Latest news extracts about GPS and wireless technologiesWhy GPS and GSM news brought together?What do they have in common? The only common factor is that both use HF radio signals for their operation. But there is more. Already today GPS is getting incorporated in GSMs(Europe), cell phones(USA) and mobile phones(UK) and this development is accelerating in a great pace. In only a couple of years (almost) all GSMs will have a GPS receiver incorporated. And not the poor performing GPS receivers as we know them now from our handheld devices. No, the GSM/GPS combinations must be able to locate themselves under the most difficult circumstances i.e. indoors, in parking garages, in urban canyons, in large buildings etc. The market for these GPS receivers is so huge, compared to the market for handheld GPS receivers (a factor 200 or so), that every manufacturer will put all on all to make this a success. We already knew the Global Locate A-GPS chip-set with over 20,000 hardware correlators integrated. This means that the hardware does a lot of the computational work. Acquires satellites with signals below -158dBm at a 100 times lower power consumption. Time-to-first-fix as low as 250 msec. In the mean time Global Locate has been taken over by Broadcom. And SiRF sells its third generation SiRFStarIII chipset with the equivalent of more than 200,000 correlators. Weak GPS signals (up to -159dBm) can be processed and with that indoor GPS exists already. The SiRFSoft GPS architecture is portable to the market leading platforms such as Intel XScale and OMAPI. This means that the system can be incorporated in GSMs, cell phones, Smartphones, PDAs and other wireless handheld devices. End September 2006 u-blox AG announced the u-blox 5 family of GPS and Galileo-ready single chips and chipsets featuring an acquisition performance of under 1 second. The new chips also feature SuperSense -160 dBm acquisition and tracking sensitivity, power needs of less than 50 mW and a footprint smaller than 100 mm2, making u-blox 5 receivers ideal for PDAs, personal navigation devices, cameras, cell phones, media players and other battery-operated portable devices. u-blox 5's ultra-fast acquisition time is due to its 50-channel architecture with over 1 million correlators and separate acquisition and tracking engines, capable of massively parallel searches. Hundreds of millions of people will permanently carry a high performance GPS receiver with them, wherever they go. GPS and GSM go together. Notice to our readersFrom November 2004 on we added more news-extracts about other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, RFID, NFC, WiMAX, Flash-OFDM, UWB and ZigBee, as we believe that these are complementary technologies and could interest many of our readers. Search Tip: using "Ctrl" + "F"This page is too big to simply scroll down in the hope to find a particular word. Press and hold the "Ctrl" button and press the “F” button. In the small pop-up window type the word or phrase you are looking for. Press “Enter” and you will find the first occurrence of the word you are looking for. Every time you hit “Enter” you will find the next occurrence of the word. And now the news-extractsNews extracts will be kept here for 5-6 months. At the beginning of every new month we will add one month of extracts to the most recent Archive page. Here you will find the Archived GPS-Wireless News pages: May 18, 2010.-- Globalstar, Inc, a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and consumers, announced that Globalstar Asia Pacific has been granted the necessary license transfers from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) to commence service operations. Earlier this year Globalstar and Arion Communication Co. Ltd., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data products and services to maritime customers in Korea signed a joint venture agreement to form Globalstar Asia Pacific. The new joint venture company will operate the Globalstar gateway ground station in Korea and provide Simplex and duplex mobile satellite voice and data services including SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger products and services to customers in Korea and the surrounding maritime region. "Now that the license transfer has been granted, Globalstar Asia Pacific can proceed with its plans to expand and support the market for both our Simplex and duplex mobile satellite services and SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger consumer products throughout Korea and the surrounding area," said Peter Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, Globalstar, Inc. "We will also complete the installation of satellite telemetry control unit (TCU) upgrades at the ground station located in Yeoju. These upgrades will allow us to globally monitor and control the orbital deployment of our new second-generation satellite constellation scheduled for launch beginning in late September or October." "The stringent criteria of the Korean Communications Commission (KCC) presented challenges in the approval process, but we can now say that we have succeeded in overcoming these. We are extremely happy that we have achieved our goal with the support of all parties involved. In the very near future Globalstar Asia Pacific will begin offering Globalstar satellite services including SPOT and Simplex data throughout Korea and the Surrounding area," said Tony Park, CEO of Arion Communications Co., Ltd. Globalstar Asia Pacific acquired the existing satellite gateway located southeast of Seoul in Yeoju, from LG Telecom, which has been the Globalstar service provider in the region since 2001. Globalstar, Inc. and LG Telecom signed a business transfer agreement subject to the KCC license transfer to Globalstar Asia Pacific. With the license transfer now complete, LG Telecom plans to transition the operations of the gateway to Globalstar Asia Pacific over the next 90 days. Globalstar, Inc. will provide Globalstar Asia Pacific with the necessary engineering and technical training and personnel support required to operate the gateway. May 12, 2010.-- Iridium Communications Inc., the world's only mobile satellite services (MSS) operator with truly global coverage, announced an important advancement in its pursuit of regulatory compliance to enter the Russian Market. In May 2009, Iridium announced that it formed a company called, "Iridium Communications Russia, OOO" to pursue a license for providing MSS services in Russia. For the second year, Iridium is exhibiting at Sviaz-Expocomm, Russia's largest telecommunications industry trade show in Moscow, May 11-15. In April 2010, the Russian Government Commission Expert Opinion approved Iridium's entry in to the Russian market. The Iridium low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellation covers the entire planet and provides services where no other means of communication exist. Iridium sees an opportunity to provide an essential service in Russia, particularly given the extensive, open land masses without telecommunications infrastructure in the country, in addition to Russia's harsh climates and northern sea routes where only Iridium has coverage. Iridium is the only MSS service that works in the Arctic Regions, which is particularly important for maritime organizations that need to meet government regulatory obligations to have reliable long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) devices and distress safety systems on vessels. In addition, aircraft must rely on flight communications systems for safety while flying Polar routes. Iridium offers Russian citizens living, working and traveling in rural territories a reliable telecommunications service in order to stay connected. The company's services are in demand in market sectors within Russia such as emergency response, civil government, oil and gas, mining, rail and internal waterways. Matt Desch, Iridium CEO said, "We are looking forward to seeing Iridium become a part of the Russian telecom market - a vibrant market that is open to the type of innovation Iridium delivers. Strong demand for Iridium services in Russia has driven and underpinned our efforts in resuming activities in the country and we continue to work diligently with the Russian authorities to complete this effort." At Sviaz-Expocomm 2010, Iridium is showcasing its innovative product portfolio, including the Iridium 9555(TM) satellite phone; Iridium OpenPort(R), an enhanced-speed maritime communications service; and the Iridium 9602(TM) short burst data transceiver that Iridium recently launched for global asset tracking and monitoring. The Iridium 9602 offers a smaller, lower-cost transceiver than what has been available on the market and offers the only global, low-latency, two-way satellite data communications service. Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center has been a key Iridium partner since 2001 when the two companies signed a collaborative agreement to work together to advance the process to make Iridium services available in Russia. Khrunichev owns an Iridium gateway and discussions are underway for gateway modernization and operations. Iridium also plans to selectively expand its network of more than 200 global distribution partners by adding new service providers in the Russian market. The company's partner ecosystem expansion plans will enable delivery of the full portfolio of Iridium products and services to the Russian market. May 10, 2010.-- TeleNav and Sendum announced the availability of the Sendum PT200 tracking device for Sprint wireless enterprise customers using the TeleNav Asset Tracker platform. The device provides highly accurate location information allowing TeleNav Asset Tracker users to monitor the real-time location of assets, such as high-value packages, cargo or equipment, using a secure, Web-based portal. The combination of Sendum's PT200 tracking hardware with the TeleNav Asset Tracker platform helps organizations involved in shipping, distribution, transportation, law enforcement, equipment leasing or government operations improve the speed and accuracy with which they locate and dispatch equipment and assets. The Sendum PT200 is a portable, rugged tracking device that can easily be placed in packages, containers or mounted to assets such as machinery or vehicles. The device uses assisted GPS, a technology combining GPS satellite and cellular tower triangulation data, to provide highly-accurate location information in conditions where most autonomous GPS receivers are unable to get a location fix. The Sendum PT200 is also designed for extreme conditions, working in temperatures ranging from -20 degr to +60 degr C (-4 degr to 140 degr F). Additional features include:
Organizations can use TeleNav Asset Tracker with the Sendum PT200 to monitor and report the precise location of high-value assets to improve the efficiency of dispatch, ensure equipment is located at the proper job site, and reduce theft of high-value property or machinery. The software uses a detailed, animated map to allow for easy identification of an asset's location or the path of a moving asset. Real-time alerts can also be configured to send notification of geo-fence events, extended stops, or loss of communication with the device. "We believe the Sendum PT200 provides the precision and durability our customers require to use our TeleNav Asset Tracker software in their daily operations," said Ravi Acharya, associate director of B2B marketing at TeleNav. The TeleNav Asset Tracker platform using the Sendum PT200 is now available to Sprint wireless customers. A monthly subscription to TeleNav Asset Tracker service and a Sprint data plan are required to use the service. May 6, 2010.-- Fastrax Ltd., a pioneering supplier of high performance GPS receivers, Software GPS solutions and tracking systems for location-aware devices, introduced the Fastrax IT520, the smallest GPS receiver in Fastrax's IT500 series GPS modules. The Fastrax IT520 features a form factor of only 10.4 x 14.0 x 2.3 mm, allowing for easy utilization in a variety of applications, including asset tracking and navigation systems, and battery operated consumer products. The Fastrax IT520 provides all of the same features and extremely high performance as the widely used and highly appreciated Fastrax IT500, packed into an impressively miniature form factor. The new module takes 50 percent less space than its predecessor, allowing for inclusion into tiny casings. With the optional built-in USB 2.0 interface, Fastrax IT520 is also ideally suited for GPS mouse and Mini PCI card applications. "In GPS modules, size certainly does matter", said Taneli Tuurnala, CEO and President, Fastrax. "The small IT520 module was developed based on feedback from our customers. Location-based features and applications are introduced in more and more innovative devices, and users are getting accustomed to the added benefits. In the coming years, we'll see GPS modules integrated into an increasing number of mobile phones, digital cameras, sports accessories, wristwatches, and the like." In addition, Fastrax introduced the Fastrax UP501 GPS module with an integrated antenna. The updated and improved version of the Fastrax UP500 is footprint and pin compatible with its predecessor. The module is now based on the same Mediatek MT3329 GPS chipset as the Fastrax IT520 and the Fastrax IT500. All these modules have 66 acquisition channels and 22 tracking channels, and feature extraordinarily high -148dBm cold start sensitivity and -165dBm navigation sensitivity. The optimized performance enables navigation in even the most demanding applications and environments, and ensures a solid fix even in harsh GPS visibility environments. "While waiting for location information to appear, every second feels long", added Taneli Tuurnala. "Ensuring a smooth user experience in consumer applications requires fast and reliable operation, and long battery life. Under the hood, this translates into a combination of high sensitivity, fast signal acquisition and low power consumption. It is our aim to continue providing the best possible GPS module offering for these demanding environments and applications." The Fastrax UP501 is electrically and mechanically compatible with the Fastrax UP500, making upgrading easy for the designers. This saves considerable amounts of development time, testing, documentation and support costs, while reducing time to market to an absolute minimum. The UP501 is also available with optional onboard battery back-up and RS232 connectivity. April 27, 2010.-- Thorcom Systems Ltd. a leading supplier ofGPS based vehicle location systems announces the availability of its newlow-cost and high performance GPRS based vehicle tracking and telemetry unit,VLR200. The VLR200 combines best-in-class positioning technology using a 50-channelUblox GPS receiver with high performance quad band GSM radio communications ina compact and robust unit. Applications include real time vehicle location systems, vehicle telemetry anddata recording and when combined with a supported Satellite Navigation systemfrom Garmin® provide mobile data and job despatch facilities. Thorcom?sworld-leading intelligent, rules-based, tracking algorithms provide uses withreal time vehicle location data while maintaining low running costs. The VLR200is compatible with Thorcom?s very high availability central gateway productsand ?Software As A Service? which permits personal tracking devices and otherbearer technologies to be combined into one. Markets include EmergencyServices, Public Transport, Local Authorities, Fleet and Logistics operatorsand other special-purpose location service operators. April 26, 2010.-- Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today announced it has signed a distribution agreement to distribute Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, LLC's GPS products in the United States. Navman Wireless is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative GPS solutions for various OEM applications including vehicle fleet tracking, asset tracking, and navigation systems. Navman Wireless' GPS modules and sensors, tracking devices, data terminals, and accessories are available for purchase on Digi-Key's US websites. Additionally, these products will be featured in future print and online catalogs. Navman Wireless' GPS products allow for easy integration and customization in various applications and enable design engineers to develop and utilize faster time-to-market solutions. "We believe the engineering community will be excited with the module and integrated solutions that Navman Wireless offers in GPS tracking and navigation applications" said Dave Doherty, vice president of semiconductor product. "Adding Navman Wireless is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce our customers' time to market by offering solution based platforms." George Arnott, Navman Wireless OEM's vice president said, "Digi-Key was our number one choice for web-based distribution. Everyone knows Digi-Key for offering the highest level of service which matches the expectations of our customers who rely on our high performance GPS modules. We are very excited about this new co-operation." Digi-Key Corporation focuses on providing customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Using leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies, Digi-Key serves a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA. April 16, 2010.-- FoxTrax has simplified GPS vehicle tracking. Clients simply purchase a device, turn it on, and start tracking their vehicles via the web. FoxTrax GPS saves time and money by allowing businesses to track their fleet assets. This makes real-time GPS Tracking accessible to businesses of all sizes. Accessibility to fleet data in real-time and via reports is an important component of modern fleet tracking. GPS tracking saves money by automatically generating data and helping businesses to become more efficient in their vehicle usage. GPS tracking saves money by automatically generating data and helping businesses to become more efficient in their vehicle usage. "Our GPS vehicle tracking product is specially designed and priced for small to medium sized businesses. Our goal is to help our customers dramatically improve efficiency and customer service by extending real-time management and accountability to fleet operations. There is an old business adage that states, 'If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." With a simple tracking device and web based tracking software, any business can benefit from a FoxTrax GPS tracking system. Through their system, updates are made every 20 seconds, compared to industry averages of every 5 to 10 minutes. Up-to-the-second tracking can mean the difference between making a tight deadline or being able to reroute on the fly, and having to pay for costly overtime or not being able to fulfill customer needs. Businesses can use FoxTrax's real-time GPS tracking system to track and measure their vehicles, including speed of travel and length of stops. This information helps businesses to create more efficient routes, track driver performance, and better meet their customer needs. Since the FoxTrax GPS system is based on simple components, including GPS tracker and a web interface, it is fully scalable. Small businesses can start with just one unit, while larger businesses can track hundreds of vehicles at one time. FoxTrax has invested in its own infrastructure and mapping and reporting software. This allows businesses to access a customizable tracking system with an up time of well over 99%, all throughout the country, on multiple data carriers. That kind of flexibility and reliability matters to a growing business. The company's innovations and investments in data management help provide each customer, from those that buy just one unit to those that need to track large fleets, with up-to-the-second reporting. April 8, 2010.-- ORBCOMM, Inc., a global satellite data communications company focused on two-way Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications and Quake Global, Inc. the leading manufacturer of ORBCOMM M2M modems, announced their next generation of satellite modems for the ORBCOMM satellite network with the Q4000 and Q-Pro series of QUAKE products. These robust, reliable and highly configurable devices have received Type Acceptance Testing (TAT) approval from ORBCOMM and units are available for immediate delivery. "ORBCOMM and Quake have a more than decade long partnership," said Marc Eisenberg, CEO of ORBCOMM. "These new devices reflect our shared vision to expand our leadership position to new M2M markets such as security, marine and transportation as well and others that have so far been previously underserved in data acquisition. When configured as dual mode, these new devices provide satellite coverage and cellular bandwidth at prices that are lower than other satellite-only services with similar capabilities." Though small enough to fit in your hand, the Q4000 is a rugged industrial grade modem with dual-mode operation over the ORBCOMM satellite network and GSM terrestrial networks. With embedded GPS, the highly customizable Q4000/Q-Pro are versatile, all-in-one remote asset tracking solutions. They are designed to meet stringent automotive power conditioning requirements and have extremely low power consumption for extended battery operation. The Q4000/Q-Pro also incorporates an application programming interface (API) that allows developers to utilize their functions to create customized onboard applications. Utilizing QUAKE's patented technology and unified communications protocol, system integrators need only develop a single protocol to communicate across the ORBCOMM satellite system and terrestrial networks. This functionality significantly reduces development time and costs. "QUAKE has long-standing relationship with ORBCOMM. Our partnership has secured a leading position amongst OEM customers, which has become a great success story for both our companies," said Polina Braunstein, CEO of Quake Global. "QUAKE provides highly reliable and cost-effective solutions for the ORBCOMM network. With our new family of products we can now offer our customers global communication over the ORBCOMM satellite network in conjunction with global GSM networks. Our new Q4000 and Q-Pro devices are the perfect reflection of market demand and are a great compliment to the ORBCOMM vision." April 8, 2010.-- TeleType has released an update to its WorldNav Truck GPS software that now includes Mexico coverage and updated maps for the US and Canada. Following it's mission of "Know Before You Go," TeleType is offering an updated version of their WorldNav software for commercial drivers enabling commercial drivers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to follow truck friendly routes when using the WorldNav Truck GPS. The Mexico truck maps are included free of charge in the Version 9 release of the WorldNav software. WorldNav commercial truck routing takes into account low bridges, commercially restricted areas, and hazardous material transport limitations and offers flexible routing options. Also included is an extensive database of over 12 million points of interest, including truck stops, weigh stations, restaurants, and hotels. New in Version 9
