TomTom makes 1 million improvements

TomTom Map Share hits one million map improvement upload

TomTom just announced that the TomTom Map Share has received the one millionth map improvement from its users since the launch of the service in July 2007. Over half a million Map Share users have joined the Map Share community since it became available.

TomTom Map Share ensures that drivers always have the most accurate and up to date maps available in the industry. TomTom Map Share is a proprietary map improvement technology unique to TomTom and it is available in 30 countries spread over 5 continents.
 
“We are very pleased to see that the TomTom Map Share service is used so intensely by our user community,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “Road networks change every day and often unexpectedly. Previously, navigation providers couldn’t offer maps that were current enough to meet users needs. Now users can easily and instantly improve their own maps directly on their device. And more importantly, our users can receive all the improvements made by others and thereby benefit from all their local road knowledge every day for free. The more often users connect their device to TomTom HOME, the more up-to-date their maps will be. TomTom is the only navigation solutions provider offering customers this unique and effective solution.”

Out of the one million uploaded map improvements, about two-thirds can be fixed instantly. The remainder is forwarded to the TomTom development team - who are working on fixing more and more types of errors - or can be forwarded to the map provider for further study.

TomTom has the world’s largest satellite navigation community with over 15 million members. Via TomTom HOME, TomTom Map Share users can receive all map improvements made by this significant community, so their maps are as dynamic as the world they live in.

With TomTom Map Share, users can:

• improve their maps when they spot road changes with just a few touches on the screen of their device
• share and receive all map improvements by connecting the device to TomTom HOME
• keep their data current by regularly connecting to TomTom HOME
• have the most up-to-date maps available in the industry at all times.

TomTom Map Share is offered for free with the TomTom GO x20 (T), TomTom ONE XL (T)* product ranges and the TomTom ONE 3rd EDITION. TomTom GO x10 series, TomTom GO 700, TomTom GO 500, TomTom ONE XL and TomTom ONE 1st and 2nd EDITION devices are also compatible with TomTom’s latest software.

Asus presents new 3D Navigator, best seen yet!

Navigate Via Easily Recognized 3D Landmarks

ASUS R700/R700t Provides Convenient and Realistic Navigation with 3D Maps

Catering to users who require a top-notch PND for their GPS navigation needs, ASUS, producer of high quality handhelds, has released the ASUS R700/R700t PND. This handy gadget is not only convenient for inputting routes via a user-friendly interface; the realistic 3D Maps provide a 3D panoramic view that makes it simple for users to navigate complicated and multi-level junctions. The R700/R700t also features a vast array of applications that include Bluetooth Handsfree functions to provide a smoother, safer drive; and the TMC (Traffic Message Channel) module for instant traffic updates (TMC feature is support by R700t only).

Navigate Conveniently with 3D Realistic Maps
2D maps can be slightly more difficult to understand when looking at complex intersections, so the new 3D map function is a welcome change for drivers. With a panoramic view of the navigation route, full 3D representations realistically display the surroundings with geographical illustrations and detailed road information – allowing users to easily and conveniently view their GPS positions in real-time. The 3D maps will turn, move and stop as the driver does the same, and will provide pan and zoom options to view nearby streets.

Bluetooth Features for a Smoother Drive
With Bluetooth 2.0 handsfree calling support, the R700/R700t provides users with fast transfer speeds, better voice quality and safer operations. Building Bluetooth connections automatically via auto-ping, it also provides echo cancellation for clear audio for conversations, shows the caller name when calls are incoming and can automatically answer incoming calls after 5 seconds. It can even speak out SMS content to allow drivers to concentrate more on their driving without the need to handle the device.

Safety First with Auto Light Sensor
The R700/R700t also contains a built-in auto light sensor that automatically optimizes the backlighting of the LCD panel. This safety feature not just saves power, it allows users to view navigational directions whether it is night or day; or even when driving in a tunnel. With this feature, users will get optimal lighting to view directions without straining their eyes or drawing too much attention from driving.

Stylish and Slim Outlook
The R700/R700t’s concise design emphasizes simplicity without unnecessary buttons, and is only 13.5mm thick and 200g – making it lightweight for easy portability. With a subtle and sleek outlook, this PND will fit perfectly into any luxury car setting.

