GPS

Pioneer is now offering the best value in in-dash navigation with the AVIC-U310BT. This device is a robust, full-featured system with the convenience of built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and Apple iPod/iPhone control. The comprehensive, 2-DIN system provides the sound quality and features expected from a Pioneer in-dash source unit, renowned navigation performance with turn-by-turn route guidance and the ease of wirelessly connecting to Bluetooth enabled cell phones.

Pioneer's AVIC-U310BT utilizes a full-color 4.3-inch WQVGA touch screen display and 2GB of flash memory. It features voice guidance, text-to-speech technology and an SD card slot. Powered by Tele Atlas, the unit's comprehensive database covers the entire United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada and includes more than 500,000 points of interest.Read more

The AVIC-Z110BT is Pioneer's flagship in-dash navigation system that allows consumers to simultaneously access mapping and route guidance information, while enjoying various forms of audio and video entertainment.

The AVIC-Z110BT offers:

• Drive Report
• Simulated Highway Sign Boards
• MSN Direct
• Map View Modes
• Detailed City Maps
• Brand Icons
• Customizable Home Screen Menu
• Sophisticated Voice Recognition
• Bluetooth Capability
• Enhanced Voice Guidance
• Enhanced iPod/iPhone Control
• DVD video/CD playbalc and Duall Zone
• USB/SD slot

Featuring a large motorized 7-inch touch panel display, CD/DVD Video playback, built-in Bluetooth and a customizable touch screen interface, AVIC-Z110BT offers superior navigation, control and convenience and audio and entertainment. The AVIC-Z110BT has a suggested price of $1,800 and is scheduled to arrive at retailers in July 2009.

Meet the GPS shoe, aka "Blue GPS." Featuring Bluetooth, the new shoes enable the wearer to be tracked by friends and family through their cell phones. The wearer simply inputs up to five phone numbers of family/friends into his cell phone (eventually this capability will be able to be expanded to up to 20 people) and pushes a button on the shoe to activate a link with those on his list. The Blue GPS can be enabled with all cellular phones.

Another button can be pressed for an 'E911' call. When that button is pushed, a signal is sent to IDG's monitoring division, ID Conex, which then attempts to contact the wearer. If the shoe wearer does not respond, ID Conex then alerts the proper authorities.

This is an excellent idea for people traveling or, more importantly, keeping track of your children. The Blue GPS is expected to retail for about $150 when it hits stores in Latin America this fall. No information when/if it will be available in the United States.

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The SL3 is a standalone GPS-enabled device that warns drivers of thousands of driving threats that include red light cameras, speed cameras and caution areas. Driven by the AURA Camera & Driving Hazard Database, the SL3 uses LED lights and tones to alert the driver of an upcoming hazard.

The AURA database stores GPS coordinates of the hazards, too. Users can access this database online and download daily updates 24/7. The SL3 Safety Locator connects via USB, synchronizing the coordinates for the most current and accurate camera and dangerous intersection alerts. Drivers can also add up to 1,000 location-based alerts, as well. The SL3 is legal in all states and provinces. It is available now at www.cobra.com for $99.95.

BMW just announced they have a new voice control system that will be available on new cars in September 2009. The BMW Voice Control System lets you control features in your car such as your phone, climate control, navigation and sound systems, all with your spoken commands.

To activate the voice control system, simply press a key on the steering wheel, and tell the system what to do. It can recognize up to 500 preset terms, (depending on your BMW's features). Your commands are picked up by the hands-free microphone and each time you give a command, the system emits a tone to let you know it has been understood.

Up to forty telephone numbers can be saved and it has a text-to-speech function that can read aloud e-mails, SMS messages and the names of radio stations. But not only that, BMW is the first European car maker to offer voice recognition that can find individual music titles. The system monitors and interprets your voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title. The system then gives you a choice of audio files saved on the hard disc in a title list – and as of spring 2010, the system will cover files on a music player connected to the car.

The new voice control system will be available on cars sold in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States in September 2009.

Mio announced 2 new TV PNDs, GPS Phones and 2 Litepad Series Netbooks at this year's Computex.

First, the winner of "Best Choice Award of Computex 2009," the Explora K75. This device is a PND and Smartphone combined, with an ultra-slim body, 3.5-inch touch screen and Mio Spirit mobile edition GPS. It will also operate on Windows Mobile 6.1 OS.

Next, the Mio Moov V500 and V700 range of PNDs. These will feature a built-in TV, making Mio the first major GPS company to launch a comprehensive line of digital TV PNDs. The Moov V Series is designed to be the ultimate in-mobile entertainment and navigation on the road.Read more

Pharos just announced the availability of the Traveler 137, a Windows phone that works on both the T-Mobile and AT&T wireless networks.

What makes this phone even more unique is its hybrid GPS navigation software that gives you voice-prompted navigation even without a connection to a carrier's network. The Traveler 137 is sold unlocked, so you can use local GSM SIM cards worldwide and avoid international roaming charges.

The Traveler 137 is now available from Amazon.com, Dell.com, eXpansys.com, and Newegg.com for $599.95. If you want to save some bucks, you can get a $250 discount on the phone if you sign up on a new two-year contract with T-Mobile – but this has to be done through Pharos to get the discount. Read more

Belkin just announced the TuneCast Auto Live FM transmitter and ClearScan Live software application. Together, you can use your iPhone or iPod as an FM transmitter and locate the best radio frequency, based on your GPS location, to play music in the car. This way, you will be able to find the clearest FM frequency based on your location.

Some of the features of the TuneCast Auto Live are:

• Specifically compatible with iPhone OS 3.0
• Also compatible with the iPod Classic and nano
• ClearScan one-push station locator
• PRO setting optimizes audio and boosts volume
• Two programmable preset buttons
• High-contrast backlit display
• In-car charging

Since this device requires the iPhone OS 3.0, you can expect it to be available this Fall for a MSRP of $79.99. The ClearScan Live application will be a free download. Check out the full press release here.

Glympse just announced yesterday that their new Glympse service is available in public Beta. What is Glympse? It is a service for your smartphone that lets you share your real-time location with others in your address book via a link to a map marking your exact location.

Running late to a meeting? Stuck in Traffic? No need to make phone calls or send texts to let everyone know, just send them the link (or as the company says, "glympse" them). The map will mark your exact location and he recipient can then follow you in real time (if on a computer…mobile users will need to refresh). It will then give them the estimated time of your arrival if the destination has been sent. You can choose who can see where you are (after all, you don't want your entire address book knowing, do you?) and for how long (from minutes to hours). Recipients don't need to download Glympse to view the information, however, the company says that they will "have a more dynamic experience" if they do.

Right now the service is only available on T-Mobile G1 phones, but they plan to make it available on other smartphones, including the iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Mobile devices in the near future.

For more information, visit www.glympse.com.