How does it work? If the Go x40 LIVE sees a large number of cell phones stationary along a major highway, it’ll determine that traffic is not moving and plan a route around the hold up. Such a system should work better than current systems, which rely on a limited number of stationary traffic sensors along heavily traveled roads only.

The LIVE also allows drivers to add fuel prices to maps, letting other users find the cheapest prices, and it's still capable of connecting to TomTom’s existing High Definition Traffic Service. The GO x40 LIVE will be initially available in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, but the company does plan to expand its service to other countries in the near future. Let’s hope it comes here. [via MotorAuthority]

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.

One item I neglected to mention in the video is that the device has a very handy gas prices application built in. It can find gas stations and tell you the price for standard unleaded. It will also sort by price or distance and you can search other regions for gas prices, which could be very handy for road trips.

Overall the Dash Express was fun to use and provided more functionality that any other third-party GPS units we've seen. It does have its quirks; directing me to the wrong place once and having a very slow startup and satellite discovery time. The touch-sensitive buttons on the top were a bit of an annoyance as well. If you drive for your job in a major metroplex, this could be a lifesaver or it could be helpful in very large cities prone to horrible rush hours (like Dallas). Since it relies partially on other users for data, the larger the driving population, the better your unit will perform.

One of the major downsides is the price. This unit itself is available for $299, which is about average for a high-end GPS navigator, but it does require a $13 monthly fee to pay for the two-way services. You just have to ask yourself if paying a monthly fee for a GPS unit is worth it for your needs. Me? Personally not, but maybe it will be for you. [Dash]

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]

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]

• 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]

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]

Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.

This means that any hope Garmin, TomTom or any other GPS interface manufacturer had for releasing an iPhone app has officially been shot down, likely due to some ball-cradling agreement between Apple and Google Maps, the current GPS utility for the iPhone. After all, if the TomTom or Garmin interface was available on the iPhone, fewer people would use the Google Maps mashup available by default. [BBG via Giz]

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]

...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.

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]

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)

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]

The legislation is stating that the GPS navigation units can only occupy a 5-inch square on the lowest left-hand corner of the windshield or a 7-inch square on the lowest right side corner. For aesthetic purposes, those two areas are best suited for GPS navigation units, but for practicality, not so much. Maybe the California legislation should talk to this guy to find out the truth behind windshield obstruction. [GPStracklog]

The purpose of this device is to obviously disable any kind of GPS tracking devices that would be hidden somewhere in your vehicle, but we can think of better purposes. This device would provide barrels of fun messing with confused drivers who rely on GPS navigation systems. Surely there has to be a way to boost the range of this device, although we're not too sure the FCC would approve. The Anti GPS Tracker is available for $300. [Coolest-Gadgets]

The VoiceBox Technologies voice recognition software in the Pioneer units allows users to speak "normally." There will no longer be an exact rhetoric required to achieve a simple task. For example, rather than having to say something long the lines of "Play Artist Green Day," the units can recognize casual conversation like "I want to hear Green Day," or possibly "Play those phat Busta Rhymes beats, yo." [Giz]

Garmin told the Seattle PI that its GPS navigation units don't include height information and that drivers should always watch for posted signs. As a zinger, Garmin even went as far as saying that it doesn't include stoplights in its mapping data and people are expected to obey those as well. An independent company supplies the underlying mapping information for Garmin. Should it be okay for a company like Garmin to include a GPS setting for buses, but not take into consideration height restrictions? And for the record, inputting vehicle height into a GPS is a very feasible option as TeleType already does it.

Most surprisingly, the nearly century-old bridge was not damaged more than minor chips and scratches. [Seattle PI]

Of course, the Dash Express already has this feature beat by allowing the instructions to be sent wirelessly, but this is a nice lazy-man feature added by Garmin. [Gizmodo]

The DS-400GB also includes a Bluetooth module for makings and receiving calls, hands-free. The right sided display is a touchscreen and the entire unit includes SD card expandability as well as a USB port. Oh, it has a mirror, as well. For the minimalist that has to have everything, this is the bee's knees. [Navigadget]

The four new units sell for $179, $199, $229 and $249. The 210 and 310 include one free year of the Mio Traffic Messaging Channel that provides real-time traffic information and details. Bravo, Mio, for taking a step in the right direction for GPS navigation units. [Mio via Ubergizmo]

Luckily, our gadget expert, Travis, was among our number. He quickly mastered the system by randomly stabbing at the touchscreen while our driver hooned across lower Manhattan. In the old days, all that you would have had back there for entertainment was the lingering aroma of puke from the last drunk to take a ride. As for nav, you had your wits. And blind trust.

