioning

SAN JOSE, Calif. and BOSTON, Mass., February 9, 2007 – SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRF), a leading provider of GPS-enabled silicon and premium software location platforms, and Skyhook Wireless, Inc., provider of the Wi-Fi Positioning System™ (WPS), today announced that SiRF has licensed the WPS in order to create a single positioning system for wireless carriers that combines the best of both GPS and Wi-Fi technologies. This system, which is scheduled for release as part of SiRF’s Multimode Location Platform later this year, promises to boost the availability and adoption of location-based services. The two companies will present a demonstration of the new hybrid GPS/Wi-Fi location technology at the 3GSM World Congress 2007 being held February 12-15 in Barcelona, Spain.

The technology will be applied to special client software from SiRF for mobile handsets that synthesizes GPS and Wi-Fi measurements as well as to SiRF’s SiRFLoc Server to enable it to establish precise positioning from these measurements. As handset makers roll out a new generation of Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones to enhance both data and voice communications, the SiRF-Skyhook hybrid technology will leverage this hardware ecosystem to provide greatly enhanced positioning availability and accuracy for location-based services. Using this new technology, carriers can boost their revenues by offering enhanced location-based services that are easier to use, handset makers can better differentiate their products, and application developers can create exciting new services that work anywhere, even when GPS signals are not present. The system will benefit consumers by enabling them to more quickly and reliably perform tasks such as planning a trip, finding friends nearby or locating the closest ATM machine.

“Our strategy is to enhance consumer experience with location enabled content and services by combining multiple sensors and signals to provide accurate location information everywhere. This is the first time a single positioning system has combined both GPS and Wi-Fi location data to get us a step closer to achieving 100 percent availability of accurate positioning,” said Kanwar Chadha, co-founder and vice president of marketing for SiRF. “By complementing our industry leading GPS performance with Skyhook’s Wi-Fi positioning in our Multimode Location Platform, SiRF is continuing to broaden its product line and pursue its mission to bring the benefits of location awareness to mainstream consumers.”

SiRF will be offering the new technology to mobile handset makers using SiRF’s SiRFstarIII and GSCi-5000 chips sets, as well as to wireless carriers using its SiRFLoc Server, a carrier-class, standards-compliant, multimode Assisted-GPS location server that incorporates SiRF’s patented multimode technology. Any SiRF-based mobile handset with a Wi-Fi radio subsystem built in will be able to take advantage of this new technology by including the client software.

“This partnership creates an availability breakthrough for location-based services, offering handset makers and carriers a new hybrid GPS/Wi-Fi technology for anytime, anywhere location reliability,” said Ted Morgan, founder and CEO of Skyhook Wireless. “Wi-Fi and GPS are ideal complementary technologies for mobile handsets, enabling a more comprehensive location solution and a more robust infrastructure for exciting new location-based applications.”

About Skyhook Wireless

Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first-ever metro-area positioning system that leverages Wi-Fi rather than satellites or cell towers to deliver precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services. The Skyhook Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. WPS serves over 70% of the US population and is expanding internationally. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA, and is privately held. Investors include Bain Capital and Intel Capital. For more information visit www.skyhookwireless.com, send email to info@skyhookwireless.com or call 617-314-9802.

Sirf press release

SiRF And OpenWave Team to Bring Advanced Location Offering to Wireless Operators

SAN JOSE AND REDWOOD CITY, Calif., February 9, 2007 – SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRF), a leading provider of GPS-enabled silicon and premium software location platforms, and Openwave Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: OPWV), a leading provider of software products and services for the communications industry, today announced an alliance to accelerate the adoption of Aided-GPS location technology by wireless service providers and boost the deployment of location-based services. The two companies have worked together to integrate Openwave’s Location Manager with SiRF’s SiRFLoc Multimode location server, which Openwave has licensed and will resell globally, providing communications service providers with a robust, scalable location platform they can build upon to launch a broad range of distinctive and popular location-aware applications.

The addition of the SiRFLoc Server to Openwave’s portfolio of Adaptive Context products and solutions aims to simplify the adoption of A-GPS location technology by offering wireless carriers a “one-stop shop” for everything they need to build a location-aware infrastructure. By making it easier for carriers to adopt A-GPS, the two companies can help carriers more quickly deploy innovative, differentiated location-based services to subscribers and increase their average revenue per user (ARPU) through compelling, contextually aware content and services.

