autoMedia Auto News Blog : GPS navigation

Preview Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:10:00 GMT

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour launched to take on Venza and Murano What is a CUV (crossover utility vehicle), aka "crossover"? It's a careful blend of SUV and sedan, with close-to-car styling, handling and fuel economy. And it's where a majority of buyers are heading, some moving down from SUVs, others moving up from less practical cars. Honda's new-for-2010 Accord-based Crosstour CUV is essentially an Accord wagon with its roofline aerodynamically sloped instead of squared off--or maybe an Accord five-door hatchback. But Honda prefers you to see it as an increasingly fashionable crossover. It's offered it in two models, a well-equipped EX at just over $30,000, including destination, and an upscale EX-L at about $33K. Four-wheel drive adds $1,450 and voice-activated navigation with a rear-view camera adds another $2,200, both available on the EX-L only. The only available powertrain is the Accord's 271-hp 3.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and using Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation system to enhance fuel economy by shutting down two or even three cylinders when lightly loaded. The 2WD...(read more)

autoMedia CARnival 8/28/09: This week in the auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:25:00 GMT

It's the week ending August 28, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each.

Once again, the biggest news involves the end of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program AKA "Cash for Clunker" rebates, culminating in 690,114 transactions valued at $2.88 billion, with stories galore on its "wildly successful" outcome. LeftLaneNews reports on some of the downfalls of the program, saying the clunkers' Web site crashed several times, resulting in a bottleneck of applications. Moreover, only about a third of dealers have received their first clunkers check, leaving many dealerships with cash flow problems. Consumer Reports shares the environmental impact, saying the average new car bought with the rebates got 9.2 mpg more than the average clunker traded in, for an annual average fuel savings per driver of 277 gallons of fuel or about $720.

Pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has finally been reunited with his Camaro. In celebration, he gave away nearly 36,000 free pizzas. Click here to read the detailed story of how Jalopnik helped make it happen -- and if you want, you can even browse the gallery of photos snapped by Camaro owners when they used their car as the ultimate coupon.

You wake up in the morning and suddenly everyone is driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Sound freaky? Well, that is exactly what is going to happen in Samoa on September 7th of this year. All Cars All The Time predicts this move will be an epic fail. The Wall Street Journal seems to agree. We suggest travelers stay away until they get their drivers retrained.

Are we there yet? Jaime Case and Chris Hodges hopped into a Fusion sedan provided by Ford, and took off on a six-week pre-wedding road trip around the country to see friends and family prior to signing their marriage certificate. Well, they've finally tied the knot, apparently the road trip is nearly over, and to celebrate the couple plans to change their names.... to Ford. Jeez, I hope Ford lets them keep the car after all that!

Get this: AutoBlogGreen.com suggests watermelon juice could be the next great automotive fuel, saying there's enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol, which would displace up to 15 percent of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage, and supply needed nitrogen to the mix. Seems like the perfect use for the 360,000 tons of watermelons left to rot and spoil each year!

Chrysler and Nissan have decided to part ways, scrapping three joint-vehicle programs originally intended to fill yawning gaps in their respective line-ups. With Nissan officials recently telling TheDetroitBureau.com they were still open to working with their Detroit counterpart, it appears that the announcement was heavily influenced by Chrysler's new parent, the Italian automaker Fiat. It also appears Nissan is the loser in the latest developments. A separate agreement calling on Nissan and Chrysler to share transmission remains unchanged.

AutomotiveTraveler.com has snagged spypix of the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta -- only not the little Euro hatchback version we've seen so many Fiesta Agents driving! This article features several remarkably clear road shots of the four-door sedan version destined to arrive in American dealerships in the second quarter of 2010. I'd like one in magenta, please?

We all hate sitting in traffic, and in the Los Angeles area, it's notoriously bad. AutoBlog.com shares the results of a study that demonstrates having a GPS system with real-time traffic can save drivers four days per year and reduce emissions by 21%!

If you're writing a research paper on the history of electric vehicles, then look no further than cleancartalk.com which shares everything you ever wanted to know -- but were afraid to ask -- about the electric car. With detailed info from its origins in the 1830s to modern-day options, this article is good reading for green gearheads.

