Google Earth Flight Simulator Tips

location based services

The big news over the weekend was the easter egg Google planted in the Google Earth 4.2 beta: a flight simulator mode (more details here). Here are a few flight simulator tips to make your flying better:

• Getting started - If you haven't tried the hidden flight simulator mode, you need to hit one of several key sequences. If you are on Windows (and not from the UK), just hit CTRL-ALT-A and you should get the window giving you a choice of either an F-16 or a Cirrus SR-22 aircraft. On the Mac, the sequence is Command+Option+A. If you are in the UK, or you are just impatient and immediately want to jump into the jet, then simply hit CTRL-A (there appears to be a bug if you have language setting set to "English (UK)"). Once you have started the flight simulator mode, you will permanently have a menu choice under the Tools menu called Enter Flight Simulator.... Hit the Exit Flight Simuator button, or the ESC key on the keyboard, to leave the simulator mode.

  If you've entered the flight simulator mode normally, you will see this requester window:

  

  [UPDATE] Here's a video showing what you can do with the tips found below the video.

  NOTE: The first video clip is flying the SR22 - a slower plane. You won't be able to take off with the F-16 until you are going much faster (about 300).

  Keep reading for more tips:

  • Tips for beginners - You should first read the Help on the startup window, or simply go to this web page to learn the controls for flying.

    1. Start up the flight simulator as described above. I recommend you choose the SR-22 plane to start (it is a much slower plane than the F-16, and will help you learn the controls). Choose any airport, or just the default "Katmandu". If you don't have a joystick, you can't select one. Next hit Start flight.
    2. You will see the HUD (Head Up Display) in green (click here for a guide to the HUD indicators). Make your window dimension roughly proportional to your monitor (otherwise you may not see all of the HUD display elements).
    3. To get started, hold down the Page Up key briefly (this will add power to your plane). The throttle indicator is on the lower left (triangle should be at the top for full throttle).
    4. To control your direction on the ground, use the comma and period keys on your keyboard to apply left and right brakes. Just touch them briefly to change direction left and right.
    5. Important tip - mouse control - it's best to use the mouse to control the plane (unless you have a joy stick). I wouldn't bother with trying to fly with the keyboard. Simply click the mouse once in the center of the view and you should see your cursor change to a "+" sign. Don't move your cursor outside the window or you will lose control! The mouse will only control your plane in the air, and if the cursor is inside the Google Earth window.
    6. Taking off - Once your plane is going faster down the runway, try moving the mouse back slightly from center. If you're going fast enough you should take off. Remember: just make small motions with the mouse close to the center of the screen. Once you have the wings level, put the mouse in the center. A lot of first time fliers have a tendency to over correct.
    7. To make a turn - move the mouse slightly to the right or left and when your plane is tilted, pull back slightly. When you've made the turn you want, push the mouse back to the center then the other direction to tilt the plane back to level.
    8. Pausing - If you want to stop for a moment, simply hit the space key on the keyboard and it will pause the simulator. Hit space again to resume.
    9. Start higher - Position your view in Google Earth in the normal mode so you are at least 30,000 feet above ground. Tilt your view so you are looking at the horizon. Then restart the flight simulator mode (use Tools->Enter Flight Simulator..., or the keyboard shortcut CTRL-ALT-A) so you can choose what plane to use, and other options. Choose Select your start position->Current view in the window, and then choose Start flight. You should add power by hitting the Page Up key after starting it up. Now you can practice flying a while before you hit the ground!
    10. Landing - it is possible to land the plane. But, I'll leave that for advanced tutorials.

  Get out there and try flying around! You'll be amazed to find out how smooth Google Earth can be for exploring the world. I recommend you try areas like the Swiss Alps, the Rocky Mountains of the US, or the New Zealand mountains for some really nice terrain. All of these areas have high resolution terrain available in Google Earth. Don't forget you can also buy a SpaceNavigator 3D mouse for even better viewing control in Google Earth. The skies are always clear in Google Earth - have fun!

  Posted by FrankTaylor at September 3, 2007 09:15 AM

• Google Earth Blog © 2005, 2006, 2007 Copyright by Frank Taylor. All Rights Reserved.
• All image screenshots from Google Earth are Copyright by Google



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Microsoft And Siemens To Partner On Vehicle Systems

location based services
portable navigation devices

Microsoft and Siemens VDO Automotive will work jointly to develop in-vehicle information, communications, navigational, and entertainment systems.

