Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Apple Maps is the beautiful but flawed pile of poo that just keeps on steaming. Not long after it appeared in the company's latest operating system, people noticed that it had a habit of showing destinations in the wrong locations, like a museum located underwater, or refusing to show locations at all, like the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon and most of a few world metropolises. The CEO apologized once, was met with hilarious rejoinders, then apologized again and recommended other map solutions, and the guy in charge of Apple Maps was shown the door, which Apple was indeed able to find.

None of that has apparently helped drivers looking for the town of Mildura, in Victoria, Australia however. Apple Maps still places the hamlet in the middle of the Murray-Sunset National Park, about 44 miles southwest of its actual location. The displaced location map issue has reportedly left six drivers lost or stranded in the national park for up to 24 hours without food or water, in temperatures that can reach up to 115 degrees in the Outback with no phone reception. Six people have had to be rescued in the past two months, and now Mildura police have issued a statement calling the situation "a life threatening issue," urging caution when using Apple Maps.

Check out the Newsdesk video below for more details, and be very, very careful when you go in search of Mildura.

Continue reading Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video]

Australian police urge motorists to stay away from Apple Maps [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple mapsaustraliaaustralian outbackgpsios 6ios6ipadiphonemilduramurray sunset national parknavigationvictoriavideoTue, 11 Dec 2012 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/australian-police-urge-motorists-to-stay-away-from-apple-maps-w/20399410/article-detail.xml 20399410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/mildura-victoria-apple-maps.jpg <![CDATA[AU survey results suggests men rely on GPS more than women]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/au-survey-results-suggests-men-rely-on-gps-more-than-women/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/au-survey-results-suggests-men-rely-on-gps-more-than-women/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/au-survey-results-suggests-men-rely-on-gps-more-than-women/#commentsFiled under: ,



Remember the days before GPS? When it was just you, the open road, and a Rand-McNally mapbook tucked beneath the seat? We certainly do, but with the advent of GPS and smartphones, using electronic devices for guidance has become second nature. And it has turned one of the great stereotypes of the sexes sideways.

According to a study conducted by the Australian Association for Motor Insurers, men use GPS navigation more than women. The AAMI claims that 64 percent of men use nav systems while only 50 percent of women rely on them.

Reuben Aitchison, AAMI Corporate Affairs Manager, pondered the old stereotype of men never asking for directions, "It was a point of honour, sometimes known as stubbornness."

The poll also asked what voices from which people would be most and least likely to take directions. The most popular voiced included Morgan Freeman, Stewie Griffin, and Christopher Walken. The least favorite? Batman, Ozzy Osborne and your significant other.

A quick look over to the Garmin site reveals that none of those voices are available, but you can get Erine & Bert, Wallace & Gromit, Yoda, and Darth Vader.

The significant other? That's a no-cost option.

Continue reading AU survey results suggests men rely on GPS more than women

AU survey results suggests men rely on GPS more than women originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austrailiadirectionsgpsmapsnavnavigationTue, 31 Jul 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/au-survey-results-suggests-men-rely-on-gps-more-than-women/20287853/article-detail.xml 20287853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/buick-nav-system-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/buick-nav-system-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bay area residents could soon be taxed per mile driven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/bay-area-residents-could-soon-be-taxed-per-mile-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/bay-area-residents-could-soon-be-taxed-per-mile-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/bay-area-residents-could-soon-be-taxed-per-mile-driven/#commentsFiled under:

traffic in san francisco

As cars get more fuel efficient, they become a less profitable source of tax dollars. So what's a city to do? Raising gas taxes is certain political death. For San Francisco Bay officials, creativity is the key.

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments are currently examining a plan to tax drivers by the number of miles driven instead of number of gallons burned. To do that, cars registered in the area would be fitted with a GPS device to track the number of miles traveled.

Drivers could be charged less than a penny or as much as a dime per mile. One estimate puts potential revenue from the system at $15 million a day.

If the thought of your city government knowing your every move sounds frightening, the Commission's spokesman, Randy Rentschler, says not to worry.

"The last thing we're interested in is where you go and what you do," Rentschler tells the Associated Press. "What we're trying to do is get people to figure out a way to raise revenue that they could support."

Still not convinced?Don't get worked up yet - it could take Bay Area governments as long as a decade to implement such an idea. By then we'll surely have flying cars, electric scooters or even molecular transporters.