Mark Tapscott may very well be THE founder of the Carnival of Cars concept, and he had the wisdom to include ME in one of his first editions, nearly three years ago! If you want to keep up with Tapscott's current content, favorite him at Examiner.com

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend!

Brandy Schaffels, Contributing Editor

Acura Reveals Restyled, Revised MDX for 2010

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels.

On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind spot information system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhance safety, with Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).”

Coming soon will be a full road test review of the restyled, refined 2010 Acura MDX. Read about other Acura vehicles currently on sale in our 2009 Acura Buyer’s Guide.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

autoMedia.com CARnival June 19, 2009: Father's Day Gifts for the Ultimate Car Guy

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:54:00 GMT

Father's Day is this weekend, so we've collected an assortment of gadgets and gizmos meant specifically for that Car Guy you love so much: It doesn't matter if he's your Dad or Husband, Brother or Uncle, Son or special friend, if he loves cars, we know you'll find something here that's perfect for him.

I personally LOVE the products at Busted Knuckle Garage: Their gear is perfectly suited (as they say) "for the guy with the hands of a lobster and a workbench that looks like an environmental disaster." Their unique line of herbal skin care products helps ease skin exposed to gasoline, oil and solvents, and is great at healing abrasions and cuts! They've got a great assortment of value-priced gift packs that include tee-shirts and cool memorabilia for father's day, but my absolute favorite items in their line are the Mechanic's lip balm/hand salve, and Mechanic's Muscle Easing Salve. Each 1.75-ounce tin is just $6.95, so you can get Dad one of each and a tee-shirt too!

He doesn't have to be behind the wheel of a Porsche to appreciate the exciting world of Porsche racing: Instead you can give Racer Guy some extraordinary accessories from the Porsche Design Driver's Selection. Whether it's as simple as a car-themed silk tie, Porsche-badged cap, or durable polycarbonate travel cases, the entire product line features meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and beautiful designs exclusive to Porsche. These high-quality gifts can be ordered at your dealership, online, or by calling 800-PORSCHE. Online purchases placed during the month of June receive free standard shipping!

Die-Cast Models: No matter which car dad already drives -- or longs to have in his driveway -- he can keep an amazingly detailed 1:18 die-cast model on his desk. Dad can desk-race his choice of practically anything in the vehicle lineup, including the 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Carrera GT, or Cayman S all the way up to the real racecars like the RS Spyder from the 2008 American LeMans series or the Porsche 917L "Hippie" model seen at the 1970 LeMans. ($77 to $142 MSRP).

RC Racers: If true Remote Control racing is more Dad's style, consider stepping up to one of their pistol-grip-controlled RC cars. These genuine 1:14-scale reproductions of the 911 Carrera S, 911 GT3 Cup VIP, or Cayenne Turbo (1:28 scale) are capable of traveling of speeds up to 25 mph! ($129 to $324 MSRP)

Porsche Driving School: If desk and RC racing aren't enough, enroll him in the high-performance driver education courses at the Porsche Sport Driving School. Under the guidance of famed Porsche drivers from all types of racing backgrounds, Dad can learn about the true capabilities and performance Porsche cars offer while increasing his own confidence and skill behind the wheel. A one-day driving course on the essentials of high-performance driving starts at $1795; multi-day courses with personal instruction reach up to $5,295. This intensive and comprehensive experience is something Dad will never forget! Click here to ride in the passenger seat for one lap around the course!

From the makers of The Ultimate Driving Machine come the Ultimate Dad's Day gifts: accessories, apparel, and other items that capture the true spirit of BMW. Regardless of whether your Dad has a BMW parked in the driveway, or just wishes he did, this assortment products from BMW Lifestyle easily win the race for the best Father's Day gift. You can browse the BMW Lifestyle collection at your local authorized BMW center or online at www.bmw-online.com. Here are a few BMW-themed Father's Day gift ideas to help you get started:

Wheeled Cargo Duffel: For the gentleman who spends more time in the air than on the road: elegant and innovative, this roomy carry-on duffel has wheels and telescoping handle for easy transport, finished with discreet BMW logo. ($110 MSRP)

BMW Chronograph: For the dad who makes every minute count: Tourneau timepiece with brushed stainless case and anthracite dial boasts a host of high-tech features, along with BMW logo on face next to 30-minute, 1-second and 1/10-second timers. Available with black nylon strap or stainless bracelet. ($285 to $320 MSRP).

