Mio Technology will launch a new version of its MiBuddy 4.7-inch touchscreen Internet and navigation device next year running Google’s Android mobile software, a company representative said Tuesday.

The next generation MiBuddy will be a mobile Internet navigation device (MIND), complete with Internet browsing and a keypad that slides out from the underside for real touch typing.

The MiBuddy aims to fill a few roles. It fits onto a car dashboard mount so it can perform all the functions of a car GPS (global positioning system) navigation device, and it’s also made to be carried around as a personal navigation device as well as used for comfortable Internet browsing on a screen bigger than most smartphones, the representative said.

Current MiBuddys use Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system exclusively. Windows CE will continue to be offered for the next generation MiBuddys coming out next year, in addition to Android.

MiBuddy works with a number of wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and has a built-in microphone, speaker and media player. The next generation MiBuddys will be offered with WiMax wireless broadband as well.

Details on the price of the device and exactly when and where it would hit markets globally were not immediately available.

Google developed Android as an alternative operating system and software pack for the smartphone market. The Linux-based OS has been adopted on a number of new handsets by several major manufacturers, including High Tech Computer (HTC), Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Motorola and Acer. One aim of the OS is to make Internet browsing easier, as well as connect to Google services online including Google Maps, Gmail and more.

Shipments of Android smartphones are forecast to reach 6.5 million this year, according to Taiwan’s Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute, a publicly funded researcher.

The MiBuddy navigation device joins a growing list of gadgets Android is being installed in outside of smartphones, including netbooks such as Acer’s Aspire One with Android, Arm processor-based mini-laptops called smartbooks and some home entertainment devices.

Source PC World

Ways to Navigate:

• POI Search – Points of interest (POI) searched through Pioneer’s AVIC FEEDS App can be selected by simply choosing the pin drop of the desired location
• Take a Photo – Photos taken on an iPhone that are geotagged with geographical metadata such as location coordinates can be saved for future use as a POI
• Saved Photos – Geotagged photos sent to users or photos from the internet can be used as a POIs

Destinations created from a POI search or geotagged photos are converted as a phone contact to the navigation system via Bluetooth. Once the phone book is synchronized, the routable contacts are identified by a unique icon that appears next to the contact in the navigation system. By selecting that contact, Pioneer’s navigation system will calculate a route and provide turn-by-turn guidance to that location.

For field-based personnel, real-time communications in all forms is the most critical aspect of their job and the Getac PS236 provides it all in one handheld device which boasts being the most portable handheld device with GPS, WWAN communication, and WiFi with Bluetooth capabilities, on the market. The PS236 features comprehensive wireless connectivity options, including HSDPA wireless WAN communication, integrated Bluetooth V2.0 and WLAN b/g WiFi allowing users to instantly transmit or process data in the field using its built-in real-time voice function or a Getac Bluetooth modem. It also boasts a built-in 3 megapixel auto-focus camera, altimeter, E-compass, GPS and up to 12 Gigabytes of storage. The PS236’s built-in GPS gives exact location coordinates to within 5 meters and its built-in camera allows users to capture critical data and transmit with description tags specifying details of the photos. Using Getac’s proprietary Geo-Tagging application, users can quickly tag a variety of geographic information including GPS, E-Compass, and Altimeter, into a JPEG file. The Getac PS236 features Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, measures a mere 7.0 x 3.5 x 1.5-inches and can operate at full capacity for up to 10-hours on a fully-charged battery. The unit is MIL-STD 810G compliant and IP67 rated.

Also on display at SME 2009 will be; the fully-rugged V100 convertible Notebook/Tablet PC featuring GETAC’s exclusive, QradraClearTM Sunlight Readable Technology of 1200cd/msq enabling a super-bright display without sacrificing battery life, the new GETAC E100, believed to be the world’s lightest rugged Tablet PC at only 1.4kg and the new GETAC PS535E fully rugged-GPS personal navigation device.
Getac V100

Designed to meet the everyday demands of field service personnel, the 2.2Kg V100 is a fully-rugged, ultra-light hybrid Notebook/Tablet PC which can withstand some of the most extreme conditions in almost any environment. Its 180° rotatable screen, which instantly transforms the V100 from a notebook into a Tablet PC, together with optional docking solution makes the V100 an ideal solution for in and out of vehicle use. For field workers whose jobs require a display that can be easily read outdoors, GETAC’s industry leading QradraClearTM Sunlight Readable Technology of 1200cd/msq is the perfect solution. The V100 complies with both MIL-STD 810G and IP65 standards making it capable of withstanding heavy rain and spillages, and is immune to damage from airborne dust and debris. The removable hard drive is shielded by a protection mechanism to prevent damage during operation. It includes; anti vibration rubber, ideal for use during transport; and anti shock housing for circumstances when drops may occur.

