<![CDATA[[MobileRatty] tag: igo]]> http://mobileratty.com/tag/igo Wed, 21 May 2008 15:16:00 +0000 iRatty Engine http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Microsoft Enters the GPS Software Space - NavReady]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/98e715e7dfefc1892fb0b13d4962b82f http://mobileratty.com/article/98e715e7dfefc1892fb0b13d4962b82f microsoft_logo.jpg After years of GPS Makers using Windows CE as a platform to build sometimes mediocre user interfaces at best, Microsoft decided to make a GPS platform that works well with advanced features to integrate into the connected lifestyle; enter Microsoft NavReady. The software platform will be available later this year and will allow GPS makers to have their own hardware and a well made software platform together that will incorporate some potentially interesting features like MSN Live search, Bluetooth connections, MSN Direct integration for the use of traffic and gas prices, and SideShow. SideShow is a way for the GPS to act as a second screen for a handheld Windows device that will allow you to display information as well as exchange it. So What? First, you can insert the standard Microsoft taking over the world joke here, then another Apple Guy vs. PC Guy Joke before we continue.... But seriously, no doubt this will change how the market looks in a year or so, with new units coming to the market faster, and from more makers by removing a big barrier to entry and if Microsoft does their job well, making a whole bunch of manufacturers who previously couldn't program a user interface have access to a decent market. Does this make Garmin and TomTom want to use NavReady? Probably not, but what if everyone else does? Mio is already signed on, making for the third operating system in a year (iGo, then recently their NavMan based OS on the Mio Moov Series, and now MS NavReady). What if Magellan dumps its aging OS? Will they merely fade into the pack of NavReady powered GPS units or become more competitive with technologies coming to the market at a faster pace? I think the net effect if this NavReady OS is reasonable is that the GPS market becomes a lot more competitive. This will allow almost any hardware maker to launch a GPS at rock bottom prices, while the titans battle to stay one step ahead of the rolling pack. Should get interesting. Full Press Release Below Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, Microsoft's first embedded operating system designed specifically for OEMs building handheld portable navigation devices (PNDs). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 delivers innovative technologies to help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market smart, connected, service-oriented PNDs that easily connect to online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, Windows-based PCs and the Internet. Based on Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 builds upon a decade of experience and success that the Windows Embedded Business has achieved by helping developers and OEMs simplify the development, user experience and maintenance of their PND designs. "As demand for personal navigation devices continues to increase, and existing owners look to upgrade from their original devices, original equipment manufacturers must continue to innovate and enhance their products with features that will attract a variety of users," said Chris Jones, Canalys vice president and principal analyst. "Personal navigation solutions will increasingly become connected, which will open up new opportunities to add value through the delivery of dynamic information and location-based services. But this is a highly competitive market and it is important that businesses like Windows Embedded help OEMs and others bring these rich devices to market quickly and efficiently." Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 Key Features This release also provides a number of benefits that can help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market new scenarios in which the PND connects to other devices and online services. Features include the following:
  • Live Search delivers OEMs and partners key elements enabling Internet-based Live Search on devices to find up-to-date points of interest similar to the ones provided by the Live Search Maps service.
  • Bluetooth technologies enable OEMs to provide rich, hands-free scenarios to users with the following profiles: Hands Free, Pairing Service, Phone Book Access, Advanced Audio Distribution, Audio and Video Remote Control, Dial Up Networking and Bluetooth Connection Manager. Users will be able to use their PND device as a hands-free device to make phone calls or data connections when the device is paired with a compatible phone enabled with Bluetooth.
  • MSN Direct enables OEMs to incorporate MSN Direct technologies. These technologies can reduce users' commute time while enhancing the travel experience by providing up-to-date information such as traffic alerts and fuel prices.
  • Windows SideShow functionality helps enable the PND as a secondary display screen for many Windows Vista-based PCs*, allowing Windows SideShow gadgets to interact and exchange information with the PND and providing a rich user experience at home or work. "As a leading designer and manufacturer of portable navigation devices we have relied on Windows Embedded CE as a proven real-time operating system for our Mio product line," said Samuel Wang, president of Mio Technology Corp. "With the launch of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and the introduction of features including Live Search, MSN Direct and Bluetooth capabilities, we are looking forward to bringing our next-generation PNDs to market with a richer end-user experience and in a reduced timeframe." "Windows Embedded powers many of the portable navigation devices in the marketplace," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. "Our commitment to this segment has always been about providing the platform and tools that give our OEM partners the most innovative technologies while reducing the complexity of development. We firmly believe the release of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps us fulfill this promise by taking the PND experience to the next level. Adopting Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 today will allow device-makers and solution providers to focus on innovation while bringing smart, connected, service-oriented portable navigation devices to market in time for the 2008 holiday retail season and beyond."