By Paul McDougall
InformationWeek
September 7, 2007 10:40 AM

Microsoft and German engineering giant Siemens are teaming up to build computer systems for cars and trucks.

Under an agreement disclosed Friday, Microsoft and Siemens VDO Automotive will work jointly to develop in-vehicle information, communications, navigational, and entertainment systems.

The companies intend to develop the applications on a base of Microsoft's Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto software platforms, with the first products expected to roll out in 2009. Among other things, Microsoft and Siemens plan to build interfaces that will allow consumers to connect their portable entertainment devices to automobile video and audio systems.

A number of automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Volvo are already using Microsoft software to power in-vehicle systems. Microsoft also recently teamed up with Ford to develop Ford Sync, an in-car, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that will debut this fall. Ford Sync will allow drivers to access their mobile phones through voice commands and plug MP3 players into their car stereo.

Systems developed through Microsoft's collaboration with Siemens will be marketed by Siemens VDO, which counts most of the world's major auto manufacturers among its customers.

The deal represents a key victory for Microsoft in the embedded systems market, which has become increasingly penetrated by Linux developers. Siemens executives say the company decided to partner with Microsoft because of the software maker's experience in the consumer entertainment market.

"We will make both current and future multimedia and infotainment solutions, some of which are still under development, available to current generation vehicles," said Siemens board member Helmut Matschi, in a statement.

Where do you want to fly today?

Where do you want to fly today?

location based services

Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Posted by Gerhard Wesp, Software Engineer, Google Earth

Word is out that the new version of Google Earth includes a hidden Flight Simulator. Good sleuthing!

You might be wondering why we hid it in the first place. Well, we know that discovery is what Google Earth is all about, and you've proven yourselves quite adept at finding the unexpected. We knew it would only be a matter of time before you happened upon this new, enjoyable way to appreciate the spectacular scenery in Google Earth.

Check out the Swiss Alps from this vantage point:



And the Grand Canyon:



If you haven't tried it yet, we encourage you to give it a go. The two plane models featured in the simulator are intended to be easy to fly, even for non-pilots. There are no complicated engine-start or takeoff procedures — simply add power and off you go.

Frank Taylor, author of the Google Earth Blog, has compiled some flying tips, which you can use to get started. I'd say the most important thing to know is that flying is much easier with mouse controls (or a joystick if you have one) instead of the keyboard.

Another tip: If you don't yet have the "Enter Flight Simulator" item in your tools menu, you can activate the simulator by entering "Lilienthal" in the "Fly To" box. It just so happens that this magic little word works in the same way that the key combination Ctrl+Alt+A does.

Once you've found a nice vantage point, just use the space bar to pause the simulator and enjoy the view for a moment. Then, you can calmly look around using the control and cursor keys.

Safe travels!

KML 2.2

KML 2.2

lo0cation based services

Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Posted by Mano Marks, Google Geo API Team

On May 31, at Developer Day, Google previewed early beta documentation for KML 2.2, the latest update to our geographic data presentation language. That preview introduced a number of important features to KML, including:

• PhotoOverlay
• Camera
• Atom attribution elements
• Limiting session length in NetworkLinks
• Linking between features

When Google Earth 4.2 was released on August 22, KML 2.2 Beta was officially released, with some additions to what was previewed in May. Here's what's new:

• ExtendedData, which allows sophisticated balloon templating and gives you the ability to embed your own custom-typed data in KML files. For more information, see the Adding Custom Data page.
  
• Linking between features. There was a syntax change for this feature. For more information, see the KML 2.2 Reference.
• Sky Data. For more information, see the Sky Data in KML page.

Very soon now, KML 2.2 will be exiting beta. I've started a discussion in the KML Developer Support group, so please give us your feedback on the new features of KML 2.2 as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Berg Insight Sees Future of Mobile Maps

location based services
portable navigation devices

Posted by John Kullman

Berg Insight, a company that provides analytical services and business intelligence to the telecom industry, predicts growth in mobile navigation services. These services are to be driven by GPS-technology in smartphone handsets and the bundling of navigation and map content with mobile devices and service plans. Revenue from subscriptions and advertisement is expected to grow at nearly 40% over the next ten years.

The number of mobile subscribers accessing maps and downloading routs using their mobile handsets in Europe and the U.S.A. is around 4 million. Over the next ten years the number of map subscribers is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 61% to reach 43 million users in 2012.