Those days are gone for good. God only knows what they'll come up with to keep us occupied in the next generation of yellow hacks.

It even seems to include traffic light notifications and many other interesting features. I'm still a little baffled at the 3D nature of this navigation system. In one way it could be really helpful in especially confusing areas, but then again, it could be too distracting and cause some problems. [AVING]

The two GPS navigation units do more than just route for hazardous materials. They allow you to enter in your big rig height, weight and length. It will direct you on the best route for your big rig and also take into account the commercial truck restrictions of all types.

It includes maps of the U.S. and Canada and also includes an MP3 player and points of interests catered to truckers like truck stops, weigh stations and adult stores. There is a 3.5-inch version and a 7-inch version available. [TeleType via SlipperyBrick]

The Eclipse AVN2210p MK II allows for a TomTom GPS navigation unit to dock in and out of the head unit. This is extra-convenient for regular swapping of cars and for those that like to do a little walking with a GPS unit. The unit also includes a CD player with MP3 support, Bluetooth and more. It's available from Crutchfield for $600. [Crutchfield via Uncrate]

These four units are designed to be lower end "affordable" options for GPS navigation. They include the regular features. Some bonus good include navigation by photos using Garmin Connect Photos, elevation modeling, Garmin HotFix that enhances satellite acquisition speed and a "Where am I?" feature to find longitude and latitude coordinates on the fly.

The 255 versions also include full maps for Europe, Australia and New Zealand while the 205 versions don't. The 255s also include street name voices in directions so you will know what road to turn at in addition to a numerical distance gauge like most GPS navigation units. Prices begin around $210. [Garmin]

The IQ Routes requires users to opt-in to share anonymous speed data.

Lane separation is a feature that breaks down the roads and lane dividers to properly tell you what lane to be in. The lack of this feature is one of my bigger gripes with most GPS navigation units.

The models also include voice address input. The 730T and 930T include real-time traffic as well. The 930 versions are a bit different from the 730 because they include European maps, enhances position technology (for maintaining pace when the satellite goes out) and a remote control. Prices for the units begin at $450; they'll be available on April 29. [GPS Tracklog]

TOYOTA YARIS SR: A WINNING RECIPE

Take one Yaris. Add highly desirable styling and exclusive equipment features. Price competitively and sell.

It is as simple as that. Toyota has comprehensively upgraded the specification of its 1.3 VVT-i and 1.4 D-4D Yaris SR models to create one of the most impressive supermini prospects on the market.

A unique standard feature of the new Yaris SR is the satellite navigation / audio system which is both built in and fully portable. The system offers handy touch screen operation, Bluetooth connectivity and USB connection for MP3 players.

Taking as its starting point the highly specified T3 model, the SR ramps up its owner-appeal with the addition of:

* Fully integrated audio system with removable TomTom satellite navigation unit - a first in the B segment, exclusive to Toyota
* Toyota Motorsport 16-inch Pit Lane alloy wheels
* Toyota Motorsport lowered sports suspension
* Rear roof spoiler
* Chrome exhaust finisher
* Brushed alloy gearshift knob (manual versions)
* Front scuff plates

In spite of all these extra features, the on-the-road price of the SR models is just £350 greater than the equivalent T3 version and represents £1,100 extra value. And the price tag also covers nine airbags, electric front windows, remote central double locking, air conditioning, front fog lamps and the one-touch Easy Flat folding rear seat system.