Quick Access with Large 4.3″ Wide Display
Additionally, a convenient and intuitive interface provides you with a user-friendly interface that consists of a touchscreen control with icon-driven operations with a large virtual button for simple navigational directions that includes vibrant colors and pictures. The super large 4.3 inch wide LCD screen further enhances ease in operability by allowing users to see more roads, lanes and points of interests (POI) on the screen – allowing them to get on their way faster.

Versatile Entertainment Center
The R700/R700t is a portable communications and multimedia center that can let you enjoy listening to MP3s, watch videos, and browse pictures – making it your best companion anywhere. The built-in FM Transmitter allows the R700 to broadcast phone conversations, navigational directions; and voice out SMS in the vehicle speakers - allowing users to enjoy the best quality acoustics for their listening pleasure. It also saves the navigational software into the 1G internal memory to avoid the user deleting it by mistake, and supports Micro SD memory cards expandable to a large 4G for even more multimedia enjoyment.

Avoid Traffic Jams with TMC Module* (R700t Only)
The built-in TMC (Traffic Message Channel) provides real-time information on traffic conditions and allows users to be notified of accidents, road diversions, traffic jams, traffic light breakdowns, parking lot vacancies and so on. When the route passes into a traffic obstruction, the R700t is able to automatically calculate and lay a new navigation route to bypass the traffic jam via an alternate route. Additionally, it can provide weather forecasts for major cities – allowing users to plan well for a happier drive.
*Note
- The R700 does not support this function.
- The TMC traffic update depends on the TMC service in your region

Specifications :

Pioneer Receives Endless Accolades for Inventive New Technology Including Coveted Product of the Year Awards

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is honored to announce a long list of accolades presented at the Consumer Electronics Show for the company’s groundbreaking home and mobile entertainment technologies. In some cases, this is Pioneer®’s second year in a row being recognized as the product of the year. These awards emphasize Pioneer’s role as a technology manufacturer that has a passion for technology that brings great entertainment to life for consumers, sacrificing nothing in order to deliver the best.

After creating a new category in navigation, Pioneer’s AVIC-F500BT also known as the AVIC-LINC, was recognized as CNET Best of CES Finalist. This marked another milestone in navigation history as Pioneer introduced the world’s first hybrid navigation system combining the power of an in-dash device with the convenience of a portable system. Designed to integrate with virtually any factory audio system, the AVIC-F500BT allows consumers to add unparalleled navigation features and extended entertainment capabilities without modifying existing car stereos. Furthermore, the AVIC-F500BT will offer advanced voice technology for control of Apple iPod® music players and Bluetooth® enabled cellular phones

In addition to the mobile entertainment awards, an extensive series of awards recognize Pioneer’s KURO line of flat panel displays. With deep blacks, vivid colors and nearly three-dimensional picture quality, this line is widely known as the best televisions on the market today.

The Pioneer KURO PDP-6010FD was named Flat Panel of the Year and Product of the Year by Ultimate AV.com, marking the second year Pioneer has received this award.

The Elite® KURO PRO-110FD was also awarded Sound & Vision Magazine’s Video Product of the Year and Product of the Year, also for the second time. This product was a CEA Innovations Honoree.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Pioneer displayed several working concept models under the code name Project KURO, showing the future of form and function for flat panel displays. The Advanced Design Concept Model was recognized for its 9MM thin design as a CNET Best of CES Finalist.

Additional awards garnered by KURO displays include:

• J.D. Power Award for Highest Customer Satisfaction for HDTVs in 50″ - 65″
• Wired — Platinum Award for best advertisement campaign (via readership survey)
• Popular Science – “Best of What’s New” Grand Award for Home Entertainment
• Perfect Vision (not Playback Magazine) — Editor’s Choice for Best Plasma
• Computer Shopper — Hot 100 Technologies of 2007

It is fitting, with the company’s heritage in quality audio, that Pioneer’s flagship receiver, that the Elite SC-09TX, was also recognized as a CEA Innovations Honoree. This sophisticated powerhouse sets the benchmark for multi-channel sound in 1080p home theaters with pristine reproduction of emerging high resolution audio and high definition video formats.

TomTom introduces new TomTom LINK 300 box

TomTom introduces new TomTom LINK 300 box for an even easier connected navigation experience for businesses

New slim TomTom LINK 300 box enables:

Effortless installation in commercial vehicles
Compatibility with TomTom PND’s with Bluetooth® connection
Improved user experience for both fleet owner and driver

TomTom WORK, the business-to-business division of TomTom, today introduces the new TomTom LINK 300 box for its updated TomTom WORK Active solution. This allows for even easier installation in commercial vehicles and optimised user experience between the office and drivers on the road.