April 6, 2010.-- OnAsset Intelligence Inc., a leading provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless asset tracking, sensing, and control solutions, and TransCore, a worldwide transportation services company, introduced a turnkey M2M service application that enables customers to pay for cargo security per day of active use while the cargo is in transit, making it easy for customers to track and monitor high-value cargo on a per shipment basis. For as little as $7 per day, customers can pack and ship a container with OnAsset's ContainerSafe device, utilize TransCore's complete forward and reverse logistics program, and monitor the device from point of origin to destination in real time over T-Mobile's global network -- all without paying a huge upfront capital expenditure to make it happen. "This business model demonstrates that the M2M industry continues to not only provide innovative enabling technologies, but also unique business models that create a service infrastructure for high-value asset tracking" "Historically, the customers' challenge has been the business framework required to seamlessly adopt wireless monitoring and security technologies into their everyday workflow," says Adam Crossno, President and CEO of OnAsset. "With this new easy-to-use turnkey solution, we are significantly impacting the visibility, security, and control our customers have within their supply chain. In addition to real-time monitoring, notification and logistics support, the ContainerSafe solution is unlocked via OnAsset's software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform to provide information access and back-office integration connectivity to ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. For the first time, customers have access to an all-in-one service model that complements how intermodal carriers are already doing business - by shipment." "This business model demonstrates that the M2M industry continues to not only provide innovative enabling technologies, but also unique business models that create a service infrastructure for high-value asset tracking," says John Horn, national director of M2M for T-Mobile USA. Designed for self-service monitoring of most shipping containers, OnAsset's ContainerSafe products can be equipped with multiple sensors to track location, monitor the status of the container and goods inside, and to deter, detect, and delay theft. Installed or removed in less than one minute, the devices are so easy to use and install that no tools are required. Breach detection sensors are utilized to ensure that once the container is loaded, no attempts to reopen the container during transit can occur without notification. Unlike the one-time-use container seal locks often used today, ContainerSafe devices are reusable and designed to be an integral component of any intermodal carrier's cargo security strategy. "Deploying highly intelligent reusable security devices is the critical step in achieving real-time shipping condition notifications - from theft to environmental condition updates," says Adam Crossno. "With our complete logistics service, customers deploying the ContainerSafe device avoid spending time and energy on determining the best way to return devices back to the shipping origin after reaching their destination. TransCore takes care of that for them." March 23, 2010.-- InvisiTrack, Inc. announced its InvisiTrack Location System (LS), the world's first accurate and reliable indoor/outdoor location positioning, ranging and navigation solution that requires no fixed infrastructure for effective operation. InvisiTrack LS is available now for integration with mobile phones and TV band-based products. InvisiTrack LS advances the state-of-the-art in location positioning technology by maximizing the superior propagation characteristics of low-frequency radio signals to provide accurate and reliable location fixes indoors. This solution differs from legacy location methods, such as those designed to work with Cell-ID, GPS, A-GPS and Wi-Fi signals, which do not provide accurate and reliable location fixes indoors due to limitations imposed by the propagation characteristics of high-frequency radio signals. GPS enables users to navigate to the main address of a shopping mall; LBS can provide a list of what or who is inside. InvisiTrack LS vastly improves this experience by enabling users to navigate to their destinations inside the shopping mall and find whomever or whatever they are looking for. InvisiTrack LS also enables mobile network operators and online advertisers to deliver precisely targeted location-based advertisements, finally making possible effective pay-per-walk-by advertising. In 2008, the FCC opened up sections of radio frequency spectrum, called TV bands, for public use. TV bands between 512 and 698 MHz offer significant benefits for location positioning and tracking indoors, compared with higher frequency services like Wi-Fi, operating at 2.4 GHz. TV bands provide increased range for signal propagation and detection, leading to significantly greater effectiveness at penetrating buildings and other large structures. InvisiTrack LS utilizes TV bands to increase signal range by up to a factor of ten over that of legacy location methods, to work in many environments where higher frequency solutions do not, and to provide accurate location fixes with resolutions of less than 3 meters indoors and 1 meter outdoors without need for fixed infrastructure. The InvisiTrack research and development team has taken a unique approach in developing InvisiTrack LS, basing it on three complementary innovations, each of which is patented (or has patents pending) in the U.S., Europe and Asia:
"We started InvisiTrack with a vision for creating a location technology that provides accurate location fixes with equal effectiveness both indoors and outdoors, enabling users to navigate seamlessly between both environments," said Russ Markhovsky, Founder and CEO, InvisiTrack, Inc. "With InvisiTrack Location System, not only have we created 'The Last Mile of GPS', but we've also opened the door to an entirely new genre of location-based services that will bring new utility to consumers and will tap new revenue streams for first market-mover companies making effective use of the technology." A unique feature of InvisiTrack LS is its ability to operate flexibly in ad hoc/mesh and fixed/mesh configurations with encrypted and unencrypted signaling options, supporting a range of location-based services benefitting consumers and businesses, as well as public safety and other government organizations. Mobile devices configured with InvisiTrack LS offer vast improvements in location functionality, including location positioning, ranging and navigation with seamless traversal indoors and outdoors-notably in areas where legacy location methods have not been effective. March 22, 2010.-- Navman Wireless introduced the latest version of its GPS navigation and messaging device, the M-Nav 760. Developed for business users, the M-Nav 760 provides fully integrated vehicle tracking, job dispatch messaging and satellite navigation in one package. New features include full touch screen, Driver ID and Bluetooth built into the device for hands-free phone use. The M-Nav 760 Provides Fully Integrated Vehicle Tracking. Having Bluetooth built in is a bonus, as it enables drivers to comply with the recent legislation around mobile phone use in vehicles. Ian Daniel, Vice President Asia Pacific at Navman Wireless, is confident that people will find the new streamlined touch screen easy to use. "And having Bluetooth built in is a bonus, as it enables drivers to comply with the recent legislation around mobile phone use in vehicles," he says. The M-Nav 760 is a key component of Navman Wireless's vehicle tracking and fleet management system which includes OnlineAVL2 (automatic vehicle locator) software and the Qube vehicle tracking device. With the M-Nav 760, it's as simple as 'accept and go'. The dispatcher locates the customer's address on OnlineAVL2, selects the vehicle to dispatch to that job and sends a message with the job details and customer address embedded as GPS coordinates directly from the office PC to the M-Nav 760. The field staff then accepts the job and the M-Nav 760 automatically navigates to the customer's location with turn-by-turn instructions. "Our local team developed the software and the application for the M-Nav 760, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to research and development for a global product in New Zealand" says Ian. Private Switch In a New Zealand first, Navman Wireless has also developed new privacy technology called Private Switch. When switched on, the vehicle activity and location data is not displayed in the OnlineAVL2 software. Designed here for export and domestic markets, Private Switch can be retrofitted to existing vehicle tracking devices. A light indicates when the Private Switch is in use. "Many employees have contracts that specifically allow personal use of a company vehicle outside business hours. Private Switch enables them to separate private from business use. This means the business will be able to get the benefit of improved customer service, increased productivity and better asset management while employees are assured that their private activities remain private," says Ian. The M-Nav 760 features:
The Private Switch:
March 21, 2010.-- TrackingTheWorld, Inc., a leading developer of GPS tracking systems and fleet tracking software announced the release of the WorldTracker AVL, a newly-developed and affordable GPS vehicle tracker with technologically-advanced features which exceed those of its competitors. "We are pleased to offer the WorldTracker AVL GPS tracking system to our customers. Its superior specifications are already proving to be a great asset for all types of vehicle tracking applications on nearly any budget" said Gilbert Walz, CEO of TrackingTheWorld, Inc. The specifications of the WorldTracker AVL include an extruded aluminum enclosure, an internal back-up battery, and a quad-band GSM transceiver. World Tracker AVL GPS trackers feature 4 digital inputs, one analog input, and 4 digital outputs, including one with a built-in relay. The World Tracker AVL comes equipped with receiving and transmitting audio capabilities, a DC voltage input and a mounting bracket. Built-in GSM and GPS antennas, an I/O cable, and a power cable with fuse and ignition monitoring detection are also included. Durable and reliable for all vehicle tracking operations, the WorldTracker AVL is designed to provide an affordable, complete, and technologically-superior GPS tracking package for businesses, investigators, and individual users. "The WorldTracker AVL provides far more return on investment than other GPS tracking systems in comparable price ranges. It's a smart strategy for obtaining high performance GPS tracking capabilities while maintaining your business budget," said Walz. The WorldTracker AVL GPS tracker is designed for use with TrackingTheWorld's sophisticated GPS tracking software which features multiple views, cell phone and email alerts, customized mapping options, detailed satellite imagery, geo-fencing options, and automated reporting capabilities designed to maximize efficiency. "Our GPS tracking software is used by business owners around the world as a cost-effective tool which allows them to operate their businesses more effectively and more profitably," said Walz. March 16, 2009.