Wikitude Drive is a satnav system that uses augmented reality to overlay a route on to a live video stream.

The company behind it has launched a beta version for testing that works worldwide. The software is compatible with Android based smartphones and allows the system to either use a live video stream, or 3D maps if you prefer.

Driving directions not only appear on screen, they are overlaid on the live video stream of the very street you are driving on. As a result, you are seeing the real world and real road in front of you, while being directed by a digital route on top of it.

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Last week we noticed that TomTom had added a couple of new satnavs to their website. The strange thing was that no announcement was made about the two new models which are the TomTom XL 350 and the XXL 550. Well, official word has now arrived in a press release that provides all the details of the new devices.

The new devices include TomTom EasyMenu that makes the menu systems easier to use while on the move. [Read more…]

TomTom has quietly launched a couple of new satnavs without any press release or particular mention on their website other than adding them to the lineup.

The two new satnavs are the TomTom XL 350 and the TomTom XXL 550. Both satnavs are for the US and are based on models from Europe that use the XL IQ routes. Both devices will use the same simplified menu system that is used on the TomTom EASE devices.

TomTom XL 350

The first device is the TomTom XL 350 that has a 4.3 inch screen. This device will cost from $169.95 when launched and will come with lifetime maps and optional lifetime traffic updates if you pay more upfront. [Read more…]

Pioneer are launching six new satnavs over in Japan that will cost from 112,000 to 352,000 Yen which is the equivalent of $1242 – $3904. The six new units, obviously top of the range units, are split in to two categories.

The first is the H9990 series that has a 7 inch screen capable of an 800 x 480 pixel resolution. This is in a 1+1 Din form and includes a 12Seg TV tuner along with other features such as DVD, CD, DSP, HDD and supports a number of file formats for playing back MP3 files, WMA, AAC. For connectivity it has Bluetooth as well as an iPod and iPhone connector although this is optional.

The next range is the AVIC-ZH9990 that is a 2 DIN device while the AVIC-H9990 is a 1 DIN HDD based GPS. Confused? Never mind as we definitely won’t be seeing these over in Europe or the US at least for now. [Read more…]

The Garmin nuvi 260W is a 4.3 inch widescreen satnav device that comes preloaded with maps of north America.

The device provides turn-by-turn directions in either 2D or 3D allowing you to easily navigate your way around. Voice guidance is included with this satnav as is text to speech allowing the system to speak out street names rather than saying “turn left in 30 yards”.

Garmin nuvi 260W Features

* GPS system preloaded with City Navigator North America NT
* 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective
* Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance and text to speech
* Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot
* Includes JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more [Read more…]

TomTom [TOM2] today announced a new satnav device called the TomTom Go Live 1000. The device is capable of bringing real-time services to users which we will go in to more detail shortly.

The TomTom Go Live 1000 uses an ARM 11 500Mhz processor and uses a new Webkit-based user interface along with a capacitive touchscreen.

The new Go Live 1000 product allows integration of third party applications. The system comes with TomTom HD Traffic (a 1 year free subscription) along with a mobile speed camera database and local search across 16 countries. [Read more…]

Garmin [GRMN] today announced their new Garmin nuvi 3700 series of navigation devices.

The new 3700 Series are ultra-thin, have large screens and have high resolution displays covered in glass. The glass is also capacitive-touch allowing easy control of the menus and features on the device.

‘Personal navigation is entering a new era, and the n¼vi 3700 series has the stunning design and seamlessly intuitive interface to lead the way

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