GPS reviews, news, tips, tricks and deals
UPDATE: Read my hands-on review of the TomTom Start 55TM.
The TomTom START series has finally hit North American shores and stores. These entry-level units will replace the TomTom EASE which was introduced a couple of years ago. No word on whether they’ll work out of the box without a software update (ouch!).
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While the US Supreme Court has ruled against warrantless GPS tracking, they left unresolved a host of issues related to cell phone tracking. So why should law enforcement bother getting a warrant or messing with a GPS tracking device? All they need to do is go to your cellular carrier and pay a fee, and they can get your location history, a record of your calls and other data from your mobile phone. read more
I know, I repeated the pun; couldn’t help myself. About 17 hours after TomTom admitted to a leap year bug affecting satellite acquisition, and three days after it first reared its head, they’ve come up with a fix. Interestingly enough, they are blaming it on some sort of third-party software. Mmm, maybe so, but it sounds like something pre-installed on their devices.
UPDATE: I’ve posted a Garmin Approach S3 review and resource page.
Okay, it’s not as stylish as a Rolex, but if you like to hit the links on those frequent overseas jaunts, the new Garmin Approach S3 may be for you. With 27,000 preloaded courses around the world, the S3 has its eyes on a more mobile crowd than the S1, which limits you to a paltry 17,500 courses in the US and Canada. read more
UPDATE: A fix has been posted.
Been having problems locking satellites on your TomTom the last few days? Turns out you’re not the only one. It seems that a leap year bug has affected some TomTom models, although they aren’t saying which ones. Please chime in below if your’s is affected and tell us which model it is. The company is letting users know, via its website, that a fix (pardon the pun) is on the way…
Around the first of each month we look back on our reader’s favorite reviews for the past month, which seems to be indicative of what many folks are researching for purchases. While there weren’t many changes this time around, there is one item of note, and I believe it’s the first time it’s ever happened – there was a clean sweep by Garmin in both the auto and handheld categories! Other than that, the most notable change is the eTrex 10 debuting at number seven on the handheld side. The nuvi 1450LMT and eTrex 20 continue to hold the top spots. On to the charts…
After years of offering only crappy in-dash navigation and usurious map upgrades, we seem to be on the cusp of getting better options from the auto industry. Garmin today unveiled their first factory-installed infotainment system, letting you play songs from your phone’s jukebox or Pandora, access Garmin map updates, use voice commands, view a backup camera display and more. Now they just need to get the system on something besides a Suzuki. Oh, and I’ll add app integration and voice texting to my wish list.
Garmin has rolled out an updated version of their Smartphone Link Android app today, bringing three new free features – Garmin Tracker (seen above), dynamic parking and the ability to send addresses direct from the Google Maps application. To get the new functionality, you’ll need to update the app and your firmware. read more
I’m currently testing the Garmin nuvi 3590LMT, which has a 3-axis (AKA tri-axial) compass that allows the screen to rotate automatically. Which is nice, but it also rotates the map and position indicator, orienting them in the direction you are facing. This feature, found on the nuvi 2360 and the 34xx and 35xx series, makes these units ideal for pedestrian navigation. read more
The BBC is reporting that Professor Kosuke Heki of Hokkaido University in Japan may have found a way to predict earthquakes using GPS: read more