-- EMS Global Tracking, a division of EMS Technologies, Inc., announced the launch of its ultra-portable Osprey Personal Tracker Solution. "This solution represents a new market segment for both EMS and our partners, where we are leveraging the pedigree of Inmarsat's global satellite network and our significant tracking and Search and Rescue (SAR) expertise." EMS' new Osprey Personal Tracker Solution combines hardware, airtime and the company's ViewPointSM application services in one integrated package. Key features include two-way tracking and messaging, with the ability to track a user's location with high-resolution, detailed maps. Users also can remotely configure up to 450 pre-defined messages from a secure, web-based application. "EMS is extending our industry-leading asset and vehicle tracking capabilities to individuals, offering the most cost-effective solution for worldwide tracking, two-way messaging and alerting," says Dino Koutrouki, EMS Global Tracking general manager. "This solution represents a new market segment for both EMS and our partners, where we are leveraging the pedigree of Inmarsat's global satellite network and our significant tracking and Search and Rescue (SAR) expertise." Today, EMS has shipped 175,000 low-data rate tracking terminals worldwide. Some 22 countries, including all the founding countries of Cospas-Sarsat, rely on EMS for their SAR infrastructure. Satellite and telecom analyst firm TMF Associates estimates the market for personal tracking will grow to as high as three million units by 2018. EMS is targeting the security and lone-worker markets. These include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civilian contractors, corporate VIPs based in dangerous locations, and lone workers, particularly those in the oil and gas and utility industries. Lone workers number more than 23 million in the United States alone. Many governments worldwide have passed occupational health and safety legislation requiring employers to know that their employees who work alone are safe. Within the security market, new legislation focused on corporate duty of care in some jurisdictions requires companies to ensure the safety of traveling workers. The need to safeguard employees is becoming more urgent, given the rise in corporate kidnappings for ransom in hot spots such as Latin America, West Africa and the Middle East. Currently, three-quarters of Fortune 500 companies in the United States carry kidnapping insurance, with the global premium for kidnapping-and-ransom policies totaling approximately $300 million, according to a recent article in The New York Times. "Security concerns continue to mount for personnel deployed in dangerous environments. We believe our solution will be in strong demand by companies as they look to protect their staff in these locations," says Koutrouki. EMS's Osprey tracker unit weighs approximately 12 ounces, including batteries, and can be carried or mounted inside a vehicle. The Osprey Personal Tracker also has a dedicated alert button that can be forwarded to the web-based application, or sent via an SMS or e-mail message. EMS Global Tracking's ViewPoint application GeofencingSM feature, enables near real-time alerts whenever users move outside their designated areas or planned routes. The solution also features terminal-to-terminal communication. These features were validated by customers as the system was designed and tested. The Osprey Personal Tracker solution will be generally available through EMS Global Tracking's distributor channels beginning at the end of March. EMS currently supplies tracking terminals, network and airtime services worldwide to NGOs, including the United Nations, NATO, news organizations such as the BBC, and a host of private companies. March 15, 2010.-- Wireless carrier Vodafone reportedly plans shutting down the navigational software subsidiary, Wayfinder, due to the fast emergence of free solutions in the Location Based Services (LBS) area. According to the latest reports on the matter, the move is expected to affect a number of 95 jobs across Sweden, Romania and the UK. Mobile services provider Vodafone purchased the navigational software company Wayfinder back in 2009, though the deal is said to have been closed in December 2008, when the carrier agreed to pay US$30 million for Wayfinder. Currently, the navigation solutions provider is part of Vodafone Internet Services. As stated above, the shutting down of Vodafone's navigational software subsidiary has been influenced by the latest shifts in the commercial market for navigation services. As most of you might already know, Google and Nokia are currently offering free navigation services to mobile phone users around the world, which makes it rather hard for companies with subscription fees to continue operating on the market. The services offered by Vodafone through Wayfinder included the in-car navigation Wayfinder Navigator. The company reported a large subscriber base last February, namely 2 million users. According to Reuters, a spokeswoman for the company stated that, while last year that wasn't the case, now "people expect to have (navigational services) and they don't expect to have to pay." The Wayfinder is expected to be closed down within a couple of months, it seems, though customers will be offered the possibility to move to other services before that. March 15, 2010.-- Delta Wave Communications, Inc. announced their new web based dTrac asset tracking solution. dTrac supports a variety of satellite communications technologies for global asset tracking requirements. Track and manage almost any asset type - ship, truck, tug, barge, container or drilling rig, or personnel on a global basis. It provides a range of solutions for the global tracking and management of almost any asset type, whether in the air, at sea or on land. dTrac allows assets and personnel to be tracked and managed through one login, or user defined groups, from any internet-connected PC or smart phone. We are proud that our distribution partners have been working with us in providing continual feedback in making this a superior product." Mark Borner, V.P. of Sales at Delta Wave adds: "Many of our existing customers who utilize our range of mobile satellite products also have a need for real-time asset and personnel tracking. We developed our own tracking portal for those who already have these types of requirements, and also to give them and future customers greater control and flexibility when it comes to a web based tracking portal. We are proud that our distribution partners have been working with us in providing continual feedback in making this a superior product." Customers may track assets using their existing Inmarsat and Iridium satellite terminals, or any of Delta Wave's line of tracking products. Cost effective plans are available with preset or user defined reporting intervals. End users are given more direct control over mapping options, such as grouping of assets and geo-fencing, which reduces support costs. Most recently, dTrac has become compatible with the NAL Research Iridium Shout Product, which offers two-way messaging, with emergency e-mail alert features, and is the only truly global personal tracking device on the market. March 11, 2010.-- Globalstar, Inc., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments and consumers, announced it has received a substantial order for the initial delivery of more than 15,000 SPOT Satellite Communicators from DeLorme, an innovation leader in mapping and GPS technologies. The introductory order will address DeLorme's retail distribution channel fill requirements. Earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the two companies jointly announced the introduction of the world's first rugged, handheld GPS and satellite communicator product. The DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with SPOT Satellite Communicator is the first handheld GPS navigation device capable of sending customized text messages even when the user is operating far beyond the range of cellular communications. The product is expected to be ready for general availability beginning in late spring. "The DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w with the SPOT Satellite Communicator provides customers with the utility of a sophisticated handheld GPS device combined with SPOT's global satellite messaging and tracking capability," said Peter Dalton, Chief Executive Officer of Globalstar Inc. "We were very pleased with the reception this new product received when it was unveiled at CES and today's announcement further demonstrates the level of market excitement and potential pent up demand there is for a handheld GPS device capable of sending customized text messages and location coordinates from virtually anywhere in the world." The revolutionary SPOT Satellite Communicator, designed exclusively for the new PN-60w, merges SPOT satellite message functionality with DeLorme's state-of-the-art GPS mapping utility. Together, this integrated solution offers broad messaging capabilities enabling users to send freeform text messages using the PN-60w's keyboard to select individuals or groups, even when the user is far beyond the range of traditional terrestrial-based wireless communications. Established SPOT technology allows real-time location updates and the ability to summon help in an emergency. Custom messages and waypoints can easily be shared with social networking sites like SPOTadventures.com, Geocaching.com, Twitter, and Facebook. As an emergency back-up, the SPOT Satellite Communicator has stand-alone capability to send location-based SOS notification to an emergency response center. March 10, 2010.-- GuidePoint Systems, a leading supplier of GPS-based telematics, announced the launch of a new tracking, safety and convenience application for users of Motorola's Droid and other smartphones that run on the Google Android operating system. The Madison Heights, Mich.-based company said the new Guidepoint App, which can be downloaded for free, allows users of the popular Android system to control their vehicle or gain access to a variety of location-based services including stolen vehicle recovery, driving directions, emergency help and other assistance. Guidepoint's app uses a smartphone's built-in GPS technology and its wireless connectivity to deliver the phone's exact location to Guidepoint. Once the app is activated, users can set up an online account with Guidepoint and access services with just a few touches of their Droid screen. "We've designed our Android app so that users can quickly and easily access our 24/7/365 response centers," said Tom Gafford, chief technology officer of Guidepoint. "The integration of our services with the available technology on the Droid and other smartphones that run on the Android operating system lets us quickly deliver whatever the customer needs to his or her exact location." "The new Android app extends the availability of our award-winning services, which we've developed over the past decade," said Rand Mueller, president and CEO of Guidepoint. "It's another great example of why we focus on being a service company rather than a technology company. As manufacturers of unique technologies such as the smartphones continue to develop new technology, we want to partner with them to deliver innovative, highly valued services to consumers and business owners." March 1, 2010.-- Rosum Corporation announced today the launch of ALLOY, a revolutionary location and synchronization solution for indoor and urban environments. The ALLOY chip, which was developed in partnership with Siano, the leading supplier of Mobile Digital TV receiver chips for handsets, laptops, PNDs, and other mobile devices, utilizes broadcast TV signals to provide precise frequency, timing and location information. The breakthrough chip opens up a multitude of new commercial opportunities by enabling femtocell synchronization and location, tracking of people and assets, and localized advertising over mobile TV devices in deep indoor locations such as shopping malls, hotels, campuses and factories with seamless delivery leveraging broadcast TV signals. Until today, there was no single location solution that worked across all environments. Traditional positioning systems are satellite-based, designed for outdoor applications and have limitations both indoors and in urban environments. The ALLOY client combines the ALLOY chip with a high-sensitivity A-GPS chip into a tightly-coupled hybrid TV-GPS solution which works across all types of environments: rural, suburban, urban, and indoor. Broadcast TV signals enjoy a 100,000x power margin advantage over GPS, and this extends location and synchronization capabilities deep into buildings and urban environments. According to Dominique Bonte, Practice Director, Telematics and Navigation, for ABI Research, the market for wireless location-based applications is expected to reach $14.5 Billion in 2014. "The success of these applications will depend on the pervasive availability of the location technologies that enable them. Alternative positioning technologies such as ALLOY are critical (in addressing the limitations of GPS)." "Femtozone location based applications provide an enhanced value proposition in addition to the voice and data services which are being currently rolled out. By 2014, ABI Research expects 40 million unit shipments for femtocells. This presents an exciting market opportunity for innovative solutions like those from Rosum that solve problems of indoor positioning and synchronization, which are critical for mass-market femtocell deployment," says Aditya Kaul, Practice Director, Mobile Networks for ABI Research. Applications of ALLOY include femtocell synchronization and location, indoor and urban tracking of people and assets, and location-based services and advertising for mobile TV devices. Specific examples include:
