Are We There Yet? comScore M:Metrics Reports Mobile Map Use Grows 82 Percent in United States, 49 Percent in Europe

Reston, VA, July 24, 2008 — comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today reported that the use of mobile maps is increasingly popular in the United States and Europe, with 8 percent of American mobile subscribers and 3 percent of European subscribers accessing maps from the mobile phone in the three-month period ending May 2008. This represents a growth rate of 82 percent and 49 percent in the number of users, respectively. According to the comScore M:Metrics Benchmark Study, the iPhone is the leading device used to access maps in the United States, and in Europe, the device trails the Nokia N95 and N70.

"The mobile phone as a personal navigation device makes tremendous sense," observed Mark Donovan, senior analyst, comScore. "With the influx of devices, such as the iPhone with GPS, entering the market, Nokia's purchase of NAVTEQ and the growing popularity of downloadable navigation applications, you don't need a map to see where this sector is going."

According to comScore, 73 percent of mobile subscribers accessing maps are doing so via the browser in the U.S., and in Europe, 57 percent. Less than a third of Americans and Europeans are using a downloaded application, which allows even feature phones, with less computing power and often smaller screens, to better render graphic-rich maps and directions. Despite the ubiquity of SMS usage in Europe, the penetration of consumers accessing maps and directions via SMS is 24 percent; only one percentage point higher than it is in the United States.

The vast majority of mobile map users are seeking driving directions, even in Europe, where public transportation and non-vehicular options are more popular.

While mobile access to maps has surged, online access to maps using the PC shows more modest gains in the United States and Western Europe. In the United Kingdom, which posted the highest growth in mobile access to maps at 72 percent, online access via the PC dipped from 45 percent penetration in May 2007 to 41 percent in May 2008. In the U.S., the increase in the number of users accessing maps from a mobile device far outpaced the increase in the number of people who accessed maps via the PC.

The system is different from a Heads Up Display or existing night vision systems in that it works over a much larger area of the windscreen and serves to highlight, not obscure vision. A system of grille-mounted cameras operating outside the visible spectrum scan the road ahead while more sensors inside determine the location of the drivers head and eyes. Invisible lasers then light up the specially coated windscreen, which reacts to their beams, highlighting things like lane markings, traffic signs, pedestrians and other vehicles. While the system is intended for older drivers, it could end up being useful to anyone who has to drive through heavy fog or rain.

The technology is still in the experimental phase, but is growing increasingly valuable as the proportion of older drivers in the world's biggest markets continues to increase rapidly. GM foresees demand from these customers for technology that will enable them to remain independent later in life while remaining safe.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: We like toys. We especially like toys that make us safer. So if this works, and doesn't add too much to the cost or weight of the vehicle, we very well may like it too.

[via Car Central]

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do with the G.P.S. According to Apple, the iPhone's G.P.S. antenna is much too small to emulate the turn-by-turn navigation of a G.P.S. unit for a vehicle, for example.

Instead, all it can do at this point is track your position as you drive along, representing you as a blue dot sliding along the roads of the map. Even then, the metal of a car or the buildings of Manhattan are often enough to block the iPhone's view of the sky, leaving it just as confused as you are.

The GPS manufacturers have nothing to be scared about and because it's the fault of the hardware, don't expect TomTom or other GPS manufacturers to get involved creating supported iPhone software.

Also, don't expect to rush to the store to pick up the vehicle mount or other accessories, because the GPS as a navigation device is pretty bunk. But at least you can geotag your photos! Yeah! [NY Times; Giz]

With towns constantly installing and removing cameras, the 9500ix can be updated regularly with the latest information about speed cameras. Pick it up later this month for $500. [Product Page via SlipperyBrick]

What's confirmed is the Moov 308's ability to make and receive phone calls and text messages. Using data technology, the Mio will also be able to look up addresses and other information on the fly. [Mio via Giz]

Billed as an investigative study, the system may be expanded if response is positive, and be available on a subscription basis for the various race classes. The company is also in talks with NASCAR to provide a similar system, and officials there will be looking at this weekend's experiment very closely. See, we got through the whole post without making a "Squeal like a pig" joke. Oh, dammit. [Autoweek and ButtKicker.com]

It's also modular and can be built-to-order to match the needs of any commuter. The prices range from $150 to $330 and it's not necessarily the safest of additions to your vehicle, but hey, if the police can handle driving while playing solitaire, why can't the average cubicle Joe? [Product Page via AMG]

Chrysler says the in-car WiFi will be available wherever cellular service is offered (pretty much anywhere you can take a car these days) and have a a range of about 100 feet. The system's range capability means you won't actually have to be in your car to use the system — no doubt a huge relief to Caliber owners.
[Freep]