Your father has provided guidance your entire life, so now is the time to return the favor. A portable GPS navigation device can provide guidance on road trips, drives to new places, and route around traffic on the daily commute. If he's one of those who hates to ask for directions, you can spare his honor with one of these great gadgets. (Prices and products vary so check the links to help you choose an item that best fits your price range.)

Garmin nuvi 2x5 GPS: Industry sales-leader Garmin provides a wide range of models. Smart money is on the nuvi 2x5 line, with the affordable basic nuvi 205 navigator being a good choice for occasional use and the nuvi 265WT for daily use. These are easy to use and provide good basic navigation, with the 265WT adding a wide screen and free ad-supported traffic service. (The ads are not intrusive, nor frequent.) New 1200 and 1300 series units have just hit the market, meaning the nuvi 2x5 should be great values right now.

TomTom GPS: TomTom has a broad range of products, from entry-level to high-tech, connected devices. On a budget, the One 130 is a solid choice, though the newer One 140 adds the helpful IQ Routes feature that allows the device to provide guidance based on historical traffic data - very helpful around metropolitan areas. The "S" models add text to speech, allowing the device to announce street names, rather than give simple "left" or "right" directions. The XL models are wide screen, making them easier to read and enter addresses. The XL 340 S is tops for this group, and it is just $200 from the manufacturer right now. TomTom has a wide variety of character and celebrity voices that can be installed. If Dad is a Simpsons fan, the Homer Simpson voice is a hilarious download for $12.95.

Finally, you know Dad loves his car, and what better way to show him you love him than to do something nice for his personal chariot? Don't just buy him a collection of car care products, why not give his ride a quality hand detailing that will make his paint shine all summer long? Excellent tips on how to wash it yourself and quick-detail it yourself, along with this excellent guide to Spring Cleaning and Car Care can be found right here at autoMedia.com.

Happy Father's Day, from Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Navigon, TomTom Offer Car Navigation for iPhone

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:02:00 GMT

The next big thing in portable car navigation is the iPhone. At Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference, two respected navigation companies introduced full-featured navigation applications for the iPhone 3G and new iPhone 3G S. These programs effectively replicate the appearance and function of stand-alone, dashtop devices, yet are available on the increasingly ubiquitous iPhone.

Previously, Apple had limited GPS functionality on its phone, restricting navigation functions to identifying the phone’s location, thereby preventing true turn-by-turn guidance. These latest devices with OS 3.0 eliminate that barrier, enabling the iPhone to fulfill more of its potential as the leading convergence device.

Navigon will be first to market, with its MobileNavigator expected to be in the iTunes store later this month. Like its portable devices, the Navigon software will provide such niceties as reality view, lane assistance, day/night mode, and points of interest displayed along the travel route. As shown here, it effectively apes the laudable Navigon devices—which the company will no longer offer in the United States. MobileNavigator will be offered as a Lite version for free with limited ability and the full-function app, whose price has not been released. (See the Navigon 7300T with 3D.)

TomTom will introduce its iPhone navigation app late summer. Details are thin, but it is expected to be similar to the company’s latest entry-level devices, such as the One 140. It will include IQ Routing, a handy feature that plans routes and estimates travel time based on historical data, reflecting common differences say between rush-hour traffic and a Sunday drive. TomTom will offer an exclusive windshield mount with a built-in microphone and speaker.

Given the massive iPhone audience, and the likelihood it will rapidly expand with iPhone base price dropping to $99, these navigation apps are poised to be runaway successes. For many users, they can provide added convenience of enhancing a device that the user always has with them. While it may be hard to share your iPhone with family and friends, unlike a regular navigation device, it may prove to have few other compromises.

In the market for a good, affordable navigator, possibly as a Father's Day gift? Be sure to read:

TomTom One 140, XL 340 GPS – High Tech, Low Price

Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series navigators

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

Is GPS Satellite Failure Imminent?

admin — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:24:00 GMT

The blogosphere was filled today with “The Sky is Falling” reports, inspired by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from early May that flagged the Global Positioning System satellites as being at risk for failure.