    ]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:26:43 +0000 gps navready pnd gps market pnd designs pnd experience richer end-user experience user experience device-makers Microsoft Enters the GPS Software Space - NavReady <![CDATA[Microsoft Enters the GPS Software Space - NavReady]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/9cdd326bfd0ebe1ed65f7073e902f9c4 http://mobileratty.com/article/9cdd326bfd0ebe1ed65f7073e902f9c4 microsoft_logo.jpg After years of GPS Makers using Windows CE as a platform to build sometimes mediocre user interfaces at best, Microsoft decided to make a GPS platform that works well with advanced features to integrate into the connected lifestyle; enter Microsoft NavReady. The software platform will be available later this year and will allow GPS makers to have their own hardware and a well made software platform together that will incorporate some potentially interesting features like MSN Live search, Bluetooth connections, MSN Direct integration for the use of traffic and gas prices, and SideShow. SideShow is a way for the GPS to act as a second screen for a handheld Windows device that will allow you to display information as well as exchange it. So What? First, you can insert the standard Microsoft taking over the world joke here, then another Apple Guy vs. PC Guy Joke before we continue.... But seriously, no doubt this will change how the market looks in a year or so, with new units coming to the market faster, and from more makers by removing a big barrier to entry and if Microsoft does their job well, making a whole bunch of manufacturers who previously couldn't program a user interface have access to a decent market. Does this make Garmin and TomTom want to use NavReady? Probably not, but what if everyone else does? Mio is already signed on, making for the third operating system in a year (iGo, then recently their NavMan based OS on the Mio Moov Series, and now MS NavReady). What if Magellan dumps its aging OS? Will they merely fade into the pack of NavReady powered GPS units or become more competitive with technologies coming to the market at a faster pace? I think the net effect if this NavReady OS is reasonable is that the GPS market becomes a lot more competitive. This will allow almost any hardware maker to launch a GPS at rock bottom prices, while the titans battle to stay one step ahead of the rolling pack. Should get interesting. Full Press Release Below Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009, Microsoft's first embedded operating system designed specifically for OEMs building handheld portable navigation devices (PNDs). Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 delivers innovative technologies to help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market smart, connected, service-oriented PNDs that easily connect to online services, mobile phones using Bluetooth, Windows-based PCs and the Internet. Based on Windows Embedded CE, Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 builds upon a decade of experience and success that the Windows Embedded Business has achieved by helping developers and OEMs simplify the development, user experience and maintenance of their PND designs. "As demand for personal navigation devices continues to increase, and existing owners look to upgrade from their original devices, original equipment manufacturers must continue to innovate and enhance their products with features that will attract a variety of users," said Chris Jones, Canalys vice president and principal analyst. "Personal navigation solutions will increasingly become connected, which will open up new opportunities to add value through the delivery of dynamic information and location-based services. But this is a highly competitive market and it is important that businesses like Windows Embedded help OEMs and others bring these rich devices to market quickly and efficiently." Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 Key Features This release also provides a number of benefits that can help developers and OEMs quickly bring to market new scenarios in which the PND connects to other devices and online services. Features include the following:
  • Live Search delivers OEMs and partners key elements enabling Internet-based Live Search on devices to find up-to-date points of interest similar to the ones provided by the Live Search Maps service.
  • Bluetooth technologies enable OEMs to provide rich, hands-free scenarios to users with the following profiles: Hands Free, Pairing Service, Phone Book Access, Advanced Audio Distribution, Audio and Video Remote Control, Dial Up Networking and Bluetooth Connection Manager. Users will be able to use their PND device as a hands-free device to make phone calls or data connections when the device is paired with a compatible phone enabled with Bluetooth.
  • MSN Direct enables OEMs to incorporate MSN Direct technologies. These technologies can reduce users' commute time while enhancing the travel experience by providing up-to-date information such as traffic alerts and fuel prices.
  • Windows SideShow functionality helps enable the PND as a secondary display screen for many Windows Vista-based PCs*, allowing Windows SideShow gadgets to interact and exchange information with the PND and providing a rich user experience at home or work. "As a leading designer and manufacturer of portable navigation devices we have relied on Windows Embedded CE as a proven real-time operating system for our Mio product line," said Samuel Wang, president of Mio Technology Corp. "With the launch of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 and the introduction of features including Live Search, MSN Direct and Bluetooth capabilities, we are looking forward to bringing our next-generation PNDs to market with a richer end-user experience and in a reduced timeframe." "Windows Embedded powers many of the portable navigation devices in the marketplace," said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business at Microsoft. "Our commitment to this segment has always been about providing the platform and tools that give our OEM partners the most innovative technologies while reducing the complexity of development. We firmly believe the release of Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 helps us fulfill this promise by taking the PND experience to the next level. Adopting Windows Embedded NavReady 2009 today will allow device-makers and solution providers to focus on innovation while bringing smart, connected, service-oriented portable navigation devices to market in time for the 2008 holiday retail season and beyond."