Big names in the mobile industry are gearing up for mobile phone navigation. Nokia launched its GPS-enabled N95 for the European market this year. The U.S. has evolved further with GPS being a standard in all CDMA-handsets. Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless have attracted millions of subscribers to navigation services. Google and Yahoo! are extending their existing search and map propositions with Mobile Web 2.0 applications.

Andre Malm, telecom analyst, Berg Insight says, “Record shipments of PND devices in Europe and the US have introduced the benefits of GPS for motorists. Now the major players in the mobile industry are in hot pursuit of delivering the same experience for pedestrians, commuters and travelers on the handset display.”

Berg Insight predicts that ad-funded services will account for an increasing share of the mobile navigation market. Local search applications can open the door to new ways for businesses to target consumers. MobileCrunch reported last month that more Americans are taking their mobile devices along on vacation to access map technology. See: Unexpected Surge in Google Mobile this Summer. Advertisements for restaurants or other attractions could be sent to users who access a local map area.

Having access to GPS service or other map applications is appealing. If you ever get lost or need the quickest rout somewhere while on foot, you can find your way with the press of a few keys.

Berg Insight

Windows CE powers Porsche-designed GPS

location based services
portable navigation devices


Sep. 04, 2007

Think your sports car would be let down by a mass-market GPS system? Then Navigon has announced the unit for you, styled by Porsche Design. The "extremely slim" P9611 features a 4.3-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and reportedly runs Windows CE.

Navigon is showing the unit at the Internationale Funkaustellung in Berlin, though the Porsche Design Web site still offers up only a picture. Specifications of the unit, according to various bloggers, include:

• 4.3-inch display with 480 x 272 pixel resolution
  
• 520 MHz XScale processor
  
• 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of RAM
  
• SD/MMC slot
  
• Text-to-speech technology
  
• A receiver for real-time traffic information
  
• Bluetooth hands-free kit

With the exception of a faster processor, these specifications match those of Navigon's previous top model, the Windows CE-powered 7100. That unit includes all the above, and is based on the SiRFstarIII GPS chipset.

Navigon's Porsche Design-styled P9611
Navigon says its GPS systems include automatic speed warnings, photorealistic junction views, and more than 5 million stored points of interest (POI). These are said to include Zagat-rated hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. If the bloggers are believed, the P9611 even adds the location of every Porsche dealer!

Availability of the P9611 is set for "fall 2007," and if rumors are true, there's a price to be paid for style: more than $900.

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NY taxi strike over 'spy in cab'

location based services
portable navigtion devices

A cab driver heckles taxis arriving at Pennsylvania StationNew Yorkers are facing the second day of a 48-hour strike by taxi drivers protesting over the introduction of new technology in their cabs.
Authorities want new credit card systems and satellite tracking, which they say will help with lost luggage.
Some drivers say the devices could be used to track their movements.
Organisers said the first day was a "resounding success" but Mayor Michael Bloomberg said 75% of the fleet cabs were working.
The strike comes during New York Fashion Week and the US Open tennis championship.
Flat rates
The city has about 44,000 licensed drivers and 13,000 registered yellow cabs.
At inspections from 1 October, the cabs are required to have GPS satellite tracking systems and video screens to allow passengers to see their location, plus credit card payment facilities.

They're charging a flat rate of $10 to anywhere in Manhattan, but if you find a cab, you're happy to pay it
Mark Yaffe, businessman
The City Taxi & Limousine Commission said the credit card system could create bigger fares and the GPS would help with lost luggage.
Strike organisers, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, fear the GPS will spy on drivers, whom it says will also have to pay credit card transaction fees.
The alliance's leader, Bhairavi Desai, told AFP news agency: "Taxi drivers sometimes use the cars in their private time. Why should they tell the [commission] where they are going on a Sunday with their family? This is an invasion of privacy."
Takings 'up'
The impact of the strike on Wednesday was disputed.
Mr Desai said only 10% of the 13,000 registered cabs were working.
But city officials put the number of taxis working at 75-80%.
Mayor Bloomberg said: "The city has not come to a stop and people are getting where they need to go."
The city allowed drivers who were working to offer group rides to separate passengers and let them pay flat rates rather than metered fares.
British businessman Mark Yaffe, who arrived in New York on Wednesday, told the BBC News website: "People are spending a lot longer trying to hail what few cabs there are.
"If one stops for you, it's likely to already have two or three people in it. They're charging a flat rate of $10 (£4.95) to anywhere in Manhattan, but if you find a cab, you're happy to pay it."
Some reports said there were more cabs about on Thursday.
Michael Woloz, of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, which represents 3,200 taxis, told the New York Post: "The drivers were hearing how much everyone was making out there and decided to go to work."
The paper said some drivers had quadrupled their takings.
Driver Taj Dass told the Post: "I did not work yesterday, but how can I afford to stay out a second day?"

