Smartphones & Tablets

Apple (in the US) now offers unlocked iPhone 4 for $649 (16GB) and $749 (32GB). A little too late, I'd say. I don't see the appeal of an overpriced year old technology. I'd probably get one if it's under $500. In the meantime I'll just wait for the next gen iPhone. Hopefully they have an unlocked (unsubsidized) version.

Apple blocks new DUI checkpoint apps

Responding to pressure from four U.S. senators, Apple Inc. has banned any new mobile device applications that provide locations of police drunk-driving checkpoints when that information has not been published by the police themselves.

http://tinyurl.com/3jm77me

Bad news for Garmin, TomTom and other navigation software companies out there. I certainly welcome this offline mode.

According to Dutch blog All About Phones, that very feature (offline navigation mode) is on the way. Citing a “Dutch telecom industry source”, they say that the Navigation system should be able to direct you around sans connectivity as soon as this summer.

A friend of mine is using something called Co-Pilot on his iPhone. I was wondering what others have experienced.

I had a friend email me that the latest update of both the FREE and paid versions of Locus allow you to cache as many Google Maps as you have storage space for! If true, this would be fantastic---has anyone else here tried to do this?

NP

By buying Navigon?

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/garmin-in-talks-to-buy-na...

Navigon's iPhone/iPad app kicks Garmin's butt. This would be awesome!

Finally got the new Gingerbread 2.3.3 Android update today on my Verizon Droid X. I think that other than a couple of Nexus Google phones the Droid X is the first or near the first Android phone to get the newest system software.

A lot of new features and new user interface. Installed easily and other than having to reinstall the clock widget everything else was still there and operating.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Google-Removes-26-Apps-Wit...

Right now, I'm seeing three points of confusion on GPS-enabled smartphones (versus "real" GPSr devices like Garmins and TomToms):

a) Whether phones can store maps "off the cloud" for areas of poor cell coverage (most commercial packages can, including CoPilot Live and Navigon)

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mictale.gpsessenti...

The swiss army knife of GPS navigation! This is really a VERY handly tool for smartphone navigators--I took it for a test drive on a hike today and it did a great job. Lot's of helpful tools......all for FREE!

"You don’t have to do anything to be routed around traffic; just start Navigation like you normally would, either from the Navigation app or from within Google Maps. ... Starting today, our routing algorithms will also apply our knowledge of current and historical traffic to select the fastest route from those alternates.

This page http://www.google.com/mobile/navigation/ has several video tutorials that show you how to take full advantage of Google Nav to suit your needs.

NP

Just released 5/25/11: My Tracks allows you to record and share your GPS tracks, including statistics.

I know this topic has been discussed ad nausium and some great information has been put out, especially those incredibly informative articles by Gadgetguy.
I recently upgraded my phone to a Droid X by Motorola. I love the phone and was anxious to try the GPS apps that were available.

Apple and Google to review DUI checkpoint-dodging applications

http://www.bgr.com/2011/05/11/apple-and-google-to-review-dui...

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Those congresscritters have more pressing matters they should be addressing... like the economy.

Or will you still need your Garmin or other gps?

http://www.newskyproducts.com/servlet/the-GPS-Receivers/Cate...

Anyone try this yet? I just loaded them with some sounds and BMPs. Will have to see how well they work on the Garminfone.

"Figuring that I've got nothing to hide or steal, I'd always privileged convenience over any privacy and security protocols. Not anymore."

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/What-Does-Your-Phone-Know-atla...

This app is a great tool for running walking and cycling. I t shows up on a map of where you went and how many miles and time and with a HR monitor can do that as well for free.