GPS

Medion has been cramming fingerprint scanners into its GPS units for a little while now, but it looks like it’s now firmly committed to the technology, with its latest batch of models each packing the extra level of security. Those include the GoPal P5235, P5435 and X5535, which each boast a 5-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, and live traffic updates, plus a nearly identical appearance. The P5435 one-ups things slightly over the P5235 with some handsfree Bluetooth calling, while the X5535 goes all out with a built-in gyrometer that promises to pick up some of the slack when the GPS signals drop out. No word on a price or release date for any of ‘em just yet, unfortunately, but we wouldn’t expect the base model to be too far off the $269 that the nearly identical model that just hit Europe demands.

[Via Electronista]

We get the idea that the Q4-01 and Q4-02 are simply non-MSN Direct versions of the Q4-MD we’ve already seen, but we’ll humor you anyway. The newest duo in the Q4 lineup includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen, voice-guided directions, NAVTEQ maps, an SD card slot, multimedia player and a rechargeable Li-ion to boot. The Q4-01 stops at just 50 states, while the Q4-02 adds in maps of Canada and Puerto Rico and includes six million points of interest. Both of these should be available right now in a variety of off-the-wall retailers, with the former listed at $299 and the latter $399. Oh, but you should know the Q4-01 will go for $99.99 on Black Friday (read: this Friday) at Kohl’s and Kmart. Time to knock elbows, people. The full release is after the break.

Nextar GPS Q4 Series Helps Harried Holiday Shoppers and Party Goers Find Their Way

With Generous 4.3″ Touch-Screen Display and Built-In Stereo Speaker, Users Get to Their Destinations Quickly and Easily; Available Now for Holiday Shopping Season

La Verne, CA – November 24, 2008 – Nextar™, a designer and marketer of bold and new consumer electronic products with mass appeal, is making arriving at holiday destinations a whole lot easier this year. Its Q4 series of GPS navigation systems provide an ample, easy-to-see 4.3″ touch-screen display and voice-guided, turn-by-turn prompts through a stereo speaker. The units are available now for the busy upcoming holiday shopping and party seasons.

“The user-friendly Nextar Q4 GPS navigation system series gets shoppers and holiday party goers to wherever it is they want to go by the quickest, easiest way possible,” said Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. “Each model in the series makes an excellent holiday gift for anyone that travels a lot, does delivery work, or who is directionally challenged.”

The backbone of the Q4 series is model Q4-01. It features a generous 4.3″ TFT touch-screen display that provides large, clear, colorful images of maps from all 50 states. A special automatic night mode offers additional screen lighting for even easier-on-the-eye viewing. Voice-guided directions with turn-by-turn voice prompts are clearly audible through a built-in stereo speaker.

The Nextar Q4-01 navigation system provides 1.6-million points of interest, including hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, and restaurants. Instant route recalculation is provided in case a driver misses a turn. Digital map data is supplied by NAVTEQ, the preeminent provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems.

Other features include storage capability for up to 300 addresses of favorite destinations, 2D and 3D map-viewing modes with built-in compass, a SD card slot for additional memory, and a built-in high-sensitive antenna. It also has the capability to play MP3 files and display JPEG images. A lightweight, built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery supplies power.

Model Q4-02 is a step up from the Q4-01. Similar in many ways to the Q4-01, it includes several key upgrades. In addition to having maps for the 50 US states, it includes maps for Canada and Puerto Rico, all pre-loaded on one 4GB SD card. The Q4-02 also includes an extended six-million points of interest.

Each model measures 4.6″ x 3.2″ x 0.8″ and weights approximately 2.3 pounds.

Provided accessories with both models are: AC adapter, car adapter, USB cable, protection pouch, mounting cradle, dashboard mount disk, mounting bracket, an SD card, and a stylus/touch pen.

Pricing and Availability
The Nextar Q4-01 navigation system is available at leading retailers across the U.S. such as Kmart, Kohl’s, Mills, Shopko, Joe’s, Checker Auto Parts, Schuck’s Auto Supply, Kragen Auto Parts, Murray’s Discount Auto Stores, and Belk as well as on the QVC network. It has a SRP of $299. Model Q4-02 navigation system is available at retailers such as Bon-Ton. It has a SRP of $399. Both units are also available online at www.nextar.com. They come with a one-year limited warranty.

