New Australian Google Maps Mashups and Mapplets
location based services
First Australian bank to use Google Maps - The Bank of Queensland is the first bank in Australia to integrate Google Maps into their website to help their customers find state branch and ATM locations. Find out more details in their recent press release.[Via The Bank Channel]New Australian Google Mapplets - Google Mapplets are content modules or layers you can view directly from within the Google Maps My Maps tab:Things to do in SydneySydney for KidsVineyard HunterWestern Australian ShipwrecksAustralian Points of InterestWestern AU Petrol PricesPinkboard Venue GuideLocalhero.biz is a Melbourne mega-mashup - LocalHero.biz is Peter Shaw's latest creation that is a great local mashup for those of you living in or visiting the city of Melbourne. LocalHero performs search engine spidering for local Melbourne content with an AJAX interface where you can drag and zoom the map to discover new content without the need for a browser refresh. Double click anywhere on the map to "Publish local content" as well!Snowfields Weather Maps: NSW Snow Map & VIC Snow Map
Friday, August 31, 2007
QUALCOMM Equips 300 Million Mobile Handsets Worldwide with GPS
location based services
portable navigation device
Company Marks Milestone in Enabling Navigation, Community and Personal Location Services on Cell Phones
SAN DIEGO — August 14, 2007 — QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA ) and other advanced wireless technologies, today marked a milestone in the adoption of the Company's gpsOne® position-location technology. More than 300 million mobile handsets worldwide have now been shipped with the gpsOne solution, helping the wireless industry meet worldwide user demand for accurate, easy-to-use location services on mobile devices.
“QUALCOMM powers the majority of mobile location services that have been deployed thus far, and this milestone reflects the accelerated expansion of GPS capabilities on mobile handsets using QUALCOMM's gpsOne solution,” said Jason Bremner, senior director of product management for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. “We anticipate even stronger growth in the upcoming years as new mobile-based applications such as location-aware shopping, friend finder and community-type location services become more mainstream in consumers' daily lifestyles.”
The gpsOne solution is the most widely deployed position-location solution in the world. It currently provides the position-location technology behind the majority of location services offered by more than 50 major network operators worldwide. Supporting Assisted-GPS and Standalone-GPS modes, as well as gpsOneXTRA™ Assistance technology for enhanced Standalone-GPS performance, the gpsOne solution is integrated into most of QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem™ (MSM™) chipsets to enable manufacturers to more cost effectively offer positioning capabilities on wireless devices. Numerous leading developers have taken advantage of the gpsOne solution on MSM chipsets to offer a wide range of compelling applications currently available on global wireless networks.
location based services
portable navigation device
Company Marks Milestone in Enabling Navigation, Community and Personal Location Services on Cell Phones
SAN DIEGO — August 14, 2007 — QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA ) and other advanced wireless technologies, today marked a milestone in the adoption of the Company's gpsOne® position-location technology. More than 300 million mobile handsets worldwide have now been shipped with the gpsOne solution, helping the wireless industry meet worldwide user demand for accurate, easy-to-use location services on mobile devices.
“QUALCOMM powers the majority of mobile location services that have been deployed thus far, and this milestone reflects the accelerated expansion of GPS capabilities on mobile handsets using QUALCOMM's gpsOne solution,” said Jason Bremner, senior director of product management for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. “We anticipate even stronger growth in the upcoming years as new mobile-based applications such as location-aware shopping, friend finder and community-type location services become more mainstream in consumers' daily lifestyles.”
The gpsOne solution is the most widely deployed position-location solution in the world. It currently provides the position-location technology behind the majority of location services offered by more than 50 major network operators worldwide. Supporting Assisted-GPS and Standalone-GPS modes, as well as gpsOneXTRA™ Assistance technology for enhanced Standalone-GPS performance, the gpsOne solution is integrated into most of QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem™ (MSM™) chipsets to enable manufacturers to more cost effectively offer positioning capabilities on wireless devices. Numerous leading developers have taken advantage of the gpsOne solution on MSM chipsets to offer a wide range of compelling applications currently available on global wireless networks.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Google meets BMW
location based services
personal navigation devices
BMW drivers in Germany are now able to ‘Google’ for information from their vehicle – a world-first for the automotive industry. BMW drivers and passengers can use this search function to look for local information with search results transferred to the in-car navigation system and car phone at the touch of a button. The system identifies the location and destination of the vehicle automatically and displays the results in the vicinity with details of address, phone number and distance. The navigation system then provides simple instructions for finding the destination.BMW says Google local search in BMW vehicles is a logical development of the link between automobile and Internet. Google and BMW have been offering the function “Send to Car” for transferring search results from the Google Maps website directly to the car for some time. Google local search now gives access to the Internet from the car. This is another result from the BMW “ConnectedDrive” programme, which combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the car. Apart from BMW Online, this includes BMW Assist, which offers the emergency call function, as well as information and breakdown services and the latest traffic information. Depending on the navigation system selected, all services from BMW ConnectedDrive can be procured and used free of charge for up to three years. The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner automatically when it needs a service.
location based services
personal navigation devices
BMW drivers in Germany are now able to ‘Google’ for information from their vehicle – a world-first for the automotive industry. BMW drivers and passengers can use this search function to look for local information with search results transferred to the in-car navigation system and car phone at the touch of a button. The system identifies the location and destination of the vehicle automatically and displays the results in the vicinity with details of address, phone number and distance. The navigation system then provides simple instructions for finding the destination.BMW says Google local search in BMW vehicles is a logical development of the link between automobile and Internet. Google and BMW have been offering the function “Send to Car” for transferring search results from the Google Maps website directly to the car for some time. Google local search now gives access to the Internet from the car. This is another result from the BMW “ConnectedDrive” programme, which combines individual online, assistance and service systems in the car. Apart from BMW Online, this includes BMW Assist, which offers the emergency call function, as well as information and breakdown services and the latest traffic information. Depending on the navigation system selected, all services from BMW ConnectedDrive can be procured and used free of charge for up to three years. The vehicle uses BMW TeleServices to contact a BMW Service Partner automatically when it needs a service.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Compact GPS runs Windows CE
personal navigation device
location based services
Aug. 28, 2007Horizon Melody Ltd. has introduced a compact automotive GPS system with a 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Windows CE 4.2-based GPS-3505 comes with a car bracket and power adapter, and includes both a built-in speaker and stereo output, the company says.(Click here for larger a image of the GPS-3505)The GPS-3505 is powered by a Samsung 2440 SoC (system-on-chip) with an ARM9v4 processor, and is equipped with 64 MB internal RAM and flash memory. It sports a 320 x 240 pixel display that can be used both for navigation and for playing still photos in JPG and BMP file formats. The company cites support for JPG resolution up to 1280 by 960 pixels, presumably achieved by panning around the image.The device's GPS capabilities are derived from the very popular SiRFstarIII architecture, claimed capable of tracking more than 20 satellites and acquiring signals down to -159 dBm. According to SiRF, this makes real-time navigation practical in challenging environments such as "urban canyons" and dense foliage.Horizon Melody says it has paired this chipset with a highly sensitive antenna. Also included are maps that cover either all European countries (such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain,Portugal, Italy, Netherlands,Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Finland, and Denmark), single countries such as Australia or Russia, or combination packs that include North America and Mexico.Key features and specifications, as listed by Horizon Melody, include:
Processor -- Samsung 2440 (ARM9v4-based)
Memory -- 64 MB DRAM; 64 MB flash
Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen, 320 x 240 pixel resolution
Wireless -- SiRF StarIII GPS chipset
Audio -- supports WMA9, MP3, and WAV formats
Video -- supports WMV, ASF, and MP4 at sizes up to 320 x 240
I/O ports:
USB host (version not stated)
3.5 mm jack for audio output
Expansion -- SD/MMC, supports up to 2 GBThe GPS-3505 appears to be available now, though pricing was not stated.
personal navigation device
location based services
Aug. 28, 2007Horizon Melody Ltd. has introduced a compact automotive GPS system with a 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Windows CE 4.2-based GPS-3505 comes with a car bracket and power adapter, and includes both a built-in speaker and stereo output, the company says.(Click here for larger a image of the GPS-3505)The GPS-3505 is powered by a Samsung 2440 SoC (system-on-chip) with an ARM9v4 processor, and is equipped with 64 MB internal RAM and flash memory. It sports a 320 x 240 pixel display that can be used both for navigation and for playing still photos in JPG and BMP file formats. The company cites support for JPG resolution up to 1280 by 960 pixels, presumably achieved by panning around the image.The device's GPS capabilities are derived from the very popular SiRFstarIII architecture, claimed capable of tracking more than 20 satellites and acquiring signals down to -159 dBm. According to SiRF, this makes real-time navigation practical in challenging environments such as "urban canyons" and dense foliage.Horizon Melody says it has paired this chipset with a highly sensitive antenna. Also included are maps that cover either all European countries (such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain,Portugal, Italy, Netherlands,Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Finland, and Denmark), single countries such as Australia or Russia, or combination packs that include North America and Mexico.Key features and specifications, as listed by Horizon Melody, include:
Processor -- Samsung 2440 (ARM9v4-based)
Memory -- 64 MB DRAM; 64 MB flash
Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen, 320 x 240 pixel resolution
Wireless -- SiRF StarIII GPS chipset
Audio -- supports WMA9, MP3, and WAV formats
Video -- supports WMV, ASF, and MP4 at sizes up to 320 x 240
I/O ports:
USB host (version not stated)
3.5 mm jack for audio output
Expansion -- SD/MMC, supports up to 2 GBThe GPS-3505 appears to be available now, though pricing was not stated.
3.5G smartphone folds like a tiny laptop
personal navigation device
location based services
Prolific device-maker HTC has introduced yet another mobile handset, this time a smartphone design featuring a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 3.5G HSDPA connectivity. The TyTn II runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional, according to the company.
