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Smartphones are everywhere in today’s society. More and more people are realizing the power of this little marvel of technology, learning that they can replace numerous devices with this one remarkable phone. In today’s age of “there’s an app for that,” sales of physical GPS devices have fallen as more people decide to rely on their phones to get them where they need to go. Consumer Reports tested some GPS navigational apps recently, and said that the apps have come along way from where they started, some offering fancy features like reality view and add-ons allowing you to use celebrity voices to guide you along your way, adding a little fun to your journey.

Android phones come with Google’s free navigation app right out of the box, and features the turn-by-turn directions GPS device users have become accustomed to. If you happen to have an iPhone, you’ll have to search for your own navigational app. One slight problem: there are so many to choose from, which should you trust?

Consumer Reports reminds everyone that “you get what you pay for.” Despite the slew of free GPS apps, they recommend going with the trusted names of the GPS world: Garmin, Navigon, TomTom, and Magellan. It was also discovered that the companies that made top-performing physical GPS devices also made the best iPhone GPS apps.

According to Consumer Reports, if you want a great GPS app for your iPhone, prepare to spend about $60, and remember to stick to the big names in the GPS world. They warn users the app will take up a big portion of memory on your iPhone, so take this into consideration when you’re deciding whether or not to leave the physical GPS device behind. The more maps you need to download, the more memory the app will take up.

Whatever app you choose, keep in mind the size of the screen on your phone. Some users will be turned off by the teeny maps and go back to the larger screened GPS device. If you decide the app is all you need, you can cut costs a bit by limiting your map download to a specific region, and watch for sales.

Whether you choose to use an app or a GPS navigation device, handheld or built in to your vehicle, always remember to park your car when using the device. Your safety, and that of others on the road, is at stake.

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The Japanese company Namco Bandai has recently created a GPS navigation app that’s unlike any other we’ve ever seen before. This app takes travelers through a virtual warzone where battles ensue and obstacles must be crossed – all while making one’s way towards a destination. Japanese characters appear on an iPhone screen while a user is driving, walking, or cycling to a specific spot.

Users who download the Gundum Navi app will get to watch characters blow things up and fight each other while traveling. Namco Bandai claims that this app is not a distraction, but it, instead, an enjoyable way for travelers to use GPS navigation technology.

There’s no word yet as to whether or not the Gundum Navi app will be available in countries outside of Japan, but so far Japanese users are enjoy every minute of the innovative app.

Article Written by Harriette Halepis

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A recent court determined that Garmin, Ltd., Swiss manufacturer of GPS hardware, was not in violation of GPS patents held by Pioneer Corp. Pioneer Corp. alleged that Garmin’s software and hardware both infringed upon three separate patents, and Pioneer Corp was seeking intellectual property damages.

GPS tracking is becoming increasingly competitive, and it is likely that we will see more of these types of GPS tracking system patent lawsuits from companies claiming copyright infringement. Just as companies that develop mobile devices have been the targets – and instigators – of patent lawsuits, so too will GPS navigation and GPS tracking companies get in on the game.

Pioneer Corp., has been well known in the industry for “patent trolling,” or attempting to sue companies for patents with little evidence to back the assertions. Many companies simply choose to settle for a few hundred thousand (or even a few million) dollars, making patent trolling a remarkably profitable business  model – especially considering the lack of value it actually provides to consumers.

The case is going to be reviewed soon by a commission. At that point, the decision will become final.

Garmin’s legal counsel told the Wall Street Journal: “Garmin is very pleased with this ruling, and this initial determination confirms Garmin’s long-standing belief that Pioneer’s patents do not cover the modern navigation functionality found in Garmin’s products.”

Article Written by Greg Minton

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By James Neely

All large boats and ships are equipped with GPS tracking systems that can navigate the vessels in bright sunshine, dark nights or in blinding storms. A good example of this is the large barges that traverse the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. If it were not for these systems, the incidents of accidents would be much higher.

But, what about smaller watercraft? These do not have mandatory installations of GPS tracking systems. That is why the owners and operators must consider these as a primary and necessary purchase. Not only for personal pleasure craft, but for smaller business boats as well.