"Rosum's technology opens a new era in location-based applications and services," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano. "Our cooperation with Rosum will enable every user of a handheld device to not only watch TV everywhere, but also benefit from an abundance of location-based services everywhere, even where the line-of-sight to the global positioning satellites is blocked." "Siano's high-performance, low-power Mobile DTV solution is the ideal platform for effective deployment of Rosum TV-location technology," said Todd Young, VP Business Development of Rosum. "Partnering with Siano puts our robust location technology in an easy-to-integrate form factor for device makers worldwide." February 18, 2010.-- Spot LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. and a leader in personal satellite messaging communications announced it has begun shipping the new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger to customers and retail partners. SPOT, the maker of the world's first satellite GPS Messenger, introduced the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT 2) in October 2009. The new SPOT product features several upgrades and modifications and has passed rigorous environmental and operating quality assurance testing. "Providing high quality, reliable satellite messaging products is our number one commitment to consumers and retail partners," said Peter Dalton, CEO of Globalstar Inc., and SPOT LLC. "We have worked diligently to help ensure our customers continue to receive the finest safety communications products available on the market." The new handheld SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is the next generation in the SPOT product line following the award-winning SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker. Feature rich enhancements in the new SPOT Messenger offer a more robust and intuitive user experience in a smaller, more compact size. SPOT customers will enjoy advanced GPS performance for faster location acquisition, a new Custom Message mode and a dedicated button for GPS Tracking. Additionally, the new SPOT comes equipped with GPS acquisition and message sending LED confirmation. The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger provides outdoor enthusiasts and individual workers the ability to stay in touch with others from remote areas around the world outside of cellular coverage. SPOT sends GPS-based pre-defined messages via satellite to select contact groups including family, friends and co-workers and allows others to track their location in real-time on Google Maps. In an emergency, SPOT will transmit an SOS/911 message alert to an International Emergency Response Center with the SPOT owner's GPS location updated every 5 minutes. Since market introduction, the SPOT product line has initiated more than 550 rescues in 51 countries and at sea. February 10, 2010.-- Rx Networks Inc., a leading mobile location technology company, announced it has been granted patent 7,612,712 B2 from the USPTO for Assisted-GPS technology it has developed and now uses in its GPStream PGPS and GPStream SAGPS products. The patent provides an innovative way for mobile devices to predict the future behavior of any or all GPS satellites along their orbit. This extended ephemeris technology greatly improves the availability of GPS signals in urban environments and reduces GPS startup times to mere seconds instead of a minute or longer. Compared with current Assisted-GPS real-time standards such as 3GPP SUPL (Secure User Plane) or other chipset-proprietary and server-based extended ephemeris techniques, this unique mobile-based approach requires little or no network connectivity and is compatible with the majority of available GPS chipsets. Extended ephemeris techniques are quickly becoming a 'must have' for most GPS-enabled devices and for a growing number of mobile operators. Rx Networks implemented its mobile-based technique to enable a "Click'n Go" user experience over virtually any device in any network condition; GPStream PGPS is optimized for connected devices while GPStream SAGPS is for devices that have limited or no network connectivity at all. This extended ephemeris technology greatly improves the availability of GPS signals in urban environments and reduces GPS startup times to mere seconds A key benefit of the Rx Networks solution is an open, chipset-independent architecture designed for quick and easy integration, whether by Rx Networks, chipset vendors or OEM device vendors. GPStream PGPS and GPStream SAGPS solutions include interfaces tested for interoperability with most GPS chipset and module vendors including Texas Instruments, ST Microelectronics, ST Ericsson, Infineon, uBlox, Marvell, Atmel, CSR/SiRF, Atheros, Intel, and others. "We are pleased with the strong market adoption of our technology," said Adrian Stimpson, Senior VP Sales at Rx Networks. "We have been successfully deployed in the majority of the leading Personal Navigation Devices shipped since 2008 and are seeing our GPS acceleration solutions rapidly penetrating several other form factors including mobile phones, mobile internet devices, netbooks, laptops, asset tracking units and more." Mobile operators are also starting to mandate extended ephemeris technology be included in their GPS-enabled handsets, whether as an alternative or a complement to real-time standard SUPL solutions. GPStream PGPS and GPStream SAGPS both provide operator-friendly extended ephemeris options that can reduce SUPL transaction costs, and require no infrastructure changes. With a negligible 2 kilobytes per week overhead instead of 2 kilobytes per 2-hour SUPL transaction, and without any assistance delivery latency, GPStream PGPS enables GPS startup times as fast as one to two seconds, much faster than SUPL on its own. For operators looking to reduce their SUPL transaction costs or mitigate SUPL failures when users roam, GPStream PGPS is an attractive companion technology. Since GPStream PGPS and GPStream SAGPS can be used with any GPS chipset, OEMs and mobile operators can opt for a common extended ephemeris solution across all devices to ensure a consistent user experience and simplify quality control and vendor management. GPStream PGPS and GPStream SAGPS can be licensed by OEMs or mobile operators on a per unit lifetime service basis, either directly or through Rx Networks' growing list of GPS chipset partners. February 3, 2010.-- Wavetrend, a world leader in the deployment of active RFID and GPS tracking solutions, announced recently that it was awarded an exclusive contract to supply its award winning active RFID, GPS and AssetTrace Software solution for a robust container management and high-value asset tracking application by Townley Group International, a leading project logistics freight forwarder in Australia. This deployment is the first of a number of collaborative projects between the two companies. The contract required the real-time tracking of parts and components of an entire Australian Gold processing plant as it was transported by a number of shipping vessels from its original location in Cobar, Australia to a new location in San Juan, Argentina. "Wavetrend was selected after a three-month design and competitive analysis that involved multiple top solution providers in the RFID space. The superior reliability, performance and speed of implementation of Wavetrend's technology set it apart from the competition and proved to be a determining factor in the decision. We are very excited to be the first company in the world who has implemented and successfully deployed a tracking solution that exceeded our customer's requirements", said Peter Townley - Managing Director of Townley Group International. Townley Group's engagement with Wavetrend will incorporate two revolutionary asset tracking and monitoring solutions developed by Wavetrend - GlobalEyes and AssetTrace. GlobalEyes incorporates multiple communications and tracking technologies with a software management suite to enable real-time visibility and intelligence on the location, condition, and status of assets, people and vehicles in transit throughout the globe. The AssetTrace Total Asset Visibility software platform utilizes several asset management technologies in combination with active RFID to ensure precise, real-time asset location and effective inventory management. The combination of high-performance fixed infrastructure and mobile handheld device field technology combined with asset monitoring software made Wavetrend the clear choice for Townley Group and its customers in the region. The ability of Wavetrend's active RFID network to deliver unprecedented asset visibility and perform at a high-level under harsh conditions ensures that it will meet all requirements for Townley Group's applications. "The complexity of dealing with container tracking and real-time monitoring in these critical environments is not something we take lightly," said Saleem Miyan, CEO of Wavetrend, "Wavetrend is very proud that we have been able to design a robust, covert and secure solution that satisfies every operational requirement deemed essential for Townley's operational requirements. Winning this contract for the Australian Gold processing plant re-deployment demonstrates continued strong evidence that Wavetrend provides world-class tracking and monitoring solutions for real-life business requirements." February 2, 2010.