Bay area residents could soon be taxed per mile driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Association Of Bay Area Governmentsbay areadrivinggas taxgpsgps trackingmileage taxodometerSan Francisco Bay Areataxtaxestoll bridgeTue, 24 Jul 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282437/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/24/bay-area-residents-could-soon-be-taxed-per-mile-driven/20282437/article-detail.xml 20282437 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gyi0058804631-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/gyi0058804631-opt.jpg <![CDATA[In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/#commentsFiled under:

bmw nav

Navigation systems have been coming down in price lately, making in-car directions more accessible to the masses. At the same time massive tech companies like Apple and Microsoft have gotten into the game as well, and as TheDetroitBureau.com reports, a new study shows that these forces are converging to quadruple the systems by 2019.

That's another 13 million nav systems per year around the world, or 56 million units by 2019. The biggest gains will likely take place in China, with sales going from 355,000 to 11.8 million in a decade.

The study unsurprisingly predicts that navigation systems will also change considerably during that time, going from traditional DVD-based technology to inexpensive in-car systems and smart phone-based systems like the upcoming Apple tech that will be found on future vehicles from General Motors, BMW, Toyota, Audi and many other OEMs.

Cheaper tech and increased competition tend to go hand-in-hand, but that recipe could be toxic for traditional navigation providers like TomTom and Garmin. Such companies will need to rely on ingenuity and smaller margins to continue to thrive in the more competitive market.

In-car navigation systems expected to quadruple by 2019 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegarmingooglegpsnavinavigationnavigation systemtomtomFri, 13 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276383/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/13/in-car-navigation-systems-expected-to-quadruple-by-2019/20276383/article-detail.xml 20276383 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-idrive-nav_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmw-idrive-nav.jpg <![CDATA[Navsop working on coin-sized GPS rival that navigates using wifi and TV signals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/#commentsFiled under:

Cell Tower, photo by Gary Lerude

A British company is working on a new navigation system that doesn't rely on GPS satellites to track your location. BAE has created Navsop, a device that picks up errant cell phone, radio and television signals to deduce your coordinates, which means it can be used in locations where traditional GPS can't. For example, TV signals are substantially more powerful in buildings and below ground than GPS, which means Navsop could eventually help locate individuals in collapsed buildings or mines. It could also be instrumental in locating stolen vehicles stashed in underground parking garages.

BAE claims that while Navsop is still in the early stages of development, it will eventually fit into a gadget about the size of a standard coin. At present, however, Navsop resides in a massive box that must be lugged around in a car and attached to a whip antenna. Not exactly smartphone compatible.

Navsop isn't entirely independent from GPS, however. The system must first get its bearings from the satellites in the sky before turning to radio signals.

Navsop working on coin-sized GPS rival that navigates using wifi and TV signals originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baecell phonegpsnavigationnavsopradiosignalstelevisiontvSat, 07 Jul 2012 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/07/navsop-working-on-coin-sized-gps-rival-that-navigates-using-wifi/20272028/article-detail.xml 20272028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/cell-towergarylerude_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/cell-towergarylerude.jpg <![CDATA[UK gov't backs GPS system designed for elderly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/uk-govt-backs-gps-system-designed-for-elderly/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/uk-govt-backs-gps-system-designed-for-elderly/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/uk-govt-backs-gps-system-designed-for-elderly/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GPS nav

Q: What do you call a navigation system designed specifically for the elderly?
A: A map.

In all seriousness, GPS navigation technology designed to help the aged drive more safely could significantly reduce the number of accidents involving geriatric drivers. Old people already attempt to compensate for reduced faculties by changing driving patterns, not driving at night and taking the simplest routes rather than the fastest. It only makes sense to deploy technology to help them determine "easier" ways to a destination.

At least that's the idea behind a $20 million project being developed at Newcastle University in the U.K. According to The Sun, the research is being funded by the British government, with the end result being a system that would give easy-to-understand directions without suggesting turns across traffic or travel on freeways.

UK gov't backs GPS system designed for elderly originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderly driversgpsnavigationnavigation systemSat, 28 Apr 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/28/uk-govt-backs-gps-system-designed-for-elderly/20226089/article-detail.xml 20226089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/buick-nav-system-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/buick-nav-system-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

Watching television news can be depressing. Between the political rancor of election season and the "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality of most news directors, positive stories are scarce. But here's one that should make any lover of fine automobiles pleased.

