GPS reviews, news, tips and tricks
The US Supreme Court did right by the fourth amendment today, ruling that GPS tracking requires a search warrant. In a 9-0 decision, the justices ruled against the Obama administration in the case of the US vs. Jones. Nevertheless, four justices differed on the broader issue of such tracking… read more
The Garmin Astro 320
Several new and eagerly awaited GPS tracking devices and trucker friendly navigators are finally hitting the market. They include the SPOT Connect, Garmin GTU-10, Garmin dezl 560LT and a lifetime maps and traffic version of the nuvi 465T. Here’s where you can get them…
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the SPOT Connect
I should have seen this one coming. The folks that brought you the SPOT Satellite Messenger and SPOT Communicator have announced the SPOT Connect – a satellite communicator that pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to send text messages, email or even post to Facebook and Twitter from the middle of nowhere. Pretty nice when you need to tell the spouse “twisted ankle, will be late” or summon search and rescue when you break your leg in the backcountry.
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the Garmin GTU 10.
Garmin has announced their entry into the GPS tracking market with the Garmin GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker™. The small (3”x1.3”x.8”), lightweight (1.7 oz.) and waterproof device can be used to track pets, kids, endurance racers, construction equipment – you name it.
UPDATE: Read my hands on review of the Garmin GTU 10.
Well, well, look what showed up on the FCC website this morning. With the GTU 10, Garmin apparently has a GSM/GPRS tracking device up their sleeve. While they’ve offered up commercial fleet tracking solutions in the past, bundled with their navigators, this is the first time they’ve produced a discrete remote GPS tracking device (at least as far as I’m aware).
A serious tool for backcountry adventurersCall me crazy, but I love all day mountain bike rides where I go so far back that I’m unlikely to see another human; the more isolated and rugged, the better. I prefer to do these with my biking partner (the most wonderful wife in the world), but all too often I’m out there solo. What’s a crash-prone, wilderness-seeking, aging mountain biker to do? Get the Delorme Earthmate PN-60 with SPOT Satellite Communicator
This is bad. The Register reports that car thieves in the UK are now using illegally imported GPS jammers to avoid the GPS tracking systems now found in many autos. Consider the implications — bank robbers and sex offenders with jammers, bleed over from the signals affecting emergency services, etc. Not good.
A new edition of the SPOT Satellite Messenger has been announced today, updating the successful first-generation device with many new features. The SPOT, an emergency communications device, has been credited with over 250 rescues to date.
This new version seems to have tackled nearly every weakness of the original. Key improvements are:
The new edition is also 30% smaller and lighter, weighing in at 5.2 ounces. A new custom message button lets you send out a pre-programmed message (this is in addition to the “OK” button found on current models).
No word on price yet, but the new model is expected to be available later this fall.
UPDATE: Garmin has announced an improved collar/transmitter, due for release in the third quarter of 2008.
UPDATE 2: A new model, the Garmin Astro 320, has been released.
The Garmin Astro GPS dog tracking system
GPS Tracklog is written by Rich Owings, author of GPS Mapping.
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