Fonte: http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/informatica/ult124u394142.shtml

CAMILA RODRIGUES
da Folha de S.Paulo

Mais rápidos, um pouco mais baratos, mas ainda sem informações de trânsito --assim estão, no Brasil, os navegadores baseados em informações de satélite, o sistema GPS (sigla em inglês para sistema de posicionamento global). Esse tipo de guia eletrônico de ruas, com exibição de mapas em 2D e 3D e orientação falada, chegou ao país em meados de 2006.

No início, demoravam cerca de dez minutos para captar o sinal do satélite e identificar sua posição. Hoje, a maioria leva em torno de cinco minutos.

Luis Filipe Costa, coordenador de produtos da Movix, que vende navegadores, explica que a mudança se deve à atualização do Sirfstar, chip responsável pela captação do sinal.

Os preços caíram ainda mais: chegaram custando cerca de R$ 2.000 e, hoje, o valor deles é de, em média, R$ 1.100.

Apesar de tal evolução, os aparelhos ainda não conseguem avisar seus proprietários sobre quais vias estão congestionadas --o que já é realidade nos EUA e na Europa. No próximo semestre, porém, a Map link deve lançar um serviço de informação de trânsito para navegadores GPS, disse Costa. Para 2009, está prevista a versão brasileira do serviço de informação de trânsito da Traffic (www.traffic.com).

Segundo Helder Azevedo, diretor-geral da Navteq da América do Sul, a ferramenta usará empresas de trânsito como a CET (Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego). "Outras fontes são empresas de rastreamento de veículos, estações de celulares e até previsão do tempo", afirma.

Fonte: http://www.gpss.tripoduk.com/gpssonce.htm

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GPS Software on Pocket PC based GPS and Smartphones

Updated 0830 Sunday 6th April 2008 UK time

GPSS is available for Pocket PC based GPS and and Smartphones. One example is the Mio Digiwalker on the left. GPSSppc runs with the Microsoft Compact Framework, available under Windows Mobile 2003, 5 or 6. Maybe Linux, Palm and/or Symbion platforms will follow, if there is a business need. Both full Windows GPSS and GPSSppc for the Pocket PC use the same compatible mapping and speech data from this web site and many other sources.

I expect to grant free licences for "GPSS on Pocket PC & Smartphone", with the free mapping for over 160 countries, to high volume manufacturers and distributors of these products. This is a similar process as took place in 1995/1996 when several million copies of the full Windows GPSS were distributed on CD. Those wishing to discuss this with me will need to read the business page carefully, then follow the path suggested. They will probably also wish to participate in our Beta testing activity described below.

I'd like to thank all those who have helped with beta testing the very latest version of GPSSppc. You can see these good people here , including what hardware they are using.

Robin Lovelock, Sunninghill UK, March 2008.

a very brief user guide ...

This is now on another page, the GPSS on Pocket PC user guide

GPSS for the Pocket PC and Smartphone - Installation

You may find testing GPSS on the Pocket PC easier if you first test the full Windows GPSS on a Laptop with GPS. You could start with steps 1 and 2 on the download page. Robin will provide you information such as mapping, according to where you are. The GPSS mapping you use on the Laptop can be identical to that on the Pocket PC. After testing this mapping with GPS on the laptop, you could then activesync the folder to your Pocket PC based system.

OR - you may prefer to start with the "GPSSppc install process" below.

You will find the full Windows version of GPSS useful when checking out new mapping.

The process below is NOT a simple Pocket PC install. Please follow the instructions carefully.

GPSSppc install process...

GPSSppc will not work on Windows Mobile 2002. This is because the Microsoft Compact Framework needs a later version of Windows Mobile. GPSSppc requires the Microsoft .Net Compact Framework to be available. If you run gpssppc.exe and nothing happens, or you get an error message, saying you need the .Net Compact Framework, then you can install it from the Microsoft site To install the latest Microsoft Compact Framework, you have your Pocket PC connected by Activesync to your Internet PC, and visit the Microsoft link above. You click on the [DOWNLOAD] button and run NETCFSetupv2.msi to install it via activesync to the Pocket PC.

Here is the install process for the "GPSS Pocket PC Baseline" which works if followed carefully.

The process is identical to that for step 1 on the download page.