Original HTC TyTNHTC's original TyTn (photo on right), introduced in June of 2006, was the first phone the company released under its own name. The new TyTn II appears to be related only in name and general functionality, once again sporting a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
HTC P4350In its rollout of the TyTn II, HTC primarily compares the device to the P4350 smartphone (pictured at left), which debuted in Europe and the Middle East last November. One key advantage of the TyTn II over the P4350 is that the newer device's keyboard angle is adjustable, as illustrated in the photos below. When in use, this makes the device function a bit like a tiny laptop.
The TyTn II has an adjustable keyboard angleThe new TyTn II boasts a 400 MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 processor and, when compared to the P4350, twice the memory. The phone has 128 MB of RAM and a 256 MB ROM.HTC says that the new smartphone can download data at up to 3.6 Mbps using HSDPA networks, and 384 Kbps using UMTS networks. Uploads take place at 384kbps with either type of network.The device also includes GPS capabilities, offering both an internal GPS antenna and a connector for an external antenna. It includes a "taster edition" of TomTom Navigator 6 software.Key features specifications of the TyTn II, as listed by HTC, include:
Processor -- Qualcomm MSM 7200 clocked at 400 MHz
Memory -- 128 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM.
Display -- 2.8-inch, 320 x 240 pixel display; adjustable angle and backlight
Keyboard -- slide-out QWERTY keyboard; finger scrolling and panning, 5-way navigation control
Cameras:
main camera -- 3 megapixel with auto focus
secondary camera -- VGA resolution, for video conferencing
Wireless:
WAN:
HSDPA/UMTS -- Tri-band 850, 1900, 2100 MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE -- Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
WLAN -- 802.11 b/g
PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
I/O ports:
HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB and audio jack)
GPS Antenna connector
Expansion -- microSD memory card
Battery:
1,350 mAh rechargeable Li-polymer
up to 365 hours standby, 420 minutes talk time, 120 minutes for video calling
Weight -- 6.7 ounces (190 g) with battery
Dimensions -- 4.4 x 2.32 x .74 inches (112 x 59 x 19 mm)The TyTn II includes the usual suite of Microsoft Office Mobile applications, including Outlook Mobile, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. HTC says it has added a "TC Home" interface, which displays a big clock and provides live weather updates, access to a quick application launcher, and one-touch ring settings.Availability and pricing were not stated by HTC. However, one U.S. retailer has started taking orders for the device, pricing it at $800 and quoting a Sept. 10 ship date.
personal navigation device
location based services
Prolific device-maker HTC has introduced yet another mobile handset, this time a smartphone design featuring a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and 3.5G HSDPA connectivity. The TyTn II runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional, according to the company.
Original HTC TyTNHTC's original TyTn (photo on right), introduced in June of 2006, was the first phone the company released under its own name. The new TyTn II appears to be related only in name and general functionality, once again sporting a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
HTC P4350In its rollout of the TyTn II, HTC primarily compares the device to the P4350 smartphone (pictured at left), which debuted in Europe and the Middle East last November. One key advantage of the TyTn II over the P4350 is that the newer device's keyboard angle is adjustable, as illustrated in the photos below. When in use, this makes the device function a bit like a tiny laptop.
The TyTn II has an adjustable keyboard angleThe new TyTn II boasts a 400 MHz Qualcomm MSM7200 processor and, when compared to the P4350, twice the memory. The phone has 128 MB of RAM and a 256 MB ROM.HTC says that the new smartphone can download data at up to 3.6 Mbps using HSDPA networks, and 384 Kbps using UMTS networks. Uploads take place at 384kbps with either type of network.The device also includes GPS capabilities, offering both an internal GPS antenna and a connector for an external antenna. It includes a "taster edition" of TomTom Navigator 6 software.Key features specifications of the TyTn II, as listed by HTC, include:
Processor -- Qualcomm MSM 7200 clocked at 400 MHz
Memory -- 128 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM.
Display -- 2.8-inch, 320 x 240 pixel display; adjustable angle and backlight
Keyboard -- slide-out QWERTY keyboard; finger scrolling and panning, 5-way navigation control
Cameras:
main camera -- 3 megapixel with auto focus
secondary camera -- VGA resolution, for video conferencing
Wireless:
WAN:
HSDPA/UMTS -- Tri-band 850, 1900, 2100 MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE -- Quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
WLAN -- 802.11 b/g
PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
I/O ports:
HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB and audio jack)
GPS Antenna connector
Expansion -- microSD memory card
Battery:
1,350 mAh rechargeable Li-polymer
up to 365 hours standby, 420 minutes talk time, 120 minutes for video calling
Weight -- 6.7 ounces (190 g) with battery
Dimensions -- 4.4 x 2.32 x .74 inches (112 x 59 x 19 mm)The TyTn II includes the usual suite of Microsoft Office Mobile applications, including Outlook Mobile, Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. HTC says it has added a "TC Home" interface, which displays a big clock and provides live weather updates, access to a quick application launcher, and one-touch ring settings.Availability and pricing were not stated by HTC. However, one U.S. retailer has started taking orders for the device, pricing it at $800 and quoting a Sept. 10 ship date.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Unexpected Surge in Google Mobile this Summer
Posted by John Kullman
Traditionally, Google mobile and non-mobile web surfing declines in the summer months as people go on vacation. (At least in North America). This year traffic on mobile devices utilizing Google has increased 35%. Mobile devices looking at Google Maps has increased as much as 50%. This appears to point to a trend, in which people use their mobile devices for information while taking time off from work. This shows how attached people are to such devices, when they are willing to take them along on vacation.
“I think this is sort of a sign that people are becoming savvier with their mobile devices, and that there are better devices” available for the Web, while away from computers, Mayer told reporters after a presentation to marketers at the Search Engine Strategies Conference in San Jose.
“The technology curve is catching up,” she told reporters after the presentation. “The phones are just better.”
The number of Google searches done on mobile devices are tiny compared to those done on PCs, but the summer increase in North America shows that people are realizing the usefulness of mobile search engines. Maps and other information can enhance the vacation experience. Getting lost or visiting uninteresting places may become a thing of the past.
location based services
portable navigation devices
Posted by John Kullman
Traditionally, Google mobile and non-mobile web surfing declines in the summer months as people go on vacation. (At least in North America). This year traffic on mobile devices utilizing Google has increased 35%. Mobile devices looking at Google Maps has increased as much as 50%. This appears to point to a trend, in which people use their mobile devices for information while taking time off from work. This shows how attached people are to such devices, when they are willing to take them along on vacation.
“I think this is sort of a sign that people are becoming savvier with their mobile devices, and that there are better devices” available for the Web, while away from computers, Mayer told reporters after a presentation to marketers at the Search Engine Strategies Conference in San Jose.
“The technology curve is catching up,” she told reporters after the presentation. “The phones are just better.”
The number of Google searches done on mobile devices are tiny compared to those done on PCs, but the summer increase in North America shows that people are realizing the usefulness of mobile search engines. Maps and other information can enhance the vacation experience. Getting lost or visiting uninteresting places may become a thing of the past.
BlackBerry Curve 8310 with built-in GPS
location based services
personal navigation devices
Do you receive our FREE 3G Newsletter ? If not click here
24th August , 2007
Europe UK : Vodafone UK and Research In Motion (RIM) announced the BlackBerry Curve8310 with built-in GPS*. The new smartphone includes Vodafone Sat Nav, a powerful and user friendly navigation application.
The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is a powerful and intuitive smartphone, making it easier for busy people on the move to make calls, email, surf the net, take and send photographs, listen to music, watch videos, and access their organiser, calendar and a range of business and leisure applications. Combining its built-in GPS functionality with Vodafone Sat Nav, the BlackBerry Curve 8310 becomes a powerful all-in-one navigation system packed into a very small and stylish design.
Vodafone Sat Nav, powered by Telmap, helps customers avoid getting stuck in traffic jams with instant access to live traffic alerts; and provides weather updates and a host of other useful information such as restaurant reviews. Customers also can be reassured that they have the most up-to-date maps and directions on their smartphone, as it quickly retrieves information over the Vodafone network refreshing maps every three months.
"With the addition of Vodafone Sat Nav to the popular BlackBerry Curve, we're offering all our customers a feature packed device at a great price, helping them make the most of their working day, wherever they are." comments Kyle Whitehill, Director of the Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone UK
"Vodafone's customers in the UK will benefit greatly from the many features of this new smartphone, including email, multimedia, GPS and more," said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA at RIM. "The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is an ideal tool for users who want to stay connected while juggling their busy work and personal lives."
Customers who purchase the new BlackBerry Curve 8310 will have an exclusive opportunity to enter a draw to win the ride of a lifetime in a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the wheel. In addition the winner will also take a tour the McLaren Technology Centre and be given their own race suit and helmet.
The new BlackBerry Curve 8310 is packed with distinctive BlackBerry smartphone functionality, including comprehensive email capabilities, fast web browsing, and premium phone features, as well as consumer-friendly features such as a built-in 2 megapixel camera, media player and a powerful desktop software suite for managing multimedia content. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles through a wide range of applications, from currency converters and expense managers to fitness guides and games. Vodafone customers can also customise the home menu in order to have easy access to the applications they use most.
Pricing and Availability * Free 12 months subscription to Vodafone Sat Nav is available to customers connecting to the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) bought in store, online or through Vodafone telesales. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is available on either BlackBerry personal or business price plans with prices starting at free, dependent on price plan.
location based services
personal navigation devices
Do you receive our FREE 3G Newsletter ? If not click here
24th August , 2007
Europe UK : Vodafone UK and Research In Motion (RIM) announced the BlackBerry Curve8310 with built-in GPS*. The new smartphone includes Vodafone Sat Nav, a powerful and user friendly navigation application.
The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is a powerful and intuitive smartphone, making it easier for busy people on the move to make calls, email, surf the net, take and send photographs, listen to music, watch videos, and access their organiser, calendar and a range of business and leisure applications. Combining its built-in GPS functionality with Vodafone Sat Nav, the BlackBerry Curve 8310 becomes a powerful all-in-one navigation system packed into a very small and stylish design.
