Google Maps Navigation review
Not the nav app you’re looking for
Google Maps Navigation (referred to hereafter as GMN) is a free navigation app for Android version 1.6+ phones in the U.S. I bought the Motorola Droid recently (which I absolutely love BTW), so I thought I’d share my experiences with this much discussed free navigation app.
One important thing [...]
Two free apps help name that peak
Hey What’s That goes mobile
It’s been quite a while since I wrote about Hey What’s That?, a website that helps you identify mountains on the horizon. Well, today comes news that they have a mobile app for Android and iPhone (here is their mobile FAQ). So I tweeted about it and @CompeGPS turned me [...]
Garmin discontinues nuvi x85 series
Garmin has discontinued their nuvi x85 series, the only current models with MSN Direct service, which is scheduled to end on January 1, 2012. Most units will be retired by then, or people will have lost interest in the service, but I have to wonder how many were sold to unsuspecting buyers over the [...]
MSN Direct to end January 1, 2012
MSN Direct has announced that they will cease operations on January 1, 2012. This will effect owners of Garmin nuvi x8x units, although with plenty of lead time, I doubt that it will be a huge issue for them. Garmin however, may have trouble marketing any backlog of these units they have on hand. [...]
Garmin nuvi 1690 and nuLink! announced
UPDATE: Read my hands on Garmin nuvi 1690 review.
We first learned of the Garmin nüvi 1690 from the FCC a month ago, and today it’s official. As expected, the unit will sport a built-in wireless connection to a new service, dubbed nuLink!, which will provide access to Google™ local search, traffic, weather, fuel prices, [...]
iPhone OS 3.0 and turn-by-turn navigation
Apple unveiled the iPhone 3.0 operating system yesterday and there were a couple of interesting mapping and navigation announcements as part of the show.
Turn-by-turn navigation
First of all, they opened the door to turn-by-turn navigation apps, as long as the developer uses their own maps. Expect to see application announcements soon from TomTom / Tele Atlas [...]
MSN Direct improvements for 2009
MSN Direct has announced some nice improvements for 2009, including Doppler radar, flight status information and faster downloads. All services are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009.
Garmin switches from annual to lifetime traffic renewal
Garmin's FM TMC traffic service (Clear Channel) has changed from an annual $60 fee to a $60 lifetime fee. This applies to older units only, not the 2×5T and 7×5T units with ad-supported NAVTEQ traffic.
TeleNav Shotgun connected GPS
Despite the demise of Dash and the suspension of Magellan's connected GPS, another entry into the market appeared this weekend — the TeleNav Shotgun. Known more for their cell phone navigation product, TeleNav has jumped fully into the PND market with a product that costs $299 and comes with a three month trial subscription. After [...]
Garmin nuvifone strategy vindicated?
Following yesterday’s announcements by Dash and Magellan that seemed to herald the demise of the connected PND, Garmin’s nuvifone strategy is looking downright prescient.The truth is, most of us don’t want another monthly bill. Garmin’s decision to place its bet on connected navigation succeeding only when it’s bundled with your cell phone plan seems pretty [...]