    ]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:26:43 +0000 gps navready pnd gps market pnd designs pnd experience richer end-user experience user experience device-makers Microsoft Enters the GPS Software Space - NavReady <![CDATA[iGo Auto Adapter + iPhone and iPod A61 tip = $3.99]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/5a6e65cd1667bd8506e9f8943eca6e83 http://mobileratty.com/article/5a6e65cd1667bd8506e9f8943eca6e83 igo iphone ipod a61.jpg [fingeredbygeardiary]

    Need a charger for your iPhone or iPod? Sellout Woot has an unbelievably great deal on the iGo Auto Power … [visit site to read more]

    ShareThis

    ]]>     Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:01:23 +0000 igo auto power iphone visit site ipod sellout woot charger deal sharethis unbelievably iGo Auto Adapter + iPhone and iPod A61 tip = $3.99     <![CDATA[Mio - 7Mil Units in 2008; Connected GPS in 2009]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/a3e16d73b6776bec0341be37799020d7 http://mobileratty.com/article/a3e16d73b6776bec0341be37799020d7 Mio recently opened up a new headquarters in Beligium, and had a few things to say about its business; where is it and where it is going. According to GPSNews, and Canalays, Mio has a 9.5% share of the global navigation market (GPS & PDA), which is a combination of the Mio and Navman brands. They recently moved to more of a Navman interface, away from the iGo interface that they had been using. I just reviewed the Mio Moov 300/310 that has that new interface, and for the most part they did a good job, but could use some more work in some areas. Mio will be adding in the NavPix capability from the Navman line into the Moov line later this year, as they will be adding cameras to their GPS line. Finally, they are now saying that their work on a connected GPS should come to market in Q2 2009, not 2008 like they originally indicated when they announced the work.

    ]]>     Wed, 28 May 2008 06:37:29 +0000 mio gps mio recently interface mio moov navman interface market gps line global navigation market Mio - 7Mil Units in 2008; Connected GPS in 2009     <![CDATA[Problems with Windows Mobile 6.1 for the HTC Kaiser / TyTN II?]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/d9a26df6baad5901c14e962f7056ab54 http://mobileratty.com/article/d9a26df6baad5901c14e962f7056ab54 After HTC published a Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the HTC Kaiser (also known as HTC TyTN II, MDA Vario III and others), some users report several problems in the xda-developers.com forum. Instead of running faster, their devices are even slower and suddenly freeze for about 20 seconds. Furthermore, some applications do not work any longer, there is few internal memory and even some microSD cards stop working correctly.

    The German ppc-welt.info forum has similar reports - . While some users are glad to have this update as it solves problems, the majority wants its old version back. There are already manuals how to downgrade to Windows Mobile 6.0 again which does not have these problems.

    I wrote a list of problems that occur on one or more devices:

    • very slow writing to SD cards
    • freezing of the unit for 10 - 20 seconds
    • memory decreases (from 61 to 45 MB)
    • sometimes no connection to Wireless LAN
    • applications that do not work: SPB Backup, TCPMP, QuickGPS, Skype, Card Export, Opera Mini 4 (problems), Microsoft Voice Dialing, IGO 8, TomTom, GPS applications in general

    Some of these problems only occur on one device, perhaps because of a wrong configuration done by the user. Nevertheless, if your Kaiser works correctly using Windows Mobile 6.0, it would perhaps be better to wait for other feedback before you run the update.

    ]]>     Tue, 27 May 2008 13:09:31 +0000 windows mobile htc htc kaiser kaiser htc tytn microsd cards stop applications gps applications cards Problems with Windows Mobile 6.1 for the HTC Kaiser / TyTN II?     <![CDATA[Whirlpool to work with iGo]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/91cd0d3c6566cff21c664ca3adefe990 http://mobileratty.com/article/91cd0d3c6566cff21c664ca3adefe990 Whirlpool to work with iGo

    Whirlpool will be working with iGo in order to release a new refrigerator that features a power outlet at the top of the freezer door, enabling you to recharge your gizmos while keeping your food cold simultaneously. I guess this will come in handy only when you have actually run out of power outlets in your home, but seriously, I can’t envision that actually happening. The centralpark refrigerator from Whirlpool will retail for approximately $2,000 a pop.