The reseller agreement enables Openwave to offer its customers a more comprehensive product portfolio for delivering accurate A-GPS location data to handsets and location applications, and provides SiRF with the opportunity to distribute its location server products through a leader in its industry. In addition to the SiRFLoc Server, Openwave will also offer the SiRF GPS Data Center, a software component required for obtaining precise GPS reference data.

“With Openwave’s industry leadership, this alliance creates exciting opportunities for SiRF to expand its location server distribution through this new channel, and we look forward to working with Openwave to address the needs of carriers as the adoption of location technology in wireless networks becomes commonplace,” said Kanwar Chadha, founder and vice president of marketing for SiRF. “Openwave’s thorough understanding of the intricacies of deploying value added services in unique operator environments will enable faster deployment of location based services through their proven, reliable infrastructure.”

SiRFLoc Server can be deployed by wireless operators or wireless application service providers, and is designed to support Multimode A-GPS (MS Assisted and MS Based) both in the control plane and in the SUPL compliant user plane architecture, as well as other advanced hybrid positioning methods. Depending on network loading, QoS and application requirements, SiRFLoc Server can dynamically mix various positioning methods and location service protocols. Taking advantage of SiRFLoc Server’s best-in-class scalability and throughput performance, operators can efficiently expand their networks as user traffic increases.

Sirf press release

smart2go: all the world’s maps for free, navigation not

Nokia just announced that its mapping and navigation platform smart2go would be free for all. The platform is a hybrid map solution combining map data from Tele-Atlas and Navteq which can be downloaded directly via wireless network (e.g. GPRS/3G/WLAN) and stored on the devices memory card as needed

smart2go platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries. The application allows people to view where they are on a map, search for points-of-interests (POI) around them and create routes to get them there free of charge. Nokia plans to start offering the smart2go application for free, on Saturday, February 10th, for selected Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices initially and has plans to roll out support for most of the major mobile OS platforms including Nokia S60, Series 40, PocketPC, Linux and other Windows Mobile devices.

So you’ll be able to download all the maps for free but if you want a full fledged turn-by-turn navigation system you’ll have to upgrade and buy a licence. These licenses will be available in various terms, from a week to 3 years.

When traveling to a new country for holiday one can download the relevant maps via PC in advance and subscribe to the navigation service for the duration of the holiday at affordable cost.

The free downloads will be available starting today. We have no information on the pricing yet but the sample images give us a clue:

Perhaps 7.99€ per week? Oh by the way, you’ll probably need a bluetooth GPS receiver if your mobile device doesn’t have one. If you must have a brand name check out Nokia LD-1W.

GSM+GPS running shoes

A festive looking running shoe with fabulous colorful accentsMesh upper that provide the proven light weight needed to be named a fashionable high performance satellite shoe. This hi-tech shoe comes with Quantum Satellite Technologies, GPS enabled devices locate in a hidden part of the shoes. On the right shoe you will find the emergency button on the lateral aspect and the Antennae properly positioned to locate satellite at any given time you the wearer needs any emergency help. This product consists of the following: GPS Antennae, Panic/Reset Buttons, DC Charger Harness Battery and other communications devices that enable the product to function effectively.		Men Orange Blue Running $350 Color: orange blue Select Size ----------------------------- 7 7 1/2 8 8 1/2 9 9 1/2 10 10 1/2 11 11 1/2 12 Select Quantity ----------------------------- 1 Pair 2 Pairs 3 Pairs 4 Pairs 5 Pairs 6 Pairs 7 Pairs 8 Pairs 9 Pairs 10 Pairs

Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services - Engadget

It's quite possible that you're at least somewhat familiar with Skyhook's ability to use WiFi in order to track down various objects, and while you've likely become desensitized to SiRF after seeing it in just about every GPS / NAV device ever produced, the two are teaming up to deliver a GPS / WiFi hybrid module for wireless carriers. Skyhook's WiFi Positioning System (WPS) will be getting a boost after inking a deal to get inside SiRF's Multimode Location Platform, which "promises to boost the availability and adoption of location-based services." The new duo will join ACCESS (among the throngs of others) at 3GSM next week in order to showcase the new technology, which is slated to provide a new level of accuracy by giving handsets the ability to find your way with two tracking protocols. Additionally, the inclusion of WiFi is said to help lock onto an initial signal much quicker than a typical standalone GPS receiver can, and if all goes as planned, we could see the hybrid technology alive and well in SiRF's Star III series of chipsets "later this year."