The story, as reported by CBS This Morning, starts when the owner of a Los Angeles-based rental car company that specializes in exotics and luxury cars noticed that one of his vehicles was uncharacteristically sitting still for a few days after being rented. The $2,000-per-day 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia was equipped with a GPS tracking system, and the Italian Stallion's lack of use made Eric Blumberg suspicious. So he notified the police, who eventually found the car - in Hong Kong. It had been shipped through the Port of Los Angeles, labeled as "used fitness equipment," according to the Los Angeles Times.

It seems that the would-be joyrider who had "rented" the Ferrari was part of an international crime syndicate worthy of a screenplay, according to the CBS report. When the police investigated further, they found between 15 and 20 other vehicles that were being loaded into shipping containers and exported to Asia, a total of $1.5 million worth of four-wheeled loot.

The investigators told CBS that the vehicles can command up to twice their value overseas. While no arrests have yet been made in the case, at least these cars now have a chance of being returned to their rightful owners.

Scroll down to watch the full report.

Continue reading Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring

Exotic car rental company owner uses GPS to thwart international auto theft ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ferrari 458 italia458 Italiaauto theftauto theft ringcar rentalcar theftexotic car rentalferrarigpstheft ringvideoThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/exotic-car-rental-company-owner-uses-gps-to-thwart-international/20225125/article-detail.xml 20225125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smuggling-ring-opt-1335467205_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/smuggling-ring-opt-1335467205.jpg <![CDATA[Ex-NFL QB Ryan Leaf busted for drug-related break-in with GPS data from his truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/ex-nfl-qb-ryan-leaf-busted-for-drug-related-break-in-with-gps-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/ex-nfl-qb-ryan-leaf-busted-for-drug-related-break-in-with-gps-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/ex-nfl-qb-ryan-leaf-busted-for-drug-related-break-in-with-gps-da/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ryan Leaf mugshotFormer Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested last Friday and charged with being in possession of prescription Oxycodone pills that weren't his. Three days after posting a $76,000 bond, the Associated Press says he's been arrested again.

According to the report, the owners of a Great Falls, Montana home came home to find a "tall man with an athletic build" and shiny shoes waiting for them. The police report says the man stated he was in the wrong house and left.

The wrong house part is the most interesting part of this story for Autoblog readers, because police say they searched Ryan Leaf's truck and, whaddaya know, the fallen quarterback's GPS showed he had been in the driveway of that Great Falls house at the same time the owners claim. Leaf's navigation system data also suggests he pulled into between five and ten other driveways in the neighborhood. Whoops.

Leaf is charged with two felony counts of burglary, two felony counts of criminal possession of a dangerous drug, two misdemeanor counts of theft and a probation violation.

To be clear, Leaf remains innocent until proven guilty. Heck, maybe he was just following the real thief from house to house trying to do a favor for the police. Great Falls indeed.

Ex-NFL QB Ryan Leaf busted for drug-related break-in with GPS data from his truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsgreat fallsmontananavigation systemnfloxycodoneprescription drugsryan leafTue, 03 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207368/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/ex-nfl-qb-ryan-leaf-busted-for-drug-related-break-in-with-gps-da/20207368/article-detail.xml 20207368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ryan-leaf-booking-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/ryan-leaf-booking-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Google Maps regains ability to estimate your trip duration with traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/#commentsFiled under: ,

Google Maps screenshots

Google Maps has reinstated the feature letting you know how long a trip will take in current traffic. According to Autoblog's sister site, Engadget, the previous algorithm didn't pass muster, so the updated calculations uses both historical and current traffic conditions to arrive at an estimated time of arrival. It appears on the journeys for which information is available beneath the no-traffic estimate.

If the map can't find information on your chosen roads, you can assist The Goog and your fellow travelers by turning on My Location if you have a Google Maps for Android. Your phone - and a bunch of others - will update home base as to your velocities and help fill in those traffic blanks.