• create a folder on your desktop PC for GPSSPPC.EXE, mapping, etc. e.g. c:\GPSS.
• download GPSSA.EXE from here (8.95MB) - SAVE GPSSA.EXE into the GPSS folder but DO NOT RUN.
• Exit your Internet browser.
• Run GPSSA.EXE in the \GPSS folder to self-extract the GPSS Baseline files. These include some maps and sounds.
• You may now delete GPSSA.EXE from the folder because it is not needed in the Pocket PC.
• have your Pocket PC connected to this desktop PC with Activesync running.
• Activesync this folder of files from your desktop PC to your Pocket PC. e.g. Storage Card\GPSS
• use file explorer or a shortcut to run GPSSPPC.EXE on the Pocket PC. It should work as in the "very brief user guide" above.
• if GPSSppc works with the GPS, you can add more GPSS mapping for your country. See "test in simple steps" below.
• if you are feeling lucky, you can replace gpssppc.exe by the latest version from the GPSSppc Beta Testers page :-)

The GPSSppc Beta Testers page includes a pre-release GPSSppc v10. The full Windows GPSS v6.9 Baseline includes the v9 Pocket PC baseline from 4th February 2008. If you contact me, please remember to say what version of GPSSppc you are running.

test in simple steps to fix problems ...

"Change a little, test a lot" - is a good rule to follow.
- if something does not work, you are more likely to know what you did wrong :-)

Follow the advice in the sections below. If you still have problems, you could look on the new GPSS Message Board. It's very new, with few people using it yet, so you may then decide to email Robin using his contact page. It may save time if you answer what questions you can in the step 2 Quiz on the download page.

You may want to test new GPSS mapping on your full Windows desktop or Laptop GPSS, before you test it with GPSSppc. You don't need a GPS for the full Windows PC for this. See "How do I test other maps ?" on the tips page.

Alan pointed out that the whole GPSSppc folder can be on your storage card - which may make it easier testing on more than one Pocket PC. But if you are going to try GPSSppc out on a friend's hardware, remember you may still need to install the Microsoft Compact Framework, and so may still need the active-sync cable, access to the net, etc.

first tests of GPSSppc ...

When you run gpssppc (or gpssp) you should see the blue logo screen and hear Robin speaking. It should settle near Robin's house on the Armitage Court map, and speak position regularly. You should be able to tap on the icons and buttons and do the things described in the brief user guide. Some of these functions, such as speed warnings, will be seen and heard if you play back the little walk Robin made with the [>] button. If you wait patiently, you will see and hear facilities such as speed warnings and Expected Time of Arrival (ETA).

test with the GPS ...

When you get the Pocket PC Baseline working on your Pocket PC with Armitage Court maps and sounds - you are ready to test with your GPS. If the GPS plugs into the bottom of the Pocket PC, this is COM1, and gpssp should respond automatically. It will probably select a World map, because it does not yet have a more detailed map of where you are. If you do get GPSSppc responding to the GPS, you can go on to "finding your GPS lat/lon so Robin can find mapping for you ..." below.

If the position is just west of Africa, at latitude 0, longitude 0, it is probably because your GPS needs good GPS signals - try going outside the house for a few minutes :-)

If GPSSppc does NOT respond to the GPS, and remains on the Armitage Court map, you need to use the "experimental" page of buttons to set up the correct COM port number for your GPS, if it is not 1, and speed, if it is not 4800. You tap the "maintenance" button (spanner, nut and bolt) to get the experimental controls.

First try the new [< GPS] button added to the "maintenance" buttons, which searches automatically for the GPS. Or, do it manually, tapping [COM] after changing the 1 near it. e.g. to 2 or 3 or 4. Depending on what GPS you have, you may need to change the 4800. e.g. 9600 or 32400.

When you find the correct settings, GPSSppc will respond and show your position on the World map.

Now exit GPSSppc with the [OK] button in the top right corner of the screen. GPSSppc will update the GPSS.CFG and GPSS.COM files so that it will use the correct settings next time GPSSppc is run.

problems getting GPSSppc to work ? Regional Settings not English ?

If GPSSppc is not working as you think it should, look at the Beta Testing page. See if others have had success with the same platform as you. See if there are known bugs that have been fixed, or still being solved. e.g. bugs uncovered in GPSSppc or the Compact Framework such as when using Regional Settings other than English (English Windows and GPSS data files use "." as the decimal point. Some European languages use ",". e.g. 3,14159 instead of 3.14159). We hope to fix or "program around" such problems in the long term, but you may want to try switching your Regional Settings to English - if they are not already.