Helps recover in case of theft. The incidents of theft are on the rise. As the economy falters, the need to protect assets and be able to recover them quickly is not an option. Law enforcement agencies are beset with cases, both new and old which bog them down and keep them from being able to apply the needed attention to finding perpetrators of crimes both large and small. The prospect of becoming a number on a file in a file cabinet looms large.

But, with a GPS tracking system, that need not be the case. You can pinpoint the location of a boat and then supply that information to the authorities so that you can get on with your business or pleasure. Your insurance company will be appreciative as well. A recovered asset can save them money by not having to pay for the full cost of replacement. In addition, you can realize lower premiums as well.

Provides time and distance verification. If you have a small pleasure boat operation, you can provide information on the where and when questions about your trips. Those who book cruises are interested mainly for timing purposes. How long and how far will probably be the first questions about your trips. With this system, you can provide factual data along with an invoice to help validate charges to customers. It provides a nice touch to your billing system and will be appreciated by clients as well.

This is another shining example of how a GPS tracking system can benefit you. The more you know, the more you will be convinced that a small investment of a few hundred dollars now can save many thousands later down the road. And there is no price too great for the peace of mind that it can bring as well. For more information about GPS, call Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc. at 1-888-242-0500.

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By James Neely

One of the latest crazes in the consumer electronics market is the proliferation of GPS devices which are being placed into more and more vehicles.

What is it? The term GPS stands for Global Positioning System. Once only used by the military, this system now allows normal citizens to track devices that are equipped to communicate to a satellite and have that data retrieved in very useful and functional ways.

You especially see this in the devices that are manufactured by several companies that make them for the automobile after-market sector. As a dashboard mounted device, you can track to within a few feet, where you are located. Furthermore, you can get directions from these devices which will guide you to your destination via voice commands.

The other version of the GPS devices come in the form of a service that is offered by an automobile manufacturer called Onstar. This allows monitoring of your vehicle and gives the monitoring base a constant stream of information about your vehicle including when you have been in an accident and the ability to unlock your doors for you. Also, it can tell you when your vehicle needs service, too.

How does it work? The GPS device in a vehicle or other mobile object, communicates to a satellite in orbit which then sends data down to a central location from where it is accessed by subscription. This data has proven to be very valuable with many sectors of the economy such as delivery, asset tracking and the like.

How much does it cost? Standard dash mount GPS devices for navigation purposes in passenger vehicles cost less than $100. This is the most basic of device and provides on-demand directions and maps and the ability to save locations in order to provide consistency to the driver. From there, the consumer devices offer more elaborate options for obtaining data during driving. This pushes the cost into the hundreds of dollars for the unit, plus the subscriptions that are necessary to obtain the additional information services.

What will it do? With a GPS device you can get ‘turn-by-turn’ directions between two points on a map. Also, you will get a map so that you can see the route that is being suggested. Other devices that are more elaborate include points of interest on the map including restaurants, and other notable locations including speed traps and radar sites.

What are the benefits to me? Not only can GPS do all of the above, but with more sophisticated systems than this, you can also track assets with laser-like precision providing time and location data, as well as speed verification. All very useful for customer-driven businesses where performance is critical.

You can benefit from the many advantages of vehicle-based GPS devices whether you are a business or a common citizen. Take a look at the offerings and make this a part of your life today.

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By Greg Bartlett

Almost everyone is familiar with the onboard GPS navigation systems being marketed for vehicles. These systems are able to provide drivers with real time turn by turn directions to get from point A to point B. What many people may not realize is that GPS has many other uses in a vehicle. GPS tracking is much more than simply navigation.

GPS technology is now being used to protect cars and trucks. Devices are being installed in vehicles that can send out a signal retrievable by a computer with an active internet connection in the event of vehicle theft. Once the theft is realized by the owner, the GPS signal can be used to locate the vehicle and pass that information on to the proper authorities. For vehicles in motion, the method of tracking the signal can be provided to police to aid them in locating and recovering the vehicle.