    Permalink | Comment | Uberbargain | Uberphones


    More: continued here

    ]]>     Thu, 22 May 2008 04:05:29 +0000 whirlpool centralpark refrigerator food cold simultaneously refrigerator igo freezer door power outlet power outlets handy Whirlpool to work with iGo     <![CDATA[Whirlpool to work with iGo]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/f2ef69ab1d3d3cbebf1cf7e7439fd2ce http://mobileratty.com/article/f2ef69ab1d3d3cbebf1cf7e7439fd2ce Whirlpool to work with iGo

    Whirlpool will be working with iGo in order to release a new refrigerator that features a power outlet at the top of the freezer door, enabling you to recharge your gizmos while keeping your food cold simultaneously. I guess this will come in handy only when you have actually run out of power outlets in your home, but seriously, I can't envision that actually happening. The centralpark refrigerator from Whirlpool will retail for approximately $2,000 a pop.

    Permalink | Comment | Uberbargain | Uberphones


    ]]>     Thu, 22 May 2008 01:45:42 +0000 whirlpool centralpark refrigerator food cold simultaneously refrigerator igo freezer door power outlet power outlets handy Whirlpool to work with iGo     <![CDATA[Whirlpools centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/a193121da552293c95c5683d480342aa http://mobileratty.com/article/a193121da552293c95c5683d480342aa Filed under: ,

    Though Whirlpool managed to pick up a few new partners to make gizmos that played nice with its life-simplifying centralpark connection system back in January, there still aren't many options out there to make good use of it. Thankfully, the outfit has just lassoed in Mobility Electronics, which is all set to reveal its iGo charging station for centralpark refrigerators; the unit will enable users to juice up cellphones, DAPs, laptops and pretty much any other rechargeable gadget out there from the comfort of their own kitchen. The forthcoming device will obviously be compatible with every last iGo tip, theoretically allowing you to recharge "over 2,700 different gadgets with the simple switch of a tip." No word on pricing / availability, however.

    [Via CNET, thanks Yossi]
    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    ]]>     Wed, 21 May 2008 20:16:00 +0000 igo igo tip tip centralpark connection system mobility electronics centralpark refrigerators simple switch enable users rechargeable gadget Whirlpools centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution     <![CDATA[Whirlpool to work with iGo]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/acde6ff650b6ac27ab1a498723c533e2 http://mobileratty.com/article/acde6ff650b6ac27ab1a498723c533e2 Whirlpool to work with iGo

    Whirlpool will be working with iGo in order to release a new refrigerator that features a power outlet at the top of the freezer door, enabling you to recharge your gizmos while keeping your food cold simultaneously. I guess this will come in handy only when you have actually run out of power outlets in your home, but seriously, I can't envision that actually happening. The centralpark refrigerator from Whirlpool will retail for approximately $2,000 a pop.

    Permalink | Comment | Uberbargain | Uberphones


    ]]>     Wed, 21 May 2008 17:45:42 +0000 whirlpool centralpark refrigerator food cold simultaneously refrigerator igo freezer door power outlet power outlets handy Whirlpool to work with iGo     <![CDATA[Whirlpool's centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution]]> http://mobileratty.com/article/f843064996bf0d39f03c192aecd42c9b http://mobileratty.com/article/f843064996bf0d39f03c192aecd42c9b Filed under: ,

    Though Whirlpool managed to pick up a few new partners to make gizmos that played nice with its life-simplifying centralpark connection system back in January, there still aren't many options out there to make good use of it. Thankfully, the outfit has just lassoed in Mobility Electronics, which is all set to reveal its iGo charging station for centralpark refrigerators; the unit will enable users to juice up cellphones, DAPs, laptops and pretty much any other rechargeable gadget out there from the comfort of their own kitchen. The forthcoming device will obviously be compatible with every last iGo tip, theoretically allowing you to recharge "over 2,700 different gadgets with the simple switch of a tip." No word on pricing / availability, however.

    [Via CNET, thanks Yossi]
    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

    ]]>     Wed, 21 May 2008 15:16:00 +0000 igo igo tip tip centralpark connection system mobility electronics centralpark refrigerators simple switch enable users rechargeable gadget Whirlpool's centralpark system reels in iGo charging solution