We're sure Flo N' Go is sold with the best of intentions, but we can't think of any uses for a 14 gallon gas can with siphoning system other than thieving dino-juice. But since it operates at a somewhat slow rate of two gallons per minute, make sure your victim isn't just running into the store for a quick snack when you begin siphoning. Flo N' Go is available for $170, which would pay for itself in three "fill ups" or so. [Product Page via CG]

Of course, the Halo Pet Safety System still relies on the owner giving enough of a damn to go back out to the car and turn on the air. That's a pretty big Achilles' Heel when you consider that most responsible pet owners shouldn't need to spend the $100 that this gadget costs in the first place. [Product Page via Gizmag]

Not only will you and those around you remain safer while driving, but this speakerphone is solar-powered and therefore green. Not to mention the lack of cords cluttering up your immaculate interior. Expect to shell out $110 for the LG Solar, money well spent compared to the cost of moving violations. [Ecofriend]

Mercedes-Benz makes in-car iPhone® connection even easier

Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets. Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What's more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.

Over 100,000 people in Germany have already purchased an iPhone® - made by US electronics giant Apple - since its launch in November 2007. By introducing the new cradle for the Apple iPhone®, Mercedes-Benz has made it even easier to enjoy the special benefits of this trend-setting multimedia application, even when on the move in the car. This fully integrated solution - the first of its kind - enables either the phone functions or the audio functions on the iPhone® to be activated. As ever, the device is easy to use thanks to the controls on the multi-function steering wheel, all of which enhances road safety, as the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit.

Perfect reception is assured as the iPhone® connects to the vehicle aerial automatically when inserted into the cradle. A further advantage is the automatic recharging of the iPhone® battery whilst the phone is sitting in the cradle.

The IBM system, which goes by the name of "Artificial Passenger," can use touch-sensitive controls to perform basic functions throughout the vehicle like rolling down the windows, controlling the media player and answering the phone. The camera mounted in the middle of the steering wheel can perform similar functions by reading the lips of the driver. But the real fun with this system is the beatbox integration.

Think of it like Guitar Hero on your steering wheel. The touch controls are at 10 and 2, where your hands should be regardless, allowing you can tap out beats with the accompanying music. Redundant controls and a lip-reading camera are also integrated into the passenger side, so when you do have a passenger, they can enjoy the fun as well. Check out the video above for a full demonstration of the very strange system. [Autopia]

• Text-to-speech
• Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) capability (screen control)
• Bluetooth wireless technology (pair with phone or headset)
• FM transmitter
• Picture navigation: routing to a geocoded point in JPEG files
• Included traffic receiver via MSN Direct receiver for North America
• Last position: The unit automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with the Nüvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle
• Location and Text messages
• Instant on
• Web drop: create favorites in a PC browser and send to Nuvi via USB (.gps files)
• Route planning with via points
• USB 2.0, high-speed connectivity and mass storage
• SD card slot
• MCX connector (external antenna)
• Digital Elevation Maps (DEM)
• Embedded Linux (OS)
• Replaceable battery, high-capacity Lithium-ion (up to 5 hours use)

In addition to this extensive list, the 880 also has a 4.3-inch screen to go along with its most-touted feature: speech recognition, which can be activated with the remote. [Amazon via Navigadget]

Simply wait for the perp to stop somewhere or try to ditch the vehicle and swoop in and bust the guy. You may want to keep the helicopter on the perp, just in case he or she is rocking one of these. [StarChase via OhGizmo!]

It will automatically adjust the volume depending on the surrounding road noise. This means when that big ass diesel truck rolls up next to you at a stop light, the headset will increase in volume to compensate for the loud noise. It also includes the usual array of noise-reduction and echo-cancellation technology for clearer sound for the person on the receiving end of your phone conversation. The H620 will be available later this year for an undisclosed price. Are you reading this, you convertible-loving, Californians?

[Source: Motorola]

It will relay information about blood-glucose levels at any given time to keep the diabetic aware and to determine if it's time for a snack. This could be a potentially life-saving vehicle addition for long-distance drivers who deal with the disease. If combined with nav we could see this system then reminding the driver where to find a healthy snack in a nearby store, and purposefully denying the existence of sugary fast foods. [Ubergizmo]

The ScanGauge II can display up to four engine/vehicle parameters at one time in "gauge mode," but those four are selectable from dozens of options. For example, you can watch the real-time output voltage of your MAP sensor and throttle position sensor should you be so inclined. For the economy-conscious, the engine load readout is key: It allows you to view the actual load being placed on your engine independent of RPM and throttle position.