ThinkGeo Announces Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0

location based services
portable navigation device


inter Friendly
ThinkGeo LLC is pleased to announce the release of Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0, a GIS mapping control for the .NET Compact Framework that enables .NET developers to build full-featured mapping presentations for portable devices. Built on the latest .NET Compact Framework 2.0, Map Suite Pocket PC enables non-GIS developers to author mapping applications for portable computing devices such as Pocket PCs and PDAs. Some of the features included with Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0 are the following: shapefile (.shp) data support, MrSID raster imagery support, spatial and distance querying, custom rendering, direct map drawing, comprehensive library of geographic and decimal degree functions, and a large set of sample applications in the C# and VB.NET languages. When asked about Map Suite Pocket PC, Map Suite lead developer Val Guillou had this to say: “Map Suite Pocket PC includes many enhancements over our BETA version and rewards its users with professional, high-quality mapping presentations for their GIS applications. Some of the enhancements featured in Map Suite Pocket PC 2.0 Edition are increased performance, easier installation, and improved sample applications. We are really excited to offer this powerful mapping toolset to the .NET community.” ThinkGeo LLC is an industry leader in mapping and asset tracking technologies and services. ThinkGeo LLC offers a wide variety of high-quality products for GPS tracking and for software developers who are authoring mapping and geospatial applications. To learn more about Map Suite Pocket PC 2.0, its free evaluation download, and the Map Suite line of .NET mapping controls, please visit our website at www.thinkgeo.com or contact one of our sales representatives at sales@thinkgeo.com or (866)847-7510.

Nokia 6110 Navigator Essentials

location based services

portable navigation devices

Introduction
The Nokia 6110 Navigator offers instant and easy-to-use maps, routing and voice guided navigation available with the click of the phone's one-touch Navigator key. You can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby.
Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, the Nokia 6110 Navigator suggests the best route to follow to reach a location by car or on foot. The Nokia 6110 Navigator also features AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) to ensure greater performance and faster positioning.
The Nokia 6110 Navigator comes with a local map pre-installed on the memory card ready for immediate navigation. Additional maps and content - such as traffic information, weather services and travel guides - can be purchased online and transferred to the phone. The maps also show thousands of points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, shops or other services nearby the location.
Key Features
The Nokia 6110 Navigator has a built-in voice-guided 3D GPS navigation system and local maps pre-installed on the memory card
Use turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation directly from your Nokia 6110 Navigator
Access maps and location information quickly and easily with the dedicated Navigator key
Download maps quickly and surf the web via high-speed 3.5G
View maps, navigation guidance, and location information on the 2.2" QVGA TFT color screen
Take snapshots of places you've been using the 2-megapixel camera with panoramic mode
3G HSDPA up to 3.6 Mbps for fast web browsing and downloading
Built-in Navigation
Just start navigating! The Nokia 6110 Navigator is a ready-to-use navigation solution complete with built-in voice-guided 3D GPS navigation, the Nokia Navigator application, and local maps pre-installed on the included memory card
Find your way with voice-guided navigation and turn arrows showing you the way on the map display
Use the Nokia Navigator application to view digital maps with POIs (points of interest) stored on the included microSD card
Search the provided maps for interesting places and€“ then call, browse, or message locations straight from the Nokia Navigator application
Get faster, more accurate position data with AGPS (assisted GPS). Supports OMA SUPL and 3GPP assistance standards
Access location information, maps, and routes quickly with the Navigator key
Understand where you are going with the integrated stereo speakers optimized for voice navigation guidance
Use Nokia Map Manager (included with Nokia PC Suite) to manage and transfer maps to and from your PC
Enhance your navigation experience with an extensive range of optional location-based services and content available for purchase, such as: traffic, weather, travel guides, and map updates at the city, regional, and country level*
Transfer more maps from the sales pack DVD. Just purchase a usage license key online using your phone and you can access even more maps and location-based information on your Nokia 6110 Navigator
Display
Large, bright 2.2" QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) colour display with an active area of 33.48 x 44.64 mm and support for up to 16 million colours
Light sensor for optimising display and keypad brightness and power consumption
User Interface
S60 software on Symbian OS
Dedicated keys for quick and easy access to your favorite features: Navigator key, camera key, and Symbian application launcher key
Customisable My Own key gives you quick access to your favorite device feature. At purchase, the My Own key is configured to access Message Reader
Camera
2-megapixel camera (image resolution 1600 x 1200) with 4x digital zoom, integrated camera flash, horizontal camera mode, panoramic mode, and lens-protecting sliding cover
Secondary CIF+ (common intermediate format) camera for video calls
Image and video editor
Adobe Photoshop Album 3.0 for more advanced photo editing
Nokia 6110 3G Navigator Guides Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
The Nokia 6110 Navigator has proven its capabilities in one of the toughest environments possible -- with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they took the 'Long Way Down' from Scotland to the southern most tip of Africa on motorcycle. The journey lasted three months and saw the pair ride 24 000km and cross two continents. With the Nokia 6110 Navigator routing the path, best friends Ewan and Charley defied the elements atop customized BMW motorcycles, crossing the finishing line today in Cape Town. Read more
Availability