Vodafone Sat Nav, powered by Telmap, helps customers avoid getting stuck in traffic jams with instant access to live traffic alerts; and provides weather updates and a host of other useful information such as restaurant reviews. Customers also can be reassured that they have the most up-to-date maps and directions on their smartphone, as it quickly retrieves information over the Vodafone network refreshing maps every three months.
"With the addition of Vodafone Sat Nav to the popular BlackBerry Curve, we're offering all our customers a feature packed device at a great price, helping them make the most of their working day, wherever they are." comments Kyle Whitehill, Director of the Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone UK
"Vodafone's customers in the UK will benefit greatly from the many features of this new smartphone, including email, multimedia, GPS and more," said Charmaine Eggberry, Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA at RIM. "The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is an ideal tool for users who want to stay connected while juggling their busy work and personal lives."
Customers who purchase the new BlackBerry Curve 8310 will have an exclusive opportunity to enter a draw to win the ride of a lifetime in a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the wheel. In addition the winner will also take a tour the McLaren Technology Centre and be given their own race suit and helmet.
The new BlackBerry Curve 8310 is packed with distinctive BlackBerry smartphone functionality, including comprehensive email capabilities, fast web browsing, and premium phone features, as well as consumer-friendly features such as a built-in 2 megapixel camera, media player and a powerful desktop software suite for managing multimedia content. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 can be tailored to suit individual lifestyles through a wide range of applications, from currency converters and expense managers to fitness guides and games. Vodafone customers can also customise the home menu in order to have easy access to the applications they use most.
Pricing and Availability * Free 12 months subscription to Vodafone Sat Nav is available to customers connecting to the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) bought in store, online or through Vodafone telesales. The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is available on either BlackBerry personal or business price plans with prices starting at free, dependent on price plan.
Nokia's 500 GPS navigator with 4.3-inch display
portable navigation device
location based services
Posted Aug 27th 2007 3:25AM by Thomas RickerFiled under: GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Nokia's second in-car navigation system, the Nokia 500, was just unveiled in Espoo. Not only does it do the satnav, multimedia, and handsfree Bluetooth calling like the 330, the 500 does it big with a relatively jumbo 4.3-inch display. Integration between the 500's navigation and communications allows you to receive details for the POIs you pass as well as instant directions to the addresses stored in your contacts list. The 500 also features Nokia's Traffic Message Channel Service offering jam alerts as well as an embedded FM transmitter to feed audio out any FM radio. Expected in Europe for a pre-tax price of €300/$410 sometime in Q4 2007 with other, unannounced markets to follow.
portable navigation device
location based services
Posted Aug 27th 2007 3:25AM by Thomas RickerFiled under: GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video
Nokia's second in-car navigation system, the Nokia 500, was just unveiled in Espoo. Not only does it do the satnav, multimedia, and handsfree Bluetooth calling like the 330, the 500 does it big with a relatively jumbo 4.3-inch display. Integration between the 500's navigation and communications allows you to receive details for the POIs you pass as well as instant directions to the addresses stored in your contacts list. The 500 also features Nokia's Traffic Message Channel Service offering jam alerts as well as an embedded FM transmitter to feed audio out any FM radio. Expected in Europe for a pre-tax price of €300/$410 sometime in Q4 2007 with other, unannounced markets to follow.
Microsoft, Cisco Team Up
location based services
portable navigation devices
y Ivy LessnerTheStreet.com Staff Reporter8/20/2007 3:05 PM EDTClick here for more stories by Ivy Lessner
SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft (MSFT - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and Cisco Systems (CSCO - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) are determined not to be left behind on the tech junk heap with yesteryear's Betamaxes and Wang word processors.
Global ForexThe two competitors announced their collaboration, which has been under way for nearly three years, at a New York hotel Monday. During their partnership, they've designed some product integrations and made some enterprise communications systems work together.
The question of Microsoft's position in the tech landscape is being watched closely, as its dominance as the software provider is seen beginning to ebb. To maintain growth, the company has been throwing its cash into research and development across a range of technologies, and forging interoperability and patent-share ties along the way. Last year, Microsoft signed a contract to make its Windows environment play well with Novell's (NOVL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) SUSE Linux operating system.
This deal could remove obstacles from sales of next-generation systems and products due to customers sitting on the sidelines waiting for architecture issues between Microsoft's software and Cisco's hardware and software to be worked out.
Engineering leaders from each company demonstrated a "mash-up" in which Microsoft's Exchange, Active Directory and Virtual Earth identified and located specific employees of a fictional company over Cisco's equipment and then displayed their physical locations (derived from GPS-enabled devices) on a map. In another demo, Microsoft's Office Communicator dialed an employee's cell phone over a Cisco environment using Cisco's communications manager. These demos focused on areas where the two companies compete head to head: unified communications.
location based services
portable navigation devices
y Ivy LessnerTheStreet.com Staff Reporter8/20/2007 3:05 PM EDTClick here for more stories by Ivy Lessner
SAN FRANCISCO -- Microsoft (MSFT - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) and Cisco Systems (CSCO - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) are determined not to be left behind on the tech junk heap with yesteryear's Betamaxes and Wang word processors.
Global ForexThe two competitors announced their collaboration, which has been under way for nearly three years, at a New York hotel Monday. During their partnership, they've designed some product integrations and made some enterprise communications systems work together.
The question of Microsoft's position in the tech landscape is being watched closely, as its dominance as the software provider is seen beginning to ebb. To maintain growth, the company has been throwing its cash into research and development across a range of technologies, and forging interoperability and patent-share ties along the way. Last year, Microsoft signed a contract to make its Windows environment play well with Novell's (NOVL - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) SUSE Linux operating system.
This deal could remove obstacles from sales of next-generation systems and products due to customers sitting on the sidelines waiting for architecture issues between Microsoft's software and Cisco's hardware and software to be worked out.
Engineering leaders from each company demonstrated a "mash-up" in which Microsoft's Exchange, Active Directory and Virtual Earth identified and located specific employees of a fictional company over Cisco's equipment and then displayed their physical locations (derived from GPS-enabled devices) on a map. In another demo, Microsoft's Office Communicator dialed an employee's cell phone over a Cisco environment using Cisco's communications manager. These demos focused on areas where the two companies compete head to head: unified communications.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Put your pictures on the planet..
portable navigation device
Nokia N95, Google Earth, Technology Add comments
After the buzz has died down about the new sky feature in Earth, I personally think one of the most useful new features is the ability to place images in the landscape, matching the perspective of the location from which they where taken.
The new photooverlay element in KML 2.2 is used to great effect with the gigapxl images, which you just have to try out to really appreciate.
You can just keep on zooming into these amazing images..
And these are taken with a single exposure, so they are very useful for analysis of the images.
For me the most exciting development is the potential now for those millions of geotagged photos already online to be placed in the locations from where the pictures were taken, this would provide another great way of representing the “sense of place” of a location.
As a simple example, this is a picture of the Google Office in London, taken with the Camera in my Nokia N95. With its GPS, and the additional of a simple compass to provide the bearing of the shot, you have all your need.
Written and submitted from home, using my home 802.11 network.
portable navigation device
Nokia N95, Google Earth, Technology Add comments
After the buzz has died down about the new sky feature in Earth, I personally think one of the most useful new features is the ability to place images in the landscape, matching the perspective of the location from which they where taken.
The new photooverlay element in KML 2.2 is used to great effect with the gigapxl images, which you just have to try out to really appreciate.
You can just keep on zooming into these amazing images..
And these are taken with a single exposure, so they are very useful for analysis of the images.
For me the most exciting development is the potential now for those millions of geotagged photos already online to be placed in the locations from where the pictures were taken, this would provide another great way of representing the “sense of place” of a location.
As a simple example, this is a picture of the Google Office in London, taken with the Camera in my Nokia N95. With its GPS, and the additional of a simple compass to provide the bearing of the shot, you have all your need.
Written and submitted from home, using my home 802.11 network.
Alltel Wireless to launch WHERE location-based service (LBS) application
portable navigation device
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Whether traveling in their hometowns, or on the other side of the country, Alltel Wireless customers will have access to WHERE™, a state-of-the-art location-based service (LBS) application. WHERE, created by uLocate Communications, provides detailed and customized information including maps and directions for thousands of locations, directly to Alltel phones. The application is available for download in Alltel’s Axcess Shop for $2.99 per month. The application will initially launch on five phones: The Wafer™, The Alltel Hue and u520 by Samsung as well as The Wave and AX8600 by LG.
Alltel Wireless customers who download WHERE on their GPS-enabled phones will be able to easily locate gas stations, shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, golf courses, ATMs, hospitals and schools. WHERE also provides up-to-date information on local events and allows customers to customize the application by providing local weather, news, traffic conditions, directions, ski reports and more.
“Alltel Wireless is committed to providing our customers with the tools and applications that complement their active lifestyles,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product marketing for Alltel. “WHERE is a perfect fit for our on-the-go customers who seek simple directions to everyday locations whether at home or while traveling.” “We look forward to providing Alltel’s customers with the array of location based content available through WHERE,” said Walt Doyle, president and CEO of uLocate. “This launch reinforces our position as the leading LBS publisher, bringing more location enabled content to market than any other developer.”
About AlltelAlltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has 12 million customers. For more information please visit www.alltel.com.
About WHERE(TM)WHERE is a service of uLocate Communications, Inc., the leading publisher of consumer location based service (LBS) applications. WHERE enables content owners and publishers to quickly and easily create compelling mobile GPS applications. For more information, please visit www.where.com.
portable navigation device
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Whether traveling in their hometowns, or on the other side of the country, Alltel Wireless customers will have access to WHERE™, a state-of-the-art location-based service (LBS) application. WHERE, created by uLocate Communications, provides detailed and customized information including maps and directions for thousands of locations, directly to Alltel phones. The application is available for download in Alltel’s Axcess Shop for $2.99 per month. The application will initially launch on five phones: The Wafer™, The Alltel Hue and u520 by Samsung as well as The Wave and AX8600 by LG.