GPS tracking is also being linked to sensors in cars that let the system know when an accident has occurred. In many cases, if the driver is unconscious or incapacitated, the car can alert authorities to the accident and the location so that emergency crews can be dispatched. This facet of GPS tracking has saved many lives in the past few years.

Businesses are using GPS car tracker to monitor their fleets of company owned vehicles and to route drivers and technicians to their next call. The data is used to adjust routes driven by employees to maximize fuel economy and to reduce the amount of territory that is being covered repeatedly by more than one driver. In addition, dispatchers have the ability to route drivers to a new location based on who is closest rather than who is available first. This can lead to a great deal of money savings for business.

Vehicle tracking devices are being used more and more all the time. People are finding a great many ways to save money by using the data supplied by the GPS devices. They are also finding a better safety system that can save lives by letting emergency personnel know exactly where to locate a vehicle following an accident.

GPS navigation is a convenience many drivers are coming to rely on heavily for getting around in strange locations. There is, however, a lot more to GPS car tracking technology than simply navigation. The benefits of GPS technology are varied and many for individuals and businesses alike.

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Geo Caching the World
By Jackie Gately

Replace a crusty, sea-worn, treasure map marked by an ‘X’ with an electronically-marked “treasure” and a Global Positioning System (GPS) and you’ve got geo caching. The object of the quest is simple: embark on an in-person adventure to find a location someone posted on the Internet; then let the geo cashing community know you found it. Each “cache,” or hiding place, offers a visitor’s log and small reward item. But it’s the thrill of the adventure that’s the real prize.

Geo caching can range from a local, outdoor adventure that lasts just a few hours, to the highlight of your cross-country or intercontinental travel plans. It is an addictive hobby enjoyed year round by all ages as a family adventure, mystery date, or a peaceful escape for one.

How Hard Can It Be?

A geo cache may be placed anywhere on the globe. Once placed, the location is pinpointed using GPS technology, then shared on the Internet so anyone with a GPS unit can try to find it. You can choose your geo caching destination by skill level and geographic area at sites like Geocaching.com.

Should be simple, right? It’s not as easy as it sounds.

Before you embark, it’s a good idea to note your starting point on your GPS system. It’s a bit like leaving a virtual trail of breadcrumbs so you can find your way back home.

Navigating to a geo cache location—even with a GPS tracker in hand—can be tricky. Perhaps the cache is placed high on a mountainside, deep within a glen, or on a marshy trail. You might have to find a way around or over a stream, or through some rough terrain. Specialty and advanced geo caches may require rock climbing or SCUBA equipment. Even urban caches may be skillfully placed above and below ground or on the outside of buildings.

Keep in mind on your search that the intention is to keep the cache from easy view so it is not disturbed, and that your current position as determined by the GPS device is not exact.

What Will I Find?

Eureka! You found it! A geo cache always contains a logbook or log sheet, which may contain information about the owner, visitor notes, and other valuable or entertaining information. One or more “treasures,” like dollar-store toys, mini-books, trading cards, inexpensive jewelry and other trinkets, might be in the geo cache for the taking—provided you leave something in return. Some geo caches contain a trackable item, like Travel Bugs®, Traveler Tags, or geocoins that are meant to be moved from cache to cache.

After you’ve collected your treasure, signed the logbook, and returned safely home, be sure to share stories of your discoveries and photos online. It will inspire the next geo caching adventurer to set sail.

Jackie Gately is a freelance writer. She can be reached at jackiegately.wordpress.com.

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By Greg Bartlett

While GPS vehicle tracking systems are starting to become routine for major shipping carriers for ground transportation in the United States, and in Europe, where they’re used for everything from tracking estimated delivery times to traffic routing to cut down fuel expenses or to route around traffic congestion, the benefit for shippers isn’t limited to Europe and North America.

GPS vehicle tracking requires the ability to receive a GPS signal and an ability to record locations at particular intervals and transmit the information stored. The data storage requirements are minuscule – they haven’t been computationally challenging since the Reagan Administration, and can, in fact, be sent nicely by cell phone SMS-style messaging. The real challenge for GPS satellite tracking around the world is transmission of the data sets.