Discover popular user-created Google Maps

location based services

portable navigation devices

Google launched My Maps on April 5th/07 and since that time Google Maps users have been busy building and sharing Google Maps mashups with this easy-to-use service (found within the My Maps tab on Google Maps). Google is now making it easy for you to discover these user-created maps which are relevant to where you are exploring on Google Maps. The Browse Popular Maps mapplet is available for you to add to your own My Maps tab in Google Maps. Once added you will be given a list of maps that will appear in the left margin as you move the map around to different places all around the world. Zoom into London to discover maps like the Low-budget guide to London or London 4 Kids. Zoom to San Francisco and an interesting movie map showing real locations of the famous car chase from the movie "Bullitt" are revealed. Maps that you find via this method can also be added to your own collection of My Maps or embedded into your blog or website to share with others! I've also been having fun using this mapplet to view maps for the place I live now and where I grew up. It's amazing just how many folks out there have been making maps! :)[Via Doug Ricket @ The Google LatLong Blog]

NYC cabbies strike over technology push


location based services
personal navigation devices

Posted 2 hours 17 minutes ago

New York City officials want to keep track of the 13,000 taxi cabs by making them all install global positioning devices. (File photo) (AFP: Tannen Maury)
Cab drivers in New York City have announced a two-day strike to protest against being forced to install new equipment.
City officials want to keep track of the 13,000 taxi cabs by making them all install global positioning devices.
They also want all cabs to have credit card facilities.
The technology costs nearly $1,500 a year per cab, and drivers say it is too expensive.

WaveMarket Launches Location Based Services With Aliant

portable navigation device

Fourth International Deployment Increases WaveMarket's Family Locator Market Share
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- WaveMarket (www.wavemarket.com), a leader in mobile location-based search and services, today announced that the company's Family Finder and Asset Tracker has officially launched with Aliant, Atlantic Canada's leading information and communications technology provider. WaveMarket's Family Finder technology, branded Seek & Find, offers parents the peace of mind to locate their children from any Internet connection. The WaveMarket Asset Tracker, branded GoTrax(tm) on the Aliant network, enables employers to manage their fleet more efficiently and identify the location of employees.
"WaveMarket is pleased to partner with Aliant to offer its customers our Family Finder and Asset Tracker services," said Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO of WaveMarket. "Aliant is a leader in wireless and Internet technologies. WaveMarket is excited to partner with them in providing innovative family location and asset tracking technologies for the first time in Atlantic Canada."
The Seek & Find service marks WaveMarket's fourth commercial deployment of its industry-leading family location solution, having previously launched with Bell Mobility, Sprint Nextel, and Vivo, Latin America's largest mobile carrier. Using the WaveMarket service, Aliant customers are able to locate their children on-demand and set up regular location checks, so parents may be notified that a child has arrived to school safely or is home by curfew.
WaveMarket's Asset Tracker, which powers GoTrax(tm), gives employers the ability to locate their employees. The tool makes dispatching employees to appropriate customer locations more efficient, saving both time and money. Additionally, employers can set up 'zones' on a map so that they will receive notifications whenever an asset enters or leaves the zone.
"Demand for our Family Location service continues to grow globally at a rapid pace. Parents are becoming more aware and excited about the value of GPS technology which is already integrated into a huge number of mobile handsets," said Roumeliotis. "We believe that this market has enormous potential and are thrilled to continue to work with carrier partners, like Aliant, to deliver this valuable service to their customers."
About WaveMarket
WaveMarket Inc., headquartered in Emeryville, Calif., is a world leader in mobile location-based search and services, offering a software product suite that includes both white-label solutions and mobile platform components. White-label solutions include WaveMarket's industry-leading family finder, search, and asset tracker services, with more than a half-dozen commercial deployments in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. WaveMarket's mobile platform components include turn-by-turn navigation, mobile social networking and dynamic tiled mapping, all designed to be commercially deployed with partner brands such as the WaveMarket-designed and engineered Ask Mobile GPS. Marketing to brands and mobile carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia, WaveMarket's customers include top tier North American carriers Sprint Nextel, Cingular, Bell Mobility of Canada, and SK Telecom, South Korea's leading wireless carrier. Founded in 2000, the company is financed by a group that includes Draper Fisher Jurvetson, QUALCOMM Ventures, BlueRun Ventures (formerly Nokia Venture Partners), Intel Capital, and Mitsui Ventures. For more information, please visit http://www.wavemarket.com.
The WaveMarket logo is available at

