Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/#commentsFiled under: ,



The season of hitting the roads to places you don't really want to go, so that you can give gifts you didn't really want to buy and eat food you don't really like has begun. Naturally, a lot more people on the road means a lot more folks getting lost. Fear not, you invincible iPhone-equipped holiday travelers: Appcast has ranked the created a list of navigation apps taking into account 31 different features and metrics.

With all the measuring they've done, they leave the decision of which one is best up to you. But with factors such as coverage area, traffic and speed camera notifications, demo routes, and even text-to-speech (including how the application handles voice instructions when the phone is playing music), you should have plenty of tools to make the best choice for your tastes.

There are seven apps tested, starting at $29.99. One of them could help make your holiday treks that much more manageable -- but they still won't eat fruitcake.

[Source: Appcast]

Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is the JATY DR7200 GPS, and it does a lot more than just tell you where you are and how to get where you're going on that 7-inch screen. You see, it's got an integrated breathalyzer, too, so it'll also tell you whether you should even be trying to get where you're going. Blow "over" and you get a standard BAC readout, a red "OVER" warning, and if that's not enough, a yellow skull and crossbones to drive home the point that, well, you really shouldn't be driving at all. In addition to all that, it supports just about every techno-acronym you can imagine (USB, MP3, DiVX, JPEG, MPEG, etc.), so if you're in no shape to drive, you can at least watch a movie on the thing while you wait it out. Want one? Just run on down to the local electronics store...in Korea.

[Source: Engadget]

JATY DR7200: Breathalyzer and nav...all in one! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breathalyzerdr7200gpsjatykoreanavWed, 16 Jul 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki SX4 Special Edition gets TRIP navigation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/05/suzuki-sx4-special-edition-gets-trip-navigation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



As previously reported, Suzuki has decided to include navigation on its SX4 Sport and Crossover before you make the first mark on the options list. That will make the $15,999 car the lowest priced car in America to come standard with talking maps. And now they're set to arrive in the SX4 Special Editions that arrive in Suzuki showrooms this month.

To recap, the nav system is called TRIP -- Travel, Real-time traffic, Information, and Play -- and incorporates several Microsoft features. Drivers can get traffic info, weather reports, headline news, stock quotes, movie listings, the lowest priced gas in the area, and directions to 500 nationwide Suzuki dealerships. If buyers go for the expansion module, they'll also get Fodor guide reviews of eateries and nightlife spots. It sounds like an awful lot to do in such a little car, but that's the march of progress.

[Source: Suzuki]

Suzuki SX4 Special Edition gets TRIP navigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossovernavnavinavigationsatnavsuzukisuzuki sx4suzuki sx4 crossoversuzuki sx4 limited editionsuzuki sx4 sedansuzuki sx4 sportSuzukiSx4SuzukiSx4CrossoverSuzukiSx4LimitedEditionSuzukiSx4SedanSuzukiSx4SportSat, 05 Jul 2008 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW ditching navigation DVDs for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/bmw-ditching-navigation-dvds-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/bmw-ditching-navigation-dvds-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/22/bmw-ditching-navigation-dvds-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,

BMW's MY 2009 cars will get a new iDrive system with a 40GB hard drive. According to Bimmerfile, the drive allotment will have 12GB dedicated to navigational maps (and 8GB for entertainment and 10GB for your address book, because you've got more friends than music, apparently). With nav maps placed on the hard drive, BMW will no longer be providing a case full of map DVDs. The maps will have the entire US on them, or Europe if you pick up your car at BMW Welt. When things have moved on and it's time to get your maps updated, you'll take your car and your checkbook to a BMW dealer, and they'll install U.S. v2.0.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW ditching navigation DVDs for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwhard drivehard drivesharddriveHardDrivesnavnavinavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemnavigationsystemsSun, 22 Jun 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. T comes to TomTom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If your thing is paying to be verbally upbraided by a celebrity, Navtones has you covered. Novelty of novelties, you can now get celebrity voices for your TomTom satnav. I like the way the celebs will bust your chops if you miss a turn, or give you a verbal dope-slap to pay attention, but it might get old fast. If you've got $12.95 burning a hole in your pocket and a fascination with celebrity culture, Mr. T's dulcet instructional stylings can be yours. You can also choose from Burt Reynolds (no quotes from Smokey And The Bandit), Gary Busey, or Dennis Hopper. Amusing, yes, but we feel it's a grave omission to leave out the best nav voice ever, KITT, aka William Daniels (aka George Feeny from Boy Meets World).

