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