Magellan has released a new software application called Content Manager (download), somewhat akin to Garmin’s WebUpdater and TomTom’s HOME applications. So far, the only method available to update the application on Magellan devices has been to download installer applications from the Magellan website and install manually.
However there are apparently some severe limitations to Content Manager. [...]

Garmin is working with VW to add a new Garmin to your car along with a custom mount that will keep the unit well positioned to the outboard side of the driver (left side in the US), and is based on the Nuvi 7X5 series.

“The supplied Garmin nüvi® navigation unit is simply plugged into the pull-off plug-in kit cover and so is ready for immediate use. Optionally also available with a Bluetooth hands-free kit. In conjunction with the supplied Garmin nüvi®, the navigation instructions are automatically output via the vehicle loudspeaker with automatic radio muting. With its 4.3″ widescreen colour display, the pre-loaded map of Europe as well as practical and safety-relevant auxiliary functions such as Lane Assist, the Garmin nüvi® guides the driver safely and accurately to his destination. Further highlights: 3D map view, 3D building view for selected large towns, announcement of road names (text to speech), TMC, SD card slot.”

Full Press Release below……

The time has come to put away your windscreen suction cup and power cable as the Volkswagen Genuine integration solution “Click & Ride” has arrived. The new “Click and Ride” portable navigation unit combines the advantages of a fixed integral navigation system with the flexibility of a portable device. By plugging the portable unit into the integration kit, which has been extensively tested according to Volkswagen criteria, the Garmin nüvi® is safely and reliably positioned on the dashboard.

Portable navigation solutions have become increasingly popular because of their high degree of flexibility when compared to integral units. However, one of the big disadvantages in the systems is the external cabling and the correct positioning of the suction mount. This was highlighted in tests carried out by the ADAC (German equivalent of the AAA) (11/2008) on portable navigation units. These suction cups, which most portable navigation units use, can limit the field of vision when positioned incorrectly and the freely hanging cables can, if left loose be a distraction. The Volkswagen Genuine integration solution “Click & Ride” can help to easily overcome these problems. The system offers a safe and perfectly matched solution, for upgrading a Volkswagen with a GPS navigation unit.

In the workshop of your Volkswagen Partner, the integration kit is positioned on the dashboard to the left (for right-hand drive vehicles: to the right) next to the steering wheel and glued in place. Advantage: if you are switching to another car, the integration kit can be removed and reused without leaving any visible traces*. Fitting of the kit should always be carried out in the workshop by a specialist who will connect the system to the radio and route the cables under the dashboard. The supplied Garmin nüvi® navigation unit is simply plugged into the pull-off plug-in kit cover and so is ready for immediate use. Optionally also available with a Bluetooth hands-free kit. In conjunction with the supplied Garmin nüvi®, the navigation instructions are automatically output via the vehicle loudspeaker with automatic radio muting. With its 4.3″ widescreen colour display, the pre-loaded map of Europe as well as practical and safety-relevant auxiliary functions such as Lane Assist, the Garmin nüvi® guides the driver safely and accurately to his destination. Further highlights: 3D map view, 3D building view for selected large towns, announcement of road names (text to speech), TMC, SD card slot.

Garmin is upgrading their website to offer a better experience for users of their GPS units. At My Garmin you can download free software updates, and map upgrades that can either come in the form of subscriptions, or in one-time upgrades. The NuMap program allows you to buy a lifetime map service for your GPS, and you then get quarterly upgrades to keep your GPS up to date.

I check for updates on a regular basis for several GPS units, and I can say that with the big GPS makers, the updates keep coming, adding features and fixing issues. Well worth keeping your GPS updated.

More at MyGarmin

Full Press Release below…..

Make the Most of your Garmin® with my.Garmin.com™

Garmin, the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today enhancements to http://my.Garmin.com, a convenient online portal that helps users manage software and map updates and displays information that is tailored to a customer’s specific Garmin product(s). My.Garmin.com helps customers maximize their GPS experience at every phase – from registering their GPS device to downloading new maps.

“myGarmin is a one-stop-shop for customers who want to take advantage of everything we’ve made available for their specific device, 24/7,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether it’s a free software update or getting answers to questions, myGarmin helps customers keep up with the latest and greatest for their GPS. By simply attaching the GPS to a computer using a USB cable, myGarmin and the device can automatically interact and present the user with available software downloads, map updates, and other important information.”

The upgraded my.Garmin.com website is available immediately and is home to the following services:

Map information – Customers are notified when new maps are available and can determine which maps are best for them – nüMaps Lifetime, nüMaps Onetime, or other accessory maps that will help them find their next adventure.
Software update – Garmin regularly updates and improves existing products. Customers can download free software updates for the life of their GPS device.
Support – Customers can find answers to their GPS questions through an online library of frequently asked questions.
Registration – Customers can register their product so they can keep tabs of their device, warranty status, and access product-specific services and software.