It’s been a nice little while since we’ve seen any new navigators from Medion, but the outfit’s hitting back with its relatively forgettable GoPal P5430. The European PND sports a 5-inch touchscreen display, integrated TMC antenna, fingerprint sensor, text-to-speech functionality, an inbuilt FM transmitter and pre-installed NAVTEQ maps of Western and Eastern Europe. Like we said, forgettable — but you should know it’s priced at £175 ($269) just in case you’re tempted.

[Via NaviGadget]

Americans have been waiting with bated breath for months on end for Clarion’s MiND mobile internet device to launch, and just as we were promised in September, said device is finally on sale in the month of November. Available in black, red or white hues, the MID boasts a 4.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen, preloaded maps of the entire US and Canada, built-in RealPlayer, Linux OS, an Intel Atom CPU, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD, Firefox browser, Bluetooth 2.0 / WiFi, a microSD card slot, 2 USB ports and a battery good for around 1.5-hours of usage. Pop one under the tree for that someone special in your life for just $649.99. Or get them a full-fledged netbook for less, your call.

[Via Pocketables]

The folks over at The NCC just hit us with details and pictures of their five new Goodyear-branded GPS models, three of which are due out in time for Christmas. Starting at $179.99 for the entry level, 3.5-inch GY130, and working their way skywards to $499.99 for the GY440 4.3-inch widescreen with Bluetooth and 12 months free MSN Direct, all models feature touchscreens, Instant Rerouting (the device calculates all alternate routes in a one-mile radius of the vehicle, so recalculation isn’t needed if you get off course), a SiRF GPS receiver, turn-by-turn spoken directions and 3D view. There is plenty more to these units, however — hit the gallery for plenty of truly breathtaking renders and check out pricing and stats after the break.

Gallery: New Goodyear GPS units for 2008

• GY130
• 3.5″
• $179.99
• 3 million Points of Interest
• GY135
• 3.5″
• Text-To-Speech
• $189.99
• 3 million Points of Interest
• GY145
• 4.3″ Widescreen
• $249.99
• Text-To-Speech
• 3 million Points of Interest
• GY340
• 4.3″ Widescreen
• $349.99
• 14 million Points of Interest
• custom POIs
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication
• Microsoft Outlook Contact Sync
• MSN Direct (optional)
• MP3/Music Playback with auto pause/resume
• Remote Control
• Available in March 2009
• GY440
• 4.3″ Widescreen
• $499.99
• 14 million Points of Interest
• custom POIs
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication
• Microsoft Outlook Contact Sync
• MSN Direct (12 months free)
• MP3/Music Playback with auto pause/resume
• MSN Direct Receiver
• Remote Control
• Available in March 2009

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.


Often, a shotgun is used at the beginning of a dash, but not so in the world of connected GPS devices, where Telenav launched its Shotgun portable navigation device days after Dash decided to exit the hardware business with its pioneering Dash Express.

Unlike Dash, Telenav was no newcomer to the guided navigation space, being a leading provider of turn-by-turn navigation services to cell phones. Its customers include Sprint and AT&T, and consumers can subscribe to the service directly through Telenav — even if their carrier doesn’t support it — as long as their smartphone does. The product is free to download, but carriers charge a subscription fee for unlimited use, or offer it on a per-diem price. Because it is designed for an inherently wireless device, Telenav software includes features such as traffic notification, which is a premium feature in portable navigation devices.

In addition to physical advantages such as the large screen, the Shotgun has at least one important advantage over Telenav’s cell phone services. Since its maps are local, the device continues to route even when you drive outside of cellular coverage areas. But there’s at least one holdover from its cellular heritage that Telenav needs to shed on the Shotgun — an unceasing, bright blue LED signaling wireless connectivity, which is hugely distracting to the driver, especially at night. Perhaps a bundled strip of black duct tape will do in the meantime.

Despite the LED, based on the design of the hardware alone, the Shotgun would have been deemed a Dash Express-killer if the economy hadn’t already beaten it to the murder scene. The Shotgun has a relatively slim profile in contrast to the Frankenstein-like flat head that crowns the Dash Express. Dash’s user experience was very strong, and while the Shotgun’s may not be quite as simple and is certainly not as extensible as Dash’s, it is comparable to the generally good quality of user interface we see from Garmin and TomTom. It also avoids many of the frustrations of data entry precision in unconnected PNDs since, like the Dash, it can search for landmarks that may not be in its local point-of-interest database.