Getac E100

Specifically designed for field workers that need to cut the burden of their carry load and to allow them to take data on the move with complete peace of mind, at only 1.4Kg, the GETAC E100 is the lightest, fully rugged Tablet PC currently available on the market. Its 8.4” QradraClearTM Sunlight Readable Display with touch screen option and on-screen keyboard make data capture a breeze and a wealth of security and connectivity options enable real-time data transmission any time, any place, making the E100 the ideal solution to enable real time reporting back to the office for improved efficiency. For use in harsh weather conditions and to prevent damage from accidents the E100 complies to MIL-STD-810G and is IP-65 compliant. Sealed I/O caps and doors are in place to prevent solid particles and moisture such as dust, rain and spillages from entering the unit ensuring the E100 always remains operable, avoiding unnecessary down time and contributing to a lower cost of ownership with prevention of field damage that can often occur. The E100’s Li-ION battery provides up to 5 hours battery life and a secondary battery option can extend battery life ever further for all day usage.

Getac PS535F

GThe PS535F is the perfect mobile computing solution for mobile workers who need all day computing power, durability, portability, and communication features for maximum productivity. Key features include embedded GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 8 hour battery life providing all day power and Sunlight Readable Technology on its VGA touch screen display for continuous use under intensely bright conditions. To enhance its navigation support, in addition to built-in GPS, the PS535F also offers built-in altimeter and E-compass, allowing pinpoint positioning of longitude, latitude and altitude, as well as providing the directional relation between the targeted subject and the user’s position. The PS535F also features a built-in 3 mega pixel auto-focus camera enabling instant visual data capture in the field. Both MIL-STD-810G and IP65 compliant, the GETAC PS535F PDA has been built to survive as well as work hard.
Getac will be exhibiting on the 22nd and 23rd September at the National Exhibition Centre on stand 230. For more information about Getac products, please visit the Getac website at www.getac.com.

That manual tips the nuvi 1690 as having various connected search and other services, the former provided by Google Local and the latter by Garmin’s own system titled “nuinfo service”.  As well as Bluetooth there’s an integrated cellular connection, with a powered in-car mount; it’s unclear whether voice calls will be enabled, though it seems unlikely.

There’s also lane assist, junction view, live traffic information and a “current temperature” feature.  The PND was first spotted back in early August clearing the FCC; a product announcement is tipped for September.

source ; slashgear.com

Multi-Wireless Connectivity
Thanks to the in-built GPS, the ST1000 displays the city name and region on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a real-time display of their location and reference for when they are reviewing and managing images.

Using Bluetooth 2.0 technology, users can wirelessly beam their favourite images to other compatible mobile phone devices. With the Wi-Fi technology, users can email photos direct from their camera and upload their photos or videos to selected popular social networking websites including Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, without needing to connect to a PC. The ST1000 is also DLNA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing users to wirelessly connect the camera to other DLNA compliant devices, such as HDTVs, digital picture frames, media servers or gaming systems in their networked home to view and share their precious moments.

The ST1000 comes with the ‘intelli-studio’ PC software package embedded in the camera itself. The software can be used for viewing, editing and managing pictures and the clever part of it being built into the camera means it automatically loads onto your computer when you connect your camera to it. Through the intelli-studio software users can then easily pinpoint their images and link to popular social media photo-sharing sites, such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Flickr.

Features
The hub of your wireless network with ‘3 Wireless Connectivity’
Geo Tagging
The ST1000 utilizes advanced GPS technology to automatically geo-tag digital images, recording the exact latitude and longitude of where in the world each photo is taken. The location data is automatically embedded into each image’s EXIF file. Social media photo-sharing websites such as Google Earth, Google Maps and Flickr provide options for sharing one’s images on a map of the world and you can utilize the information stored in the image’s EXIF file to pinpoint where on the globe it was taken.

The ST1000 will display the city name and region on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a real-time display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a handy reference for when they are reviewing images on the camera’s LCD screen.

Bluetooth 2.0
Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity is also included allowing users to share and transfer photos wirelessly and seamlessly. Using Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity simply beam your favourite digital images from the ST1000 to compatible devices, such as mobile phones. When using Bluetooth 2.0, the ST1000 will automatically resize the digital image to best fit the resolution of the host screen it will be displayed on.

Wi-Fi
The ST1000 is DLNA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing the camera to wirelessly connect to other DLNA compliant devices, such as HDTVs, digital picture frames, media servers or gaming systems.  This gives the ST1000 user the ability to move content from their camera to other consumer electronics devices throughout their home. To maximize speed and efficiency, all images transferred through Wi-Fi will be reduced to a resolution of two mega-pixels.

The ST1000 makes it easy for users to upload or share their digital images with others right from their digital camera. Through Wi-Fi, users can send a digital image to any email address stored in your camera’s address book or by using the camera’s touchscreen QWERTY keypad. The ST1000’s Wi-Fi connection allows users to upload their images directly to popular websites such as Facebook, Picasa and YouTube or even Samsung’s own website without using a computer.

