New Electronics Reviews

GPS or Global positioning systems, are systems of satellites and receiving devices which are used to calculate exact positions on the Earth. GPS is used in navigation and its precision supports cadastral surveying. The GPS navigation system has got much better in recent years, but they still can't match the best built-in factory systems for overall navigation functionality. It's clear that the aftermarket systems are now setting the pace in terms of innovation, integration, and features. For example, while few factory systems offer real-time traffic reports, it's quickly becoming an important feature for aftermarket GPS systems.

A brief of some of the new functionalities in GPS Navigators are:

• Real-time local information: Using this functionality a user will be able to link to MSN Direct to provide in addition to traffic and weather, such local information as fuel prices in nearby gas stations and movie times in local theaters.
• Dual-function capabilities: The GPS Navigators perform the functions of both an automobile navigation system and a wilderness or marine GPS unit. It provides both road maps and topology maps coverage.
• Internet searches and automatic map updates: This new functionality augments its internal points-of-interest (POI) database with Internet searches through Yahoo! local search. This functionality will enable the system to provide more detailed POI results than typical database-driven units can. The functionality will also be able to receive automatic map and software updates either by Wi-Fi or a cellular modem.
• Car to Car Communication: This new functionality addresses traffic in two ways. It comes with a preloaded database of historical traffic flow information for all major roads, which it will use in combination with real-time reports to calculate the fastest route. It will also be able to relay traffic speed data wirelessly to other GPS units to provide additional real-time information.
• Satellite Radio Integration: Using this functionality one can receive Sirius satellite radio signals and transmit them through a car's audio system through a FM modulator.
• Improved search functionality for addresses.
• Speed camera warnings functionality is available in 17 countries with over 16000 speed camera locations. The speed camera database is updated with new speed cameras every week.
• Improved routing mode where the estimated time of Arrival (ETA) and the distance left to destination can be viewed from the main navigation window.
• Integration: Some companies have integrated their GPS system into devices like smart phones with the navigation database built in. Another GPS manufacturer has integrated its GPS system into a back-up warning system.

Labels: GPS Navigators