The key passage:

“It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.”

Today, there are 27 GPS satellites in orbit (24 essential, three redundant) providing position and navigation data worldwide for governments, military, and civilian use. The United States provides GPS data free of charge. However, the aging system is overdue for replacement, and Air Force budgets have slowed the development and deployment of next-generation satellites.

The GAO report continues:

“If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to. Such a gap in capability could have wide-ranging impacts on all GPS users”

So, if there are multiple failures, this could have far-reaching impact. However, given the vital role the system plays in national defense, let alone commercial applications, it is reasonable to assume the Air Force will be able to complete its overdue mission for updating the constellation.

According to GPS industry insiders, this should be a non-issue for consumers using GPS devices, but taxpayers should be aware that funds will be needed to see this important work completed.

So, don’t be shy about checking out the new, affordable Garmin Nuvi 1200 / 1300 and TomTom 140 / 340 navigators.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

Navigon Pulls Out of U.S. GPS Market

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 02:29:00 GMT

As proof that the portable GPS market is competitive, Navigon is withdrawing from the U.S. consumer market despite a compelling model line and history of innovation. The company will continue to sell devices in Europe, where it is ranked number three behind Garmin and TomTom.

Navigon will continue to provide support to current owners, honoring warranties and providing software updates, as well as supporting its free life-time traffic services on eligible models.

Navigon will shift its focus on business clients, as it develops automotive products for sale with partners and auto manufacturers.

It is sad to see Navigon withdraw. The company pioneered reality view, lane assist, three-dimensional mapping, and free traffic service, pushing other companies to follow. The products themselves were well done and value priced, though always trailed Garmin and TomTom for ease of use.

Bargain hunters may find killer deals on Navigon units now, though do beware that the company’s enthusiasm for customer support can only wane over time.

For old time's sake, see the cool Navigon 7300T.

If in the marketing for a GPS, consider the new Garmin 1200 and 1300 Series GPS navigators or TomTom One 140 / 330.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

TomTom One 140, XL 340 GPS – High Tech, Low Price

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:12:00 GMT

TomTom has released its answer to the upcoming Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series navigators, with the One 140 and XL 340 series portable devices. These new models tout advanced features that have trickled down from pricier, premium models to affordable navigators: IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance.

IQ Routes incorporates historical speed profile data for both day of week and time of day to calculate the fastest route available based on when the user is actually driving to their destination. IQ Routes Technology is based on anonymous speed profiles gathered over the years by millions of participating TomTom users, and takes into account the real-world factors that influence the speed that drivers can actually expect to travel en route to their destination, such as historical traffic patterns, traffic lights, rotaries, school bus routes, and steeply-sloped roads.

Available when navigating in the United States, Advanced Lane Guidance provides realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions that take the stress out of navigating these otherwise challenging areas.

Other notable features include full maps of North America (including Mexico), seven million points of interest, and Map Share technology to enable free sharing up map updates amongst users.

The TomTom One 140 and 140S features a 3.5-inch screen, with the S variant providing text-to-speech to announce street and place names aloud, rather than simple “Turn left” directions. TomTom XL 340/340S have a wide 4.3-inch screen, again with S denoting text to speech.

These devices go on sale in April, with the following suggested retail prices:

TomTom One 140: $179.95
TomTom One 140S: $199.95
TomTom XL 340: $229.95
TomTom XL 340S: $249.95

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

Navigon 7300T GPS – 3D and Voice Command

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:19:00 GMT

Portable GPS navigators are among the quickest-evolving electronics segments, and the innovative company Navigon continues to push its larger competitors, Garmin and TomTom. The latest cool gadget from Navigon is the 7300T, a premium GPS device with three-dimensional graphics, free traffic updates, and voice recognition.

Without question, 3D graphics are one of “the” next big things, and this is the second Navigon unit to showcase their cutting-edge technology that can reproduce landscapes using NASA-sourced data. (See the pioneering Navigon 8100T.) In addition, the 7300T will provide 3D renderings of some landmark buildings, such as the Empire State Building, White House, and sports stadiums.