If you cannot get GPSSppc to respond to the GPS, checkout David's page which may help.
See the problems page for the full Windows version of GPSS.EXE which explains some common problems.
Or just simply contact Robin :-)

use of GPSGate as a quick fix ...

Robin spoke by 'phone to Johan Franson in Sweden on 30th January 2006: quick fix to get GPSSp to work with a GPS, that is not on COM1, is to use GpsGate on franson.com/gpsgate. You can test it for free before deciding to buy the GPSGate licence. At present Franson do not offer a suitable OEM licence for use their Comm tools within GPSSp so it could be given to millions of users... pity :-) footnote from Robin in March: it seems very few people need GPSGate to make gpssp work with their GPS - but it is useful to know GPSGate is available.

finding your GPS lat/lon so Robin can find mapping for you ...

Robin may ask you for your GPS lat/lon so that he can give you tips on what mapping to download and use. This GPSS mapping will work with both the full Windows GPSS and GPSSppc for the Pocket PC. It is easier for Robin if you give him this lat/lon in the old GPSS 15 character format which is based on degrees and minutes. When you have GPSSppc responding to the GPS, giving the correct position on a low detail map, such as of the World, tap the "menu" (GPSS logo on the right) icon, until only that is shown - as on the right. The lat/lon should then be shown in the correct 15 character format. e.g. here it is near Robin's house: 512382N0003960W. If you give Robin your lat/lon, and other information such as your address, he will give you mapping tips, which may go down beyond "street level" to "house level". e.g. like the Armitage Court map. If you have the full Windows version of GPSS working on a Laptop with GPS, and do step 1 then the step 2 Quiz, then you get these same tips from Robin based on the lat/lon you put into the step 2 Quiz on the download page.

add mapping for your own country, town or house ...

If and when you get the Baseline working on your Pocket PC with the GPS - you are read to add maps.

Follow the download pages for your country to see what mapping to download, or give Robin your lat/lon so he can give you tips. The mapping for any of the other 150+ countries from the download pages should work with both GPSS and GPSSppc.

If you started with the GPSSBASE.EXE Pocket PC Baseline mentioned in the "GPSSppc install process" above, you can download and add the required mapping files to the GPSS folder on your desktop PC, before activesyncing the bigger folder across to the Pocket PC.

OR, start with a new GPSS folder on the desktop with the full Windows GPSS from the Baseline GPSSA and GPSSB downloads. After adding mapping to this, and checking it out with the full Windows GPSS and information on the tips page you can delete any files not needed on the Pocket PC (PPC) such as GPSSA.EXE, GPSSB.EXE and GPSS.EXE. Any other mapping downloads like PARIS.EXE or USADISK.EXE can also be deleted after you have self-extracted the contained files. You can check things like size of folder to make sure you have enough memory on the PPC.

for those in the USA: you should start by adding USADISK.EXE data from the USA downloads page, plus any more detailed downloads. Before you can use the vector mapping downloads, you will need to download the small USADES.EXE which self-extracts into DES files needed to make the vector mapping work with GPSSppc. These USA DES files are already in the full Windows GPSS Baseline.

For more detailed street maps in UK, western Europe or USA, best bet right now is AutoRoute/Trips and ARED. You can add detailed mapping from Google or Getmapping via the mapimage page. See example from Sham on the right.

Best do this adding of map data in several phases, not biting of too much at a time .... "Change a little, test a lot" ;-)

setting up a shortcut to run gpssppc.exe ...

On my Windows Mobile 5 iPAQ I set up a shortcut to gpssppc.exe by tap and hold (equivalent of mouse right click). I do this in file explorer to "copy" gpssppc.exe, then navigate to windows/start menu and do a tap and hold, then "paste shortcut". I then get gpssppc on my startup drop down list of programs. The same "tap and hold" approach can be used for rename etc.

help us test the latest GPSSppc ...

Please visit the GPSSppc Beta Testing page, to see the good work being done by others, and to get the latest version of GPSSppc.

Fonte: http://www.letsgomobile.org/en/3174/free-gps-application/

by Mark Peters

Wayfinder, the leading supplier of innovative location and navigation services for mobile phones, announced that it is introducing its Wayfinder Active application in the United States and Canada. Wayfinder Active is a free GPS application for mobile phones with a unique combination of maps, GPS recording and statistics that is designed for people who enjoy running, hiking, skiing, biking or other outdoor activities.