[Source: World Car Fans]

Mr. T comes to TomTom originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsin car electronicsInCarElectronicsmr. tMr.Tnavnavigationnavtonetom tomTomTomTue, 02 Oct 2007 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Sat nav leads driver and four rescue vehicles into the mud]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/sat-nav-leads-driver-and-four-rescue-vehicles-into-the-mud/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/sat-nav-leads-driver-and-four-rescue-vehicles-into-the-mud/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/08/sat-nav-leads-driver-and-four-rescue-vehicles-into-the-mud/#commentsFiled under: , ,



England. Jolly Old. Coventry, to be exact. There resides a seriously bored driver going by the handle vennuth. Vennuth willfully ignored the cardinal rule of using nav systems: use your own judgement! It's always amusing when the navigation system gets confused and directs you up your neighbor's driveway when you're really trying to reach the Raccoon Lodge. Most of us would just chuckle at the idea of driving our vehicle up a path marked "Not Suitable For Motor Vehicles" despite the nav system urging us on. Not vennuth.

Vennuth's a member of the gtr.co.uk forum, so we were quite relieved to see it was a Renault van he managed to mire up to its hubs. The funny part comes when his amusing recounting notes how his ex gets more and more "narky," he gets increasingly thirsty, and several successive rescue teams also become stuck. What should have been a simple tug-out turns into a 14-hour ordeal that ends with a lowly tractor succeeding where an ex-military Bedford wrecker failed. In proper fashion, there was a pub at the end of the unfit road, so it ended well.

Thanks for the tip, Leon!

Sat nav leads driver and four rescue vehicles into the mud originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandgtr.co.uknavneverstucktrustvennuthSat, 08 Sep 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[JDM Nissan Navi tells drivers to behave]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/jdm-nissan-navi-tells-drivers-to-behave/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/jdm-nissan-navi-tells-drivers-to-behave/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/jdm-nissan-navi-tells-drivers-to-behave/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's very a very HAL 9000 move, having your vehicle admonish you to not drive after drinking, but that's just what the latest version of Nissan's Carwings navigation system for the Japanese market will do. Between the hours of 5:30 PM and 5:00 AM, the navigation system displays "Do not drive after drinking!" for five seconds after startup. During the day, the navi nanny merely gives the stern suggestion of "Let's continue safe driving today." We're almost expecting that firm "Hmm" at the end, like we used to get from our parochial school principal, but alas, there's even less personality in the Nissan than there was in our old pal Frank. Nissan's making an ongoing commitment to reducing drunk driving and increasing road safety, and this system is part of that effort. Anything that can be done to increase safety and reduce intoxication behind the wheel is a good thing, but we'd rather see a blunter message, something like "I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that."

[Source: Winding Road]

JDM Nissan Navi tells drivers to behave originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drunk drivingDrunkDrivingjdmnavnissansafetywarningSun, 01 Jul 2007 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[In-dash nav systems do damage to resale value]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/in-dash-nav-systems-do-damage-to-resale-value/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/in-dash-nav-systems-do-damage-to-resale-value/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/09/in-dash-nav-systems-do-damage-to-resale-value/#commentsFiled under: ,



How's this - you pay a nearly ten percent premium to get a factory navigation system in your new whatever, and when it's replacement time, that very same nav system will cost you again, whacking 1% off the car's resale price. It makes perfect sense if you try to use some of the integrated nav setups in one- or two-year old used cars out there. Not only did they cost a fortune, they're not always terribly user friendly, and honestly, how often do most drivers need a nav system? Some at Autoblog love them in our review vehicles, but going the same route every day makes it virtually impossible to get lost. For people who travel a lot to areas they've never scouted, there's value in nav, but when you can get an aftermarket unit for far less, integrated nav starts to take on a pallid appearance.

Automakers are starting to get hip to this fact. Hyundai, while they're offering integrated nav on the Veracruz, sees no problem selling Garmin aftermarket units right off the showroom floor. The portables are a fast growing segment as consumers realize the value of third-party, portable nav systems. Portable navs are less expensive, offer features that cost a lot more on factory systems, and are upgraded far more regularly. For $1,000, you can get a system that offers real time traffic and weather data, works with bluetooth phones, and can be even more functional with the addition of optional software cards.