Alltel Wireless customers who download WHERE on their GPS-enabled phones will be able to easily locate gas stations, shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, golf courses, ATMs, hospitals and schools. WHERE also provides up-to-date information on local events and allows customers to customize the application by providing local weather, news, traffic conditions, directions, ski reports and more.
“Alltel Wireless is committed to providing our customers with the tools and applications that complement their active lifestyles,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product marketing for Alltel. “WHERE is a perfect fit for our on-the-go customers who seek simple directions to everyday locations whether at home or while traveling.” “We look forward to providing Alltel’s customers with the array of location based content available through WHERE,” said Walt Doyle, president and CEO of uLocate. “This launch reinforces our position as the leading LBS publisher, bringing more location enabled content to market than any other developer.”
About AlltelAlltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has 12 million customers. For more information please visit www.alltel.com.
About WHERE(TM)WHERE is a service of uLocate Communications, Inc., the leading publisher of consumer location based service (LBS) applications. WHERE enables content owners and publishers to quickly and easily create compelling mobile GPS applications. For more information, please visit www.where.com.
Zagat Goes Mobile, Launches Ad-Supported Service
portable navigation devices
location based services
by Fern Siegel, Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 8:30 AM ET
ZAGAT ISN'T CONTENT TO REST on its guidebooks--which is why the company best known for its slim restaurant, nightlife and hotel books just launched Zagat.mobi, an ad-supported mobile Web site. It features key content for all major U.S. cities, London and other select global destinations.
ZAGAT.mobi is compatible with any Web-enabled mobile phone. Users can link key listing details, such as address, phone number, and hours; send messages via SMS; and utilize links for directions, movie times and airlines.
The company partnered with Third Screen Media, now a subsidiary of AOL, as well as Winstar Interactive Media, a division of Interep Interactive, to manage and sell advertising on the new mobile site.
"As the media landscape has evolved, we've taken a platform-agnostic approach to helping consumers make smart decisions by making our content available to them however and wherever they've needed it," says Nina Zagat.
Visa Signature, the launch sponsor for Zagat.mobi, has an exclusive two-month flight. "We are delivering mobile advertisers highly motivated and active consumers who use their phones constantly," says Zagat. "That's a great environment for any marketer."
Visa Signature has also sponsored Zagat.com menus and ads on the weekly ZagatBuzz online newsletter.
Zagat.com subscribers can view Zagat ratings and reviews of these businesses on ZAGAT.mobi at no additional charge.
Zagat.mobi joins a host of other cross-branding company efforts, including the Zagat.com Web site, Zagat To Go smartphone software, GPS navigation systems and touch screens in New York City cabs.
portable navigation devices
location based services
by Fern Siegel, Tuesday, Aug 21, 2007 8:30 AM ET
ZAGAT ISN'T CONTENT TO REST on its guidebooks--which is why the company best known for its slim restaurant, nightlife and hotel books just launched Zagat.mobi, an ad-supported mobile Web site. It features key content for all major U.S. cities, London and other select global destinations.
ZAGAT.mobi is compatible with any Web-enabled mobile phone. Users can link key listing details, such as address, phone number, and hours; send messages via SMS; and utilize links for directions, movie times and airlines.
The company partnered with Third Screen Media, now a subsidiary of AOL, as well as Winstar Interactive Media, a division of Interep Interactive, to manage and sell advertising on the new mobile site.
"As the media landscape has evolved, we've taken a platform-agnostic approach to helping consumers make smart decisions by making our content available to them however and wherever they've needed it," says Nina Zagat.
Visa Signature, the launch sponsor for Zagat.mobi, has an exclusive two-month flight. "We are delivering mobile advertisers highly motivated and active consumers who use their phones constantly," says Zagat. "That's a great environment for any marketer."
Visa Signature has also sponsored Zagat.com menus and ads on the weekly ZagatBuzz online newsletter.
Zagat.com subscribers can view Zagat ratings and reviews of these businesses on ZAGAT.mobi at no additional charge.
Zagat.mobi joins a host of other cross-branding company efforts, including the Zagat.com Web site, Zagat To Go smartphone software, GPS navigation systems and touch screens in New York City cabs.
Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W
portable navigation device
Today Nokia unveiled a small bluetooth device which will give you GPS functionality on “a wide range of Nokia devices” (we haven’t received a list of supported devices yet). The price will be around $170 and it will be available in the near future - and I sure hope you can take away that plunger…
Press information from Nokia
Morph your Mobile into a GPS: Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W
The Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W combines Nseries style in a slim and attractive core with navigation, so you can find your way around easily with your compatible mobile device. Continuing on our mission to bring location based services to even more people, this GPS module is compatible with a wide range of Nokia devices and Nokia Maps. Take your time getting to your destination - this lightweight (31 g) GPS module has up to 10 hours of operating time. The sleekly designed black and metallic module comes with a LED indicator to alert you to GPS activation, power and battery status, and Bluetooth connectivity status. The GPS module will be available globally and cost an estimated 125 euro without taxes.
portable navigation device
Today Nokia unveiled a small bluetooth device which will give you GPS functionality on “a wide range of Nokia devices” (we haven’t received a list of supported devices yet). The price will be around $170 and it will be available in the near future - and I sure hope you can take away that plunger…
Press information from Nokia
Morph your Mobile into a GPS: Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W
The Nokia Bluetooth GPS Module LD-4W combines Nseries style in a slim and attractive core with navigation, so you can find your way around easily with your compatible mobile device. Continuing on our mission to bring location based services to even more people, this GPS module is compatible with a wide range of Nokia devices and Nokia Maps. Take your time getting to your destination - this lightweight (31 g) GPS module has up to 10 hours of operating time. The sleekly designed black and metallic module comes with a LED indicator to alert you to GPS activation, power and battery status, and Bluetooth connectivity status. The GPS module will be available globally and cost an estimated 125 euro without taxes.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Out beyond the horizon: Tracking the elusive shipping container
location based services
The world is a very different place out beyond the horizon. Even as you read this, there are some 40,000 large cargo ships plying the world’s waterways and oceans, not to mention innumerable smaller merchant craft, all pulling in and out of ports, loading, unloading, changing out crews and cargos, and steaming from one location to the next.
Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)
Shipping Containers - New and used, standard and specialised shipping containers www.containeroptions.com.au
Shipping Containers - mining accommodation,offices, etc toilets,canteen, storage,work shops self-contained.com.au
Tracks Gear GPS Tracking - Real Time Satellite Tracking Solutions for Vehicles & Assets www.tracksgear.com
In what can be a very murky world of shadowy ship registry offices, lengthy manifests, and dockhands who change out faster than Barbosa’s crew, how all these ships come by their cargo, how that cargo is loaded, by what polyglot seamen and in what untamed ports, can be an amazingly scrambled and trackless story rivaling the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Scenario: A single ship starts out in Singapore with containers filled with electronics, passes through Indonesia where it picks up spices, sails to Calcutta to load cotton, Port Said where it boards an Egyptian crew, Piraeus where it stops for fuel, Tangier where it picks up leathers, Scotland where it packs in woolen sweaters, and finally sets sail for Newark, New Jersey. Eleven million containers packed with such goods reach U.S. ports every year. At any point in a merchant ship’s journey, pry open container XYZ mid-ocean, and what might you find? When you can’t be sure, that spells danger. The possibility that a single container has gone purposefully astray and might now be packed with explosives, or loaded with a virulent biologic destined for our shores, is not a fictional scenario. (In 1988, it was an Al Qaeda merchant ship that delivered the materials needed to bomb U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. That same ship was never seen again.)
Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)
Simply Containers Transport and storage solutions. Shipping containers for hire/sale.www.simplycontainers.com.au
Asset Tracking Systems GSM, CDMA, Satellite and RFID Hosted Web or Turn-key Solutionswww.pinpointcomms.com.au
The BlackBerry® 8800 Refresh Inventory & Get GPS-Guided Directions Right At Your Thumbswww.BlackBerry.com
Given lots of time, customs agents could find all contraband. But, in the world of maritime shipping, time is the enemy. Try delaying a delivery, and you may face some rough characters down at the docks (think On the Waterfront). What's more, anything that hinders the swift transit of goods around the world can have a rippling effect on the world’s economy. MATTS – DHS S&T’s Marine Asset Tag Tracking System – is a miniature sensor, data logging computer, radio transceiver, and GPS tracking system integrated into a compact and inexpensive black box, about the size of a deck of cards. Affixed to a shipping container, MATTS can use its on-board GPS chip to estimate its location if the GPS signal is lost. And, in the final version of the system, containers outfitted with MATTS tags will be able to transmit through shipboard communications systems, even if they are placed deep below deck. The tag’s signal will “jump” from container to container until it finds a path it can use. Better yet, this black box stores its location history and reports it back when in range (up to 1 km) of an Internet equipped ship, container terminal, or a cell phone tower. At any point in a container’s journey, its history can be examined, and if anything has gone amiss, authorities know instantly to scrutinize that particular container. Ultimately, MATTS will be integrated with S&T’s Advanced Container Security Device. The ACSD sends an alert through MATTS when a container has been opened or tampered with on any side, providing even more security. “MATTS will globally communicate in-transit alerts to Customs and Border Protection, and this capability satisfies a high-priority CBP requirement,” says Bob Knetl, Program Manager for the MATTS research within S&T’s Borders and Maritime Division. In late April 2007, one hundred MATTS-equipped containers started out in the Port of Yokohama, Japan, and are now making their trans-Pacific crossing to the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, where they will then continue by rail to the Rochelle, Illinois, Rail Terminal and be unloaded and trucked to their final destination. This test, ending in August, will demonstrate that the communications can be used internationally (in this case, by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation) and that transitioning to domestic drayage once portside in Long Beach also runs smoothly. MATTS was developed under a DHS S&T Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by iControl Incorporated, a small Santa Clara, CA-based company. “A serious threat is posed by the cargo that containers may hold,” says Vinny Schaper, SBIR Program manager. “We have to view the ocean with grave concern, and realize that a maritime attack is not beyond the realm of possibility and if it comes, it will probably involve the use of merchant ships. Eleven million containers a year are brought onto our docks. Interrupt this with a terrorist attack, and the backup would reach around the world.” Source: US Department of Homeland Security
» Next Article in Technology - Other: Conn. Offers High-Tech Voting Lessons
location based services
The world is a very different place out beyond the horizon. Even as you read this, there are some 40,000 large cargo ships plying the world’s waterways and oceans, not to mention innumerable smaller merchant craft, all pulling in and out of ports, loading, unloading, changing out crews and cargos, and steaming from one location to the next.
Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)
Shipping Containers - New and used, standard and specialised shipping containers www.containeroptions.com.au
Shipping Containers - mining accommodation,offices, etc toilets,canteen, storage,work shops self-contained.com.au
Tracks Gear GPS Tracking - Real Time Satellite Tracking Solutions for Vehicles & Assets www.tracksgear.com
In what can be a very murky world of shadowy ship registry offices, lengthy manifests, and dockhands who change out faster than Barbosa’s crew, how all these ships come by their cargo, how that cargo is loaded, by what polyglot seamen and in what untamed ports, can be an amazingly scrambled and trackless story rivaling the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Scenario: A single ship starts out in Singapore with containers filled with electronics, passes through Indonesia where it picks up spices, sails to Calcutta to load cotton, Port Said where it boards an Egyptian crew, Piraeus where it stops for fuel, Tangier where it picks up leathers, Scotland where it packs in woolen sweaters, and finally sets sail for Newark, New Jersey. Eleven million containers packed with such goods reach U.S. ports every year. At any point in a merchant ship’s journey, pry open container XYZ mid-ocean, and what might you find? When you can’t be sure, that spells danger. The possibility that a single container has gone purposefully astray and might now be packed with explosives, or loaded with a virulent biologic destined for our shores, is not a fictional scenario. (In 1988, it was an Al Qaeda merchant ship that delivered the materials needed to bomb U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. That same ship was never seen again.)
Sponsored Links (Ads by Google)
Simply Containers Transport and storage solutions. Shipping containers for hire/sale.www.simplycontainers.com.au
Asset Tracking Systems GSM, CDMA, Satellite and RFID Hosted Web or Turn-key Solutionswww.pinpointcomms.com.au
The BlackBerry® 8800 Refresh Inventory & Get GPS-Guided Directions Right At Your Thumbswww.BlackBerry.com
Given lots of time, customs agents could find all contraband. But, in the world of maritime shipping, time is the enemy. Try delaying a delivery, and you may face some rough characters down at the docks (think On the Waterfront). What's more, anything that hinders the swift transit of goods around the world can have a rippling effect on the world’s economy. MATTS – DHS S&T’s Marine Asset Tag Tracking System – is a miniature sensor, data logging computer, radio transceiver, and GPS tracking system integrated into a compact and inexpensive black box, about the size of a deck of cards. Affixed to a shipping container, MATTS can use its on-board GPS chip to estimate its location if the GPS signal is lost. And, in the final version of the system, containers outfitted with MATTS tags will be able to transmit through shipboard communications systems, even if they are placed deep below deck. The tag’s signal will “jump” from container to container until it finds a path it can use. Better yet, this black box stores its location history and reports it back when in range (up to 1 km) of an Internet equipped ship, container terminal, or a cell phone tower. At any point in a container’s journey, its history can be examined, and if anything has gone amiss, authorities know instantly to scrutinize that particular container. Ultimately, MATTS will be integrated with S&T’s Advanced Container Security Device. The ACSD sends an alert through MATTS when a container has been opened or tampered with on any side, providing even more security. “MATTS will globally communicate in-transit alerts to Customs and Border Protection, and this capability satisfies a high-priority CBP requirement,” says Bob Knetl, Program Manager for the MATTS research within S&T’s Borders and Maritime Division. In late April 2007, one hundred MATTS-equipped containers started out in the Port of Yokohama, Japan, and are now making their trans-Pacific crossing to the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, where they will then continue by rail to the Rochelle, Illinois, Rail Terminal and be unloaded and trucked to their final destination. This test, ending in August, will demonstrate that the communications can be used internationally (in this case, by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation) and that transitioning to domestic drayage once portside in Long Beach also runs smoothly. MATTS was developed under a DHS S&T Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by iControl Incorporated, a small Santa Clara, CA-based company. “A serious threat is posed by the cargo that containers may hold,” says Vinny Schaper, SBIR Program manager. “We have to view the ocean with grave concern, and realize that a maritime attack is not beyond the realm of possibility and if it comes, it will probably involve the use of merchant ships. Eleven million containers a year are brought onto our docks. Interrupt this with a terrorist attack, and the backup would reach around the world.” Source: US Department of Homeland Security
» Next Article in Technology - Other: Conn. Offers High-Tech Voting Lessons
Mobile Location Services: The Application Server
May 16, 2003
Sorry, this author hasn't posted any blogs.
This chapter is from the bookMobile Location Services: The Definitive Guide
If you're building and deploying mobile location-based services, your application server should allow you to develop and shelter the business logic that will differentiate you from your competitors and save you from having to rearchitect or throw out your system if a component in your architecture needs to change. Start learning here.
Mobile location service applications require the complex systems integration of many different technology components. The spatial analysis server that is designed to provide routes, maps, and points of interest is highly specialized for the scalability and performance requirements of a carrier class application. Map database quality and coverage varies significantly among map data vendors. Because most spatial analysis software vendors require data compilation in a proprietary data format, there is no assurance that the necessary coverage will be available when it is required. Positioning products are dependent on the mobile operator's network and handset technology.
It is important that a mobile location service infrastructure is designed with extensibility in mind as well as cost. This is particularly true if you don't own your own mobile network (i.e., a telematics service provider from the automotive space or an emergency services provider). An application server architecture provides a framework for extensibility. An application server allows you to develop and shelter the business logic that will differentiate you from your competitors and save you from having to rearchitect or throw out your system if a component in your architecture needs to change.
There are many reasons to approach a location service infrastructure as a series of logically discrete components integrated through business logic stored in an application server. It allows you to create infrastructure services based on industry standards for the various specialized components required. Your positioning interface might be based on the specifications recommended by the Location Interoperability Forum (LIF; see Appendix C) and your spatial analysis server interface might be based on the Geography Markup Language (GML; see Appendix B) specifications recommended by the Open GIS Consortium. The major advantage is that any one piece of your infrastructure is insulated from problems in another component. It allows you to replace components that do not deliver acceptable results without impacting the rest of the system, and it also allows you to potentially mix and match components. If your organization has a network with a positioning system that only supports assisted GPS and you acquire a company with a network that has a positioning system based on Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), you would not necessarily have to replace the E-OTD infrastructure. Another example is your spatial analysis software. You might find one product works very well in North America, but does not handle the particularities of the European market well. Perhaps the software has poor or no map data support in a region you need coverage in. It is unnecessary and potentially expensive to be locked into a proprietary protocol.
What Is an Application Server?
An application server provides a server-side platform for building and deploying business logic. This business logic can be distributed across both client and server or can reside solely on the server. Most businesses use this concept today in systems that range from mainframe transaction systems to the stored procedures of client/server database management systems. All application servers have at least three discrete layers that interoperate: business logic layer, presentation layer, and data access layer. The business logic layer is the heart of the application server where all the intelligence and business rules are encapsulated in object-oriented reusable components. The data access layer allows the integration of specialized and discrete services that are made available to the components in the business logic layer. The presentation layer provides the methods and interfaces for delivering content from the application server. A simple example is the generation of a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) Web page that is sent back to a user's Web browser. Of course the content presented could be nearly any format and any protocol, such as a Wireless Markup Language (WML) document sent over the wireless transport protocol or an XML document returned to a machine requestor via SOAP. A simplified example of a location-based services infrastructure designed in an application server environment is shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1 Simple LBS Infrastructure.
Page 1 of 4Next >
location based services
May 16, 2003
Sorry, this author hasn't posted any blogs.
This chapter is from the bookMobile Location Services: The Definitive Guide
If you're building and deploying mobile location-based services, your application server should allow you to develop and shelter the business logic that will differentiate you from your competitors and save you from having to rearchitect or throw out your system if a component in your architecture needs to change. Start learning here.
Mobile location service applications require the complex systems integration of many different technology components. The spatial analysis server that is designed to provide routes, maps, and points of interest is highly specialized for the scalability and performance requirements of a carrier class application. Map database quality and coverage varies significantly among map data vendors. Because most spatial analysis software vendors require data compilation in a proprietary data format, there is no assurance that the necessary coverage will be available when it is required. Positioning products are dependent on the mobile operator's network and handset technology.
It is important that a mobile location service infrastructure is designed with extensibility in mind as well as cost. This is particularly true if you don't own your own mobile network (i.e., a telematics service provider from the automotive space or an emergency services provider). An application server architecture provides a framework for extensibility. An application server allows you to develop and shelter the business logic that will differentiate you from your competitors and save you from having to rearchitect or throw out your system if a component in your architecture needs to change.
There are many reasons to approach a location service infrastructure as a series of logically discrete components integrated through business logic stored in an application server. It allows you to create infrastructure services based on industry standards for the various specialized components required. Your positioning interface might be based on the specifications recommended by the Location Interoperability Forum (LIF; see Appendix C) and your spatial analysis server interface might be based on the Geography Markup Language (GML; see Appendix B) specifications recommended by the Open GIS Consortium. The major advantage is that any one piece of your infrastructure is insulated from problems in another component. It allows you to replace components that do not deliver acceptable results without impacting the rest of the system, and it also allows you to potentially mix and match components. If your organization has a network with a positioning system that only supports assisted GPS and you acquire a company with a network that has a positioning system based on Enhanced Observed Time Difference (E-OTD), you would not necessarily have to replace the E-OTD infrastructure. Another example is your spatial analysis software. You might find one product works very well in North America, but does not handle the particularities of the European market well. Perhaps the software has poor or no map data support in a region you need coverage in. It is unnecessary and potentially expensive to be locked into a proprietary protocol.
