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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappcastsAppleappsAppStorenavnavinavigationsatnavtechFri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Google bringing free turn-by-turn navigation to mobile Maps [w/ VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/google-bringing-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-to-mobile-maps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/google-bringing-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-to-mobile-maps/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/google-bringing-free-turn-by-turn-navigation-to-mobile-maps/#commentsFiled under:

Click above to view the video after the jump

If you've been following today's news in the mobile gadget world, you've already heard about the Motorola Droid smartphone powered by the latest version of Google's open-source Android operating system. It's a pretty slick setup, particularly with the new 2.0 OS, but the bigger news (to us) is Google's announcement that it's offering a free, turn-by-turn navigation system built around its popular mobile Maps program.

Available on the Droid (and future Android 2.0 devices), the system features all the functionality of Google Maps -- integrated search by location or business, traffic data, etc. -- but now includes voice-guided directions, satellite and street views (yay!), layers and the ability to search for points-of-interest along the chose route. A dock will be available to mount the device on your windshield and in addition to typing your destination, it also accepts voice searches. Yes, Garmin and TomTom have something to worry about.

Make the jump for a video covering all the features of the new system, and be prepared to pony up $199 for the Motorola Droid (on contract) when it goes on sale November 6th through Verizon. If you're looking for all the latest news on the device and Android 2.0, there's a site for that.

UPDATE: Hands-on video of the system in action added.

[Source: Google]

Continue reading Google bringing free turn-by-turn navigation to mobile Maps [w/ VIDEO]

Google bringing free turn-by-turn navigation to mobile Maps [w/ VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>droidgoogle android 2.0google android 2.0 donutgoogle mapsGoogleAndroid2.0GoogleAndroid2.0DonutGoogleMapsgpsmotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavinavigationturn by turnTurnByTurnWed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above to view the video after the jump

Until cars drive themselves and we absolutely can't get lost, automakers and sat nav companies are steadily enhancing the graphics of navigation systems to make it easier to find the next right turn. Navigation systems in Renaults, for instance, provide a graphic representation of buildings that you'll see as you drive along, and now Microsoft, working with researchers at the University of Konstanz in Germany, have added video to navigational maps.

The project took the snapshots of cities collected by mapping companies (like Google Streetview does) and 'plays' them like video at important sections of the route. The text route and route overview are still provided, the video simply aids in noting or remembering where you need to remember a crucial direction.

You can watch the video before you actually get in your car so that, like cheating for an exam, you'll visually recognize the turn or a landmark when the time comes. The photographs are also skewed as necessary to create the right perspective, and when you get to a turn, the video will look in the proper direction beforehand so that you can note specific features. It's currently still in trial phase, but during the first study it improved people's ability to follow direction by 20 percent. Follow the jump to watch the video, and here's to no more getting lost. Soon.

[Source: Microsoft and MIT]

Continue reading VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives

VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanyMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchnavinavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsatnavtechtechnologyuniversity of konstanzUniversityOfKonstanzvideoTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/tomtom-iphone-app-officially-costs-a-benjamin-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/tomtom-iphone-app-officially-costs-a-benjamin-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/tomtom-iphone-app-officially-costs-a-benjamin-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


TomTom iPhone navigation application - Click above for video

With the unveiling of Apple's latest iPhone, the 3GS, the gates were finally thrown open for third-party navigation software companies to develop navigation apps for the world's most popular smart phone. A TomTom app was announced at the same time, but we've been waiting a long time and a number of less well known companies have released navigation apps for the iPhone in the mean time. The wait for TomTom's attempt at navi bliss on the iPhone, however, is over with the introduction of the TomTom U.S. and Canada turn-by-turn navigation program.

The $99.99 app promises all the same nav functionality as a normal single-purpose handheld nav system right on your iPhone. Among its many features are the ability to tap the screen for start points and destinations in either landscape or portrait mode, depending on which way the unit is oriented. The mobile TomTom can also find restaurants and call for reservations, and it features IQRoutes, which calculates the best-possible route based on actual road speed data and accident and construction data. Pretty standard nav stuff, but in this case effectively bundled with a phone and built-in iPod.

TomTom app buyers can also purchase a kit that includes enhanced GPS features and a mount to secure the iPhone to the windshield of a car. The 1.2 gigabyte download is available now on the iPhone app store, though the large file size means you have to download it first to your PC or Mac and then sync it up your iPhone.

Now, $100 is a lot of money for an app when you've already paid $199 to $299 for the iPhone itself. The cheapest dedicated TomTom we could find on Amazon was also $100, so buyers will have to decide if it's better to have two separate devices or an all-in-one option.

If you haven't seen the program in action, there's an official video embedded after the jump.

UPDATE: Click here to view the app in the iTunes App Store.

[Source: Daily Tech]

Continue reading TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO]

TomTom iPhone app officially costs a Benjamin [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3GS99.99 tomtom99.99TomtomAppleapple iPhoneAppleIphoneiphonenavinavigationsat-navtom tomTomTomtomtom for iphoneTomtomForIphoneMon, 17 Aug 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[In-car navigation systems set to go 3D?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/in-car-navigation-systems-set-to-go-3d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/in-car-navigation-systems-set-to-go-3d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/in-car-navigation-systems-set-to-go-3d/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3D navigation3dNavigationclariongarminGPSlcd screensLcdScreensnav systemnaviNavSystemtomtomThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA["Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Follow the jump to hear Dale, Jr. giving you directions on the RightWay Spotter GPS

The Dale, Jr.-edition Spotter GPS has Junior gearing you up for the ride with "You drive, I'll ride shotgun." The portable device offers turn-by-turn directions and features Junior-isms like "Hang a right" and "Park it, we're here." The RightWay Spotter comes installed with 1.7 million points of interest, which includes a point-of-interest tour of Charlotte, North Carolina that can also lead you to some of Dale's favorite places. If that weren't enough, the GPS plays MP3s and videos, displays photos, and has an e-book reader, all for $299.