Google Maps regains ability to estimate your trip duration with traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcartographygooglegoogle mapgoogle mapsgpsmappingmapsmy locationnavigationTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20205210/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/google-maps-regains-ability-to-estimate-your-trip-duration-with/20205210/article-detail.xml 20205210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/googlemapstime_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/googlemapstime.jpg <![CDATA[AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon investigating steering wheels with haptic feedback for navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/atandt-labs-carnegie-mellon-investigating-steering-wheels-with-ha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/atandt-labs-carnegie-mellon-investigating-steering-wheels-with-ha/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/atandt-labs-carnegie-mellon-investigating-steering-wheels-with-ha/#commentsFiled under: ,

Haptic feedback gaming steering wheel

Any device or system that draws a driver's attention away from the road is inherently distracting, but some navigation systems are better than others. Now, AT&T Labs is said to be hard at work developing a steering wheel with haptic feedback that may allow more drivers to keep their eyes off of the center console screen. According to MIT's Technology Review, the system uses 20 small actuators to to create a pattern of vibrations in the wheel. When the wheel buzzes clockwise, the driver is meant to turn to the right, while counterclockwise vibrations suggest turning left. The company's research indicates that when the system is used with standard audio and visual cues, inattentiveness in younger drivers drops by around 3.1 percent.

Researchers defined "inattentiveness" as time spent looking away from the road in driving simulations. The haptics had no impact on older drivers, but a separate study by Carnegie Mellon indicated drivers over the age of 65 could see their inattentiveness drop by around four percent.

Even with the promising results, it will likely be years before a similar system could be adopted by automakers, if it ever reaches the market at all.

AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon investigating steering wheels with haptic feedback for navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attatt labscarnegie mellongpshaptichaptic steeringhaptic steering wheelhapticsnavigation systemresearchMon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/atandt-labs-carnegie-mellon-investigating-steering-wheels-with-ha/20200989/article-detail.xml 20200989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/steering-wheel-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/steering-wheel-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA distracted driver guidelines would render navigation systems useless]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/nhtsa-distracted-driver-guidelines-would-render-navigation-syste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/nhtsa-distracted-driver-guidelines-would-render-navigation-syste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/26/nhtsa-distracted-driver-guidelines-would-render-navigation-syste/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ray Lahood speaking at Distracted Driving Summit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has produced a minutely detailed document addressing and attempting to assess driver distractions. According to its numbers, "17 percent (an estimated 899,000) of all police-reported crashes reportedly involved some type of driver distraction in 2010." Out of that number, three percent, or 26,000 accidents, were caused by distraction from "a device/control integral to the vehicle," such as a navigation or infotainment system.

The document provides voluminous guidance to reduce or eliminate possibilities for distracting the driver, and at first glance, their adoption would seem to make in-car navigation systems useless. One of the guidelines suggests that "Systems providing non-safety-related dynamic (i.e. moving spatially) visual information should be capable of a means by which that information is not provided to the driver." Another states that "static or quasi-static maps" are fine - a quasi-static map being one that's updated every few seconds, but "Dynamic, continuously-moving maps are not recommended."

These are only guidelines and they're full of loose phrasing, but the question is what kind of visually useful navigation system could be built to satisfy them. They appear to allow for audio-only navigation while driving, but making maps either inaccessible to the driver or only refreshing them every few seconds would make such systems useless unless a driver can get by with knowing his position once every four seconds. Again, this is only a document that attempts to pair suggestions to evidence derived from hard data, but as far as a practical solution to driver distraction, this might not be the road map drivers or automakers are looking for.

NHTSA distracted driver guidelines would render navigation systems useless originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdriver distractiongpsnational highway traffic safety administrationnav systemnavigationnavigation systemnhtsaMon, 26 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199397/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/26/nhtsa-distracted-driver-guidelines-would-render-navigation-syste/20199397/article-detail.xml 20199397 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ray-lahood-distracted-driving-summit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ray-lahood-distracted-driving-summit.jpg <![CDATA[Supreme Court: Feds not allowed to use GPS on autos without warrant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Law enforcement agencies are now required to obtain a warrant before attaching a GPS device to a vehicle. The Detroit News reports the Supreme Court unanimously ruled today that the Justice Department was wrong when it argued that its agents didn't need permission to track private citizens without their knowledge.

The case in question centered around Antoine Jones, a Washington, D.C. nightclub owner and suspected drug dealer. Police installed a GPS device on Jones' wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee, which eventually led them to a substantial amount of cocaine. Jones was then sentenced to life in prison.

But Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that installing the device constitutes a search under the Fourth Amendment. Specifically, Justice Scalia said, "The government physically occupied private property for the purpose of obtaining information."

In the Jones case, law enforcement agents had obtained the proper warrants to attach the device, but didn't manage to attach it within the 10 days specified in the warrant. The FBI accumulated 2,000 pages of data over four weeks by tracking the vehicle.

Supreme Court: Feds not allowed to use GPS on autos without warrant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antonin scaliafbigpsgps trackingjustice antonin scalialaw enforcementsupreme courttrackingMon, 23 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/supreme-court-feds-not-allowed-to-use-gps-on-autos-without-warr/20154702/article-detail.xml 20154702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0056646482-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/gyi0056646482-628.jpg <![CDATA[Surprise! J.D. Power reports consumers frustrated with navigation systems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/automakers-suck-at-ui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/automakers-suck-at-ui/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/automakers-suck-at-ui/#commentsFiled under: ,



For those of us testing dozens of in-car navigation and infotainment systems each year, J.D. Power's 2011 U.S. Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study comes as no surprise.

According to owners surveyed in the study, simplicity and ease-of-use are lacking in the majority of systems on the market, with "Address/street/city not found" topping the list, followed by difficulty inputting a destination, poor routing, ineffectual voice controls, a lack of street names and missing points of interest. Not to mention the most obvious issue: the inability to find the proper function in the menu system.

Additionally, with a growing number of automakers combining climate controls into the touchscreen, these systems are adding another layer of complexity with few tangible benefits.

Interestingly though, the Garmin-supplied system fitted to the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 - placing first and third, respectively, in consumer satisfaction - do combine many of the vehicle's climate control functions in a separate menu on the screen. So the issue isn't about incorporation, it's about execution.

Lining the bottom of the pack were a few Mercedes-Benz models (no surprise considering how long in the tooth COMAND is), the Jaguar XJ, Volvo XC90, Lincoln MKX and Toyota RAV4. And while the Clarion-equipped system (in the process of being phased out) in the Ford Flex, Fusion and Lincoln MKS all made it into the top 10, the TeleNav versions of the Ford Explorer and Edge - yes, the MyFord Touch equipped models - landed near the bottom. However, many of those issues should be rectified with the 2013 update, which includes faster response, better voice recognition and a mild UI overhaul. Hit the jump for the details and the complete rankings list.

Continue reading Surprise! J.D. Power reports consumers frustrated with navigation systems

Surprise! J.D. Power reports consumers frustrated with navigation systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsinfotainmentj.d. powerjd powernavigationsat navsatellite navigationtechnologyTue, 22 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20112672/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/22/automakers-suck-at-ui/20112672/article-detail.xml 20112672 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jaguar-xj48-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/jaguar-xj48-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bert-and-ernie-lend-voices-to-tomtom-will-guide-you-to-sesame-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bert-and-ernie-lend-voices-to-tomtom-will-guide-you-to-sesame-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/17/bert-and-ernie-lend-voices-to-tomtom-will-guide-you-to-sesame-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street

Sesame Street is teaming up with TomTom to provide family-friendly navigation narration courtesy of some of our favorite muppets. Bert, Ernie and one very special rubber duckie have been so kind as to lend their vocal talents to TomTom navigation devices. The trio are in good company. Darth Vader and Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson have both stepped into the recording booth to give TomTom customers a little entertainment over a long drive. If you like the idea of Sesame Street's Bert and Ernie leading the way, you can head over to the TomTom site to purchase the voice pack for $12.95.

That may seem a little steep to the penny-pinchers of the world, but listening to our childhood television friends may do much to diffuse road rage the next time we're stuck in traffic. Don't believe us? Follow the jump to check out a quick video of Bert and Ernie in the recording studio. We dare you not to smile.

