News: EU gives TomTom/TeleAtlas Deal the green light

Almost a year since the announcement by TomTom that they intended to make an offer for TeleAtlas and after we reported in March that the European Commission had a number of objections to the plan they have finally given TomTom the green light.

TomTom and TeleAtlas jointly announced yesterday that they had received unconditional clearance from the European Commission for the proposes acquisition by TomTom of TeleAtlas. TomTom will be paying a cool €2.9 billion and only time will tell if the purchase was a smart move.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Thursday, May 15 @ 09:18:13 GMT

eBuddy Can you Spare an eDime?

Over 90 percent of British children already own a mobile phone. Mobile devices, seen by many as umbilical to the younger generation, are predicted to infiltrate our very psyche when highly developed socially networked location based services (LBS) eventually saturate the market.

Couple this with NFC (contact-less 'card' swiping known as near-field communications) and you'll see that the mobile networks have got a very exciting few years ahead of them. Already widely used in Tokyo, Taipei and London (over three-quarters of London tube and bus journeys are now made using Oyster), NFC facilitates sharing information, downloading credit & coupons and uploading payments to supermarkets, restaurants, theatres, transportation companies etc.

These mobile devices will act as communicators, passports, travel-cards, door keys (home and hotels), wallets and general all-round life assistants. They are expected to become fundamental to the way we live and interact socially, culturally and financially.

This will mean that vast socially networked communities will have the opportunity to lend money to each other (and earn interest) through... Click here to read more and discuss...

Posted by robert on Wednesday, May 14 @ 19:30:48 GMT

News: Navevo launch SatNav for HGV / Van Drivers

Navevo have a GPS solution that really will deliver the goods! They have today announced the launch of their sat-nav solution for drivers of heavy goods vehicles and vans.

Using NAVTEQ Transport mapping, specially enhanced with data intended for professional truck and delivery drivers, ProNav GPS software features dynamic routing and navigation optimisation based on a vehicle's dimensions and legal restrictions to avoid incidents such as travelling down unsuitable narrow roads or crossing bridges with vehicles that break weight restrictions.

Other Key Features include:

• Vehicle dimensions (e.g. height, width, length, weight)
• Legal restrictions (e.g. no HGVs allowed, carrying hazardous goods)
• Other warning data (e.g. cross winds, steep hills)
• London unloading and parking penalties database
• POI data for professional drivers

News: ROUTE 66 Mobile 8 Launched

ROUTE 66 have announced the availability of ROUTE 66 Mobile 8, their latest navigation application for smartphones and PocketPC's.

ROUTE 66 lists HighDef TM maps as being new to the package alongside traditional features such as 3D map display, automatic zooming, voice guidance, POIs and speed camera support.

Suitably equipped smartphones and PDA's with phone capabilities or paired to a phone can handle calls and exchange navigation data. This includes maps screen-shots, routes and GPS position with other users via SMS, MMS, Bluetooth and email.

There is also extensive capabilities allowing users to customisation the application to suit their personal preferences and needs.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Tuesday, May 13 @ 17:44:44 GMT

News: TomTom announce UK launch of TomTom GO x30 series

TomTom have today announced availability of the GO x30 series in the UK.

The new GO x30 range is similar in design to the x20 models that it will replace and adds IQ Routes(tm) technology and Advanced Lane Guidance plus a new user interface. Drivers will also have access to traffic information through the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver which is supplied with Traffic models.

We are awaiting our review units as I write this and will of course be publishing a detailed review of the new Version 8 features in due course. At time of publication the announced retail pricing is as follows:

• 930 Traffic £399.99 inc VAT
• 730 Traffic £329.99 inc VAT
• 730 £299.99 inc VAT
• 530 Traffic £279.99 inc VAT
• 530 £249.99 inc VAT

News: HTC Launch O2 XDA Diamond in Germany with TomTom v7!

Just spotted is HTC's launch in partnership with O2 today of the new XDA Diamond. Nothing remarkable in that, HTC churn out new devices on a regular basis but a close look at the specs of this GPS equipped model reveals something altogether more news worthy.

Apparently the Diamond comes with TomTom Navigator 7 integrated and a single download-able City-map of your choice. Further maps can be bought. As yet we have been unable to elicit more information on this.

In Amsterdam last week I quizzed TomTom on this and whilst their future plans for PocketPC were vague, they did suggest that piracy had been major issue and 'if' any future releases were planned they would most likely only be in partnership with manufacturers.

