GPS & Car Tech - News

Google adds offline viewing, orientation to Maps for Android

Google has updated its Maps for Android application, giving it more GPS navigation features than mobile offerings from Apple and Microsoft.

Google Maps update deals another blow to GPS

As Google Maps for Android becomes more powerful, buying a standalone GPS device becomes harder to justify.

Microsoft nabs OpenStreetMap founder

As part of an initiative to leverage the OpenStreetMap project for its own Bing Maps, Microsoft has hired OSM founder Steve Coast, the company announced Tuesday.

Honda Insight to include live traffic updates

Honda Australia announced today that its new Insight VTi-L hybrid car will come with live traffic updates thanks to a partnership with Intelematics Australia.

Google Maps Navigation now live in Australia

Google has today unveiled its Maps Navigation Beta service in Australia, offering free turn-by-turn navigation through the Google Maps application on all Android smartphones.

Google Maps on Android gets personalized recommendations

The latest version of Google Maps on Android comes with Hotspot, a new "local recommendation engine" that will help users discover places based on ratings from themselves and their friends, Google said in a blog post.

Facebook gets serious about mobile, location-based services

Facebook is stepping up its mobile game with the launch of location-based services that both ease the pain of the mobile log-in process and allow your neighborhood store to shoot you coupons directly to your phone as you walk by.

Samsung Galaxy Tab launching with built-in navigation

Samsung's Galaxy Tab, a 7in Android tablet that will compete with Apple's iPad, will launch in Australia next week and will come preloaded with full turn-by-turn navigation capabilities.

Why Facebook Places is going nowhere

Only 30 million people have used Facebook Places, one report finds. If that sounds impressive, consider that it represents just six per cent of Facebook users. And that's not the number who use it. That's the number who have tried it.

Can cameras, radar, sensors make cars safer?

In theory at least, as cars are outfitted with more advanced electronics, safer vehicles should be at least one of the main results.

Laser launches 5in GPS unit

Laser today unveiled a new GPS device: the Laser Navig8r P Series P50 Pro. The 5in Navig8r P50 Pro includes Navteq maps of Australia and New Zealand, 3D landmark and "virtual junction" views.

Ford invites more development of car apps

Ford is releasing a software development kit to more companies, inviting them to build applications for its Sync in-car voice-activated computer.

Pioneer preps laser head-up display for 2012

Pioneer is developing a head-up display for cars that links in with the navigation function available on many modern smartphones. A prototype of the device is on show this week at Japan's Ceatec electronics show, and the company said it hopes to have...

TomTom brings capacitive screen, multitouch to its GPS devices

TomTom has followed the lead its main rival Garmin by offering capacitive touchscreens and multitouch technology on its latest range of high-end portable sat navs.

Google street view gets grisly

Google sure does capture a ton of interesting stuff when it sends Street View cars around the world. Sometimes its 360-degree cameras pick up a disturbing image or two.