Mobile phone GPS application

Wayfinder Active is a simple, fun, safe and social way to stay connected to others with similar outdoor interests. Once the application is installed on a mobile phone, each user will have access to a world wide map and the ability to record and share routes with a single keystroke. Users can follow in the footsteps of friends' adventures and training routes by importing routes and tracks directly from and to their mobile phone.

Active Outdoor Online community

Wayfinder Active's integrated online community, ActiveOutdoor, takes outdoor activities to the Internet, with an innovative, user-friendly and measurable way of sharing outdoor activities. Each activity is recorded in a standard GPX format, and the route is then uploaded to the Internet. If needed, users can preload a specific route onto the phone's caching memory so they can enjoy their activity without thinking about where they are going. Once a route or training trail is completed, the activity is automatically uploaded to the online community.

Magnus Nilsson

"The North American market has big potential, and it is with enthusiasm we introduce Wayfinder Active. It is also of strategic importance to extend our business offering beyond car navigation and integrating services like the interactive community ActiveOutdoor," says Magnus Nilsson, CEO of Wayfinder.

Vierhouten - The Netherlands

Mobile phone navigation

Additional useful features include detailed statistics such as maximum, current and average speed during each activity, plus the distance traveled and calories burned. With a built-in compass and a "Reverse Route" feature, users can easily find a route to anywhere. With the introduction of free Wayfinder Active, Wayfinder also brings the topographic maps of North America to mobile phones, which are available for a fee directly from the device via Wayfinder's mobile shop. Our partner Tele Atlas delivers the overview maps and U.S. Trailmaps topographical ones.

Compatible with most cell phones

The free Wayfinder Active can be downloaded throughout the company's website on a computer or directly from the phone. In addition to being available directly to end-users, the product is also available for service providers to offer directly to their subscribers. Wayfinder Active is compatible with more than 100 phone models from all major handset manufacturers including the most popular devices from Sony Ericsson and Nokia. In addition to being available directly to end-users, the Wayfinder Active product is also available for service providers to offer directly to their subscribers.

Fonte: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/digitaldrops/~3/259620247/inavi_k2_um_navegador_gps_com.html

de nick@digitaldrops.com.br (Nick F. Ellis)

A empresa Coreana Thinkware apresenta o iNAVI K2, um navegador GPS que se destaca da concorrência porque tem mapas com prédios em 3D! Ele é uma evolução do modelo iNAVI G1, e vem com um cartão de memória SDHC de 8 GB, 256 MB de RAM e uma tela LCD de 4.8” com resolução de 800 x 480 pixels.

O iNAVI K2 também tem um sensor geomagnético (G-Sensor) de 3 eixos que detecta o norte e calcula a direção do seu carro! O sistema de navegação também traz informações completas sobre a direção das ruas, é claro. Além de ser um GPS, o iNAVI K2 também tem receptor para TV DMB, player de vídeo, fotos e MP3, leitor de e-books e mais.

O iNAVI K2 deve ser vendido pelo equivalente a US$ 550 na Coréia do Sul. Infelizmente ele não deve ser vendido em outros países, muito menos aqui no Brasil.

Leia também: iNavi G1, um GPS com Mapas em 3D, Receptor DMB e Karaokê.

Via AVING e Navigadget.

Clique abaixo para ver outras imagens.

Fonte: http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_details.php?id=15578

For drivers geared toward value, Sony Electronics is announcing that its new nav-u™ personal navigation devices (models NV-U73T and NV-U83T) are now available at retail and online stores for about $300 and $400, respectively.
These in-car portable systems contain navigation features that drivers have come to expect, such as text-to-speech voice commands and real-time-traffic capability. They also add new safety features, such as the super suction cup mounting system.
Sony’s new super suction cup comes with both models. It is easy to mount on the windshield or dashboard, providing a tight, stable attachment. Made with a flexible non-adhesive gel, it grips the rugged surface of the dashboard so the touch screen can be mounted closer for an easier reach.
Designed to stay put even in the most extreme temperatures, the super suction cup can also be easily removed and transferred to another vehicle.

Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone Calls
The top-end NV-U83T model adds another safety feature—Bluetooth technology—for making hands-free phone calls. With a built-in microphone, drivers can use voice commands to initiate calls via compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The nav-u system connects automatically so drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

This new model has a large, 4.8-inch (measured diagonally), 16:9 aspect ratio display and ultra-thin footprint.
With anti-glare coating, it is easy to see the screen in any lighting condition. With its high resolution, the device maintains a clear image even when the screen is split into two images.
This unique dual view feature helps drivers navigate visually so they don’t have to rely solely on street signs. It zooms in and shows certain landmarks to help drivers make the correct turns at the right time. On the highway, dual view shows a 3D rendition of approaching intersections with lane guide information to let drivers know exactly where they need to turn if necessary.

