GPS

TomTom just announced that its TomTom app for iPhone has been updated. Version 1.3 now includes real-time traffic compatibility and Local Search powered by Google.

New features such as Local Search, Automatic Day/Night Mode, Pinch and Zoom, Music Fading and a new Map Update have been added and are free to existing TomTom app for iPhone users. If you want real-time traffic updates, that will cost you an additional $19.99 for 12 months of service. Not bad, considering the moment a traffic delay is found, you are notified and can be automatically re-routed to an alternative route. Traffic delays can be heard audibly on the device as well as displayed on the screen. Read more

Motorola this week announced two new Bluetooth portable GPS devices, the MOTONAV TN500 and TN700 series.

The MOTONAV TN500 series features a 4.3 inch widescreen display and is easy-to-use with voice commands. The TN500 series integrates with compatible Bluetooth-enabled phones, syncing with your phonebook so you can browse and call your contacts from the road. You can even have your text messages read aloud, send automated replies, and let your friends know when you'll arrive. Simply tap the screen, and then use the speakerphone to talk hands-free. Read more

Have you thought of giving the gift of navigation for Valentine's Day? TomTom has. They just announced a limited edition of the TomTom EASE in red for Valentine's Day.

The EASE is TomTom's newest entry-level GPS that was introduced at CES 2010. Portable and easy to use, the TomTom EASE features an improved EasyMenu interface an integrated EasyPort mount, allowing you to fit the entire device (with attached mount) into your pocket or glove compartment.

The EASE uses TomTom's IQ Routes Technology for the most efficient routes, and also features TomTom Map Share, and a 'Help Me!' safety menu for access to emergency providers.Read more

At CES today, Lok8u announced nu•m8. Designed as a child's watch, nu•m8 can pinpoint the location of a wearer within 10 feet using a combination of cellular identification technology and GPS. Parents are able to set boundaries, instantly access the location of the wearer via SMS texting, or through the Lok8u Web portal. Also, because nu•m8 was designed for parents to locate their children (not just the device), parents receive notification if the device is removed from the wearer.

Nu•m8 is now available for pre-sale at several online stores including Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, WalMart.com, Sears.com, ToysRUs.com and on Lok8u's site, www.lok8u.com, for $179.99.Read more

The Cydle T43H is the first GPS on the market that can receive HD broadcast signals. But not only is the T43H a GPS, it is also a portable HD Radio and multimedia player!

Cydle's new T43H a portable navigation system with built-in HD Radio and includes free HD Traffic, giving you real-time updates 10 times faster than other traffic message channels. It features an Internal and External antenna and refreshes automatically for the latest information about accidents, traffic speed and road construction areas. Simply punch in your destination and get real-time alerts as you go.

The Cydle T43H has a 4.3-inch screen, and is a rich media video player, audio player and picture viewer – all in a single device. It is available now for $299. There is no subscription fee.

For more information visit www.cydle.com.

Do you have OnStar? Santa does. For the first time ever, Santa's sleigh will have a GPS system that will allow you to follow his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. Starting at 6:00 a.m. E.S.T. on December 24, drivers with OnStar will be able to press the blue button in their vehicles and request a "Santa Update." From there, an advisor will share St. Nick's whereabouts based on location information provided by the The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). A new update will be available every hour through 5 a.m. EST on December 25.

Santa's hi-tech sleigh upgrades also include Rooftop Assistance and Automatic Crash Response, On-Board Reindeer Diagnostics, Stolen Sleigh Slowdown and hands-free calling to the North Pole and Turn-By-Turn Navigation.

Want to follow Santa online? Just visit NORAD Santa 2009 or NORAD Santa on Facebook.

TomTom has plenty of GPS devices on the market, but if you travel frequently outside of the United States, this just might be the GPS for you. The new TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition features a large five-inch screen and includes maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe.

The device also has IQ Routes technology which gives you the fastest routes to save travel time, money and fuel, as well as TomTom's "Help Me!" menu, Map Share, Advanced Lane Guidance, seven million points of interest and 4G of storage.

The TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition will be available in early December for $349.95.

TomTom's car kit for iPhone is now available on the TomTom web store and Apple online store for about $120. A bit pricey (in my opinion), considering you have to purchase the TomTom iPhone app separately for $100. However, you will save money by not having to pay monthly fees for GPS service on the iPhone.

The TomTom car kit for iPhone includes a secure mount that docks the iPhone on the windshield or dashboard. It can be docked in either portrait or landscape mode, and is easily removed with a twist.

It also has a built-in GPS receiver to reduce signal drop, and a built-in loudspeaker and microphone for hands-free calling while driving. Music from your iPhone can also be played through the AUX OUT port over your car stereo (cable not included), and it charges your iPhone while docked.Read more

Best Buy has announced the Little Buddy Child Tracker to its' Insignia product line. Little Buddy allows you to keep tabs on your child at all times by slipping this little device into their backpack or lunchbox. It combines GPS and cellular technology to give you real-time location updates via computer or smartphone. Simply log onto Insignia's GPS Locator website to see a map of their exact location, so you know they haven't wandered off.

You can also customize the device to a specific location and time for where your child is supposed to be — for example, in school — and the device will alert you with a text message if your child leaves the designated area during that time. You will also receive an alert when the battery is running low. Do you have more than one child? Multiple Little Buddy's can be used to monitor other members of the family as well. Read more