Autoblog

NHTSA distracted driver guidelines would render navigation systems useless

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Infotainment

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.

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2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 nav system uses altitude to optimize hybrid efficiency

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, BMW

Somewhat lost in the fanfare of BMW introducing a hybrid version of its best-selling 3 Series at the Detroit Auto Show was a brief mention of its new navigation technology. The 2012 ActiveHybrid 3 will be the first hybrid to use its nav system to help predict the best time to use and recharge its battery. This will go well beyond currently available navigation technology that plots economical travel routes based on traffic and speed limits, also incorporating altitude, final destination and other real-time data to wring the most out of those electrons.

For example, suppose there's a big hill on your route. Since the 3 Series hybrid "knows" you will be descending, and thus afforded a good opportunity for recharging, it can drain more of the battery on the way up. BMW says it is still working on the system, but it will be included as a standard feature on the ActiveHybrid 3, and will eventually spread to the ActiveHybrid 5 and other hybrid models. While we don't have much in the way of details, the opportunity here seems pretty vast, effectively allowing the car to hypermile for you.

Continue reading 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 nav system uses altitude to optimize hybrid efficiency

2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 nav system uses altitude to optimize hybrid efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: Where do our nav systems take us most? Walmart

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Groan. Remember the $350,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom parked in front of a Walmart? Apparently it's not an isolated case. That's right, according to a new survey by TeleNav, most Americans use their navigation systems to find the Arkansas-based mega-store full of cheap stuff that Sam built. The great burning irony, of course, is that most cars with navigation systems are "luxury" products. Though of course that's changing, as navigation systems are making their way into lower strata vehicles and portable units and smart phones offer full GPS at much lower prices.

After Walmart, us Americans are searching for Starbucks, Target, Best Buy and Bank of America, respectively. Full disclosure time. Have we ever used a nav system to find a Walmart? Yeah, once, but we were in Louisiana and in need of spray paint (don't ask). We'll sleep okay tonight. We do, however, wonder how many two-gallon pickle jars would fit inside an Audi Q7.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Study: Where do our nav systems take us most? Walmart originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite 'Big Brother' barbs, Europe looking at pinpoint GPS car tracking

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology

Navigation systems are quickly becoming commonplace even on the cheapest new cars and trucks, and the European Commission is working to use technology to make the systems far more accurate than the current technology allows. The European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, or EGNOS, is already online in Europe, and the European Commission is encouraging navigation providers to utilize the technology to make directions far more accurate than they are now. As an example, Wards Automotive quotes sources who say EGNOS can improve the accuracy of nav systems from 10 to 20 percent versus nav systems without EGNOS.

Europe is also launching its new Galileo satellites, which also use EGNOS tech. Two are already operational and the plan is to have up to 18 satellites in space and 40 units to cover the world by 2017. The European Union is reportedly working on its own GPS tech so that it doesn't have to rely on the U.S. military for data.

Improved navigation accuracy will make navigation users, providers and OEMs happy because directions will be more accurate, with fewer commands like "please make a legal U-Turn" in the middle of a freeway. Opponents to the measure fear that the government can begin tracking all GPS-enabled vehicles on the road. Speed trap cameras could theoretically be replaced, with satellites tracking your speed and whereabouts at all times. Will that ever happen? Who knows, but we're thinking that even better-functioning GPS devices is a good thing.

[Source: Wards Auto - Sub. Req.]

Despite 'Big Brother' barbs, Europe looking at pinpoint GPS car tracking originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In-car navigation systems set to go 3D?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: I.C.E., Technology

Navigation systems have quickly gone from being an interactive way to direct one from Point A to Point B to massive infotainment centerpieces capable of MP3 player integration, web browsing and wifi. Auto Express is reporting that GPS units could go 3D as soon as next year, because advancements in hardware could make the technology feasible with already available dual image LCD screens (like the one in the 2010 Jaguar XJ).

If you're thinking that you're going to have to wear those goofy paper 3D glasses to find the nearest McDonalds, that's not the case. Faster processors and increased memory will enable the LCD to oscillate between two images fast enough to give the illusion of depth. The incorporation of important landmarks embedded within the 3D image ought to go leaps and bounds towards finding your destination easier.

In the near term, it's likely that the functionality will first be available in aftermarket systems, with OEM models becoming available after the tech becomes a bit more mainstream. Actually, Clarion has been selling a 3D nav system in the UK for over a year and Sony and Panasonic have had the tech available in Japan, so it's more a matter of when, not if, the tech will be available in North America.