-- Vincotech, a leading supplier of GPS receiver and telematics hardware solutions, launched the first modules based on the latest SiRFstarIV technology. The A2100 GPS receiver module is built around the new GSD4e chip with sophisticated firmware. The special SiRFaware technology allows the module to be in a state of readiness at all times thereby enabling rapid navigation for long periods! Samples of the modules along with evaluation boards will be available in February. "The SiRFstarIV technology of CSR answers the most urgent questions of all GPS applications: High availability combined with lowest power consumption. We are very proud to be able to offer our modules to the market at this early stage - thanks to the great cooperation with CSR." SiRFaware technology is one of the highlights of the new A2100 module: It will monitor and maintain precise time, internal frequencies and satellite orbit information (ephemeris) - all at an extremely low current draw down to 500 µA. Thus the A2100 will be able to respond to a position request within seconds. Continuously reporting a fix in Advanced Trickle Power mode can be achieved with a current draw of less than 6.5 mA. Combining the outstanding tracking sensitivity of -163 dBm and an autonomous acquisition sensitivity of -148 dBm, the module is ideally suited for all GPS applications requiring low power consumption in harsh environmental conditions. In addition, the new GSD4e chip on the module supports detection and removal of up to 8 in-band jammers and allows the use of satellite-based augmentation systems. SiRFInstantFix, an extended ephemeris solution, combined with SiRFaware help to further reduce power consumption. The module itself is offered in a 3.3-V and a 1.8-V variant, both flash versions allowing firmware upgrades, with the 3.3-V version being compatible to the popular A1084-B. The A2100 is designed to support additional sensor interfaces as well as communication via UART, SPI, or I2C. Samples and evaluation boards are available in February, with series production scheduled to begin in March 2010. John Shewfelt, Senior Product Marketing Manager for the GSD4e at CSR, comments on the launch: "We are proud to have Vincotech as our module partner for our new ground-breaking SiRFstarIV technology solutions. The Vincotech module enables device manufacturers to accelerate their time to market for SiRFstarIV-enabled products. We believe the adoption of the A2100 series will speed the deployment of SiRFstarIV technology across a broad range of GPS product applications in the market." For Hans Wiedemann, Manager Product Marketing at Vincotech, the A2100 module is clearly in line with the current market trend: "The SiRFstarIV technology of CSR answers the most urgent questions of all GPS applications: High availability combined with lowest power consumption. We are very proud to be able to offer our modules to the market at this early stage - thanks to the great cooperation with CSR." January 27, 2010.-- FreightWatch Security Net (FSN), a leading provider of embedded and portable surveillance tracking solutions, announced the launch of a tracking solution which answers a critical market need for solutions that track and recover persons at risk of wandering, including young children and people with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome and dementia. With FSN's GPS-enabled tracking device, Geo F1, customers can monitor the location and movement of people both accurately and reliably from any online PC using FSNtracks, a web-based covert tracking platform that allows for 24/7/365 visibility into the location of people and assets. FreightWatch Geo F1 This exciting application of the Geo F1 product delivers a much needed answer to the growing problem of people who are prone to life-threatening wandering. This application is a natural extension of FSN's offering, taking our solutions beyond cargo tracking to now protecting those afflicted with cognitive disorders by helping return them safely to their loved ones and caregivers. Over 59 percent of persons with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia wander away from their homes, and 45 percent of those cases end tragically in death if the person is not located within 24 hours. Tragically, children and adults with autism are prone to drowning as a result of their attraction to water sources such as pools, ponds, and lakes. Wandering can also lead to high risk field contacts with law enforcement or members of the general public. As they age, persons with Down syndrome are at significantly higher risk for developing dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Caregivers of young children and of those who suffer from cognitive disorders are busy enough trying to feed, clothe, bathe, and entertain their loved one or patient. FSN's solution saves caregivers from worrying about these individuals wandering off and getting lost with a proactive, protective measure that also expands the freedom and independence of those at risk of wandering. Using GPS and cellular technologies with online mapping, FSN's tracking solution allows any responsible party to proactively determine the location of the person at risk of wandering. A person at risk of wandering wears or carries the Geo F1 tracking device; an adult can wear it on the waist just like a pager and children can be instructed to wear the tracker in a pant or jacket pocket or in a backpack. The Geo F1 can also be mounted in a person's car. Caregivers log onto FSN's online web interface, FSNtracks, and proactively establish safety zones called geofences. If the at risk person travels beyond the defined geofence, the caregiver receives an alert via text or email. By logging on to FSNtracks from any Internet-capable device to track the person's location, caregivers can quickly locate the exact location of their loved one or patient. The Geo F1 reports its location as quickly as every 30 seconds whether it's outdoors, inside a building, or in an elevator. FSN's solution also offers a great alternative to the ankle bracelets that are currently being used in many care facilities which set off an alarm when a patient tries to get on an elevator or leave a designated area of the facility. The ankle bracelet/alarm method is an embarrassing experience not only for the patient, but for his or her loved ones. FSN's alternative solution gives people at risk of wandering more freedom and independence to go for a walk, visit friends in other areas of the facility, and freely move about while allowing the facilities responsible for the well being and care of at-risk residents to offer a higher standard of care. "This exciting application of the Geo F1 product delivers a much needed answer to the growing problem of people who are prone to life-threatening wandering," said Bill Games, President of FSN. "This application is a natural extension of FSN's offering, taking our solutions beyond cargo tracking to now protecting those afflicted with cognitive disorders by helping return them safely to their loved ones and caregivers." The Geo F1 along with the FSNtracks' online web interface combines the latest technology with flexibility, allowing caregivers to customize service plans as a person's disease progresses and monitoring needs change. FSN brings the cell phone purchasing model to the tracking market with service plans beginning at just $14.95 a month with a yearly contract, including hardware, charger, and service. January 25, 2010.-- i-gotU GT-600 GPS Data Logger with Motion Sensor, the most efficient in its class. The small, lightweight & water-resistant GPS data logger with Motion Sensor. It has 80 hours battery life (at 15 second logging interval). Also, the built in flash memory ensures that the GT-600 will log weeks or even months of travel histories. When you bring a GPS data logger with you for recording your trip, especially for a long trip, you don't want to take too much care of it such like change its battery or recharge it too often, do you? GT-600's distinguishing revolution of motion detection activates automatic track logging upon detecting movement, while goes to sleep mode after staying motionless for a while, making power and memory utilization more wisely. Gt-600 has min. 80 hours battery life (at 15 second logging interval). If it works average 6 hours per day, it can be used for about 2 weeks. Also, the built in 64Mb of flash memory ensures that the GT-600 will store up to 262000 waypoint; log weeks or even months of travel histories. Like all i-gotU devices, GT-600 can work with the easy-to-use mapping program, @tripPC, so, your trip route can be quickly downloaded and viewed animatedly with Google Maps or 3D Google Earth. Two other powerful programs offered, "Where I Am" and "Sports Analyzer" "Where I Am" can help to check your current location with Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps or Bing Maps after you connect the unit with your notebook. "Sports Analyzer" can help to meet your fitness goal by tracking workout progress with calendar review, routes displayed on Google Maps, in additional to useful charts and statistics analysis .i-gotU GT-600 GPS Data Logger a fun and immersive way to show where you've been. Your computer screen can become the guide of a virtual tour for any journey or outdoor activity you have made. Bring it traveling and tag the spots you reached to discover an amazing sightseeing view over time, or find a good camping spot and leave it to i-gotU GT-600 to remember where it is and the path you took to get there. January 21, 2010.-- Pear Track manufactures a range of long life battery powered tracking units for asset tracking road trailers, shipping containers, boats in fact any asset that does not have a power supply. PearTrack launched the world's first self contained GPS tracking system with a 10 year battery life which is specifically designed for shipping containers. The GPS/GSM device is covertly fitted inside the container, protecting it from damage and prying eyes. The system can send an alert if moved or if the container doors are opened, giving the position of the container anywhere in the world. Another first is the PearTrack.com trailer tracking system for use on road trailers and rail rolling stock, using the same long life battery technology and the option for external power, TrailerTrak can send alerts if the trailer or rail wagon / van (Box Car) is hitched, moved or idle. To complete the hat-trick, PearTrack are also proud to announce the launch of MiniTrak; a revolutionary miniaturized rechargeable tracking device with a battery life of up to 30 days and a permanent power option, making it ideal for concealment within consignments or equipment or other short term mobile applications. PearTrack (peartrack.com) is an advanced tracking system that allows you to find both real-time and historic locations of almost any asset. The web based system allows users to find the position of the PearTrack tracking devices to within a few meters by using multiple mapping solutions via our web based tracking portal. Although Pear Track Systems Ltd is a new company it has a long history in GPS tracking and communication systems. PearTrack was formed by the originators of Minorplanet Ltd who went on to become one of the principle GPS tracking companies in the World, and to this day is regarded by many as the market leader in Vehicle tracking systems with many thousands of units operating globally. The GPS vehicle tracking industry grew rapidly in the early nineties and the PearTrack team were indeed pioneers, being instrumental in the development of the techniques and systems from which many modern GPS tracking systems are still based. All of our products are designed and manufactured / tested in the UK to exacting standards using state of the art production and quality control facilities. PearTrack products are rigorously tested before leaving the factory, ensuring the highest quality and trouble free service 'out of the box'. As a world leader in long-life battery powered GPS and GSM tracking products, we are continually developing our product base, indeed our R & D team have been developing and producing 'best of class' GPS, communication and security products for over 20 years. January 21, 2010.