My.Garmin.com is a free service for Garmin customers and users can register immediately to access these new features.

TomTom, seeing money in the masses, is launching the TomTom XL LIVE into Europe – a mid-tier product with full access to the suite of LIVE connected capabilities; the key ones being traffic, gas prices and Google search. This follows a normal product strategy of launching at the top of the line and then cascading the capabilities downward. Let’s hope that the unit arrives in the US soon. TomTom smartly realized the power of the Network effect when it launched the MapShare capability on the upper end of the line and then subsequently rolled it out to the entire fleet of TomTom units within a short period of time.

Interestingly, GPS Business News has a different spin on things that holds water – that TomTom sales of the LIVE units is below expectations and that only 30% of people wish to renew their LIVE subscriptions. A lower price point may help spur sales. With the current recession, it’s easy to believe that sales are slower than anticipated at he high end of the product range.

I am testing out the TomTom GO 740 LIVE right now, and so far I am impressed with the traffic alert quality that uses other GO 740 LIVE devices as anonymous GPS probes that get figured into the traffic assessments to keep you as up to date as possible. Unlike the pioneering Dash; TomTom does not leave color coded breadcrumb trails to assure you that there are others out there like you driving with a connected device assessing traffic.

The TomTom XL LIVE will list for 249 GBP, which is is about $380USD; above the current street price of the GO 740 here. Hopefully there is room for them to bring it to the US in the pricing scheme.

Full Press Release Below……

Following the success of LIVE Services on the premium TomTom GO range, TomTom today announces the next step in connected navigation: the TomTom XL LIVE. This product enables LIVE Services to be used in multiple countries* with no hidden costs or extra fees for drivers when travelling abroad.

For the first time, the TomTom XL LIVE will bring LIVE Services, previously only available on the TomTom GO x40 LIVE series, to the mass market with a price point of £249.99†. In addition, TomTom will extend the use of LIVE Services to all ‘LIVE’ countries while keeping the current monthly subscription fee of £7.99 per month.

“Imagine a stress-free, safe and enjoyable journey as you drive abroad this summer, with the most detailed and up-to-date traffic information and the best routing information delivered directly to your car – for a flat fee,” said Corinne Vigreux, managing director TomTom. “With the new TomTom XL LIVE, we have developed a revolutionary approach to bringing unrivalled quality and truly connected navigation to the mass market at an affordable price. In addition to this, it will enable frequent drivers to save money and time.”

Overview of TomTom LIVE Services
The TomTom XL LIVE has plug and play connectivity built in, and comes with a number of valuable information services for motorists:

• TomTom High Definition Traffic™: for the most detailed and up-to-date real-time traffic information en route, now available for the first time abroad across the UK, Germany, France and Switzerland and the Netherlands.
• TomTom Safety Alerts: including real-time safety camera reporting and sharing, meaning users can keep each other informed about mobile safety cameras.
• TomTom Fuel Prices: up-to-date fuel price information guides users to the cheapest fuel stations along routes or in their area.
• Online Local Search with Google: turns search results into a destination at the press of a button, giving users access to millions of locations and delivering search results that are always up to date.

The TomTom XL LIVE also features TomTom’s IQ Routes™ technology. Depending on the time of the week or hour of the day drivers set off, IQ Routes calculates the most efficient route for that moment derived from years of gathering anonymous historic speed measurements. The combination of TomTom IQ Routes and HD Traffic delivers unbeatable route guidance. If the real-time traffic information differs from what would be expected, based on historical speed profiles, the device automatically takes this into account. This means it continuously evaluates faster alternative routes.

The TomTom XL LIVE includes maps of 42 European countries.**
Also included is a free three month trial of LIVE Services. After this, users can register for a monthly, flat fee subscription of £7.99. Alternatively, users can select a pre-paid subscription for six months (£47.99) or 12 months (£79.99) available via www.tomtom.com, TomTom HOME or in selected stores.

Compatibility for TomTom GO x40 LIVE customers
Current TomTom GO x40 LIVE customers will receive a free, automatic upgrade by the end of 2009, which will enable them to use their LIVE Services in all LIVE countries (UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands).

Availability and pricing
The TomTom XL LIVE Europe 42 is expected to be available in stores in June 2009. The suggested retail price is £249.99†. For more information, please visit: www.tomtom.com

In the never ending battle to sell its product, MLB has been awarded a patent to use Geolocation in an effort to understand a person’s location and then based on contracted black-outs with other local stations, limit or shut down a game’s feed. So think about a local station with exclusive rights who for some reason or another decides to black out a game, you won’t be able to watch it on your mobile technology. Another example might be when a station has exclusive rights to broadcast a game in a market, but the user wants to instead watch on their mobile phone; MLB now has the patent to cover their ability to black you out based on your location.

Amazing technology put to a slightly style-crimping use. Oh, well.