The heart of the PC are two ARM processors, responsible on one hand for the GSM component and on the other for applications executable under Embedded Linux. The processor module, including the GSM component, is also available for purchase separately. Despite its small surface area – roughly the size of a matchbox – its 160-pin socket provides a wide array of connectivity options. Aside from keyboards, digital cameras and reading devices, this also includes WLAN, Bluetooth and GPS components.

According to Aldacom engineers, the new platform is perfectly suited to the expansion of self-sufficient monitoring systems and positioning, which are capable of more than just transferring data due to the “Linux Intelligence” locally. “Coupled with a camera or sensors, pattern recognition applications for example, can be executed directly on the board. As the geo-coordinates are also transferred wirelessly, the board is highly recommended for mobile use.”

According to Aldacom engineers, a cost-free test server is available at www.aldacom.com/aldatrace for visualisation of the geo-data.

Among the exclusive features are a customized mount, BMW dealer database, audio, and Bluetooth capabilities. The device has a 4.3-inch touchscreen that is glove friendly and has preloaded maps of streets and millions of points of interest.

The device also supports pairing to a Bluetooth helmet headset that allows the rider to make and receive mobile calls while riding. The GPS device has a mount with four buttons that allow for quick functions and extra control capabilities. The GPS device and the mount are vibration-tested and waterproof.

Features include:

• Yahoo! Local business information like gas stations, ATMs, restaurants, and other POI.
• Embedded iPod control, allows users to play music while navigating, the music fades for voice prompts
• Real time traffic and alerts
• Bluetooth integration (music and voice prompts)
• Users can Select a different route to the same destination by shaking the iPhone

The application is available for .99 to purchase and $9.99/month subscription.

Networks In Motion is the company behind the Verizon Navigation app VZ Navigator and the AAA mobile app (super practical!) among many others.

As NIM is not active in Europe yet, it is unclear whether this service will become available in Europe.

Source; Ubergizmo.com

The new version of the GPS shoe, being billed as a ’social networking shoe,’ is expected to retail for about $150 when it hits stores in Latin America this fall.

Called Blue GPS because of their Bluetooth capability, the new shoes enable the wearer to be tracked by friends and family through their cell phones. The wearer simply inputs up to five phone numbers of family/friends into his cell phone (eventually this capability will be able to be expanded to up to 20 people) and pushes a button on the shoe to activate a link with those on his list. The Blue GPS can be enabled with all cellular phones.

“This is an affordable price point for consumers and a fun product to have. People will be able to see where their friends are – and have a better idea of estimated arrival time – without having to call them. And, because the wearer doesn’t have to be talking on the phone while driving, it will definitely improve safety.”

Daniel, on a recent business trip to Europe, tested the phone with various friends and business associates in the United States, Europe and Africa.

“I inputted several names worldwide and activated the link,” he said. “They were able to track me via their cell phones and even on Facebook. That’s why we refer to the Blue GPS as social networking with your feet.”

In addition to the button linking the shoe and cell phone users, another button can be pressed for an’E911′ call. When that button is pushed, a signal is sent to IDG’s monitoring division, ID Conex, which then attempts to contact the wearer. If the shoe wearer does not respond, ID Conex then alerts the proper authorities.

Daniel also emphasized that the original GPS shoes – using IDG’s patented Quantum Satellite Technology – are currently being field tested for future military and healthcare industry usage.

Using a wireless link such as a Bluetooth-connected cell phone, Microsoft’s Live Search function combined with EB’s software solution provides an integrated Internet-connected navigation system for use in cars and light trucks, according to Artur Seidel, vice president of EB’s Automotive Software Business for the Americas.

Seidel noted that EB is an experienced Microsoft Auto solutions provider with in-depth knowledge of the company’s automotive software platform. The highly successful Ford SYNC program in North America and the Fiat Auto Group’s Blue&Me in Europe and South America are powered by Microsoft Auto. EB has contributed to both projects.

“Based on these positive experiences, we now are supporting the current release of Microsoft Auto with new software solutions,” Seidel said. “In addition to providing an on-board navigation solution for Microsoft Auto, EB street director software integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Live Search for Devices to provide up-to-date search results instead of a static point-of-interest database.”

Greg Baribault, director of product management for Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, noted “As the use of the Microsoft Auto platform continues to grow, so has the demand for technology partners that can deliver innovative applications and services. We are glad to see EB, as a member of the Microsoft Auto partner program, providing an advanced and highly customizable navigation solution that also takes advantage of the Microsoft Live Search feature. With the ‘connected’ vehicle becoming a reality, such integration is crucial for the next generation of in-vehicle software applications.”

EB street director is a white-label navigation software solution targeted at the automotive and consumer electronics market. The software is modular in structure and supports multiple operating systems. It can be used in different device classes spanning from wireless devices such as mobile internet devices (MIDs) and mobile phones to personal navigation devices (PNDs) and in-dash navigation systems for the automotive industry.

The architecture of the EB street director software also has open interfaces and allows OEMs to integrate their own applications and services, as well as those of third-party suppliers.