Posts Tagged ‘portable gps device’

Micrsoft Sues TomTom

Thursday, February 26th, 2009

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Yes the rumors in the blogosphere are true! Microsoft has sued TomTom, the popular maker of portable gps navigation devices.  They filed lawsuits with US district court and the Nation Trade Commission against TomTom because they say the company has infringed on its software patents.

Supposedly the Microsoft patents include vehicle navigation technology and computer software that Microsoft licenses to other firms.  Although TomTom has nothing to say right now on this issue, Microsoft had plenty to say.  Horacio Gutierrez is the Deputy Counsel of Intellectual Property and Licensing at Microsoft.  Here are his comments:

“We have taken this action after attempting for more than a year to engage in licensing discussions with TomTom.”

“In situations such as this, when a reasonable business agreement cannot be reached, we have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect our innovations and our partners who license them.”

“TomTom is a highly respected and important company. We remain open to quickly resolving this situation with them through an IP licensing agreement.”

We are very intersted in what TomTom will have to say on the pending lawsuits.  Stay tuned here for all GPS news, reviews, and rumors.

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Highlights of the TomTom Go 930 Portable GPS System

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

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The TomTom Go 930 has been released to consumers for a while now, but what makes this particular TomTom navigation device so appealing to everyone? Could it be…

…its 3D looks at intersections and terrain?

…the way it can calculate your routes based on the real average speed measured on roads, not just the speed limits?

…the advanced lance guidance which gives you clarity on when and were to get over when navigating those difficult junctions?

…the amazing Map Share technology that enables users to add, update and personalize maps as well as view other users changes?

…the ability for the TomTom portable GPS systems to offer continuous navigation even when you may lose signal in rural areas and tunnels?

…that this portable GPS can find your destination by simply listening to your voice?

…that Bluetooth technology embedded into the portable GPS allows you to talk without using your hands?

…is it because you can play your music wirelessly over your car radio?

Actually, it’s none of the above.  The TomTom Go 930 is such a popular portable GPS device because you get all that for $499.  And in this economy, gps features plus saving money is exactly what consumers are looking for.

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Mercedes get rid of in-dash portable gps systems by partnering with Harmin

Monday, February 16th, 2009

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Car makers are finally getting the picture, although in dash navigation systems are cool… ortable ones are better.  Being able to un-attach your navigation system and bring it with you while riding in another car or traveling is just convenient not to mention affordable for both consumers and car makers.

Enter the new age of portable GPS were drivers don’t leave there house without Google Map applications on their phone, GPS companies are creating touch screen and talking portable GPS systems, and where avoiding traffic and saving gas while listening to mp3s is considered a necessity of life, not a want.

Mercedes Benz is the newest  car people to partner with navigation companies to create out of dash systems that are comprehensive and portable.  Following the success of the Carminat TomTom GPS, Harman International will do the same thing for 8 new Mercedes starting the middle of next year.

Next? BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover will be jumping on the portable GPS bandwagon doing whatever is necessary to save everyone money during this economic crisis.
Source and Image via Motor Authority

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The Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 Buzz… Part 2

Friday, February 13th, 2009

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So in Part 1 we discussed Garmin’s plan to partner with  Asus and release the new version of Garmin nuvifone.  In part 2  we are going to take a look at all the specifications of the new Garmin-Asus G60 nuvifone expected to be released next week at Mobile World.

Before we list the specs; the Garmin nuvifone will be easy to used and its primary focus is to coming navigation, web content, and communication.  Each Garmin nuvifone will be LBS-centric Smartphones that will have a number of different platforms based on individual users.  These include social careerist, travel buffs, and tech geeks.

Here are the complete specs:

  • 2G Connectivity:Quad-band GSM / GPRS / Edge 850/900/1800/1900
  • 3G Connectivity: 850/1900/2100 HSDPA 3.6 Mbps
  • Other Connectivity:802.11 b/g WLAN, Bluetooth, HFP, HSP, AVRCP, A2DP mini-USB 2.0
  • OS: Linux
  • Dimensions: 112 x 58.1 x 14.6 mm
  • Weight: 137g (battery included)
  • Display: 3.55″ 65K colors, anti-glare resistive touchscreen
  • Display Resolution: 272 x 480 WQVGA
  • Camera/Photos: 3MP camera with auto-focus and geo-tagging
  • Flash Memory: 4GB on-board 128 MB RAM
  • Expandable Memory: Micro SD, HC Capable, expandable up to 16GB
  • Music Player: MP3 capable
  • Headphone Jack: 2.5 mm
  • Battery: 1100 mAh removable/rechargeable lithium cell
  • Email: POP3, IMAP 4, IMAP idle, SMTP
  • Internet: HTML browser based on Webkit platform
  • Calendar/PIM: Outlook contacts and calendar
  • Productivity: Document viewing: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, JPG

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