With the 7300T, the free real-time traffic information can be spoken, as well as displayed on screen. The traffic service covers 95 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Unlike some Garmin units that supplement their free service with advertising, the service is truly free with Navigon.

Voice elements represent another key frontier, enabling more natural interaction with the devices and reducing the need to avert attention from the road. Some devices have a very limited, command-specific vocabulary, though Navigon boasts a broad, natural language that can respond to commands such as "increase volume to eight" or "please make it louder."

Like other Navigon units, the 7300T features helpful reality view and lane assist to more accurately communicate how to maneuver through major intersections. And for finding just the right point of interest, integrated ZAGAT guide and ratings can be quite helpful for choosing the right restaurant, hotel, or other attractions.

The Navigon 7300T goes on sale this spring, retailing for $400.

Also see the new Garmin 1200 and 1300 Series GPS navigators.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

New Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series GPS

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:38:00 GMT

GPS leader Garmin has unveiled two new, feature-packed navigator lines, the nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series. Packaged in a sleeker, slightly smaller, and significantly lighter package than the nuvi 2x5 Series, these navigators combine key road-focused and pedestrian-friendly features. The two Series are defined by the screen size: basic 3.5 inch and wide-screen 4.3 inch. Otherwise, the features and the progression through the range is similar, topping out with traffic-ready models with included receiver and free, lifetime traffic information.

A clever new feature to aid drivers in reducing fuel consumption is called ecoRoute. Now, in addition to quickest and shortest routes, the driver can choose the most fuel efficient. The device will track miles driven and provide a fuel consumption trip report, along with tips on how to save fuel.

Once parked, the nuvi 1200 and nuvi 1300 have an enhanced pedestrian mode and an innovative new public transit mode. By using optional, downloadable CityXplorer content ($10-$15 per city), the navigators can plan routes that include public transit options such as bus, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems. A welcomed tool for travelers, CityXplorer can provide guidance in major North American and European cities.

With prices expected to range from $200-$300, the nuvi 1200 has text to speech, Where Am I? (for finding emergency aid), photo navigation, picture viewer, speed limit indicator, and FM traffic readiness. It includes map coverage of the lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The nuvi 1250 and 1260T extend coverage to all of North America, with the 1260T including a traffic receiver, free lifetime traffic, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The larger, nuvi 1300 Series spans from $250 to $400. It also offers text to speech, with the 1300 providing map coverage of the lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The nuvi 1350 has comprehensive coverage of North America. The 1350, 1350T, and 1370T add lane assist, which highlights the preferred lane for navigation, and the 1390T adds junction view allowing drivers to see realistic images of upcoming junctions where available. Lifetime traffic alerts are available on the T models, though only the 1370T and 1390T, enabling drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction. The nüvi 1370T and 1390T come standard with a traffic receiver that will provide free alerts in the coverage areas, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

These new GPS navigators go on sale in May.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

CES: TomTom Go 740 Live GPS

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:27:00 GMT

Connectivity is the key mobile electronics trend at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where TomTom introduced its upcoming Go 740 Live portable GPS device.

This new flagship model combines technologies to deliver extremely detailed traffic information. The effective IQ Routing uses traffic history to predict traffic patterns, like during rush hour. TomTom now has analyzed over 1 trillion miles monitored over the past two years, backing this feature with deep data. Add to that the ever-improving Map Share function that allows users to make map corrections and share the information during map updates. This ensures minor roadway corrections, addresses new and changing roads, and adjusts for construction projects. And the real kicker, HD Traffic.

To be introduced after the devices go on sale, HD Traffic promises to collect traffic flow data from cell phone users. That’s right, not GPS users. TomTom is in talks with cell-phone carriers to anonymously collect real-time traffic flow data from users, essentially turning any traveler with an active, GPS-outfitted cell phone into an information node. The results could be quite revolutionary.

Like MSN Direct-fitted units, and indeed the next-gen Ford Sync, the Go 740 Live will provide connected access to information such as gas prices, weather, and Google-based local search.

In addition, the Go 740 Live will allows users to identify and track buddies. This mobile social network tool would allow users to see locations, share data, and even send text messages.

The Go 740 Live can be controlled with an exhaustive, 130-word voice recognition vocabulary. Beyond these sci-fi-grade features, it is a well-equipped premium GPS with text-to-speech, large screen, and other common bells and whistles.