O2 UK have already indicated the Diamond is coming to these shores and it has a respectable specification including HTC's Touchflo interface:

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Triband GSM/GPRS/EDGE at 900/1800/1900 MHz
• Qualcomm 528 MHz CPU
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• WiFi b/g
• eGPS
• FM Radio
• 128 MB RAM
• 256 MB ROM
• 4 GB flash
• 2.8" VGA display(640x480)
• Front and rear cameras (rear 3.2 Megapixel)

News: TomTom: New v.7.20 and v.8.05 Maps now available

TomTom have today announced the availability of the v.7.20 maps from the Map Shop as well as the v.8.05 maps for the GOx30 users.

All existing map versions that were previously available from the shop have now been replaced with the new v.720 maps for all PND’s except the GOx30 series. GOx30 owners can now buy new map version v.8.05. Anyone contemplating a map purchase is advised that the maps are device dependent and therefore it is important that you select the exact device model you own to ensure you receive the correct map.

The 7.20 and 8.05 maps are based on TeleAtlas 2008.01 data.

The 6.75 maps will remain available in the Map Shop for NAVIGATOR 6 users and Automotive units (Eclipse, Daihatsu, Toyota) Note: Rider and Rider 2 users can now buy the new v.720 maps (premium maps) from the map shop.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Tuesday, May 06 @ 08:55:57 GMT

Subscribers: The PocketGPSWorld.com International Speed Camera Database Has Just Been Updated

Version 6.051 - 02 May 08

Just in time for your Bank Holiday trips, this release sees that 72 users have added/modified 428 static and mobile cameras across the various camera databases. We have also banned 3 users for breach of copyright. Please click here for the full breakdown of country, camera type and number.

All members submitting qualifying reports of static/mobile cameras will be credited with lifetime memberships by 17:00 06 May 08.

Please keep submitting all sightings of mobile cameras so we can keep our database up to date with active sites. 804 pMobile sites have been removed that have not been re-reported in the last 6 months. More apparently inactive sites will be removed from the database in the coming weeks and months.

The Garmin GPSR database is now up to date (3rd May 08)
The NavigationMaster database is currently 5.113 (13th Nov 07)
The MapFactor/Directions database is currently 5.124 (18th Dec 07)

Dont forget our RSS feed which is be updated every time we release the database. Simply right click on the RSS image and select copy shortcut, then post the link into your favourite RSS reader.

The camera submission page and download page can be found by clicking here. You can submit new cameras in one of two ways - either an OV2 file or individual camera locations.

A beginner's guide to the database can be found here, and some installation instructions for most units can be found here.

Please watch for further announcements on the homepage or sign up to our occasional newsletter alerts which carry full details of future database releases. The newsletter signup box is located on the top left of all site pages. Your privacy is important to us, we do not sell on your email details.

Posted by MaFt on Friday, May 02 @ 14:54:09 GMT

News: GPS for $6.50 - Meet Paper GPS!

PerpetualKid.com have a great product for all those people you know who constantly get lost but have no affinity with electronic gadgets, or for those of you who have finally had enough of buggy software and faulty TMC, the 'Paper GPS'!

"Who needs a fancy GPS system with an annoying robotic voice? Whether you're transcribing directions from the Internet or from an actual human, "Paper GPS" allows you to map out urban geography with organization and ease.

Less expensive than electronic GPS, and no batteries required! If Internet directions get you lost, there's no one to blame! 60 useful sheets per generous pad."

How could it possibly fail! If this is the answer to all your woes, head on over to PerpetualKid.com to grab a pad or three.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Thursday, May 01 @ 18:11:40 GMT

News: Binatone Launch UK's First SatNav with Rear-View Camera

Binatone have launched the T430 PND which is cited as the UK's first Sat Nav with a rear-view camera. When the car is put into reverse the display shows a live feed from the bundled rear-view camera. The camera connects to the device wirelessly but is attached to the reverse light for power and to switch it on at the appropriate time. Binatone have also set up a designated team for fitting should you not manage to do it yourself.

The device itself features Navigator 7 which has new features like track logs, route planning and MP3 audio / MP4 video player. Available from Mid May the RRP is £179.99 for UK/Ireland mapping (can be upgraded to European) including the camera and all fittings etc.

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Posted by MaFt on Tuesday, April 29 @ 16:41:48 GMT

News: TomTom Announce new TomTom ONE and TomTom XL Models

Amsterdam, 29th April 2008
TomTom have today announced the launch of their new ONE and ONE XL model ranges.

The two new models share an identical design (other than the screen sizes) and have a new ultra slim form factor, large speaker and a unique mount solution. Known as EasyPort™, the new mount design allows it to be left attached to the device and folded against itself making it small enough to fit easily into a pocket or bag.

