Ohlamon’s Technology News Blog

My most popular post in this blog is my 9 month old guide about GPS Solution for Your Car using PocketPC and bluetooth GPS unit.
Several things changed during this period so I think it is time for a small update.

Bad things:
1. Dell dropped its whole PocketPC line.
2. Mapopolis went out of business.

Good things:
1. Price dropped for bluetooth GPS units. (My unit now is Holux M1000 32 Channel MTK GPS) ($50 at BuyGPSNow)
2. Developer of the best GPS software for PocketPC finally presented its product to the US Market. It called onCoursce instead of iGo but it still the same soft with same great performance and comfortable interface.

Today we have another interesting news from the GPS world. Lowrance iWAY 600C is a new automotive GPS navigation system that can use satellite images instead of regular roadmaps. The satellite imagery is only available for select metropolitan areas. The iWAY 600C has a big 5″ color touch-screen at 640 x 480 resolution, usb port for map updates, built in media player, 30GB hard drive (25GB reserved for maps and 5GB for mp3s and also built-in FM transmitter to send voice directions and music to an open FM channel)

Retail price for iWAY 600C is $800.

All specifications:

My first GPS devise was HiaCom Mouse GPS system. It works ok, but it required special Car Charger to Pocket PC to GPS wire which cost almost as much as GPS unit itself. And s soon as I have changed my PocketPC to a newer model I decided to update my GPS to its bluetooth version. It is much much better. I can use it with any PocketPC or Laptop and I don’t have all that wires running through my car. But I still need one. Not all the time, but one wire from car power outlet to GPS unit to charge its battery. And guess what? Not anymore!

Some company called Proporta presents Solar powered Bluetooth GPS Receiver

The Proporta Solar Bluetooth GPS Receiver is a powerful in-car satellite navigation system that pinpoints your location precisely anywhere in the world, communicating wirelessly with your PDA/Smartphone or other mobile computer.

Unlike rival systems the Proporta Solar Bluetooth GPS Receiver adds the convenience of solar charging to an already-powerful GPS system, so it’s ideal for walkers and cyclists as well as motorists.

Of course my first question was about price tag. Manufacturers site claim $109.95, which is really no different from non solar powered GPS units. Looks like I found my next GPS receiver and got rid from the last wire in my car.

Siemens has invented a system to read road signs for you. A special camera scans the field ahead while an onboard computer with pattern-recognition software searches for known road signs. For example when a speed limit sign is detected, a windshield display will put the new limit next to your actual speed.

System going to production in 2008, but before that we will probably see it in some concept cars.