I’ve posted a steady stream of news for several days now from the Consumer Electronics Show. But there’s also been a lot of other GPS news coming out of Vegas, so here are some shorter blurbs that didn’t get their own post, along with some related items and updates on things I’ve already posted.
GPS news shorts from CES 2012
January 12, 2012 By 2 Comments
Details emerge on Garmin Smartphone Link app
January 11, 2012 By 36 Comments
Garmin has posted some FAQs on their Android Smartphone Link app, and we’ve got the highlights for you…
- While the NAVTEQ traffic data may be the same as what you already receive, since you are getting it via your phone instead of over FM, you may expand your coverage area (many smaller metros have traffic coverage, but no FM-TMC reception)
- Find where traffic cameras are currently available
- Is it coming to the iPhone? Maybe
- Basic (free) weather gets you “current localized weather, temperature and forecasts,” while Advanced Weather adds “severe weather alerts, notifications of weather along your current route, and animated radar images on your Garmin navigator” (see image below)
- Garmin estimates “an average monthly data usage of around 2 MB per month…very heavy users might use up to 20 MB per month”
- But they also say that “an unlimited data plan is recommended when using the premium services available through Garmin Live Services”
TomTom segments lineup; brings Start to North America
January 10, 2012 By 6 Comments
UPDATE: Read my hands-on review of the TomTom Start 55TM.
TomTom has announced a new product line-up for North America, breaking things down into entry-level (TomTom Start series, pictured above), mid-range (VIA series) and high-end (GO LIVE). This is the first time the Start will be offered in the US, although a model similar to the European Start, called the TomTom EASE, was introduced on this side of the pond a couple of years ago.
Magellan eXplorist 110 announced
January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Magellan has quietly rolled out a new entry level handheld, the eXplorist 110. The 110 appears very similar to the eXplorist 310 we reviewed last year, except that the new model doesn’t allow you to load additional maps and has no expandable memory. Still, with that great preloaded world map found on the new Magellan handhelds, that’s not a huge drawback.
Garmin Smartphone Link uses your phone’s data plan to bring live services to your nuvi
January 9, 2012 By 34 Comments
I thought we might see this. Like your PND and have a smartphone with unlimited data? Garmin is ready to siphon data from your carrier, bucks from your wallet, and deliver connected services to your nuvi.
Garmin nuvi 3550LM and 3590LMT: Super-thin with a 5" screen
January 9, 2012 By 23 Comments
UPDATE: I’ve added links to the product pages for the new models (see below).
UPDATE 2: Read my reviews of the Garmin nuvi 3550LM and the 3590LMT.
Torn between the super-thin Garmin nuvi 3400 series and the 5″ 25×5 models? Well fret no more, as Garmin has announced the nuvi 3550LM and 3590LMT, bringing these two popular form factors together. Don’t expect a lot of new features though; this release is all about size and style.
Garmin Approach G6
January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
UPDATE: I’ve added a link to the Garmin Approach G6 product page.
UPDATE 2: I’ve added an image gallery.
UPDATE 3: Read my Garmin Approach G6 review and resource page.
Garmin has announced their lightest handheld golf GPS yet, the Approach G6, coming in at just over three ounces. The G6 has an internal rechargeable battery and comes pre-loaded with over 25,000 worldwide courses.
Magellan RoadMate RV9145 for your home away from home
January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Magellan has leaked another new device, the Roadmate RV9145. Targeting (of course) RV owners, this 7” behemoth offers the Good Sam Trailer Life Directory, replete with 11,700 US and Canadian campground locations. You’ll also be able to plug in your road beast’s height, width and weight, hopefully helping you avoid any sticky situations. No word on a street date but the RV9145 should retail for $329.99 $349.99.
Magellan Switch and Switch Up announced
January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
UPDATE: Here is my Magellan Switch series review.
If you’ve been paying much attention to GPS market segments, you already know that fitness is the hottest and fastest growing category. That’s why TomTom, Motorola and today Magellan, have jumped in with both feet, smack into a market dominated by Garmin, which has a huge lead. As we surmised way back in October, Magellan is introducing their own sportswatch – actually two of them – the Magellan Switch and Switch Up.
Magellan RoadMate 5190T targets truckers, Garmin dezl
January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Looks like Magellan is leaking some new models ahead of CES. We just learned of the RoadMate 5190T which, according to Engadget, will allow truckers to “set up customized routing based on their vehicles’ precise specifications,” pitting it squarely against the Garmin dezl series.