-- Nokia announced plans to release a new version of Ovi Maps for its smartphones that includes high-end walk and drive navigation at no extra cost, available for download at www.nokia.com/maps. This move has the potential to nearly double the size of the current mobile navigation market.The new version of Ovi Maps includes high-end car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries, in 46 languages, and traffic information for more than 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for more than 180 countries. "Why have multiple devices that work that work in only one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you almost double the potential size of the mobile navigation market ," explained Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia. "Nokia is the only company with a mobile navigation service for both drivers and pedestrians that works across the world. Unlike the legacy car navigation manufacturers, we don't make you buy maps for different countries or regions even if you're only visiting for a few days. We offer both navigation and maps free of charge, with all the high-end functionality and features that people now expect." "The large-scale availability of free-of-charge mobile phone navigation offerings using high-quality map data will be a game changer for the navigation industry," said Thilo Koslowski, Vice President Automotive and Vehicle ICT at Gartner. "Such offerings will accelerate mass market adoption for navigation solutions and shift innovation focus to location-based services that go beyond traditional routing benefits." For Nokia, removing the costs associated with navigation for drivers and pedestrians allows the company to quickly activate a massive user base to which it can offer new location features, content and services. This is part of Nokia's strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services. The move is also in line with Nokia's vision that the next wave of growth will be centered on the location-aware, social internet -- as the 'where' people are doing things becomes as important as the 'what' they are doing. According to research firm Canalys, the number of people worldwide using GPS navigation on their mobile phones was approximately 27 million at the end of 2009. With this announcement Nokia potentially grows the size of this installed user base to about 50 million by enabling smartphone owners, with compatible devices and devices that will be made compatible shortly to activate free drive and walk navigation through a simple download of the new Ovi Maps. Nokia will further grow this base as it quickly adds more smartphones to the compatible devices list. Canalys also estimated in 2009 that the installed base of smartphones with integrated GPS was 163 million units worldwide, of which Nokia accounted for more than half (51%) having shipped cumulatively 83 million GPS devices. "This is a game changing move. By leveraging our NAVTEQ acquisition, and our context sensitive service offering, we can now put a complete navigation system in the palm of your hand, wherever in the world you are, whenever you need it - and at no extra cost," continued Anssi Vanjoki. "By adding cameras at no extra cost to our phones we quickly became the biggest camera manufacturer in the world. The aim of the new Ovi Maps is to enable us to do the same for navigation." By removing the added costs for consumers Nokia expects to fuel the take-up of mobile maps and navigation providing its ecosystem of partners with clear business opportunities. January 21, 2010.-- Tampere, Finland and Holon, Israel - Aerotel Medical Systems, a world leading manufacturer of modular, mobile and home-based telemedicine and telecare solutions, and EcoTec, a leading Finnish provider of personal safety and tracking services, jointly launched a new personal telecare service in Finland. The innovative mobile service, which is based on Aerotel's GeoSKeeper personal safety and location system, enables the accurate location of seniors, children and lone workers, granting users and family members safety and peace of mind. GeoSkeeper will be distributed in Finland by EcoTec. GeoSKeeper is a light-weight wrist-worn GPS-based personal telecare safety device. It offers users and their families a new level of safety and peace of mind using its embedded GSM/GPRS module, built-in speakerphone and active GPS receiver. With its geofencing feature, the device provides real time information over the user's accurate location. When the wearer wanders outside a specified zone (e.g. neighborhood or school area), the system sends a short message (SMS) alert to a monitoring center and to a relative or caregiver. "The deal is another step in the expansion of our telecare products offering in Western Europe," said Ofer Atzmon, vice president for business development and marketing at Aerotel Medical Systems. "After the successful launch of GeoSKeeper in other European markets, we have formed a partnership with Ecotec to bring our personal safety solutions to the Finnish market." "By combining our proven abilities and our leadership in the Finnish market with Aerotel's cutting edge technology we are now able to offer a service aimed at providing care and security for those in need, using our unique SmartCare platform connected with GeoSKeeper personal traceable devices," said Jouni Mäkipää, CEO and founder at EcoTec. GeoSKeeper enables two-way voice calls and text messages with an advanced alerting system for enhanced personal security. The product is fully programmable over the air via a user-friendly Web-based portal. January 6, 2010.-- inthinc, a developer of technologies to improve driving safety, announced flexible pricing programs for its tiwiin-vehicle teen driver mentoring system. tiwi for families fosters safe driving behavior and skills for new drivers and helps bring of peace of mind for parents by providing immediate, real-time feedback to teen drivers to help them build their skills, avoid dangerous driving behavior and save lives. With the new pricing alternative, tiwi for families can be purchased through a special subscription-based pricing option. Customers can now buy tiwi for $299.99 and a monthly subscription price starting at $39.99 based on commitment term. The new subscription model transfers some of the upfront price to the monthly fee, where costs can also be partially offset in reduced fuel and maintenance costs of the customer's vehicles. "Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teens each year in the United States, and the fatal crash rate per mile among 16 to 19 year olds is four times as high as for older drivers," said Todd Follmer, CEO of inthinc. "The tiwi technology has been proven to establish and maintain better driving habits and save lives. With new pricing alternatives, we are looking to extend these benefits to more families across the country." The alerting, reporting and GPS tracking technology goes beyond simply monitoring the teen drivers-it mentors them by providing verbal alerts when they exceed posted speed limits, drive aggressively, accelerate or brake too hard, forget to wear their seat belt or drive into areas that parents have designated for them to avoid. Parents can set speeding thresholds, see a driver's grade and set up e-mail, phone or text alerts through an easy-to-use Web-based portal. Once the device alerts a teen driver, they have the opportunity to correct their behavior. If the behavior continues, a call or text alert to parents is triggered. This active mentoring and reporting of driving habits, both good and bad, helps young drivers directly build skills and confidence in a non-threatening manner. Other key features of the tiwi include:
tiwi technology was utilized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its independent study on teen driving safety released earlier this year. The IIHS report found that equipping the cars teens drive with in-vehicle monitoring devices can help reduce driving risks. tiwi is the only technology that meets all the criteria outlined in the report for encouraging and instilling positive driving behavior in teens. The proven tiwi technology has been used in light commercial fleets and heavy industrial trucks to reduce accidents by more than 80 percent. The device or data gathered by devices has also been used by some of the world's most safety-conscious organizations, including NASCAR and NASA. December 21, 2009.-- Globalstar, Inc, a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments and consumers, announced that it and its wholly owned subsidiary, Spot LLC, have acquired substantially all of the assets of Axonn, L.L.C. (Axonn). Axonn is a leading developer and manufacturer of high quality and affordable satellite GPS asset-tracking and messaging products including Globalstar's award-winning consumer retail device, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger. Axonn also designs and markets enterprise products which utilize the highly reliable Globalstar Simplex data network, including the AXTracker and SMARTONE asset-tracking solutions. "This agreement is significant for it will effectively secure the critical long-term supply chain and associated intellectual property rights and technical design for the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger retail consumer product as well as a number of Simplex data machine-to-machine (M2M) enterprise solutions," said Peter Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, Globalstar, Inc. "With the economics of this acquisition, we expect to increase our equipment margin for the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger by approximately 100 percent. We also expect that contracting directly with Simplex device manufacturers and working with Axonn's talented team of R&D, design and contract manufacturing personnel will enable Globalstar to deliver future innovative products, already planned for introduction, in a much more cost effective and timely manner." Axonn is the designer and manufacturer of the STX2 Simplex data transmitter which is the world's smallest industrial-use satellite Simplex transmitter. The STX2 provides developers of asset tracking, data monitoring and messaging solutions with a small but affordable way to integrate Globalstar satellite data network connectivity into their product solutions. The STX2 is an integral piece of every current M2M Simplex data device that utilizes the Globalstar network. Mr. Dalton continued, "Axonn's broad-ranging intellectual property and engineering expertise coupled with Globalstar's network capability provides us with the ability to offer developers, on an open-source basis, the technologies needed to integrate SPOT's proven messaging technology and global tracking into their M2M products. This agreement also provides Globalstar with the ability to directly deliver customized and affordable Simplex data hardware solutions to customers." Globalstar and Spot LLC acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Axonn in exchange for $1.5 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, $5.5 million in shares of the Company's voting common stock and up to an additional $11 million for earnout payments based on sales of existing and new products. December 7, 2009.-- Tele Atlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location-based solutions and GPS Tuner, a software development company specialized in the off-road sector, announced an agreement under which Tele Atlas supplies digital maps on GPS Tuner Atlas, GPS Tuner's off-road navigation software. The software also uses satellite imagery from DigitalGlobe, a leading global provider of commercial, high-resolution, world imagery products and services, to further enhance the user's visual experience. Through the agreement, GPS Tuner Atlas leverages Tele Atlas' digital maps for Europe and North America to provide high quality navigation for outdoor enthusiasts ranging from geo-catchers to golfers, cyclists and runners.