Admittedly, we were kinda hoping it would only instruct left turns, which, in the words of our tipster, might go something like this:
"Alright y'all are gonna go down here a ways, then turn left. Keep going then turn left. Merge over to the high side and and at the next corner turn left. Then make an immediate left. Continue down this stretch of road then y'all need to turn left...
Follow the jump to watch a video of the real Dale, Jr. telling you how it's done. Thanks for the tip, Derek!

[Source: Twice]

Continue reading "Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]

"Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dale earnhardtdale earnhardt jrdale earnhardt jr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJrDaleEarnhardtJr.gadgetgadgetsgpsjuniorlifestylemotorsportsnascarnavinavigationpndrightwayrightway spotterRightwaySpotterTue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi introduces the next MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're buying an A8 this year, prepare to spend a lot of time getting to know your new MMI system. We have consistently thought that Audi's buttons-and-knob interface is the best, and it looks like they've put an entire NASA team on the job of making it better. A seven-inch TFT screen with 800x400 resolution is now controlled by an 8-position joystick. Moving from one screen to another is done via "elegant crossfades," which sounds a bit PowerPoint-ish, but we'll wait until we see it to judge. And among other improvements, navigational maps can be rendered in "birds-eye perspective" 3D, with topographical map coloration. The only thing missing is the Encyclopedia Britanica. You can check out the exhaustive press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi introduces the next MMI

Audi introduces the next MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi mmiAudiA8AudiMmicar audioCarAudioelectronicsmminavinavigationsatnavMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 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[Driver puts faith in GPS, shears off top of charter bus on bridge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/driver-puts-faith-in-gps-sheers-off-top-of-charter-bus-on-bridg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/driver-puts-faith-in-gps-sheers-off-top-of-charter-bus-on-bridg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/driver-puts-faith-in-gps-sheers-off-top-of-charter-bus-on-bridg/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As of today, we're taking bets to see how long it will take before people realize that "GPS" does not stand for "Auto Pilot." The latest "But the GPS told me to..." story is brought to you by a charter bus driver in Seattle. Piloting a coach through the Washington Arboretum -- as the GPS instructed him -- the driver ignored, or didn't see, or didn't believe (take your pick) the flashing lights and sign warning him that his 11-foot-high bus was too tall for the looming 9-foot concrete overpass.

You can see how the story ends. The overpass ended up with some superficial damage, the coach got a removable top, and the girls softball team inside received some minor injuries. Luckily, the 60-inch sewage pipe inside the overpass wasn't ruptured. The driver was ticketed for $154. And in response to the charter company executive who remarked, "We just thought it would be a safe route because, why else would they have a selection for a bus?", a Garmin spokesman responded "Stoplights aren't in our databases, either, but you're still expected to stop for stoplights."

[Source: Seattle Pi]

Driver puts faith in GPS, shears off top of charter bus on bridge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsgps accidentGpsAccidentnavinavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemseattleFri, 18 Apr 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mercedes nav lets Google and Yahoo show the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/new-mercedes-nav-lets-google-and-yahoo-show-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/new-mercedes-nav-lets-google-and-yahoo-show-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/31/new-mercedes-nav-lets-google-and-yahoo-show-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mercedes is introducing a feature called Search and Send to that will allow you to send Google and Yahoo! driving directions directly to your car's navigation system. How it works: you get driving directions from either source, and then hit a button labeled Send to Car. If you have a Tele-Aid subscription, when you get in your new Mercedes you can hit the "i" button, and the car will download the directions. Voila and giddyup.

You can even send directions from your PDA, or have someone else send directions to you while you're in the car. However, the unique identifier that gets the directions to your specific car and no one else's isn't spelled out. It also isn't clear if this is only for new cars, or if your 2005 CLK and your woeful sense of direction can ever benefit. The release says it will start off on the S, CL, and new C-Class, and be phased in across the range over time. It doesn't become available until September 5, but you can see a video of it here.

[Source: Foursprung]

New Mercedes nav lets Google and Yahoo show the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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In a gesture of unwavering generosity, Cadillac announced yesterday that select 2007 models would come equipped with free satellite navigation. The offer will end on January 2nd 2007 and is only available on "specially-equipped" models.

What directional joys await those of you willing to drop the coin on a new Caddy? It's pretty much the standard navigation fare, with a dash-mounted LCD displaying turn-by-turn directions, with the option of a sultry vixen barking orders at you if you make a wrong move (some don't need a sat-nav for that). Other standard features include an address finder, a business search and, for those of you willing to upgrade to XM, NavTraffic, that provides real-time traffic reporting.

The free navi will be only available on 2007 models and we haven't found out the meaning of "specially-equipped" yet, but we'll call our local dealer today.

[Source: Cadillac via GM Inside News]

Directions no charge: Cadillac offering nav systems for free originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Oct 2006 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillacnavinavtrafficsat navsatellite navigationSatelliteNavigationSatNavxmSun, 08 Oct 2006 08:03:00 EST