What Is an Application Server?
An application server provides a server-side platform for building and deploying business logic. This business logic can be distributed across both client and server or can reside solely on the server. Most businesses use this concept today in systems that range from mainframe transaction systems to the stored procedures of client/server database management systems. All application servers have at least three discrete layers that interoperate: business logic layer, presentation layer, and data access layer. The business logic layer is the heart of the application server where all the intelligence and business rules are encapsulated in object-oriented reusable components. The data access layer allows the integration of specialized and discrete services that are made available to the components in the business logic layer. The presentation layer provides the methods and interfaces for delivering content from the application server. A simple example is the generation of a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) Web page that is sent back to a user's Web browser. Of course the content presented could be nearly any format and any protocol, such as a Wireless Markup Language (WML) document sent over the wireless transport protocol or an XML document returned to a machine requestor via SOAP. A simplified example of a location-based services infrastructure designed in an application server environment is shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1 Simple LBS Infrastructure.
Page 1 of 4Next >
Location Based Services Still Searching For A Market
by Carlo Longino on August 20th, 2007 in Mobile SocietyI noted a little while ago that Russell Beattie is back from his blogging hiatus, and if you haven’t bookmarked his site or subscribed to his feed, you should. He’s got a great post on consumer-focused location based services this week, which he succinctly sums up by saying “Most LBS applications are a black hole of wasted time, effort, money, and opportunity.”
As Russ notes, there are some obvious bright spots in the LBS market. Mapping and navigation are great services that are quickly becoming more accessible and better. I’d add commercial applications as well — the combination of mobile data connectivity and location information holds a ton of promise in the business space. But he also rightly questions the next-big-thing, party-line thinking that’s dogged consumer LBS for some time — that adding location automatically makes good services great and any service good.
That’s simply not the case. Perhaps the best example is one we’ve discussed many times, the Starbucks example of mobile marketing. You’ve heard it before, how it’ll be so awesome when consumers get a Starbucks coupon sent to their mobile phone every time they pass by one of their shops, and they’ll come streaming in to throw their money at baristas. Only that’s a pretty stupid example: location isn’t the only context marketers should consider, nor will many consumers enjoy being hit with a barrage of ads every time they walk down the high street or pass by a strip mall.
So despite the hype, the LBS market remains an unfulfilled one. Technology, though improving, still lags behind, but is the real problem a lack of creativity? Navigation and “finder” services (ie the “find the nearest…” type of thing) are largely tapped out. The friend finder/buddy locator market has plenty of entrants, as does the kid tracker one, and what’s holding them back more than anything is lack of interest. People simply don’t care, and don’t understand how it’s useful to know where their friends or to broadcast their own location all the time. Whether that’s a marketing problem or something deeper is probably a topic for another post.
I agree with Russ that what’s going to move this market forward isn’t general, widely appealing LBS — since these are generally just techy versions of existing offline services like the yellow pages — but niche applications. Commercially, this obviously isn’t as attractive since the target market will be smaller than “every mobile user”, but it can allow for more focused development, and ultimately, better services for users in the targeted niche.
So, to sum up, generalist consumer LBS look like a dead-end market, but niche ones could have an interesting future. I’m sure there are some LBS developers out there, and I’m very interested to hear their thoughts on this. Also, what are the biggest obstacles to the LBS market? Consumer apathy, technology struggles, or something else?
Travel Has Never Been Easier Or More Fun Than With PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable)’s New Go!Explore
- Satellite Navigation for In-Car or Pedestrian travel
- Partnered with market leading companies to produce leading edge product
- Unique ability to explore cities in 3D
Leipzig, 22 August 2007. At its Press Conference at Games Convention today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) unveiled Go!Explore, the new Satellite Navigation package for PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable), due for release in the New Year. Collaborating with market leaders TeleAtlas and NavNGo and utilising the very latest in map data and navigation software, Go!Explore is a state of the art, combined In-car(*) and Pedestrian GPS navigation application for PSP. Incorporating a GPS receiver and the software UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) software containing your chosen maps, Go!Explore will offer a top quality Satellite Navigation system at an affordable price.“Bringing GPS navigation to PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of PSP,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Developed in collaboration with key companies TeleAtlas and NavNGo, the market leaders in the map data and Navigation software industry, Go!Explore offers the best and most innovative In-Car and Pedestrian GPS navigation experience. With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience.”
Go!Explore supports 11 unique audio languages on every geographic version; English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish. Keeping up with the flexibility and future proof nature of PSP, Go!Explore has access to upgradeable Maps & Points of Interest (POI) that can be purchased via the PLAYSTATION®Network, and to additional maps, POI, downloads and other exciting WiFi features that will be made available in the future.
• Main Product Features:
– Multiple Languages 11 languages
– Find & Go Easy Search & Smart Keyboard
– Smart Zoom Automatic Zooming & Tilting
– Explore Map Search & Explore the map
– Points Of Interest 100 categories, with thousands of
locations
– My Data Favourites, Home, History
– Route Settings Fastest/Shortest; Day/Night Mode;
– Improved Graphics 3D city maps & 3D landmarks;
– Customizable settings Customizable Route Settings & Visuals
– Itinerary Mode Turn-by-turn overview
- 7 geographic versions confirmed (with country maps, hundreds of 3D landmarks and thousands of POIs available) :
UK/Ireland; Iberia; France; Germany/Austria/Switzerland; Italy; Benelux; Scandinavia
(*)Do not operate this navigation system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. - ends -
“Bringing GPS navigation to PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of PSP,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Developed in collaboration with key companies TeleAtlas and NavNGo, the market leaders in the map data and Navigation software industry, Go!Explore offers the best and most innovative In-Car and Pedestrian GPS navigation experience. With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience.”
Go!Explore supports 11 unique audio languages on every geographic version; English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish. Keeping up with the flexibility and future proof nature of PSP, Go!Explore has access to upgradeable Maps & Points of Interest (POI) that can be purchased via the PLAYSTATION®Network, and to additional maps, POI, downloads and other exciting WiFi features that will be made available in the future.
• Main Product Features:
– Multiple Languages 11 languages
– Find & Go Easy Search & Smart Keyboard
– Smart Zoom Automatic Zooming & Tilting
– Explore Map Search & Explore the map
– Points Of Interest 100 categories, with thousands of
locations
– My Data Favourites, Home, History
– Route Settings Fastest/Shortest; Day/Night Mode;
– Improved Graphics 3D city maps & 3D landmarks;
– Customizable settings Customizable Route Settings & Visuals
– Itinerary Mode Turn-by-turn overview
- 7 geographic versions confirmed (with country maps, hundreds of 3D landmarks and thousands of POIs available) :
UK/Ireland; Iberia; France; Germany/Austria/Switzerland; Italy; Benelux; Scandinavia
(*)Do not operate this navigation system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. - ends - Collaborating with market leaders TeleAtlas and NavNGo and utilising the very latest in map data and navigation software, Go!Explore is a state of the art, combined In-car(*) and Pedestrian GPS navigation application for PSP. Incorporating a GPS receiver and the software UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) software containing your chosen maps, Go!Explore will offer a top quality Satellite Navigation system at an affordable price.
“Bringing GPS navigation to PSP is simply fantastic and shows again the unrivalled potential of PSP,” said Stephane Hareau, PSP European Marketing Manager, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. “Developed in collaboration with key companies TeleAtlas and NavNGo, the market leaders in the map data and Navigation software industry, Go!Explore offers the best and most innovative In-Car and Pedestrian GPS navigation experience. With the ability to use 3D city maps and even 3D landmarks in certain key cities, GPS on PSP is a totally unique experience.”
Go!Explore supports 11 unique audio languages on every geographic version; English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish. Keeping up with the flexibility and future proof nature of PSP, Go!Explore has access to upgradeable Maps & Points of Interest (POI) that can be purchased via the PLAYSTATION®Network, and to additional maps, POI, downloads and other exciting WiFi features that will be made available in the future.
• Main Product Features:
– Multiple Languages 11 languages
– Find & Go Easy Search & Smart Keyboard
– Smart Zoom Automatic Zooming & Tilting
– Explore Map Search & Explore the map
– Points Of Interest 100 categories, with thousands of locations
– My Data Favourites, Home, History
– Route Settings Fastest/Shortest; Day/Night Mode;
– Improved Graphics 3D city maps & 3D landmarks;
– Customizable settings Customizable Route Settings & Visuals
– Itinerary Mode Turn-by-turn overview
*7 geographic versions confirmed (with country maps, hundreds of 3D landmarks and thousands of POIs available) :
UK/Ireland; Iberia; France; Germany/Austria/Switzerland; Italy; Benelux; Scandinavia
(*)Do not operate this navigation system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. - ends - Notes to Editors:
About Tele Atlas
Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power some of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). The information is the foundation for a wide range of personal and in-car navigation systems and mobile and Internet map applications that help users find the people, places, products, and services they need, wherever they are. The company also works with business partners who trust its digital map data to deliver critical applications for emergency, business, fleet, and infrastructure services. Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers digital map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company was founded in 1984 and today has approximately 2,400 full-time staff and contract cartographers at offices in 24 countries and uses a sophisticated network of professional drivers, mobile mapping vans, and more than 50,000 data resources to deliver highly accurate and up-to-date digital maps. Tele Atlas is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (TA6) and on Euronext Amsterdam (TA). For more information, visit http://www.teleatlas.com.