Low GPS Signal…No Problem! When the GPS signal is weak, the nav-u device will still be able to keep drivers headed in the right direction. Another unique feature, called POSITION Plus™, provides constant, more accurate positioning and interruption-free guidance. In addition to the SiRF Star III GPS chip, POSITION Plus includes pressure, gyro and acceleration sensors. The device uses these additional sensors to calibrate where drivers are so they can safely plan ahead and not miss turns coming out of tunnels or from in-between tall buildings.

Touch Screen Shortcuts
Gesture command, another unique new Sony function, lets drivers jump to commands with one touch on the display, eliminating the need to dig down on the menu. If drivers want to go home, they just draw a roof (or inverted “V”) and the destination becomes home. Other gesture commands include zoom in or out, call home and two user-customized destinations.

The nav-u device is the first Sony portable navigation system to show brand icons for restaurants, hotels, gas stations and stores. In addition to proactively selecting a point of interest, drivers will automatically see brand icons appear on the map so it’s fast and easy to find favorite locations while driving in unfamiliar cities.

Text to Speech
Ready to use right out of the box, both nav-u devices help drivers map a destination, locate points of interest and find home again. Both models come with text-to-speech technology, which enables the voice prompts to actually say the name of the street or highway. A powerful speaker ensures that voice prompts are clear and audible.

The nav-u systems come with nearly 5 million points of interest, making it easy to find destinations nationwide. The system will automatically complete partial entries of states, cities and street names. It also comes with U.S. and Canadian maps on their 2GB flash memory. Maps of Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and Puerto Rico also come pre-installed.
About as wide as a deck of cards, the new devices have a thin, portable design. They also come with a Memory Stick Pro Duo slot for future expansion capabilities.

The NV-U73T model comes with a 4.3-inch (measured diagonally), 16:9 aspect ratio display. Its features include text-to-speech functionality, the dual view feature, super suction cup mounting system and gesture command.

Fonte: http://economia.uol.com.br/ultnot/valor/2008/03/20/ult1913u85632.jhtm?action=print

 SÃO PAULO - O crescimento no uso de aparelhos de navegação pessoal vai elevar, até 2013, o número de chips receptores GPS em atividade para um bilhão de unidades. Embora a tendência seja de que os preços unitários caiam com o ganho de escala, para a consultoria ABI Research, o aumento no ritmo de vendas será mais do que suficiente para manter o faturamento das fabricantes em alta.

Segundo a empresa, os preços médios dos chips de GPS irão cair para cerca de US$ 3,50 ou menos a unidade neste ano, permitindo uma adoção verdadeiramente maciça. "Essa queda no preço médio é causada pela meta dos fabricantes em produzir receptores que possam ser incluídos em aparelhos mais acessíveis, como telefones móveis: os GPS em celulares serão críticos para a forte penetração de mercado", diz o analista da ABI Jamie Moss.

Segundo ele, os benefícios obtidos com esses GPS mais simples serão sentidos também no mercado de aparelhos mais tradicionais, como os de navegação para veículos. "Enquanto isso, vemos um crescente número de aquisições: grandes fabricantes de chips comprando empresas especializadas em componentes de GPS para poder incluir essa tecnologia a seus próprios equipamentos", diz o analista.

Segundo a ABI, no ano passado, uma única empresa, a SiRF, detinha 70% do mercado de chips para GPS. Para chegar nesse patamar, apostou agressivamente no mercado de aparelhos eletrônicos de consumo. Isso porque o mercado de equipamentos tradicionais tem um ritmo de crescimento muito mais lento.

"Em termos de performance absoluta, não há muito o que escolher entre fabricantes diferentes", avalia Moss. "Para ganhar contratos importantes, o chip precisa ser tão barato quanto o possível e tão fácil quanto o possível para fabricantes de aparelhos integrá-lo a seus componentes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, de rádio FM e de celulares", completa.

Segundo ele, o que deve ocorrer no futuro com o GPS (e seus chips) é o mesmo que aconteceu com o Bluetooth e os celulares. Embora a demanda espontânea entre consumidores por GPS em celulares hoje seja pouca, à medida que for sendo oferecido, ele se tornará uma exigência básica dos usuários.

(José Sergio Osse | Valor Online)