[Source: Auto Express]

In-car navigation systems set to go 3D? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.D. Power study shows people interested in new car tech, but not if they have to pay for it

Chris Shunk — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, I.C.E., Technology

Smaller, cheaper electronics have been a boon for the auto industry, as car technology has boomed over the past few years. J.D. Power has been studying the tech trend, surveying over 19,000 potential car buyers to gauge interest in new tech like nav systems and infotainment systems. The powerful research company found that customers are now far more tech-savvy than they were in the past, and they're also very interested in adding new features to their next car purchase. That's great news for automakers, but unfortunately (and unsurprisingly), many aren't interested in paying for the new features.

J.D. Powers found that 67% of those surveyed were interested in a navigation system. But when the average price of $1,600 was revealed, the number dropped to only 20%. Luxury buyers were a bit more interested, though only 45% of those surveyed would still opt for the interactive LCD. Cheaper off-board navigation services like On-Star or Ford's SYNC direction service weren't very good alternatives, either. Only one-third of those who were interested in navigation would go the off-board route, even though the systems have proven to be very effective and easy-to-use. We're guessing that part of the allure of the LCD nav is that it makes the whole dash look more high-end.

Customers are also very interested in utilizing their MP3 players in the car. Nearly two-thirds wanted the ability to listen to their music players in the car, while 27% wanted "smart phone" music connectivity. Of those who already use their music devices in their car, over half use an auxiliary jack, and 20% use an FM transmitter. Hit the jump to pour over the J.D. Power press release.

[Source: J.D. Power]

Continue reading J.D. Power study shows people interested in new car tech, but not if they have to pay for it

J.D. Power study shows people interested in new car tech, but not if they have to pay for it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

Chris Paukert — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, I.C.E., Technology, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Coupe navi sneak peek

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system

EXCLUSIVE: Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New navi in UK guarantees no speeding tickets

John Neff — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Technology

Though the isle of Britain isn't that large in terms of square miles, it still contains 24,000 potential speed traps (about the same number in Ohio, we think). The Rossini Navigator and Camera Spotter is a satellite navigation unit that has each one of those traps plotted on its digital topography and will audibly warn a driver if one is fast approaching. The unit also does the whole door-to-door, turn-by-turn navigation thing, but the addition of such comprehensive camera spotting technology moves it to the head of the class. The distributer of the Rossini Navigator, Car Parts Direct, has also decided to guarantee the device will keep you ticket free in the UK by offering £60 cashback if the device offers no warning of a speed trap and a ticket is issued. Those purchasing the Rossini Nav system will also get free camera updates emailed to them through January of 2009, since most people don't bother to go get updates on thier own when they're made available. The unit costs £399 and is ready to use right out of the box.

[Source: Car Parts Direct]

New navi in UK guarantees no speeding tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nav system in Zephyr rated best in the biz

John Neff — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Lincoln

Having reviewed many vehicles in my day, I can tell you unequivocally that not all satellite navigation systems are created equal. Just checking the sat nav box on the options sheet doesn't guarantee you'll be getting a system that's easy to use and will get you where you want to go. Those who know me will tell you that I've often sung the praises of Ford's sat nav systems, specifically the ones found in Lincoln models. My first experience with these factory-installed Pioneer units came from a review of the Lincoln LS I did back in the day, and I was happy to find an equally agreeable sat nav in the Lincoln Zephyr we tested back in March. So permit me to feel vindicated when I inform you that J.D. Power and Associates has just released its 2006 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study in which the Lincoln Zephyr's navigation system received the highest rankign. J.D. rates these factory installed nav systems in six areas that include (in order of importance) ease of use, routing, system appearance, speed of system, voice directions and navigation display screen. The Zephyr's Pioneer unit did particularly well in the those first three areas that are weighted the most. One feature of the system with which I became particularly infatuated was its ability to leave a trail of electronic breadcrumbs on the screen's map showing you where you've driven. And in case you're wondering, the same unit is also available in the 2007 MKZ.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Nav system in Zephyr rated best in the biz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lost? GM making Turn-by-Turn navigation standard on most 2007 models

John Neff — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, GM

GM announced today that it will be making its OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system standard on a number of 2007 models and that the first year of service will be free. Owners of vehicles already equipped with OnStar can also have the service activated through an optional $100 OnStar package upgrade within their first year of use. Turn-by-Turn is considered an "off-board" GPS navigation system because the heavy lifting is done by OnStar advisors and a centrally-managed remote database. Users just push the blue OnStar button, tell a real person where they want to go and voice-guided directions will be pumped through the vehicle's stereo system. It features automatic route corrections and the ability to pick up where it left off after an unscheduled Mountain Dew-induced bathroom break. The system's centrally managed database also continually updates itself with points of interest, so when the main vain needs to be drained again you can call up an OnStar advisor and ask how many miles until the next McDonalds bathroom. Hold on to your wallets, though. After the first initial year of free service, Turn-by-turn navigation will cost OnStar users an additional $299 per year. Yowsers. A couple years of that would easily pay for a nice third third-party navigation system. But then who would you talk to?