Skyhook Wireless teams with SiRF for location-based services - Engadget

FYI NOKIA first A-GPS handsets in the European market :Nokia's 6110 quad-band HSDPA GPS navigator

Nokia 6110 navigator,

- flaunt both GPS and HSDPA data.

- GPS and AGPS (assisted GPS)

- quad-band GSM/EDGE and UMTS 2100 for up to 3.6Mbps of hot HSDPA data.

- 2.2-inch QVGA display throwin' 16 million colors,

- 2 megapixel camera with sliding lens cover and flash,

- MicroSD expansion to augment the onboard 40MB.

- expected to ship in Q2

- pre-carrier-subsidy price of EUR450/$583

http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/nokias-6110-quad-band-hsdpa-gps-navigator/

Hirofumi Ide

NEC Europe Ltd.

NEC House, 1 Victoria Road, London, W3 6BL, England

Tel:+44 (0)20 8993 8111 Fax:+44 (0)20 8752 3735

DDI:+44 (0)20 8752 3875 Mobile:+44 (0)7880 786766

Email:Hirofumi.Ide@uk.neceur.com

Website:http://www.neceurope.com/

Nokia's 6110 quad-band HSDPA GPS navigator

Nokia 6110 navigator,
- flaunt both GPS and HSDPA data.
- GPS and AGPS (assisted GPS)
- quad-band GSM/EDGE and UMTS 2100 for up to 3.6Mbps of hot HSDPA data.
- 2.2-inch QVGA display throwin' 16 million colors,
- 2 megapixel camera with sliding lens cover and flash,
- MicroSD expansion to augment the onboard 40MB.
- expected to ship in Q2
- pre-carrier-subsidy price of €450/$583


http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/nokias-6110-quad-band-hsdpa-gps-navigator/

Nokia Delivers Free Downloadable Maps to the Mobile World

Nokia today announced that it is making its smart2go mapping and navigation platform, available for free download ( www.smart2go.com ), enabling millions of people to use the most comprehensive map coverage offered on a mobile device. The platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries. The application allows people to view where they are on a map, search for points-of-interests (POI) around them and create routes to get them there free of charge. Nokia plans to start offering the smart2go application for free, on Saturday, February 10th, for selected Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices initially and has plans to roll out support for most of the major mobile OS platforms including Nokia S60, Series 40, PocketPC, Linux and other Windows Mobile devices.

smart2go™ - Latest News

CSR acquires Cambridge Positioning Systems

英CSR plc.は，GPS用チップの市場に参入する。GPS用受信ICの開発に向け，NordNav Technologies ABとCambridge Positioning Systems Ltd.の2社を買収する。GPSは，携帯電話機や簡易カーナビへの搭載が，世界的に本格化しつつある。CSR社が持つRF回路の設計技術を生かし，低価 格のGPS用ICを実現することを目指す。

CSR社によれば，2007年前半の製品化を目指しており，1米ドル以下のコストを目標としている。ソフトウエア・ベースのGPS技術と位置づけて おり，CSR社のBluetooth用ICと併用し，その処理能力を一部流用することを想定する。これにより例えば，GPS機能とBluetooth機能 をともに組み込む際のBOMが，Bluetooth単独の場合に比較して1米ドル程度の上昇で済むという見方のようだ
http://www.nikkeibp.co.jp/news/flash/522702.html

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CSR acquires Cambridge Positioning Systems

15 January 2007

CSR plc has acquired the assets of Cambridge Positioning Systems Ltd.

CSR today announced the company is to provide the most competitive Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for mobile handsets and network operators. CSR has acquired CPS Ltd to provide software-based low cost GPS suitable for mass-market mobile phones and PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices).

CPS, based in Cambridge, UK, has been acquired for a total cash consideration of $35 million.

For more information please see the following announcements:

Financial Announcement: CSR to deliver sub $1 GPS, acquires NordNav Technologies AB and Cambridge Positioning Systems Ltd

Trade Announcement: CSR to bring lowest cost high-performance GPS to handsets and other portable devices - target price of under $1

CSR Home Page

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