The Go 740 Live goes on sale in the spring, priced at $499 including one year of Live service.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

CES: Ford Expands Sync Features

admin — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:23:00 GMT

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Ford introduced new features for its factory-installed Sync multimedia system. The next-generation system add traffic, directions, and information to the portfolio of services. This new Sync system leverages the voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to expand the connected functionality. Drivers will be able to have hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather. The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees, thanks to three years of service included with a new vehicle purchase.

Traffic information will be provided for 95 metropolitan areas nationwide, providing traffic speed, flow, and incident information via text display, which can be read aloud. The traffic information can inform navigation, enabling routes to be smartly created. Turn-by-turn directions are downloaded to the vehicle and are spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on the radio. In addition to address entry, Sync can search over 14 million points of interest, such as restaurants, movie theaters, and other businesses.

The information aspect can provide a daily update on the morning commute, complete with weather, news, and sports reports – all based on user-set preferences, such as location and favorite team.

The new features launch later this year on select 2010 models and will roll out across the entire Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lineup by 2011.

Learn more about the Ford Sync system.

Finding the Best Deals on Car GPS Navigators

admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:54:00 GMT

If you braved the crowds on Black Friday, then you undoubtedly saw low-priced portable GPS navigation devices everywhere—in stores, online, and on dashboards. With Cyber Monday, and the days that follow, more great deals will be heavily marketed as retailers look to move these red-hot navigators by the truckload, but how do you choose the best unit?

The GPS leaders
Because the product segment has exploded over the past two years, companies are jumping in, and out, of the market, flooding it with devices. The giants remain Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Mio, and Navigon, with household names like Alpine, Panasonic, and Sony barely taking a sliver of the market. Brands outside these standouts should be considered risky, offering less-than-competitive packages and possibly in the market just for the short run.

Generally speaking, the leading companies provide the best overall devices backed by strong customer support and robust aftermarket offerings. Garmin dominates the portable automotive GPS market in the United States, driven by an easy-to-use interface, strong features, and simple map updates. TomTom shares similar virtues, trading a touch of user friendliness for more customization. Magellan and Mio offer devices with competitive feature sets, though they tend to less intuitive. Navigon has cultivated a reputation for innovation, and it has a particularly strong product offering this holiday season at aggressive prices.

Key GPS features
Widescreen – Many units are available in standard and wide screen formats. The larger screens make address entry simpler due to larger, onscreen keys and reading travel information is typically easier, as well.

Text to speech – With this added-cost feature, the device will speak the street names, rather than just instruct to turn left or right. This is particularly useful when driving in busy, urban areas where the streets may be spaced close together.

Reality view – Navigon coined this term to describe its static screens that represent major intersections with realistic signage. Arrows indicate which lane to take and the highway signs are rendered in a realistic fashion. Garmin and Sony also offer their version of reality view on certain models.

Traffic – Using the same sources that inform radio stations, GPS devices can provide traffic alerts and options to route around slow downs and incidents. Like with radio stations, the information can be delayed or incomplete. The signal can be received by FM (RDS), MSN Direct, or via cell phone. Most devices require a paid subscription for traffic service, plus a pricey external receiver may be necessary. Traffic information is free on capable Navigon units and some new Garmin units, though the Garmins display text-based advertising. Some newer TomTom devices have historical traffic data, which can inform routing to take into account common patterns, such as rush-hour traffic.

Best GPS navigation devices
Among the myriad offers we saw Black Friday, there were several entry-level Garmin and TomTom units offered around a “giftable” $100. Such basic navigators provide the essential guidance, without adding pricey extras that many drivers simply don’t need or wouldn’t use.

The Garmin Nuvi 200 is widely available at $100 and is a solid choice, though for similar money, the newer Nuvi 205 would be more compelling. It is part of the latest-generation Garmin products and includes minor enhancements. Should you choose a Nuvi 200, be sure to use the free map update, as the device may have been on warehouse shelves for months.

TomTom offers seem to be for current models, with major retailers no longer pitching the One 3rd Edition that was the darling of the previous holiday season. The TomTom 125 and 130 are widely available and differ in just that the 125 doesn’t have Canadian maps.