Not only are the aftermarket units cheaper, they're portable, so you can use them in whatever car you please. Of course, luxury buyers being who they are, there's a certain need to show off that a factory navigation system fulills, but puffery is costly. The quick path to obsolescence that all in-car electronics take means that very in short order, you've got an expensive, unfriendly, limited hunk of LCD-interfaced crap in your dash.

[Source USAToday via Kicking Tires]

In-dash nav systems do damage to resale value originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsin carInCarinterfacenavnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsystemWed, 09 May 2007 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Nav system in Zephyr rated best in the biz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/nav-system-in-zephyr-rated-best-in-the-biz/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/nav-system-in-zephyr-rated-best-in-the-biz/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/14/nav-system-in-zephyr-rated-best-in-the-biz/#commentsFiled under: ,

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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BMW announced today it would be equipping select 2007 models with Real Time Traffic Information. Provided by Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network to 44 major American cities, the service will be available on the 3-, 5-, and 6-Series models, as well as the X5, M5 and M6. What's more, it's free for four years with the cost of the navigation system.

BMW also claims the system will be the first sold in the U.S. that offers dynamic rerouting on the navigation system. We wanted to double check that statement so we checked with Acura, which was one of the first automakers to offer real-time traffic info, and indeed Acura's system on the RL will not reroute a path for the driver when traffic is encountered.

[Source: BMW]

BMW equips cars with free Real Time Traffic Information originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acuradetournavnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemreal time traffic infoRealTimeTrafficInfosat navSatNavtrafficThu, 07 Sep 2006 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[MINI gets iDrive - uses joystick instead of dial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mini-gets-idrive-uses-joystick-instead-of-dial/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mini-gets-idrive-uses-joystick-instead-of-dial/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/mini-gets-idrive-uses-joystick-instead-of-dial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Motoring File is reporting that for 2007 the MINI will receive a new navigation system that is basically a slightly altered version of BMW's now infamous iDrive system. The iDrive controller will be a small joystick instead of BMW's trademark dial located directly behind the shifter. From there the driver will control a redesigned menu screen that can jump to "Entertainment", "Navigation", "Communication", and the setup screen. There is no link from the main menu to a climate control screen like in a BMW, however. MINI owners will still control the HVAC systems the old fashioned way,from the center console. In addition to interfacing with the system via the joystick, drivers will also be able to hit a button on the steering wheel and issue voice commands to the iDrive system like, "Stop being such a pain in the ass!" We kid, we kid.

[Source: Motoring File]

MINI gets iDrive - uses joystick instead of dial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iDriveMINI CooperMiniCoopernavnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsat navSatNavWed, 30 Aug 2006 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Customized GPS maps in our future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/customized-gps-maps-in-our-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/customized-gps-maps-in-our-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/08/customized-gps-maps-in-our-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customized GPSCustomizedGpsGPSnavnav systemnavigationNavSystemMon, 08 May 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Land Rover LR3 sat-nav used to guide cargo plane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/land-rover-lr3-sat-nav-used-to-guide-cargo-plane/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/land-rover-lr3-sat-nav-used-to-guide-cargo-plane/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/01/land-rover-lr3-sat-nav-used-to-guide-cargo-plane/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designed for the extraordinarylr 3lr3navnav systemnavigation systemMon, 01 May 2006 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA["At the next boulder, turn right off cliff"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/at-the-next-boulder-turn-right-off-cliff/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/at-the-next-boulder-turn-right-off-cliff/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/07/at-the-next-boulder-turn-right-off-cliff/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Technology is wonderful. Technology is also made or, in this case, programmed by people.

Drivers using GPS navigation in the English village of Crackpot (killer name for a town, BTW) are often being guided by such devices to the top of a 30-metre (over 98 feet) cliff. The directional glitch forces drivers of everything from cars to buses to big trucks to turn around perilously close to the cliff's edge. Predictably, though, sometimes the vehicle gets stuck. Says Carol Porter, who farms in Crackpot, "When they get grounded on the small boulders, we're having to go up there in the tractor and pull them out."

[Source: Cape Times]

"At the next boulder, turn right off cliff" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Apr 2006 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global positioningGlobalPositioningGPSmapsnavnavigatingnavigation systemsNavigationSystemsnavstravelFri, 07 Apr 2006 19:04:00 EST