The ScanGauge II is available for $180 and can help provide better fuel economy through constant feedback. In addition to ScanGauge II, check out similar devices like the CAMP2 from HKS. [ScanGauge II via PopMech]

TomTom told BBG that the GPS company isn't even working on anything for the iPhone, at least not right now. So where did the initial Reuters report come from? It could have been an overzealous developer simply speculating, or somebody just pulling the chain of the collective automotive tech world. Or the anonymous source could just be trying to throw everyone off the trail. Time will tell. [BBG]

There aren't currently a lot of details regarding what version of the iPhone the TomTom software supports, when/how it will be available and at what price, but there's a good chance that a TomTom navigation interface on the iPhone could trump the Google Maps mash-up that Apple is looking to offer with the 3G iPhone. Cue the death march of the traditional GPS navigation unit. [Reuters via Giz]

Supposedly designed for vehicles that lack a clock (or have an inconveniently placed one), an initial examination would suggest that there aren't a lot of areas in modern car interiors suitable for time projection. Note that if you can find a spot for the display, the projected time varies in size depending on how far back the miniature projector is mounted. It's powered by 12V DC, making it car compliant, and is available for $32 assuming you have the foggiest idea what to do with it. [Product Page via OhGizmo!]

...click through each step as you progress towards your destination. Now the iPhone's map features will use location-based, Wi-Fi and real-boy satellite GPS for tracking. The 8GB iPhone 3G will have a price tag of $199, which can definitely compete with standalone GPS navigation units, like those available from TomTom and Garmin, plus you get a cell phone and much more. It will be available July 11. Check out more live coverage of all of the iPhone 3G announcements at Gizmodo.

There's no need to get dirty — or even get out of your vehicle — with this device, although it does still require another, functional vehicle. You plug one end of the Jump Starter into a 12V DC outlet on the stranded ride, and the other end into a similar outlet on a running vehicle. Wait a few minutes, and an indicator light gives you the okay to fire up your vehicle.

In all honesty, this could be a convenient device if you drive something too small for storing jumper cables, perhaps as a gift to Grandma or someone else not to be trusted with underhood adventures. At just $20, it's a great way to pretend you care. [Product Page]

As a GPS navigation unit, the Drive Safety isn't too shabby. It includes a 4.8-inch touchscreen as well as text-to-speech, Bluetooth and more. It's an optional €449 accessory, which translates to about $700 United States dubya-fun-bucks. [GPS Business News]

Just another added distraction while driving? Maybe, but Smart Mirrors could also be useful, especially in rental cars and trucks where a driver may not be familiar with the size of the vehicle. And it's not all vaporware: The technology behind Toshiba Smart Mirrors is the same silicon that powers the pedestrian recognition system. [Tech On!]

Fujitsu actually owns the much fought-for (!) patent on doll-based car navigation systems, but granted iXs Research Corp. permission to use the idea for a teddy bear. Not surprisingly, iXs is based in Japan — about the only country in the world where a back-seat-driving, teetotalling, pointing, navigation teddy bear might actually be considered a good idea . [Pink Tentacle] (Generic image via Getty)

In all reality, this device could be very useful for benchmarking and performance-testing a vehicle, particularly given that the K.A.T. has a error compensation feature integrated. A bargain at $60. [Geeks.com]

That hidden display technology continues throughout the interior, providing as-need data on otherwise traditional-looking surfaces. For example, the doors include proximity sensors to warn of on-coming traffic or cyclists, flashing a warning just below the side windows when it's unsafe to open a door. Those proximity sensors are used inside, too, for adaptive, as-need lighting in places like the foot wells and map pockets.

3M has also developed a new, reconfigurable 3-D information display to replace traditional instruments. These can give the appearance of a manufacturer's own unique design in a universal package and be adapted to deliver optimal information levels for a specific driver or environment.

The X-Wave also feature a variety of less sexy, but practical innovations like films, glues and materials that will offer manufacturers new ways of constructing vehicle interiors. As well as things like new-style hinges that allow the center console to pivot in multiple directions and the door-mounted arm rests to adjust for height.

Lighting solutions continue outside, with the use of precision lighting elements that offer more aesthetically pleasing and effective surface lighting. Expect to see many of these technologies appear on production cars in the next few years. [via Visteon]

The high-end GPS units will always reign supreme over anything the iPhone has, but the convenience of having a Google Maps-supported GPS in your cell phone is mighty appealing. We're a little curious about which president has the cojones to make a statement like this. TomTom, is that you? [PopMech via Giz]