The latest Navigons have been aggressively priced, with the 2200T providing the most cost-effective way to get traffic. Available under $200, it includes a traffic receiver and free life-time traffic service. The upscale 7200T delivers premium features at a midlevel price.

If you want more features, such as Bluetooth compatibility, check the manufacturer sites to identify the models that best match your needs.

Use the Google Products search to find the latest deals, though double-check with Amazon. Often they have among the best prices on portable GPS devices, but they are not always reflected in search engines.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

Navigon 8100T – 3D GPS with free traffic

admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:54:00 GMT

The fast-paced portable GPS navigation market has seen ongoing technological breakthroughs over the past couple years as the largest companies compete for customers. While Garmin and TomTom may lead in sales, Navigon has been pushing innovation, launching free real-time traffic and “Reality View” (representing major roadway intersections to provide clear lane guidance) last year. Now, just in time for the holidays, Navigon has unveiled the 8100T.

On sale this month, the 8100T has an impressive appearance with a brush-steel faceplate surrounding a massive 4.8-inch screen. But what really distinguishes the 8100T is the three-dimensional mapping. Several companies have talked about it, and even shown demonstrations, but this is the first product to the American market that truly renders terrain topography.

Navigon uses NASA-sourced elevation data to create a texture map, overlaying it with a rendered graphic skin. The final result is brought into relief with a sun-like light source. Now, instead of following a guide line across an angled two-dimensional plane, drivers can see the rise and fall of terrain. As a novelty, it is very cool. As a navigational aid, it can bring the map to life and help get one’s bearing. If you can picture the difference between a straight line and one that climbs and descends a steep mountain, or a road flanked by hills, it is easy to see how this could truly help.

The 8100T boasts all the core features from the 7200T, as well, including reality view, lane assist, Bluetooth connectivity, text to speech, and the latest generation graphics and operating system. The result is a premium-featured product that can rival the best GPS navigators on the market.

The Navigon 8100T goes on sale in mid-November at a $599 retail price, though given the holidays, expect more attractive pricing by next month.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”

New Portable GPS Navigators – Free Traffic

admin — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:04:00 GMT

In the fast-moving portable navigation market, new models, features, and services are appearing every few months. Amid detail changes, traffic service has remained a key distinguishing feature and purchase consideration. Navigon took a bold position by offering free data last year, and this year Dash introduced car-to-car traffic information and TomTom followed up with historic data for smart routing. It can be hard to know what features to insist on when buying, especially with traffic typically requiring a monthly service fee. Now, the next battle of the brands is driving free traffic and portable GPS navigators are becoming even more appealing.

Navigon and market-giant Garmin both recently announced free traffic on their latest models. Starting this fall, Navigon will make Free Real-Time Traffic Updates for Life standard on a range of new portable devices. This alone should draw the consideration for shoppers who prize this helpful feature. Previously, Navigon also introduced FreshMaps, providing up to 12 map updates for three years for $79 – less money than some competitors charge for a single update.

Not to be outdone, Garmin announced its own free, lifetime traffic alerts on its nuvi 2x5 and nuvi 7x5 series units. The affordable nuvi 265T, 265WT and 275T build upon the current 2x5 models by adding Bluetooth connectivity, built-in traffic receiver, and free traffic alerts.

The uplevel 7x5 models have those features, plus Lane Assist to represent major intersections and guide proper lane selection. (Navigon introduced a similar feature last year called Reality View.) Garmin will also introduce a three-dimensional transparent buildings in some areas, giving drivers a more realistic depiction of their location.

If these latest Garmins don’t excite you, the nuMaps Guarantee should. Any new nuvi or zumo (motorcycle GPS) customers are eligible for free map update within 60 days of new device activation. This removes worry from buying an older model that may have been sitting on store or warehouse shelves for some time. The appeal is magnified by announcement of new products coming soon, for the current nuvi 200 and nuvi 700 models will likely see their prices drop, making them attractive buys.

Ultimately, these announcements won’t make it easier for shopper to choose the right GPS or time their purchase, but they do ensure buyers get more for their money.

Learn how to select the right portable GPS navigator for you needs and budget in our “GPS Buying Guide.”