GPS uses access to a satellite constellation to provide positional data with an accuracy measured in feet if a three satellite solution is available, and inside of a yard if only two satellites are overhead. Originally developed for the US Navy as a next generation LORAN system, it was widely adopted by all of the US military services (and quickly copied by the Russians and French) for accurate force projection. GPS guidance replaced laser guided munitions for the US Air Force…and GPS has found its way into the civilian market, ending up first with emergency locators for backpackers and GPS navigation systems.

Most of the GPS tracking systems, such as the PT-200, are the descendants of the emergency locators mentioned above. What’s made GPS vehicle tracking appealing when used in the Third World is that most of the developing countries never installed ground lines for a telephone network; they’re all run out with cell phone towers. A cell phone tower allows a GPS vehicle tracker to report its time and position hacks every few minutes, which allows packages to be shown on live updated maps throughout the world. GPS towers also allow an additional positional cross check, which is handy in places where the roads are not always on the map.

These two changes – near ubiquitous GPS systems and widespread adoption of cell phone towers have improved the safety of delivery teams the world over; the knowledge that somehow, the security forces always know when and where a truck with relief supplies has been stopped is also quite useful in keeping drivers and the people doing humanitarian aid comparatively safe.

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Using GPS tracking devices lets employees decrease the time they spent trying to navigate routes or sitting in traffic. Everyone has a certain amount of pride and wants to look good. Your employees may be reluctant to admit just how often they get lost for fear of looking foolish. When you invest in a GPS tracking system and provide them with the tools to get to where they need to be quickly and efficiently, they will be much more confident.

By having a destination already mapped out for them, your employees will know how long it will take to reach their destinations. Although they may want to factor in time for traffic or to park, there will be no need to factor in extra time “just in case we get lost.” As they say time is money. Shaving time of off business trips will lead to savings in fuel costs. The savings from reduced gas usage will definitely add up—whether you have a few company cars or a fleet of vehicles.

With the dispatch and routing capabilities that come with using GPS tracking, your employees can spend less time figuring out where to go and more time actually getting there.

With GPS tracking, you can–

Get information on which of your employees is closest to a certain location.

Get alerts when a company vehicle arrives at a pre-defined location

Route vehicles by the shortest/quickest route with maps and text directions.

Improve your company’s response time

Meet important deadlines

Improve overall customer service

Reduce driving time and delays

Cut down on the time the dispatcher and drivers spend communicating and trying to figure things out

Monitor how long company vehicles are stopping

Monitor when company vehicles arrive and depart

Reduce mileage

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GPS vehicle tracking systems can go a long way toward helping business owners manage vehicle use and employee productivity.

Your operations will be much more efficient if you employ GPS technology. Being able to have a route mapped out will allow employees to get work done much faster. It is highly likely that each one of your company vehicles could make at least one more stop, job, or delivery each week. If you have several vehicles, do the math. More deliveries means more satisfied customers and more business. For companies that are growing and have felt a little strain in getting things out to customers, a GPS tracking device can help. Your employees will be able to get more done in less time. You will be able to handle a recent surge in business and feel confident in seeking even more business.

A GPS tracking device also monitors vehicle speed and usage. Certainly you have taken the time to hire trustworthy individuals, but no one is perfect. For example, speeding can raise fuel costs. A well-meaning employee who speeds out of habit probably doesn’t think about what this costs the company. A GPS tracking device tracks speeds so managers can be alerted to speeding. This way, they can talk to the employee and let this person know that they need to stick to the speed limit to keep costs down.

You can set up alerts on the software that accompanies a GPS tracking device to inform managers of infractions that you feel need to be addressed. That could be speeding, idling, or traveling beyond certain boundaries. Some employees cannot handle the temptation to make a side trip here or there in a company car. Managers can be made aware of this and take appropriate action as necessary. Again, the employee is probably not thinking about the costs in fuel or added wear and tear on the company vehicle, but as a business owner, you must think about these things.

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