The NUDAR POI file supports the big-name GPS navigation units, such as Garmin, TomTom and Magellan. You should probably act quickly, because NUDAR is currently in an beta open-registration until February 22. After that it becomes a $30-per-year service, which is completely worth it for those who travel a lot, or those that just love the boobies. [NUDAR (NSFW) via Crunchgear

Oh, you think it is funny to watch TomTom encounter two trucks in the street, then blast the hardworking device for not being able to make them move? Come on, Jeffy-boy, GPS units do the best they can to navigate you around town. Stop bullying TomTom! All it's doing is trying to help. At this point, I would suggest that you give up altogether on what you obviously believe is a deeply flawed world of GPS navigation and go back to paper maps and asking for directions.

So back off of TomTom or I'll get my gang—consisting of Garmin, Magellan and others—to come beat you up. Okay? Okay. [Boston Globe]

From the information at hand, it seems that it requires you to blow into the device every time it is fired up, which could be a major inconvenience for the other 95 percent of the time when you are driving to work, school or to run errands and not driving home from the bar. This device will be available soon for $300, but seems to only be sold in Portugal, at least for now. [Navigadget]

At $1,025, even the most anal of clutterhounds may decide to opt for a much cheaper, if a bit messier, standalone GPS navigation unit. [Navigadget]

CNET doesn't put a label on the best or worst design, but from my experience and the images provided, Volkswagen has to have one of the worst designed interfaces (pictured above) as far as design, ease of use and functionality are concerned. It's ugly. The lack of color, dynamic text and labeled side buttons could make it difficult to understand and operate, especially for individuals unfamiliar with multi-faceted media and info systems like those used in vehicles. On the other hand, Cadillac and Chrysler have very intuitive interfaces for their respective media and into centers. Large and clearly labeled touchscreen buttons make ease-of-use exceptional, and the inclusion of the aforementioned tabbing system receives high marks. [CNET]

How advanced? I'm glad you asked. The camera syncs wirelessly with the navigation unit. So long, annoying wires draped all over the car. It's also powered by the reverse rear lights, so it only comes on when you—gasp!—shift into reverse. Prices range from $300 to $600. I have to give props to Nextar—a company that's new to me—for coming out of the gates with something that combats the diarrhea of navigation systems that is my daily life. Ah, the relief. [Nextar via Navigadget]

Click through to see the rest of this horrible ad, which features a very hot, and highly anticipated, GPS-enabled cellphone. [Geeksugar]

TomTom Home is available for Mac and PC users. Other new features include a system that allows one's shared content to be rated. Another new feature will automatically sync downloaded content. Lets say I make a Dallas Pub Crawl points-of-interest set and I update it after being banned from a bar for getting in too many fights. Everyone who downloaded the POI set will also be updated. Voila! [TomTom Home via Pocket-Lint]

When the system knows you are approaching an intersection it recognizes as having a stop sign, it will begin to audibly and visually warn you to slow the eff down. It will continue to analyze the speed as you approach the impending stop, then decide whether to give you a little help with additional braking force. The system is currently being tested in Japan. [WCF]

The second-generation VW Touareg, upcoming Tiguan and possibly the Passat Coupe are the VW variants that will get the RNS 510 30 gigabyte media and navigation system. [Crave]

Back in 2003, Microsoft introduced Spot, an information service that operated on the FM frequency band. There functioned using watches that could receive weather info, sports scores, etc. Spot has taken on a new identity as MSN Direct now provides a direct method of communication between your PC and compatible GPS receiver or other gadgets.

It sends the directions and addresses to your GPS receiver over the FM frequency. The current two compatible GPS receivers are the Garmin nuvi 880 and 780. An additional MSN Direct receiver is also required for your GPS unit, a $50 per year operation cost. So by no means is being lazy cheap, but it sure as hell is convenient. [Navigadget]

I'll spare the geek speak, but basically CSR's GPS software and Samsung's hardware will work together so well that GPS baseband, one of the costliest parts of integrating GPS into mobile devices, will be eliminated. I'm not too worked up about price cuts on high-end cellphones capable of providing navigation, but I am excited about the notion of more handsets being given the ability to provide legitimate GPS navigation, as opposed to the half-ass location-based triangulation that many consumers now have to live with. [Gizmag]