Continue reading Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street

Bert and Ernie lend voices to TomTom, will guide you to Sesame Street originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bert and erniebert and ernie navigationbert and ernie tom tomgpsnavigationnavigation voicesesame streettom tomtom-tomtomtomvoice packThu, 17 Nov 2011 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20106233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/17/bert-and-ernie-lend-voices-to-tomtom-will-guide-you-to-sesame-s/20106233/article-detail.xml 20106233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/bert-and-ernie-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/bert-and-ernie-628.jpg <![CDATA[Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of <i>Top Gear</i> TomTom GPS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Those of you hoping to hear the boisterous voice of Jeremy Clarkson coming out of your TomTom GPS are going to be quite disappointed. As it turns out, part of the BBC's editorial guidelines state that none of the Top Gear presenters can endorse motoring products, and thus, having Clarkson screaming out of your TomTom is a clear violation of this policy.

Some 54,000 units of the Clarkson-ified TomTom have already been produced, with many already in stores. BBC Worldwide has stated that it will now donate all proceeds from the TomToms to the Children In Need charity. The BBC told UK's The Guardian that Jezzeh was in no way involved with setting up this deal and will not make any money from the partnership between BBC and TomTom.

Looks like drivers will now be forced to add in their own insults, sarcasm and humor to the TomTom sat-nav experience.

Clarkson contract blunder leads to cancellation of Top Gear TomTom GPS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcclarksongpsjeremy clarksontomtomtop gearFri, 14 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/clarkson-contract-blunder-leads-to-cancellation-of-top-gear/20081989/article-detail.xml 20081989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/clarkson-630-1318614695_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/clarkson-630-1318614695.jpg <![CDATA[New <i>Top Gear</i> edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TomTom Go Live Top Gear Edition

Top Gear fans who go orgasmic at the first note of Jeremy Clarkson's dulcet tones will be happy to hear that TomTom has released a new GPS soaked in the world's favorite car show. As previously rumored, the TomTom Go Live Top Gear Edition sat nav features driving directions narrated by Jezza, as well as plenty of petrol-laced points of interest. Those include test tracks as well as locations featured in the long-running show. There are also model-specific start-up and shut-down screens that feature the Top Gear logo. That's fun and all, but the really great part is that the company's Live service offers real-time speed camera alerts. Handy.

The GPS also features a Stig mode, though the company isn't saying what that is or what it does for drivers. Some say the device just sits there on the dash and glares disapprovingly. All we know is, the device is available here in the U.S. as well as a host of other countries. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode

New Top Gear edition TomTom satnav features Stig Mode originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsjeremy clarksonjeremy clarkson gpssat-navsatnavstigthe stigtomtomtomtom go live top gear editiontop geartop gear gpsFri, 07 Oct 2011 11:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20076306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/07/new-top-gear-edition-tomtom-satnav-features-stig-mode/20076306/article-detail.xml 20076306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tomtom-go-live-top-gear-edition-628-1317995103_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tomtom-go-live-top-gear-edition-628-1317995103.jpg <![CDATA[GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

OnStar

If you're the owner of a fairly new General Motors product, you may want to take a close look at the most recent OnStar terms and conditions. As it turns out, the company has altered the parameters under which it can legally collect GPS data on your vehicle.

Originally, the terms and conditions stated that OnStar could only collect information on your vehicle's location during a theft recovery or in the midst of sending emergency services your way. That has apparently changed. Now, OnStar says that it has the right to collect and sell personal, yet supposedly anonymous information on your vehicle, including speed, location, seat belt usage and other information.

Who would be interested in that data, you ask? Law enforcement agencies, for starters, as well as insurance companies. Perhaps the most startling news to come out of the latest OnStar terms and conditions is the fact that the company can continue to collect the information even after you disconnect the service. If you want the info to be cut off all together, you'll have to specifically shut down the vehicle's data connection. If that sounds scary, you should check out a full breakdown of the new policies here.

*UPDATE: OnStar has released a statement in response to the dust up over its newest set of terms and conditions. You can find the full text after the jump.

Continue reading GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE]

GM's OnStar now spying on your car for profit even after you unsubscribe? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmgpsonstaronstar terms and conditionsterms and conditionstrackingWed, 21 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048819/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/gms-onstar-now-spying-on-your-car-for-profit-even-after-you-uns/20048819/article-detail.xml 20048819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/onstar-630.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeremy ClarksonWay back when, animated characters were voiced by anonymous folks with great pipes. These days, you need A-list celebs to sell pixelated fish and other playthings. The disembodied and slightly stilted voices of navigation systems appear to be going the same way, and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson is the latest talent to contribute his voice to giving directions - ironic, considering he's made his disdain for GPS clear in the past.