The updated TomTom WORK Active solution provides a fully connected navigation service consisting of the new TomTom LINK 300 box, online TomTom WEBFLEET application and the recently introduced TomTom GO 720 device. The TomTom LINK 300 solution will also be offered as a separate tracking-only solution so fleet owners can constantly monitor their vehicles’ locations and movements. In addition, it will also support other TomTom PND’s with Bluetooth® connection in the near future, making connected navigation more accessible and affordable than ever before.

“Businesses and owners of commercial fleets are always looking at ways to save costs and implement processes that allow for better daily communication and greater efficiency with their vehicles on the road”, says Thomas Becher, commercial director of TomTom WORK. “With the new TomTom LINK 300, any business can instantly combine high quality navigation with two-way data communication and tracking & tracing.”

TomTom LINK 300
The new TomTom LINK 300 is a small black box that allows businesses to track and trace their commercial vehicles and send messages and location information between these vehicles and the online TomTom WEBFLEET application. TomTom LINK 300 is effortlessly installed in any car, due to its compact nature (85.5 x 67 x 24 mm) and different easy mounting options, which include dashboard and wind screen installation. The built-in GPS and GPRS antennas ensure that no cables are visible. Drivers can easily connect their TomTom GO 720 with the new TomTom LINK 300 via a Bluetooth® connection. Through the built-in GPRS connection, TomTom LINK 300 users can also benefit from traffic updates to plan their day more efficiently.

Motorola Honored with Multiple Awards at CES for ROKR E8, S9 and T815

 

ROKR E8, Accessories Win Multiple “Best of CES”, Additional Awards at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS – 14 Jan. 2008 – Innovative, new mobile devices and accessories from Motorola (NYSE: MOT) were among the most honored at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show. ROKR E8 received four prestigious awards including the CNET People’s Voice Award, while the MOTOROKR S9 and Motorola T815 each took top honors in the 2008 CES Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Award and Bluetooth Special Interest Group Award, respectively. With an additional eight Motorola products receiving honorable mentions, Motorola will clear the mantle for 14 new awards and accolades from CES.

“The honors and accolades bestowed upon Motorola at CES underscore our strategy of creating authentic, personal mobile experiences that fit into – and enhance – consumer lifestyles,” said Jeremy Dale, vice president, global marketing, Motorola Mobile Devices. “We are honored by this recognition of our innovative devices and are thrilled to deliver these new products to consumers in the coming months.”

ROKR E8 Rocks CES
ROKR E8, the new addition to the Motorola ROKR portfolio features breakthrough ModeShift technology, so consumers only see the buttons they need for a music player, cell phone or imaging device — at the exact moment they need them. The ROKR E8 took the spotlight at CES with a number of key honors from leading technology media outlets. ROKR E8 was recognized with:

• CNET Best of CES award in the Cell phones and Smartphones category, as chosen by the editors of CNET. The third annual Best of CES Awards honor the top product in each of 10 designated product categories based on hundreds of entries.
• CNET People’s Voice Awards, based on nearly eleven thousand votes from consumers and show attendees wishing to recognize their favorite product at CES.
• Popular Mechanics Top 20 Products of CES – Editor’s Choice Award for which the editors of Popular Mechanics magazine lauded Motorola for bringing haptics technology to everyday consumer products.
• LAPTOP Magazine Best of CES 2008: Best Cell Phone chosen by the editors of LAPTOP which also noted “amazing work Motorola has done to improve haptics technology.”

Recognition for Innovation
The MOTOROKR S9 headset, which integrates Bluetooth® enabled wireless stereo music and phone calls with an unmatched lightweight design and behind-the-head wearing style, was honored with the 2008 CES Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Award in the headphones category. Now in its 11th year, the “Best of Innovations” Awards are given to the most highly honored products in each category of this consumer technology award program. Additional Motorola products, including next-generation RAZR2, MOTOPURE H12 Universal Bluetooth Headset, the kick-slider media monster - MOTO Z8, MOTOROKR T505 Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone and Digital FM Transmitter, and the HSDPA smart device MOTO Q 9h global each received an honorable mention in their respective categories.