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Motor Authority - blog Tag: GPS

  • Report: GPS screens going 3D - no glasses necessary

    Report: GPS screens going 3D - no glasses necessary July 10th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 10th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    Report: GPS screens going 3D - no glasses necessary Anyone who's played a modern video game knows there's 3D and then there's 3D. Many GPS systems already provide for virtual 3D displays of buildings and surface features, but now technology is getting ready to push in-car navigation systems to true 3D.

    The display technology uses a dual-image LCD to shows pairs of slightly offset images that compose to form a 3D image with actual depth. The possibilities the technology could have for interface design, augmented reality and mapping have sparked the interest of some of the biggest names in the business.

    Garmin, Tom-Tom and Navman are all working on the technology, according to AutoExpress.

    ... Anyone who's played a modern video game knows there's 3D and then there's 3D. Many GPS systems already provide for virtual 3D displays of buildings and surface features, but now technology is getting ready to push in-car navigation systems to true 3D. The display technology uses a dual-image LCD to shows pairs of slightly offset images that compose to form a 3D image with actual depth. The possibilities the technology could have for interface design, augmented reality and mapping have sparked the interest of some of the biggest names in the business. Garmin, Tom-Tom and Navman are all working on the technology, according to AutoExpress. As usual, the tech is expected to start out at the upper tiers of the market, trickling down from there as production volumes drive down costs. One of the first companies to make the jump into 3D is likely to be Land Rover, which already has 3D-Ready screens available as an option in its vehicles. 3M has already been working on similar technology, specifically for automotive implementations, for over a year. Instead of two screens, however, the 3M system uses a special film on the back of a panel that allows the display of both 2D and 3D information, allowing overlays on top of the 3D display for extra information. The first aftermarket dual-image LCD solutions could be available as early as next year, with OEMs to follow. Read More

  • New GPS system from BMW steers drivers away from bad weather

    New GPS system from BMW steers drivers away from bad weather May 24th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 24th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 3 Comments

    New GPS system from BMW steers drivers away from bad weather We've already heard of GPS systems that can help us dodge traffic jams and get home quicker, but what about a GPS system that can get you home drier? BMW is introducing just such a system, and for those choosing to use it the special GPS unit will help navigate them away from rain and hail and towards blue skies and sunshine.

    Described as an on-board precipitation radar, BMW says the system will be useful for drivers with convertibles, as well as helping all drivers to avoid damage to their cars from hail. Featuring a graphic display, the system is updated every 15 minutes with weather information, showing drivers the geographic... We've already heard of GPS systems that can help us dodge traffic jams and get home quicker, but what about a GPS system that can get you home drier? BMW is introducing just such a system, and for those choosing to use it the special GPS unit will help navigate them away from rain and hail and towards blue skies and sunshine. Described as an on-board precipitation radar, BMW says the system will be useful for drivers with convertibles, as well as helping all drivers to avoid damage to their cars from hail. Featuring a graphic display, the system is updated every 15 minutes with weather information, showing drivers the geographic distribution of rain, snow and hail. The system shows this information for both the current location and the destination in real-time. Additionally, BMW will be trying to get a leg up on its competitors' similar products with a new feature called Precipitation Pattern that’s planned for introduction in July and will allow users to see an animated representation of cloud movement from the previous 90 minutes. The system is on offer in Germany at the moment, and will be compatible with any cars using BMW's ConnectedDrive, meaning it could be fairly easy to incorporate into American vehicles - whether or not BMW will offer this service in North America, however, remains uncertain but there shouldn't be too many hurdles in bringing it over. Read More

  • Volkswagen teams up with Garmin for portable GPS navigation system

    Volkswagen teams up with Garmin for portable GPS navigation system May 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 3 Comments

    Volkswagen teams up with Garmin for portable GPS navigation system Carmakers are working closely with electronic component suppliers to develop a new generation of low cost navigation and infotainment systems designed for both vehicle and personal use. Renault recently launched such a system in its facelifted Clio hatch called the Carminat TomTom GPS and soon after that Harman International confirmed plans to supply a similar system for use in up to eight new Mercedes Benz vehicles starting from mid-2010.

    Now, Volkswagen has joined the fray by developing its own portable GPS navigation unit together with Garmin. Known as the 'Click & Ride' system, the new GPS unit works by being plugged into an integration... Carmakers are working closely with electronic component suppliers to develop a new generation of low cost navigation and infotainment systems designed for both vehicle and personal use. Renault recently launched such a system in its facelifted Clio hatch called the Carminat TomTom GPS and soon after that Harman International confirmed plans to supply a similar system for use in up to eight new Mercedes Benz vehicles starting from mid-2010. Now, Volkswagen has joined the fray by developing its own portable GPS navigation unit together with Garmin. Known as the 'Click & Ride' system, the new GPS unit works by being plugged into an integration kit - a special socket fixed to the dashboard and designed to take the unit – and is then controlled via a touchscreen interface just like any other third-party portable GPS. The whole system can be switched from car to car fairly easily, and offers a number of advantages over just buying a third-party product. First of all, those annoying suction cups are dispensed with, and there aren't any messy wires dangling around as you drive. Its features include automatic radio muting when the system is giving directions, optional Bluetooth connectivity, and even a Lane Assist function. Currently, the system is being rolled out for Europe, where it costs close to $100, but it should be making its way to the U.S. sometime in the near future. Read More

  • GPS satellite network approaching danger zone

    GPS satellite network approaching danger zone May 19th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 19th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    GPS satellite network approaching danger zone Concerned parents use it to keep an eye on their kids. Government conspiracists think it's tracking our every move. Insurance companies want to use it to make more money. Drivers follow it blindly. Yes, GPS is a powerful part of our daily lives, but it's in jeopardy.