According to the UK's Daily Mail, TomTom will unveil a device next month in which the famously ornery BBC star will advise you to execute handbrake turn - going all, well, Clarkson, when you miss your offramp. If he ever gets to be too much, apparently the unit will allow you to get directions from The Stig, which we expect will sound like not getting any voice directions at all.

Jeremy Clarkson voicepack coming to TomTom navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsjeremy clarksonnavnavigationnavigation systemsat-navsatellite navigationstigthe stigtom-tomtomtomvoicepackTue, 06 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20035311/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/jeremy-clarkson-voicepack-coming-to-tomtom-navigation/20035311/article-detail.xml 20035311 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/jeremy-clarkson-headshot-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/jeremy-clarkson-headshot-250.jpg <![CDATA[Supreme Court to hear automotive GPS tracking case]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/supreme-court-to-hear-automotive-gps-tracking-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/supreme-court-to-hear-automotive-gps-tracking-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/29/supreme-court-to-hear-automotive-gps-tracking-case/#commentsFiled under: , ,

United States Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether or not law enforcement officers need a warrant in order to track a suspect's vehicle with a GPS device. The case centers around Antoine Jones, whose vehicle was bugged for a month without his consent or a go-ahead from the justice department. The police have argued that such tracking shouldn't require a warrant because the location of Jones' vehicle on public streets is public knowledge. Advocates arguing against that stance say that the comprehensive surveillance constitutes an unjust invasion of privacy.

No one is disputing the fact that Jones was, in fact, selling cocaine when his vehicle was monitored.

Lower courts have sided with Jones' attorneys on the privacy issue in the past, though there is a precedent for allowing evidence obtained through warrantless GPS tracking to be upheld. The issue seems to be exactly how long law enforcement continues the tracking. Either way, law enforcement, prosecution and defense attorneys will all have a close eye on the outcome of the Jones case.

Supreme Court to hear automotive GPS tracking case originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsgps trackingsupreme courtWed, 29 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19979447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/29/supreme-court-to-hear-automotive-gps-tracking-case/19979447/article-detail.xml 19979447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gyi0057536360_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/gyi0057536360.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Porsche ACC InnoDrive tested... hello, Big Brother?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/2014-porsche-acc-innodrive-tested-hello-big-brother/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/2014-porsche-acc-innodrive-tested-hello-big-brother/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/2014-porsche-acc-innodrive-tested-hello-big-brother/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Should Porsche Make Cars That Even Hint At Driving Themselves?

2014 Porsche ACC InnoDrive
2014 Porsche ACC InnoDrive - Click above for high-res image gallery

We have to remind ourselves to breath deeply at these high-tech junctures in the road. Porsche is still first and foremost a remarkable sports car company that we all love and adore for so many reasons. In recent years, yes, Porsche has challenged all of us with some product and tech moves that have caused a groundswell of debate. But the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen based company still continually makes the lion's share of enthusiasts dream big.

We have just been brought to the company's hardcore research & design center in Weissach in the verdant farm country just outside of Stuttgart to drive special Panamera S test mules equipped with the most recent iteration of an ECU-software development that Porsche knows is going to make people like us fret. Until we actually experience it first hand.

Adaptive Cruise Control is a pretty quotidian option these days, especially on larger Porsches that get driven regularly in busy highway traffic. It's a good idea that's been serving owners faithfully since its introduction.

But we've just tried the next phase in ACC development, called ACC InnoDrive, short for Innovative Drive. It's officially part of the Intelligent Drive Strategy sub-group within the Porsche Intelligent Performance umbrella. The InnoDrive system takes ACC into areas of our driving lives that a Porsche shopper would never have imagined from the brand just 10 years ago. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, maybe BMW, you bet. But the winningest company in racing?

Continue reading 2014 Porsche ACC InnoDrive tested... hello, Big Brother?

2014 Porsche ACC InnoDrive tested... hello, Big Brother? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acc innodrivecruise controlfeaturedgpsgreeninnodriveintelligent cruise controlpanameraporscheporsche panamerasmart cruise controlTue, 28 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19976156/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/2014-porsche-acc-innodrive-tested-hello-big-brother/19976156/article-detail.xml 19976156 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porsche-acc-innodrive_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/porsche-acc-innodrive.jpg -1 2