Both ONE and XL have a new, louder speaker allowing audio to be heard even in noisy environments and come with 3.5 inch (ONE) or 4.3 inch (XL) LCD's. They also have Tom Tom Traffic support via RDS-TMC either included or as an extra cost option dependent on package and Map Share although neither feature an SD slot for future upgrades.

Both models will be available in May 2008 with UK guide prices of £149.99 for the ONE UK, £199.99 for the ONE Europe Traffic, £179.99 for the XL UK and £229.99 for the XL Europe Traffic.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Tuesday, April 29 @ 13:45:29 GMT

Subscribers: The TotalPDA sponsored competition winners have been selected

A big thank you to TotalPDA for donating the prizes for our last Members Competition!

The question was: Due to SatNav user errors, the residents of Donnington in Shropshire are suffering heavy traffic through their village from transporters. The transporters should in fact be heading to a similarly named destination - what freight are they carrying? Answer: Tanks. We had 558 entries and have selected 2 winners from the correct entries. The winners are: jonez and scarsdale037. To claim your prize please pm RobBrady with your address details.

This time our sponsor is the Subaru World Rally Team! Subaru is the only brand and manufacturer that has participated in the WRC for the last 16 years consecutively. Through the challenges they have encountered, they have continuously increased their passion for motorsport and its technologies.

They say "We are truly grateful for the unflagging support shown by our Subaru fans. It is our greatest joy to show the people of the world our dedication to the world rally championship and demonstrate Subaru's performance, reliability, and the high standard of safety which are brought to all our production cars."

Subaru have been one of PocketGPSWorld.com's Point of Interest (POI) partners over the last year. We author and publish POI Packs for each of the individual World Rally Championship Stages for and on behalf of the Subaru World Rally Team. Now is your chance to win a Signed World Rally Team Shirt destined to be a valuable collectors item!

Click here to enter the competition. Not a member? Click here

Sign up to our occasional newsletter for competition answers and news of winning entries. The newsletter signup box is located on the top left of all site pages. Your privacy is important to us, we do not sell on your email details.

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Posted by robert on Monday, April 28 @ 17:33:58 GMT

News: Rumour Mill: 3G iPhone to have GPS built-in?

Image courtesy of ipodobserver.com

Our friends over at Engadget have a story on the forthcoming and eagerly anticipated 3G version of the iPhone due to be released in early June.

Engadget's story is accompanied by a photo of an all black iPhone quite different to current models. The story suggest that not only will it be all black but this new model will contain a GPS.

The Apple rumour mill is already going at full speed with discussion and debate concerning the new model, there are for example, suggestions that it will not be locked to a single network when launched in Italy. But these images have sparked lengthy debate on their authenticity and origin in many Mac forums. Just one example can be found over at Mac Rumours.com. Much close scrutiny of the image has resulted in mixed opinion with some certain the image is a Photoshop fake and others convinced it's the genuine article.

What most agree is that the image, if faked, has been done so well that nobody has been able to prove it beyond doubt! The rumour of GPS support makes sense as this and 3G will gift the iPhone with a spec sheet that plants it once again firmly at the top of the most desired gadget list for a great many users.

If the rumours do prove true I can predict Mrs G will become the new owner of my current iPhone!

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Sunday, April 27 @ 16:56:22 GMT

News: TomTom HOME Updated - v2.3 released

TomTom have today announced the release of an update to their HOME desktop application bringing the latest version up to v2.3.

As tends to be the case, TomTom are not saying too much on what updates and improvements have been included in v2.3 outside of 'many fixes and increased stability'.

The update is available for both MAC and PC and is available from within HOME itself or by visiting www.tomtom.com/home.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Thursday, April 24 @ 14:29:37 GMT

News: And now speed Cameras in builders vans

Thanks to Lost_property for spotting this over at Pistonheads.com.

It would appear that Derbyshire have converted a formerly white and fully marked van and equipped it with a disguise. It now looks to all intents and purposes like a scruffy old builders van, even the missing rear window has been falsified with as has a GB sticker to complete the disguise.

DVLA enquiries reveal the van is recorded as white in colour and Pistonheads have found what appears to be a picture of it resplendent in its former day-glo livery on the derbyshire Safety Camera Partnership web-site.

Quite how any partnership can justify such tactics is beyond me, it also makes defending yourself that much more difficult. How can you answer any allegation of speeding that might date back 30 days or more if they use such vans?

See the light before the flash sees you and subscribe to our database.

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Posted by Darren Griffin on Thursday, April 24 @ 13:52:59 GMT