"More and more mobile consumers want location information that enhances their lifestyles and leisure activities," said Filip Neirynck, Vice President of Consumer Markets, Tele Atlas. "Working together with GPS Tuner and long-time industry partner DigitalGlobe, we are pleased to extend our portfolio with a powerful, visually compelling off-road navigation solution."
"With Tele Atlas' advanced approach to updating maps with community input, our end users are guaranteed the freshest possible maps for all of their adventures," said Tamas Frigyes, CEO at GPS Tuner. "Working with Tele Atlas and DigitalGlobe ensures we are offering a unique, visually rich experience for our off-road customers." "High-resolution satellite imagery provides the visual context and accuracy required to produce a life-like navigation experience," said Rafay Khan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales, DigitalGlobe. "This application demonstrates features that add genuine value for the user by providing realistic off-road environments for consumers to explore."
GPS Tuner Atlas is the latest generation of off-road navigation software developed by GPS Tuner. The new software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. GPS Tuner Atlas is available via Pocketland, Handango and through other popular on-line distributors. The solution is expected to be available in Western Europe, North America and Asia embedded in specific outdoor devices in 2010. December 3, 2009.-- SkyWave Mobile Communications ("SkyWave"), a global provider of two-way satellite communication equipment and services, announced the availability of GLONASS navigation capability in its DMR-800L satellite data communication terminal. The DMR-800L with integrated GLONASS provides the unique capability to compute its exact location using either or both the GLONASS and GPS systems. This dual navigation capability will be of great benefit to fleet owners who are mandated to use GLONASS but do not want to incur the costs and reliability issues associated with the use of an external GLONASS module. Vice-President of Marketing and Business Development at SkyWave, David Sward said, "The DMR-800L with GLONASS/GPS allows fleet and vessel owners to address current asset tracking and monitoring needs with a low cost, reliable and GLONASS-compliant solution." "MVS welcomes SkyWave's GLONASS capable product as a very effective means of meeting Russia's requirements for vessel, rail car and truck tracking" said Nadezhda Nesterenko, Deputy General Director "Morsviazsputnik", Russia's leading provider of Inmarsat services. December 3, 2009.-- Airetrak, a UK provider of Wi-Fi based real-time locating systems (RTLS) to the healthcare and education sectors, has further enhanced its ResourceView application with the introduction of three, new key innovations. ResourceView is a tracking system that utilises an organisation's wireless LAN to track vital assets within a building. The system uses small Wi-Fi based RFID tags attached to portable equipment, to send signals to the organisation's wireless network. Through a process of triangulation, the wireless network determines the position of the tags and therefore the location of the portable devices, which are viewed on a web-browser. A WiFi RFID tag on an item of hospital equipment This form of asset tracking has become a cost effective solution to organisations, like hospitals, that have installed wireless LAN technology and utilise it together with Wi-Fi-based RFID tags, which have become smaller, cheaper and now have batteries that can last up to five years. The enhancements to ResourceView include a hierarchical zoning system that allows exact locations to be defined. On a hospital, for example, this could be to building, floor, ward, room, bay, and even down to a store cupboard. The status changes allow the display of resources to be altered based on changes to the status of the resource, such as a bed becoming available or a patient contracting a particular infection. The proximity function enhancement allows users to search for available resources, such as the whereabouts of the nearest wheelchair. The ResourceView RTLS solution integrates with the Cisco's 3350 Mobility Service Engine (MSE) to provide location across Cisco's Wireless LAN platform. As a Cisco Development Partner, Airetrak is utilising Cisco's platform to provide simplified delivery, scalability and management of mobile services. Airetrak's ResourceView technology uses RFID location technology to improve staff efficiency, reduce theft and loss of equipment as well as provide a secure system for controlling temperature-sensitive environments. Less time is spent searching for equipment, thereby enabling greater utilisation of staff and equipment. It can improve visibility of when assets arriving at or leave key facilities and their location within a facility. The Airetrak location solution can be used across a range of industries from healthcare to manufacturing and provides the flexibility to integrate with existing systems to deliver location information and value throughout an organisation. December 3, 2009.-- CalAmp Corp., a leading provider of wireless products, services and solutions, today announced the availability of its MST-110, a GPS-based tracking and security system for motorcycles, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, ATVs and similar motorsports vehicles. Designed specifically for motorsports applications, the innovative MST-110 vehicle security system can pinpoint the location of motorsports assets and communicate that location via the global GSM wireless data network. An easy-to-use web-based software application completes a package that allows owners to know where their vehicles are at all times. In addition, user-defined alerts notify owners when their vehicles have been moved, if they are traveling too fast or have entered/exited a "geo-fenced" area. "The MST-110 is the answer to the problem of motorsports vehicle theft. Whether your motorcycle is parked in your driveway, your ATV is at a storage lot or your snowmobile is at the family cabin, CalAmp's MST-110 knows where your vehicle is at all times, and can alert you when it's on the move," said Mike Zachan, CalAmp Aercept Division vice president and general manager. The MST-110 security system includes all hardware, system activation and pre-packaged cellular airtime required for system usage. Renewal plans and additional airtime can be purchased online when needed. December 2, 2009.-- Polaris Wireless, the global leader in high accuracy, software-based location solutions, today announced its Polaris Wireless Location Signatures (Polaris WLS) Hybrid technology established new benchmarks in location performance, including better accuracy, reduced time to fix and improved battery consumption, for indoor and dense urban environments according to field trials conducted by major wireless carriers globally. These trials, performed in multiple continents, demonstrate that Polaris's Hybrid solution performs better than A-GPS alone in both indoor and complex environments, such as dense urban areas with high rise buildings and many signal obstructions. In addition, Polaris Wireless announced that its solution is 4G LTE ready with the Hybrid solution supporting multiple cellular air interfaces (2G/3G/4G) in a single platform in support of carrier's multi-mode services and devices. "The ability to locate wireless handsets and devices in indoor environments is particularly important since that is where most users originate voice and data calls," said Professor Per K. Enge, a leading researcher at Stanford University's GPS Laboratory. "Location performance in places like high rise office buildings and indoor shopping malls is critical to meeting consumer and enterprise demand as well as emergency call requirements. Further, with the established trend of mobile wireless replacing landline services, the importance of accurate, timely and efficient location indoors will continue to rapidly grow." "The advantage of the Polaris Wireless solution is that it works well in non line-of-sight, cluttered environments - with indoors being a particularly challenging environment for cellular location systems," said Dr. Marty Feuerstein, CTO of Polaris Wireless. "WLS capitalizes on complex obstructions and shadowing to improve location performance. In addition, the Polaris Wireless Hybrid location solution for 4G LTE networks enables truly global and ubiquitous location-aware applications that offer consumers far more than today's turn-by-turn navigation." North American carriers have recently conducted 3G location system trials, testing indoor and outdoor wireless location performance over an urban trial area of 10 square kilometers. Polaris out performed other solutions with a consistent accuracy of 47 to 59 meters versus 230 to 250 meters at 67th percentile. As further confirmation, a major wireless service provider in Asia recently tested 3G location performance, including accuracy, time to fix and battery consumption in urban and suburban settings. Results demonstrated Polaris Hybrid solution performance of 50 to 60 meters in 5 seconds time to fix compared with alternatives at 130 to 140 meters with 20 to 30 seconds time to fix. In addition, significant improvements in battery consumption were demonstrated to support pervasive location applications requiring frequent fixes, such as zone-based mobile marketing services. The trial results show that the Polaris Wireless approach to determining handset location, independent of handset capabilities and features such as Wi-Fi, is well suited to indoor and dense urban environments. Like a fingerprint's pattern of lines and swirls, a location can be identified by a unique set of values including measurements of neighboring cell signal strengths, time delays and other network parameters. The Polaris WLS solution collects this information and uses it to match incoming signals to an extensive geo-referenced database of values to determine highly accurate handset location - regardless of the type of environment. In fact, shadowing from large buildings, walls and other clutter enriches the location signature and increases accuracy. The Polaris WLS solution is available on all air major cellular interfaces including GSM, cdma2000, UMTS and LTE. In particular, LTE networks, one of the 4G standards that will usher in next generation broadband wireless performance, greatly surpass the 3G networks of today. LTE promises a truly broadband experience capable of supporting a new world of advanced voice and data applications, all based on Internet Protocol. The proliferation of 4G networks promises to create a single, unified global wireless infrastructure for content-rich applications, where location awareness is ubiquitous and transparent. Location-based services will work seamlessly across continents and oceans, driving the wide-scale development and deployment of powerful applications that thrive on frequent and accurate location updates on a mass scale and in real-time. Today, the Polaris WLS solution is commercially deployed with twenty 2G wireless carriers in the US and three 3G wireless carriers in Asia. Location-based services are already available on today's 3G networks - most notably on the Apple iPhone 3G - however, these applications are primarily built around basic turn-by-turn navigation tools. More pervasive and interactive mobile social networks, multiplayer gaming, zone-based coupon/advertising promotions and asset tracking will drive the need for high-accuracy, high-yield and low-latency location-based services on 4G networks. copyright © GPS-practice-and-fun.com All Rights Reserved |