Who Will Create the "Conference in a Pocket" Phone?

location based services

portable navigation device

The rumored Google Phone will have to carve out a niche beyond "smart phone" or "feature phone" to get any serious traction. Perhaps it can create a new dual-mode position, since nobody really has that one nailed down yet. It might be a stretch to create a position based on "location based services," since it is doubtful most people will understand that.But some new developments elsewhere suggest it might ultimately be possible for somebody to capture a new "conference in my pocket" position. Webex now has created an iPhone compatible PCNow capability, opening a bit of a wedge for conferencing. And iotum says it will develop a conference app running on BlackBerry and Facebook.The point is not simply the size of the niche, but the ability to create a buyer reason to use one service or terminal instead of others. There are lots of devices that handle email. But BlackBerry created and "owns" the "email in your pocket" mental niche. That doesn't mean only the BlackBerry can do this, but that the mental position creates a compelling reason to buy and use a BlackBerry even though other smart phones can do so. The iPhone's position still is developing, though the initial positioning is as a fashionista device.The point is that the creation of a compelling mental positioning allows a device or service to stand out in a crowd of alternatives that arguably can provide the same basic functionality. A "conference in your pocket" device can provide the same sorts of marketing value.
Posted

Rumor: Google Phone Will Be Linux-Powered, GPS-Loaded and Cheap


location based services
portable navigation device

By Michael Calore August 27, 2007 5:24:47 PMCategories: Google, Linux, Mobile, maps
If the murmurs are true, the GPhone cometh in September.
Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins has uncovered some details about the long-rumored (and apparently all but confirmed) Google Phone.
According to Rizzn's source at Google, the device runs a modified version of the Linux kernel and has GPS built in. The positioning system will be used to power a Google Maps application, and the phone will also have tight integration with other Google apps like Gmail, Calendar and Docs. The source for Rizzn's post notes that the company will announce the device in two weeks, and that a North American version will be available soon, possibly by the end of the year.
Rizzn also notes that Google's mobile device "is less about beating the iPhone and more about beating the $100 Laptop" made by the OLPC project. He speculates that Google will sell the phones for cheap and then reap ad revenue from targeted, text-based ads served to the phone. This isn't entirely new information, but it's interesting to hear the comparison with the OLPC -- at the least, we'll see an inexpensive, accessible device that uses open-source software.
Whether any of this is true is open to debate. The search and services behemoth has certainly made its intentions to go after the 700MHz wireless spectrum clear, and has even pushed the FCC to adopt some new regulations which ease the use and adoption of device-and-carrier-agnostic open standards and services. This would not only benefit Google, but also any other manufacturer building gear for the spectrum.
Rizzn will be outlining his chat with the Google mystery man on his podcast Monday night. Meanwhile, what's your take? Fact or sweet, sweet fiction?
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Compact GPS runs Windows CE

portable navigation device
location based services

Aug. 28, 2007

Horizon 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 GB
  

The GPS-3505 appears to be available now, though pricing was not stated.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.