Garmin Next Generation nuvi 1690 GPS Enhanced with Social Networking Capability

As the GPS (Global Positioning System) usage continues to increase, some of the manufacturers are trying to integrate as many features as possible in order to differentiate themselves from the rest. Garmin, the leading GPS technology manufacturer is not exclusive from this. Just recently, the manufacturer has announced its newest portable GPS system, named as nuvi 1690 with enhanced features, specifically designed for those that are looking more than just navigation feature while driving on the road.


The new GPS is embedded with wireless capability that can link to Garmin’s proprietary nuLink service to retrieve useful information such as weather forecast, traffic information, flight status and many more through Google local search engine. On top of this, users that can’t live without social networking would definitely appreciate the great feature being added as it can now be used to connect to Ciao!, a social networking service that enables them to search for their closed friends and relatives and navigate to their directions accordingly. Other features include a complete POI (Point of Interest) NAVTEQ database, Bluetooth handsfree mode and even the environmental friendly ecoRoute feature for fuel estimation and saving.

Priced at $500, Nuvi 1690 will be released by this year and consumers will be able to get two year of free subscription to nuLInk service and subsequently at an affordable of $5 per month to continue enjoy these features.

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Trend of GPS-enabled SmartPhones in Personal Navigation Device Market

Nowadays technology convergence is a new trend with more and more feature sets being integrated into conventional mobile phone. Among all those new features, GPS (Global Positioning System) is one of the most common one especially for mid to high end mobile devices due to its useful functionality and widely ecosystem support. Based on the latest research report from iSuppli, the trend of GPS capable mobile phone is on the way to replace the current available PNDs (Portable Navigation device) and will potential overtake them by year 2014.

According to iSuppli’s report, PNDs was dominating the worldwide market with 86.5 million units as compared to GPS capable smartphones at 39 million units since last year. And this year the units have increased to 114 million PNDs while the GPS enabled smartphones continue to climb up to 57.8 million units. As expected, popularity of GPS-capable smartphone continue to grow with 130 million of PNDs and 117 million of GPS ready mobile devices by 2011. And by 2014, the smartphones with GPS capability are expected to overtake conventional PNDs in terms of market share with significant boost to 305 million units versus 128 million of PNDs.

No doubt, this is mainly contributed by strong software eco-partners support that able to improve the system user interface with larger screen display support and more importantly, consumers no longer need to carry a dedicated PND as now they can have an all-in-one smartphones device with multifunction capability including GPS module while on the move.

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Maptor Integrates GPS and Projector Capability into Single Device for Travelers

Nowadays GPS (Global Positioning System) enabled gadget is one of the must-have companions that allows you to navigate and reach destination whenever you go. The more complete information the map is, the higher chance that you will get confused especially when those complicated information are displayed in a tiny 3.5-inch or 4.3-inch screen. However, you definitely don’t prefer to carry a gadget with huge LCD display screen that adds weight and burden especially when you are traveling around. If you are facing the similar constraint, now the new innovative solution, named as Maptor may able to close your gap.





Designed in torchlight-like form factor, Maptor integrates a tiny GPS module into it that is able to pinpoint users’ existing location and then map against the map database like conventional GPS system. But what makes it more interesting here is those map and location data will be projected out as a huge screen display, either on the wall, floor or any flat surface for better visibility. Just imagine, now you can project out the desired location on the map conveniently for group viewing and discussion without being constraint by the tiny screen size on conventional portable device.

Fabricated with biodegradable plastic PLA (Polylactic acid) material, the device is definitely environmental friendly and more importantly, it manages to extract out all the great benefits needed in any situation. Only one concern, wonder what is the effective battery life since it consumes higher current drawn with continuously screen projection as this is another important factor that needs to be put under consideration.

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