About Nav N Go
Nav N Go develops innovative software for connected devices offering the latest solutions for navigation, location based services and content provided for a variety of platforms. Since the company was incorporated it extended its product portfolio launching navigation software for more than 64 countries and is aiming for global coverage. Today Nav N Go is serving over 50 global consumer electronic companies worldwide and is continuously creating new features and solutions far beyond navigation. Nowadays Nav N Go has three divisions that develop software applications in the following fields:
• Navigation Solutions
• Content Solutions, focusing on expanding the offered Location Based Services
• Platform Solutions, enabling fast porting to new platforms and adoption of new technologies
For more information please visit http://www.navngo.com.
For more information contact:
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Google Earth Adds Star Gazing
something for your Mars mission?
location based services
portable navigation devices
Sky in Google Earth lets users turn their desktops into virtual telescopes.
By Thomas ClaburnInformationWeek
"Today, I'm excited to announce we are launching Sky in Google Earth," said Lior Ron, product manager for Google Earth, in a blog post on Wednesday. "You can now explore the universe from the comfort of your chair. Zoom in to distant galaxies hundreds of millions of light years away, explore the constellations, see the planets in motion, witness a supernova explosion; it's like having a giant, virtual telescope at your command -- your own personal planetarium!" A Sky button in the latest version of Google Earth, currently available for download, toggles the view from planetary to celestial. The new data set includes 100 million stars and 200 million galaxies. Google has prepared a video primer for novice virtual astronomers. Google has updated the Google Earth Gallery with several astronomical images that detail the motion of our solar system, exoplanets, and Hubble Space Telescope pictures. The gallery includes links to KMZ files that open in Google Earth. Sky in Google Earth includes several data layers that highlight specific celestial bodies including the moon, the planets, and the life of a star. While Google Local ads can be seen on Google Maps and on Google Earth, the sky remains ad-free, at least for the time being. In September 2005, Google and NASA announced that they'd signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in the development of large-scale data management and distributed computing technologies. At the time, CEO Eric Schmidt cited making images from the Apollo space mission more accessible to Internet users as one possible benefit of the arrangement. At Microsoft TechFest in March, Microsoft demonstrated a project called World-Wide Telescope, a software-based telescope emulator for PCs. Sky in Google Earth is available in 13 languages. Google's desktop terrestrial mapping software now features extra-terrestrial data, detailing what you might see when you look up.
Embed your Google My Maps into your blog or website
location based services
portable navigation devices
Last week the Sydney Morning Herald's Stephen Hutchen broke the news that an embeddable map feature was coming soon to Google Maps. This feature has just been launched on Google Maps and lets you to embed your Google My Maps or geo searches in your own website or blog! Here is how the feature works: Once you are logged into Google Maps click the My Maps tab and then click on one of your My Maps in the list (or create one). At the top right hand corner of the page, click "Link to this page":
You'll notice a new option in this dialog: "Paste HTML to embed in website". You can either copy this code and tweak things like width and height values to fit in your post or web page or click the "Customize and preview embedded map" link for more options. Here is what you'll see:
Here is an example My Map that I'm embedding by using the customize option. I chose this so I could grab the "small" pre-cut size and easily add it to this post. The map I've created and the embedding actions took me all of 5 minutes:
View Larger Map
I mentioned above that this also works for grabbing geo search results and embedding these in the same fashion. Run a search on Google Maps and you'll notice the link to this page feature will also allow you to take search results for local business queries or user created maps for a location and embed this as a map on your blog/website.
This is a great feature to add the Google My Maps you create directly to your blog posts or webpages. Think of it as syndicating your My Maps mashups!
Official Google Lat Long Blog post:
YouTube-style Embeddable Maps
Sydney Morning Herald covers feature addition with an embedded My Map:
Google launches embeddable map feature
Google Press Center:
Google announces a
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Alltel Wireless to Launch WHERE Location-Based Service (LBS) Application
personal navigation device
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-- Whether traveling in their hometowns, or on the other side of the country, Alltel Wireless (NYSE: AT) customers will have access to WHERE™, a state-of-the-art location-based service (LBS) application. WHERE, created by uLocate Communications, provides detailed and customized information including maps and directions for thousands of locations, directly to Alltel phones. The application is available for download in Alltel’s Axcess Shop for $2.99 per month. The application will initially launch on five phones: The Wafer™, The Alltel Hue and u520 by Samsung as well as The Wave and AX8600 by LG. Alltel Wireless customers who download WHERE on their GPS-enabled phones will be able to easily locate gas stations, shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, golf courses, ATMs, hospitals and schools. WHERE also provides up-to-date information on local events and allows customers to customize the application by providing local weather, news, traffic conditions, directions, ski reports and more. “Alltel Wireless is committed to providing our customers with the tools and applications that complement their active lifestyles,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product marketing for Alltel. “WHERE is a perfect fit for our on-the-go customers who seek simple directions to everyday locations whether at home or while traveling.” “We look forward to providing Alltel’s customers with the array of location-based content available through WHERE,” said Walt Doyle, president and CEO of uLocate. “This launch reinforces our position as the leading LBS publisher, bringing more location enabled content to market than any other developer.” About Alltel Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has 12 million customers. For more information please visit www.alltel.com. About WHEREWHERE is a service of uLocate Communications, Inc., the leading publisher of consumer location-based service (LBS) applications. WHERE enables content owners and publishers to quickly and easily create compelling mobile GPS applications. For more information, please visit www.where.com.
Search WirelessDevNet for Related Items
personal navigation device
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.-- Whether traveling in their hometowns, or on the other side of the country, Alltel Wireless (NYSE: AT) customers will have access to WHERE™, a state-of-the-art location-based service (LBS) application. WHERE, created by uLocate Communications, provides detailed and customized information including maps and directions for thousands of locations, directly to Alltel phones. The application is available for download in Alltel’s Axcess Shop for $2.99 per month. The application will initially launch on five phones: The Wafer™, The Alltel Hue and u520 by Samsung as well as The Wave and AX8600 by LG. Alltel Wireless customers who download WHERE on their GPS-enabled phones will be able to easily locate gas stations, shops, restaurants, hotels, parks, golf courses, ATMs, hospitals and schools. WHERE also provides up-to-date information on local events and allows customers to customize the application by providing local weather, news, traffic conditions, directions, ski reports and more. “Alltel Wireless is committed to providing our customers with the tools and applications that complement their active lifestyles,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of wireless product marketing for Alltel. “WHERE is a perfect fit for our on-the-go customers who seek simple directions to everyday locations whether at home or while traveling.” “We look forward to providing Alltel’s customers with the array of location-based content available through WHERE,” said Walt Doyle, president and CEO of uLocate. “This launch reinforces our position as the leading LBS publisher, bringing more location enabled content to market than any other developer.” About Alltel Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has 12 million customers. For more information please visit www.alltel.com. About WHEREWHERE is a service of uLocate Communications, Inc., the leading publisher of consumer location-based service (LBS) applications. WHERE enables content owners and publishers to quickly and easily create compelling mobile GPS applications. For more information, please visit www.where.com.
Search WirelessDevNet for Related Items
Sunday, August 19, 2007
TeleNav GPS Navigator Available on HTC Advantage
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14th August , 2007
US : With the HTC Advantage, business travelers can now experience features and capabilities of a portable notebook PC without the hassle of carrying around a bulky device. Starting today, these customers can also purchase TeleNav GPS Navigator to gain instant access to GPS-enabled driving directions from their Advantage devices. This is the first mobile computer of its kind to support TeleNav GPS Navigator.
“Whether they need it for business travel or as part of their daily commute, TeleNav GPS Navigator is a feature-rich service that executives can use all the time,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. “The HTC Advantage’s built-in GPS and large 5-inch colorful display make GPS Navigation a perfect application to use.”TeleNav GPS Navigator on the HTC Advantage includes full-color, 3D moving maps, voice and on-screen navigation, more than 10 million business listings in North America and lowest gas prices for nearby stations. The service also includes real-time traffic alerts, allowing users to route around traffic with the click of one-button. Additionally, HTC Advantage customers can use TeleNav GPS Navigator to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, where they can then leverage the Advantage’s built-in Wi-Fi capability. “We developed TeleNav GPS Navigator to work on hundreds of phones and smartphones, but this is the first time it is available on a device like the HTC Advantage,” said Dr. HP Jin, president, CEO and co-founder of TeleNav. “Our service is a natural fit for users of this extremely portable, yet powerful, device.”
Features of TeleNav GPS Navigator include:Voice and on-screen turn-by-turn driving directions – Customers type in or use voice recognition to call-in destinations, and TeleNav GPS Navigator computes the routes. While driving, users get up-to-the minute guidance, including street names, and will automatically be re-routed if a turn is missed.Full-color 3D moving maps – Just like an in-car navigation system, the 3D maps turn, move and stop along with the driver, while also displaying a realistic image of the streets the driver is approaching and passing. Users can also pan and zoom around the map to view surrounding streets. “My TeleNav” Web site access – It is easy to preplan trips, save addresses and manage personal accounts online at www.telenav.com . Subscribers can save locations in their “My Favorites” folder and they automatically download on their device the next time they launch TeleNav GPS Navigator.Biz Finder (local search) – Customers can look up more than 10 million businesses and services, including ATMs, restaurants, hotels, Wi-Fi hotspots and gas stations, and easily navigate to them with the click of a button. Biz Finder also allows users to quickly look up and call the phone number for a business, saving money on unnecessary 411 directory calls.Real-time traffic alerts and one-click rerouting –TeleNav GPS Navigator monitors each specific route and will proactively search every five minutes for traffic congestion or incidents. Customers will be alerted, both audibly and on-screen, and can choose to find a faster route to their location by pressing one button.Fuel Finder – TeleNav GPS Navigator includes updated gas prices for local gas stations, and provides driving directions to the station with the lowest gas prices. Spot Marker – Users can mark waypoints to help find their way back to a location or to record points of interest. Pedestrian Mode –TeleNav GPS Navigator can also be used while walking, to help guide customers through crowded downtown streets or back to a parked car.
location based services
Do you receive our FREE 3G Newsletter ? If not click here
14th August , 2007
US : With the HTC Advantage, business travelers can now experience features and capabilities of a portable notebook PC without the hassle of carrying around a bulky device. Starting today, these customers can also purchase TeleNav GPS Navigator to gain instant access to GPS-enabled driving directions from their Advantage devices. This is the first mobile computer of its kind to support TeleNav GPS Navigator.
