Waypoints is a weekly link-fest of GPS related odds and ends. One note before I jump in — I’ve added a new Garmin handheld GPS comparison chart to the site. Even with the full-width page flexibility of the new design, it was hard to decide what to leave out to make it fit. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Hacks and tips
- How to replace the internal battery on your nuvi
- Hack: Applying post processing to Garmin GPS receivers
- Export Google Maps MyMaps Data As KML
Keeping up to date
- The TomTom v845 map update has been released
- Magellan Content Manager keeps you up to date; via @allory_d
- Garmin Dakota firmware v 2.70 released
- Garmin nuvi 2×5 firmware v 6.20 released
- Garmin nuvi 2x5W firmware v 6.20 released
- Garmin Oregon 550 firmware v 3.20 released
- GPS File Depot has added new search options and a Garmin custom map index
iPad
- Golf GPS App for Apple iPad
- Panbo looks at marine apps
The business of maps
- Re: free nav apps, Navigon VP says “We do have a Plan B, but I cannot give any details yet. We will make announcements later this year”
- The Register takes on Nokia, NAVTEQ and Ovi
- Mike Dobson on OSM and routability
- Who also looks at just how bad GPS maps are — Part one and two (scroll for screenshots)
Mobile
- TomTom sticks with their Europe first strategy in announcing new iPhone car kit
- TomTom iPhone app v 1.3 rumored to include live traffic and Google Local search; via @gatorguy2
- PocketGPSWorld’s CamerAlert app
(iTunes link) makes a big splash in the app store
- Uh oh, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection wants to address location and privacy; via @gatorguy2
- I’m thinking Garmin has a leg up on this avenue into the smartphone + fitness market
- deCarta to location-enable Opera browsers
The business of GPS
- TomTom US market share increases from 20% to 29%; it probably helps when you give away
About Rich Owings
Thanks for another roundup, Rich. I updated my Nuvi 255w and sent in a comment regarding the geocache ban. Good luck on that…our state forests and parks have found it workable to require registration and approval of caches for a period not to exceed two years–that seems like a reasonable compromise to me.
An excellent point Max. Bent Creek is a mountain biking mecca. If the USFS can get along with the bikers and work with them so they don’t interfere with research activities, they should be able to do the same thing with geocachers.