Navteq — GPS Obsessed

Nokia Maps 2.0 Out Of Beta With A Bunch Of New Features

by Justin

Nokia Maps 2.0

Nokia Maps 2.0 is ready to graduate from beta with a whole new list of features added to the service all thanks to tester suggestions and feedback. Some of the new features include a “My Licenses” category to see what licenses you’ve purchased, the addition of 7-digit postal codes in the UK, a flat menu structure for simplified route planning, increased GPS frequency, manual zoom, and the addition of latitude and longitude coordinates under the Details menu. The flagship feature added in the beta phase is network-based positioning which will position you within 5-10 seconds on a map using a pink circle. Once the GPS position is locked the pink circle disappears and the GPS position is used instead because it’s more accurate. This feature works on all AGPS-enabled devices, but users of the Nokia E90 mobile phone will require a software update that will be released in the near future. And for residents of New Zealand, Venezuela and Chile: you’ll be happy to know Nokia Maps 2.0 now works in your countries as well.

via nokia beta labs

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May 24, 2008 2 Comments

EU Investigating Nokia/Navteq Deal Apparently Fearful Of Monopoly

by Justin

Apparently fearful of Nokia’s power over the European navigation industry if the company’s proposed $8.1 billion takeover of map-maker Navteq goes through, the European Commission has announced an in-depth investigation of the competitive ramifications of the deal.

The Commission’s initial investigation into the deal exposed “serious doubts with regards to … competition concerns”, and the in-depth inquiry will focus on whether the purchase will increase the cost of or limit access to Navteq maps used by other mobile phone providers. This is turn would negatively impact consumers.

The European Commission has until August 8, 2008 to make a final decision regarding the impact on industry competitiveness in Europe. The United States Federal Trade Commission approved the deal in December of 2007.

This isn’t the first deal being investigated by the European Union’s trade body. GPS manufacturer TomTom is looking to purchase map-maker TeleAtlas, another deal currently being investigated by the European Commission.

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March 30, 2008 2 Comments

Snooper Strabo S370 EU GPS Perfect For The Traffic Rule Challenged

by Justin

The Snooper Snabo S370EU is the latest PND from Snooper that caters to the traffic-rule challenged, warning you of speed cameras, mobile traps and even low-lying bridges.Â Using a combination of three technologies-auto ranging, smart mute, and a built-in Enigma database with all European speed camera locations-the S370EU will make sure well in advance that you’re within a suitable speed range as you pass detected speed traps.Â Also a fully-functional GPS navigator, the Snooper Snabo features coverage of pretty well all western European countries as well as major eastern European countries and also includes the following:

3.5-inch glare free and colored LCD touchscreen display
route preview
turn-by-turn voice instructions
ability to choose either the fastest, shortest or most congestion-free calculated route
integrated GPS antennae
Navteq maps
extensive database of POIs
included 256 MB SD card
built-in rechargeable battery
postcode search, Bluetooth and MP3 player

The Snooper Snabo S370EU will set you back, or forward depending on your point of view, 149 Pounds including VAT and delivery.

Snooper via NavigadgetÂ