Dash won the hearts of early adopters with the ability to send custom RSS feeds to the unit. You’ll see none of that esoteric functionality on the Shotgun, which has also eschewed WiFi for downloading large system software and map updates. Telenav says it has developed a way to do this efficiently without Wi-Fi, but is mum on how. On the other hand, the Shotgun’s native “moving maps” mode mimics the “bird’s eye” perspective more similar to the way most consumers use their GPS devices. Dash, in contrast, provided a flat 2D map so that you could see traffic trouble spots brewing on upcoming and surrounding roads. The Shotgun relies more on a proactive alert approach. The 2D maps are not missed per se, but it was nice to have an option of multiple routes on the Dash before venturing forth, even if they sometime involved minor detours.

At $299, the Shotgun hardware still commands a premium over rapidly falling PND prices and will have to face the same aversion to subscriptions in the PND market that surely hurt Dash. Also, while traffic is an easy feature to include in a PND, it is enormously challenging to do well given the near real-time notification required and intelligence to gauge the efficiency of alternative routes to be as effective as possible.

While traffic no doubt holds the most potential value for subscription services and could elevate PNDs from something used only occasionally to an everyday navigational tool, there are significant barriers to justifying the expense. It is probably of most use to regular commuters. It must be able to notify you early enough so that you can avoid he most crowded route. And it may be limited in how much time it can save you even if it delivers the optimal route when all main routes are congested, particularly on shorter trips.

This is why, for the near-term, it’s going to be difficult to get consumers to pay in excess of $10 per month for such service and Navigon has seen its fortunes rise by promoting basic free traffic delivered via radio signals to its PNDs. However, for those who want the added convenience and flexibility of two-way communications in the wake of the Dash Express’s demise, the Shotgun is a well-designed, effective and handy companion to have on the road. If backseat drivers are pestering you to pull over and ask for directions, there’s no quicker path to passenger peacemaking than bellowing that one more request will result in your using your Shotgun.

We first caught sight of this tiny Bluetooth GPS data logger a few months back under the guise of the Columbus V-900 but unfortunately didn’t have much in the way of a price, release date, or complete specs at the time. Thanks to the wonderful world of consumer electronics, however, the same device has now popped up again in the form of the VGPS-900 from Visiontac, who seem to be a bit more eager to actually sell it to you. As Columbus let on, this one boasts built-in Bluetooth, a microSD card slot and, according to Vsiontac, a voice recording feature, which is apparently a first among GPS data loggers. You’ll also be able to use the device to geotag your photos and, if you so chose, you can also make use of its “spy mode,” which provides 30 days of standby logging. Sold? Then you can get your order in right now for $110.

[Via Mobile Gadget News]

Love GPS’ing? Love TomTom? Well you’re in luck, because the company has just sneaked out another iteration of its popular GO series — the 630. The device boasts a 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 touchscreen, SD card support, Bluetooth functionality, and comes loaded with maps of US and Canada. We’re not going to pretend that the 630 sports any features which are too outstanding, but with things like “points of interest,” a “windshield mount,” and included “USB cable,” you can rest easy knowing this does… something. The satnav unit is available from RadioShack right now for an affordable $349.99 (a $50 savings off its list price).

[Via GPS Tracklog]

In an effort to make sure you’re well aware that the 8100T is the most premium possible, even better than ultra- or mega-premium, Navigon has definitively described the aforesaid navigator as “uber-premium.” So, now that the bar is set at an unbelievably high level, how’s about an outlay of the sure-to-be-phenomenal specs? We’re talking a 4.8-inch display, brushed-metal housing, a 3D view using NASA terrain height data, free real-time traffic updates for life, voice destination entry, Bluetooth handsfree support, text-to-speech and an inbuilt lane assistant. The only question left is simply this: is all of that uber enough to warrant the $599 price tag?

It doesn’t seem like the connected GPS market is the best place to be at the moment — Dash just dropped hardware sales in a radical restructuring and Magellan’s halted development of the 5340 — but Telenav isn’t shying away, throwing its hat into the ring with the $300 Shotgun. A $12/month GPRS subscription gets you the usual slew of web-enabled features like real-time traffic and weather, live POI searches, gas pricing, and online trip planning, all wrapped in the usual Telenav PND UI and bolstered by 11 million preloaded POIs. Sounds like an interesting piece of kit, and it’s apparently well done — GPS Review took an early look at the 4.3-inch touchscreen PND and found it to be a “good start,” albeit with some minor annoyances that will hopefully be remedied in a future software update. Still, we’re just not all that convinced that another subscription fee is going to appeal to many in this economic climate — we’ll see if the Shotgun manages to fire. Peep tons more pics in the gallery.

Gallery: Telenav Shotgun