[Source: OnStar]

Lost? GM making Turn-by-Turn navigation standard on most 2007 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Design launching personal navigation system

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:32:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology

No official word from Porsche, but rumors have Porsche Design teaming up with navigation software specialists Navigon AG to launch a Porsche Design personal navigation product, the P9611.

The sleek device sports a 480 x 272 pixel touchscreen, a built-in traffic news radio receiver and Bluetooth communications capability. The 9611 is based on an Intel XScale 520 MHz cpu running Navigon's upcoming MobileNavigator 6 software.

Expect an October launch for the product in Europe, preceded by the usual round of press and tradeshow introductions. The 9611 will carry a price commensurate with its Porsche Design label - expect to shell out around $950 (€ 749)

[Source: Pocketinfo via Gizmodo]

Porsche Design launching personal navigation system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Aug 2006 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alpine Electronics launches XM Radio Navtraffic receiver

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 11 May 2006 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology

We've all been there - you've just zipped past the last exit for a couple of miles on your morning commute, you sail over a rise and find... brake lights, as far as the eye can see. If only you'd known the jam was there, you could have taken that exit. If only... Well, here's a gadget that can help!

Alpine Electronics launched this week a new XM Satellite Radio XM Navtraffic data receiver module, the HCE-100XM. Connected to the equally evocatively-named NVE-N872A Alpine nav system (pictured), the new unit provides continuously updated traffic information on top of the nav system's turn-by-turn directions.

Traffic coverage is currently available in 31 major U.S. metro areas (by subscription). Traffic alerts include:

color-coded traffic congestion levels along major highways
incident icons along the route, for congestion-causing traffic accidents or road construction
re-routing options for faster, more efficient routes.

Go to alpine-usa.com for more info.

[via CNet]

Alpine Electronics launches XM Radio Navtraffic receiver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 May 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Customized GPS maps in our future

Joel Arellano — Mon, 08 May 2006 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Trends, Etc., Technology

How would you like a GPS system that told you a blind curve was coming? Or one where you could add a comment that a particular street is gone, flooded, or has the best aftermarket parts shop on the corner? Such abilities and maps may soon be on the horizon.

According to Government Technology, the latest trend among GPS programmers is the ability to create customized navigation maps.

At Scipionus.com, viewers can enter their own information about a particular area (pictured).

Cell phones being used at enter info in the moment throughout a city. (We can imagine motorists using such information to avoid those streets.)

Using GPS to track buses so commuters don't keep straining their necks at the bus stop wondering when their city's public transportation will arrive.

Find parking spaces (and reserve them!) in congested cities like San Francisco, CA.

More details and a list of emerging technologies can be found at the link.

[Source: Government Technology]

Customized GPS maps in our future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 May 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover LR3 sat-nav used to guide cargo plane

Stuart Waterman — Mon, 01 May 2006 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, SUV, Etc., I.C.E., Marketing/Advertising, Land Rover

As part of its "Designed for the Extraordinary" marketing campaign, the adventurous folks at Land Rover rolled a 2006 LR3 onboard a C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane, and then the flight crew used the car's nav system to navigate the plane from Nice, France to the island of Corsica.

In true over-the-top marketing-speak, Sally Eastwood, VP marketing for Land Rover North America, says, "This is a truly extraordinary demonstration of the capability and adventure inherent within all Land Rover vehicles, and the LR3 in particular." We're not sure we'd go quite that far, but the innovative P.R. stunt should make for a cool TV spot for those interested in the "off road" capabilities of the LR3's nav system.

[Sources: Land Rover; AdWeek]

Land Rover LR3 sat-nav used to guide cargo plane originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First GPS and digital camera hybrid

Joel Arellano — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 01:04:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

New Zealand-based Navman has released the iCN750, a GPS navigation system combined with a digital camera. According to PC Magazine, who had a chance to check out a pre-production model, the unit works as either a regular navigation system or digital camera. However, users can also record where they took their pictures (i.e., "geocode" or "geostamp"), recording the latitude and longitude in EXIF format.

iCN750 is expected to go on sale some time in May and is listed at $799.95.

[Source: TechnoRide]

First GPS and digital camera hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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