Nokia acquire gate5

Nokia have bought map and navigation software maker gate5. I have never heard of gate5 but this shows how the handset manufacturers are targeting navigation. I thought Nokia would get more benefit out of OEM deals with the Navigation companies like Garmin, TomTom and Route 66 (who specialise in mobile phone navigation). But it seems as if the Fins want to go it alone with navigation...could be a risk, but is probably more of a concern to aforemention Navigation companies. I am also sure that the resellers of the phones like Phonehouse would prefer to sell 2 seperate products - phone and navigation - thus getting more margin.

This purchase also clearly shows that Nokia will have GPS built into all their phones in the near future...can only be a good thing.

Here is the press release

Tele Atlas Map insight

Tele Atlas have produced an online system for people to map errors. If you know of a missing street or POI or lots of other things, you can easily go online, point it out, and send it to Tele Atlas. Its a great idea, and it works really well. I immediately added the terrace that my house is on because it is not in the map...

It is called Map Insight and you can find it here

Ritz Carlton give guest GPS Devices

The Ritz Carlton in Dubai are giving their guests the option to use a PDA with GPS and some for of navigtion software so they can explore Dubai with peace of mind. I have been to Dubai, and did not drive. The roads are fairly crazy there and i am not sure i would like to walk around with a PDA out in the open...draws attention to the tourist. Nice idea though...

Full story here

Garmin sues TomTom...again

Garmin and suing TomTom, and this time it seems to be over the 'Audible turn by turn instructions'. Just in case you did not know, TomTom are also suing Garmin...so basically...the lawyers are making a killing out of it.

Here is the story

Dash Navigation

There seems to be a new navigation player entering the US market. They are called Dash Navigation and have be acting in 'stealth mode' for the last 2 years. It seems as if their product has traffice built-in. Not sure if this makes it stand out from Garmins, because they have traffic built in - TMC. TomTom is still relying on GPRS to get its traffic.

Here is the website. it does not say much.

Short History of TomTom and GPS Navigation

Nice articel by Business Week talking about TomTom and the navigation market in general. Gives a nice intro and history to TomTom from its days as Palmtop to its current success. Also, sets up the big battle between Garmin and TomTom

Here is the the story

Gizmondo reviews 3 PNDs

The good people at Gizmodo have compared different reviews of the new TomTom One, Magellan Roadmate 360 and the Sony NV-U70. The TomTom came way out in front...but this not comparing like with like. The Sony unit is their first offering in the market and has been slammed by nearly every reviewer and Magallen are losing market share to TomTom and Garmin rapidly. I would have preferred to see the TomTom compared with a Garmin...

New Garmin Nuvi 660

The FCC are currently testing the new Garmin Nuvi 660. It is fairly similar to the older Garmin Nuvi...but now has an FM radio and a wider screen. These are due to be sold by the end of next month:

Casio GPS Watch

I think that Suunto also do GPS watches, but this is the first time i have seen a Casio version. Looks good.

I wonder what the battery is like on this watch because even though GPS chips are becoming smaller and smaller. They still use power.

All the same, good to see GPS chips in more and more personal devices.

They are calling the watch the GPR-100.

Transport Authority pays for Bus Tracking

This is a bit strange, an independant bus operator gets a grant from the Authority to install a tracking system which:

"will be used to keep track of Trailways buses nationwide and allow law enforcement agencies to identify and track any company bus".

Apparently this will make the bus passengers feel more secure! Seems all a bit odd to me.

Read the article here

Google Mobile Maps

It's only a matter of time before Google get involved in personal navigation in a more formal way. Their ability to deliver add content, and knowing where you are via GPS....is perfect for their business.

Google Mobile mobile heralds another move towards entering the navigation world:

http://www.google.com/gmm/index.html

I am not based in the US, so cannot test it, but if anybody has, then please let me know how you get on.

Revolutionary Energy Technology

I know this has nothing to do with GPS etc...but it is interesting all the same. Not sure if these guys are for real...but even if the technology is a fraud, they are very good at marketing...this is causing a bit of a stir at the moement and will only get bigger:

http://www.steorn.net/frontpage/default.aspx

Will keep you posted if it is a fraud or not!

Very 'Personal' Navigation

I think this is kinda cool but not sure if it will ever get out of the Lab:

http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2006/08/
system_for_wear.html

I guess it could be the future of how blind people can easily get around the place...

Garmin Increases Market share in Europe

It seems as if Garmin is making all the righ moves in Europe...their market share is up to 16.7%. TomTom are still way out in from...but as TomTom make moves in the US, Garmin seem to be matching them in Europe.

Interesting article on it here:

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2006/08/07/
daily42.html?surround=lfn

It is good to see that PNDs are still driving this market.