“Whether they need it for business travel or as part of their daily commute, TeleNav GPS Navigator is a feature-rich service that executives can use all the time,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. “The HTC Advantage’s built-in GPS and large 5-inch colorful display make GPS Navigation a perfect application to use.”TeleNav GPS Navigator on the HTC Advantage includes full-color, 3D moving maps, voice and on-screen navigation, more than 10 million business listings in North America and lowest gas prices for nearby stations. The service also includes real-time traffic alerts, allowing users to route around traffic with the click of one-button. Additionally, HTC Advantage customers can use TeleNav GPS Navigator to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, where they can then leverage the Advantage’s built-in Wi-Fi capability. “We developed TeleNav GPS Navigator to work on hundreds of phones and smartphones, but this is the first time it is available on a device like the HTC Advantage,” said Dr. HP Jin, president, CEO and co-founder of TeleNav. “Our service is a natural fit for users of this extremely portable, yet powerful, device.”
Features of TeleNav GPS Navigator include:Voice and on-screen turn-by-turn driving directions – Customers type in or use voice recognition to call-in destinations, and TeleNav GPS Navigator computes the routes. While driving, users get up-to-the minute guidance, including street names, and will automatically be re-routed if a turn is missed.Full-color 3D moving maps – Just like an in-car navigation system, the 3D maps turn, move and stop along with the driver, while also displaying a realistic image of the streets the driver is approaching and passing. Users can also pan and zoom around the map to view surrounding streets. “My TeleNav” Web site access – It is easy to preplan trips, save addresses and manage personal accounts online at www.telenav.com . Subscribers can save locations in their “My Favorites” folder and they automatically download on their device the next time they launch TeleNav GPS Navigator.Biz Finder (local search) – Customers can look up more than 10 million businesses and services, including ATMs, restaurants, hotels, Wi-Fi hotspots and gas stations, and easily navigate to them with the click of a button. Biz Finder also allows users to quickly look up and call the phone number for a business, saving money on unnecessary 411 directory calls.Real-time traffic alerts and one-click rerouting –TeleNav GPS Navigator monitors each specific route and will proactively search every five minutes for traffic congestion or incidents. Customers will be alerted, both audibly and on-screen, and can choose to find a faster route to their location by pressing one button.Fuel Finder – TeleNav GPS Navigator includes updated gas prices for local gas stations, and provides driving directions to the station with the lowest gas prices. Spot Marker – Users can mark waypoints to help find their way back to a location or to record points of interest. Pedestrian Mode –TeleNav GPS Navigator can also be used while walking, to help guide customers through crowded downtown streets or back to a parked car.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Clarion has introduced a pair of seven-ounce, "personal navigation devices" meant for use in cars, on bicycles, or on foot. The MAP770 (in Europe) and DrivTrax P5 (in Japan) run the Windows CE 5.0 "core" OS, and can play WMA/MP3 files and display JPEG/BMP images.The units incorporate SIRF's popular starIII GPS receiver, which is said to track 20 satellites at once. The two devices' map and POI (point of interest) databases naturally differ according to their target markets; the DrivTrax P5 is programmed with a claimed 11 million Japanese addresses and 8 million phone numbers, while the MAP770 covers 28 European countries from Andorra to the Vatican.
Clarion's DriveTrax P5 (left) and MAP770 (right) are very similar
(Click to enlarge)
The MAP770 also is said to include navigational menus and voice guidance in 23 languages. A "smart zoom" feature automatically zooms in on maps, for greater detail, when the device is being moved slowly, and zooms out when at speed.
Found on the MAP700, but apparently not on the DrivTrax P5, is Bluetooth. Clarion says this lets users connect the device to a mobile phone, then use the larger screen to manage calls and dial numbers. The MAP700 also is said to include an RDS tuner for receiving traffic data.
The otherwise-identical devices are based on a 400 MHz Samsung processor, sport a 4.3-inch wide touchscreen display, and are equipped with 2 GB of flash storage memory. Also included is a lithium-ion battery that's said to provide up to 4.5 hours of operation, plus a car bracket and power adapters.
Clarion's audio player software
Although the units are primarily positioned as GPS devices, they can also display JPEG or BMP images and play MP3 or WMA audio files. Clarion says media can be transferred to the devices via Microsoft's ActiveSync, or via an SD/MMC card.
Clarion's MAP700 and DriveTrax P5 include an SD/MMC card
Specifications include:
- Processor -- 400 MHz Samsung processor with ARM core (details not specified)
- Memory -- RAM not specified; 2 GB flash
- Display -- 4.3-inch TFT LCD, resolution not specified
- Audio -- built-in speaker and microphone; headphone jack
- Networking -- Bluetooth 2.0 (MAP700)
- Other I/O ports -- 1 x USB 1.1
- Expansion -- 1 x SD/MMC card slot
- Power -- lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via USB-connected AC adapter
- Dimensions -- 5.1 x 3.5 x .78 inches (130 x 90 x 20 mm)
- Weight -- 7.1 ounces (200g)
Compact satellite phone does GSM, GPS too
location based services LBS
personal navigation devices PND
Thuraya recently released a phone combining satellite, tri-band GSM, and GPS functionality. The six-ounce, Windows CE-powered SG-2520 makes ordinary cellular calls when it can get a signal, and automatically switches to satellite calling at other times, the company says.
Unlike satellite phones of yore, the SG-2520 looks and acts like a normal cell phone. Thuraya says that whichever network is being employed (cellular or satellite), users can browse the Web on the device's 1.9-inch display, send and receive email, and access SMS or MMS text messaging.
The SG-2520 employs Thuraya's Geo Mobile Packet Radio Service (GmPRS), claimed to be TCP/IP-compatible and to provide "always on" connectivity. Data transfer is rated at up to 60 Kbps via GmPRS and 85.6 Kbps via GSM.
Also included in the phone is a SiRF starIII GPS receiver. This is said to make the phone useful both as a navigational device and for position reporting.
Finally, the SG-2520 also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, capable of shooting still pictures and taking video clips. Thuraya claims this is the first device that lets users email images instantly even from remote areas.
Specifications include:
The SG-2520 is available now, priced at $1,095 in the U.S.
location based services LBS
personal navigation devices PND
Thuraya recently released a phone combining satellite, tri-band GSM, and GPS functionality. The six-ounce, Windows CE-powered SG-2520 makes ordinary cellular calls when it can get a signal, and automatically switches to satellite calling at other times, the company says. The SG-2520 looks like an ordinary phone |
The SG-2520 employs Thuraya's Geo Mobile Packet Radio Service (GmPRS), claimed to be TCP/IP-compatible and to provide "always on" connectivity. Data transfer is rated at up to 60 Kbps via GmPRS and 85.6 Kbps via GSM.
Also included in the phone is a SiRF starIII GPS receiver. This is said to make the phone useful both as a navigational device and for position reporting.
Finally, the SG-2520 also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, capable of shooting still pictures and taking video clips. Thuraya claims this is the first device that lets users email images instantly even from remote areas.
Specifications include:
- Processor -- not specified
- Memory -- up to 128 MB internal
- Display -- 1.9-inch, 176 x 200 pixels, 262,000 colors
- Camera -- 1.3 megapixel, with 11 x digital zoom
- Wireless:
- satellite voice/data
- GSM tri-band (900/1800/1900) operation
- Geo Mobile Packet Radio Service (GmPRS)
- GPS -- SiRF starIII receiver
- satellite voice/data
- Data transfer rates:
- GmPRS -- up to 60 Kbps downstream, 15 Kbps upstream
- GSM -- up to 85.6 Kbps downstream, 15 Kbps upstream
- GmPRS -- up to 60 Kbps downstream, 15 Kbps upstream
- I/O interfaces:
- USB 1.1
- Bluetooth 1.1
- Infrared
- USB 1.1
- Expansion -- SD slot
- Dimensions -- 5.5 x 2.08 x .74 inches (139 x 53 x 19 mm)
- Weight -- 6 ounces (170g)
- Battery life:
- GSM -- 4 hours talk time, 75 hours standby
- Satellite -- 2 hours talk time, 40 hours standby
- GSM -- 4 hours talk time, 75 hours standby
- Software stack -- Windows CE 4.2, Java (J2ME), HTML, WAP 1.0 and 2.0
The SG-2520 is available now, priced at $1,095 in the U.S.
| Aliant launches exclusive location based services | |
| personal navigation device PND | |
| Aliant, an Atlantic Canada information and communications technology provider, has announced the launch of four new location based services (LBS) exclusively for its wireless customers. Through the combination of innovative wireless and Internet technology, Aliant now offers the ability to determine the location of a wireless device and provide personalized applications and services based on that location. | |
| NewAliant services include:
These location based services use Assisted Global Positioning Satellite (AGPS) technology by combining the accuracy of GPS technology, CDMA Network Triangulation (AFLT) and Cell Site Location technology to determine locations in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor surroundings. These services are available to customers with AGPS-enabled devices across Atlantic Canada and throughout the country, in digital and High Speed Mobile (EV-DO) network coverage areas. These AGPS services are not currently designed for public safety applications. Emergency services personnel are not provided an exact location from a wireless 911 call. [August 15, 2007] | |
Seek & Find provides peace of mind for today’s busy parents by allowing them to view the location of their children, in "real time", from an Internet connection. Features include regular location alerts that can be set to correspond with daily routines, such as arrivals from work or school, and customized pass codes and permission requirements to access and use the service.| Intermap Technologies Announces 3D Map Product to Enable GPS and PND Recreational Market |  |  |  |
| Written by Intermap Technologies | |
| Tuesday, 14 August 2007 | |
| New product allows PND and GPS devices to display 3D maps and POIs for off-road and recreational use
|
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