    The U.S. Department of Defense, which owns and administers the GPS satellite system, is over budget and behind schedule in its maintenance. A thorough revamp of the equipment is scheduled to take place through 2013, but costs and technical hurdles could delay that timeline.

    Why the bother? Because the equipment currently orbiting the Earth isn't going to last forever. The $5.8... Concerned parents use it to keep an eye on their kids. Government conspiracists think it's tracking our every move. Insurance companies want to use it to make more money. Drivers follow it blindly. Yes, GPS is a powerful part of our daily lives, but it's in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Defense, which owns and administers the GPS satellite system, is over budget and behind schedule in its maintenance. A thorough revamp of the equipment is scheduled to take place through 2013, but costs and technical hurdles could delay that timeline. Why the bother? Because the equipment currently orbiting the Earth isn't going to last forever. The $5.8 billion allotted for the DOD's project is currently projected to fall at least $870 million short, reports CNet, and the next-gen satellites aren't meeting construction and deployment deadlines. The cause of the problem is laid at the feet of the lack of a clear leadership on the GPS program, which has seen a quick succession of managers and involves more officials, organizations and acronyms than the average CIA gala. Complicating the problem has been a series of mergers in the private sector companies that contract much of the GPS work from the DOD, including Boeing's acquisition of Rockwell, followed by a merger with McDonnell Douglas and the acquisition of Hughes Electronics. The consequences of all of this bureaucratic hoopla: less accuracy in the GPS system as systems degrade, which could mean not only slower or less accurate routing for all of us on the ground, but also for commercial airlines and even military applications. Given the huge importance of the GPS network to military, government and civilian daily life, however, don't start planning your nights around GPS satellite re-entries just yet. Cost and technical difficulties aside, the system is simply too valuable to let it fall into complete disrepair. Via: TheCarConnection Read More

  • Hamilton stripped of Australian GP points for "misleading" stewards

    Hamilton stripped of Australian GP points for "misleading" stewards April 2nd, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, April 2nd, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Hamilton stripped of Australian GP points for Stewards earlier today declared that Lewis Hamilton and McLaren offered "deliberately misleading" evidence that resulted in Jarno Trulli losing his podium in a post-race inquiry at the Australian GP last Sunday. The reconvened investigation in Malaysia resulted in Hamilton, the reigning world champion, and his McLaren team being excluded from the results of the 2009 season opener.

    The FIA reopened the case after a "new element" - believed to be radio traffic between the McLaren driver and his pitwall at the time of the incident - came to light.

    A statement issued by the stewards on today confirmed that 24-year-old Hamilton and his team... Stewards earlier today declared that Lewis Hamilton and McLaren offered "deliberately misleading" evidence that resulted in Jarno Trulli losing his podium in a post-race inquiry at the Australian GP last Sunday. The reconvened investigation in Malaysia resulted in Hamilton, the reigning world champion, and his McLaren team being excluded from the results of the 2009 season opener. The FIA reopened the case after a "new element" - believed to be radio traffic between the McLaren driver and his pitwall at the time of the incident - came to light. A statement issued by the stewards on today confirmed that 24-year-old Hamilton and his team "acted in a manner prejudicial to the conduct of the event by providing evidence deliberately misleading to the stewards". The stewards also said the conduct was in breach of the International Sporting Code. McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said everyone was disappointed by what had happened but revealed that were no plans to appeal the decision. "I believe it was a harsh decision. Experience has told us you've got to accept these decisions," he said. Toyota's Trulli, originally demoted to twelfth place having stood on the Albert Park podium, has had his third place result reinstated. Hamilton was originally awarded third place when stewards ruled that Trulli breached regulations by passing the McLaren driver during a safety car period late in the race. Check out the full race results in our previous story by clicking here. Read More

  • Sat nav strikes again: UK driver nearly goes off cliff following GPS directions

    Sat nav strikes again: UK driver nearly goes off cliff following GPS directions March 25th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 25th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Sat nav strikes again: UK driver nearly goes off cliff following GPS directions When your GPS system tells you to drive down an unpaved, three-foot-wide path, perhaps it's time to pull to the side of the road, get your bearings and maybe - just maybe - even ask for directions. But Robert Jones of Doncaster, South Yorkshire in the UK, didn't do that. Instead, he soldiered on, following the sat nav system right up to and over the brink of a cliff.

    The vehicle was stopped, and Jones was saved from a nearly certain Darwin Award win by a fortuitously placed wire fence. Had the fence not held long enough for emergency crews to extricate the BMW Jones was driving, it would have plummeted down a 100ft embankment.

    Sadly,... When your GPS system tells you to drive down an unpaved, three-foot-wide path, perhaps it's time to pull to the side of the road, get your bearings and maybe - just maybe - even ask for directions. But Robert Jones of Doncaster, South Yorkshire in the UK, didn't do that. Instead, he soldiered on, following the sat nav system right up to and over the brink of a cliff. The vehicle was stopped, and Jones was saved from a nearly certain Darwin Award win by a fortuitously placed wire fence. Had the fence not held long enough for emergency crews to extricate the BMW Jones was driving, it would have plummeted down a 100ft embankment. Sadly, Jones' incident isn't an isolated one - UK drivers in particular have been driving into trouble at the behest of their GPS systems for years. But that doesn't stop people from putting blind faith in the tools. "It kept insisting the path was a road, even as it was getting narrower and steeper, so I just trusted it," Jones told the Halifax Evening Courier. It's unknown what caused the GPS system to malfunction so badly. What caused Jones' malfunction is equally mysterious. Advances like BMW's learning sat nav system (pictured above), previewed in February apparently can't come to market soon enough. Read More

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