GPS

Turn-by-turn GPS navigation ready, but blocked by Apple's SDK terms

According to an MSNBC report, we'll be waiting a long time until the iPhone 3G's GPS feature lives up to its true potential. Three of the biggest GPS companies say they're interested in working with Apple, and one has even run their application on the device. But TomTom, Garmin, and Magellan won't reveal any firm plans.

"We have made our navigation system run on the iPhone; it looks good and works very well," said Dutch-based company TomTom, in a statement to MSNBC. "We will have to look more closely to Apple's strategy … Read more

Clear Channel traffic gets a jump on XM

Clear Channel announced today that its Total Traffic Network (TTN) expanded to include 15 additional coverage areas, upping its total to 95 urban areas in the United States and Canada. This Clear Channel service is used in ASUS, Garmin, TomTom, Navigon, and Mio Technology GPS devices along with BMW and Volvo factory-installed navigation. Clear Channel delivers its traffic information over the Radio Data System Traffic Message Channel, using an FM signal. The new coverage areas include Charleston, S.C.; El Paso, Texas; Honolulu, Hawaii; Modesto and Stockton, Calif.; Spokane, Wash.; and Tallahassee, Fla.

By contrast, Clear Channel's biggest competitor … Read more

Review: Garmin Nuvi 500

There are many uses for GPS beyond in-car navigation. After all, there are times you could use some route guidance no matter what mode of transportation. Yet, you don't see too many multiuse GPS on the market, and we're beginning to see why. A while back we took a look at the Magellan CrossoverGPS, an all-in-one portable navigation device for car, boat, and foot. It was fine but limited in what it could offer boaters and hikers; plus, it was a sluggish performer. The newer Garmin Nuvi 500 is also a hybrid GPS, and it offers a better … Read more

GPS and battery life: Ask the Editors

This week, not one but two reader questions. Woo--getting crazy up in here. I kid, but hopefully, you're finding these posts helpful, and if you've got a question about your own, feel free to hit me up at bonnie.cha@cnet.com. That said, on with the show.

Q: Starting to look at GPS navigation devices, and don't know much about them. One of the vehicles that I may be using it in, does not have cigarette lighter. Since I have seen handlebar mounts for bicycles, I am wondering if these units are like cell phones and … Read more

Review: Archos GPS

The Archos GPS in-car holder ($129) transforms your existing Archos 605 WiFi portable video player into a full-fledged GPS navigation system. For Archos 605 WiFi owners whose GPS needs are strictly in-car, the Archos GPS in-car holder is a great value compared with a similar priced standalone system.

Read the review.

PND-K3 kicks off new look for Alpine's GPS line

Alpine Electronics has made a name for itself with its in-car audio/video and speaker solutions, but when it comes to portable navigation devices, the company has a little ways to go. However, it's hoping that will change with the new Alpine PND-K3.

The in-car GPS sports sleeker design than the company's previous PND, the Alpine BlackBird II, and features new map visuals and an updated user interface. The PND-K3 also comes preloaded with Navteq maps of the United States and Canada, text-to-speech functionality, and integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling.

Other notable features include a 4.3-inch touch … Read more

Get a Magellan GPS for $78.99 shipped (after rebate)

Ladies and gents, we have a new low. Buy.com has the refurbished Magellan Maestro 3100 GPS for just $78.99 shipped. Granted, that's the price after a $20 mail-in rebate, but it's still the best deal on an automotive navigation system I've seen yet.

The Maestro 3100 offers a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 2D and 3D map views, 750,000 points of interest, and multi-destination trip planning. That's about it in the feature department, however: Don't expect text-to-speech capabilities, a media player, or any other advanced options. This is a system designed to navigate you … Read more

Navigon FreshMaps keeps you in the know

Having the most current maps on your portable navigation device is an important feature, and while all GPS manufacturers release map and software updates, the method and frequency in which you receive them differs by company. For Navigon, it's important to make the entire process as easy as possible for its customers so the company has launched a service called Navigon Fresh, which includes Navigon FreshMaps.

Navigon Fresh is a free application you can download from the company's Web site to your PC and allows you to update and manage content, access software updates for your device, and … Read more

GPS for Europe: Ask the Editors

Q: I will be going to Italy next month, and I am being told that the Budget Rental Car does not have a GPS option. I am very nervous about not having help on the Italian roads. Can you recommend the right mapping system for Italy? Does the Magellan Maestro 4040 work in Italy? Any help would be appreciated. I only have a very limited budget to purchase a device, and don't need anything fancy. --Michael, via e-mail

A: Hi Michael. Driving in a completely new territory, especially in a foreign country, can definitely be nerve-wracking so I think … Read more

Off track: Garmin Nuvifone delayed till 2009

If you've been waiting for the Garmin Nuvifone, you're going to have to wait a while longer or perhaps start looking at some alternatives. Wednesday, the GPS manufacturer announced that its first smartphone will be delayed till the first half of 2009, though it was expected in Q4 2008. According to Garmin, the delay is because of "carrier specific requirements" that makes it necessary for the company to go back and make changes to the handset. An official carrier has not been named, but many believe that it will be AT&T.

Even with this … Read more