Ricoh has officially introduced its first GPS-ready camera. The 500SE model is a 8 megapixel camera with integrated GPS module. Destined for outdoor photographing, the camera boasts extreme durability and high resolution to meet the image quality and all-weather usability. Its case is waterproof and shock-resistant from the same reason. Ricoh 500SE features a 2.5″ LCD, 28x zoom, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. Only the premium version includes Wi-Fi.

The device is capable of receiving NMEA data streams from external GPS devices via its on-board Bluetooth. The camera’s LCD provides precise real-time WGS-84 or MGRS position information derived from either the camera’s detachable GPS module or from external GPS devices. Geo-coded images and video are automatically converted into ‘layer files’ by available GIS plug-ins. Hovering over a point displays a thumbnail with the user-defined attributes, while clicking on the point opens the full-size image. The price for Ricoh 500SE is £549.99 or £599.99 for Wi-Fi versions.

[via Ricoh]

Recently launched in Korea, myPol is a GPS tracking system. For the moment the service is available only in Korea, but I think its success will cross the Ocean. The system is very simple. You can track anyone carrying the myPol tracking device in real time from your computer. To do that, you need a monthly subscription to this service for $10. The myPol tracking device has the size of a visiting card. The GPS transponder has a SOS button which once pressed it reveals your location to the authorities. The device costs $170, but it worths the price for the safety of your family. Using myPol services you can track your child while is coming from school, or your wife when she is shopping. Unfortunately these Big Brothers can be used only in Korea for the moment.

Globalsat has announced a new gadget for runners or athletes. Is the new GH-615 watch that includes GPS module. GH-615 is equipped with the SiRF Star III high performance GPS chipset (supports WAAS and EGNOS), a built-in patch antenna and a LCD display. The LCD’s dimension is 24.9 x 39.88mm with a resolution of 80 x 120 pixels. Because the watch is destined for sportsmen and for outside use, it is waterproof. GH-615 watch can be connected to your laptop via USB cable. No information was released about the price or availability.

The GolfLogix is a GPS device especially created for golfers. It shows distances to the front, center and back of the greens plus water hazards, bunkers, lays-up and carries. When a golfer knows the distances to hazards or to the hole, his shot performance is increasing. Thus his overall performance is enhanced.

GolfLogix GPS has a wide LCD screen, which keeps you informed about the distances and also shows your name (anti-theft security). The displays has contrast adjustment, making possible viewing in the sun. Furthermore the backlight screen setting can be used for dark playing conditions. GolfLogix displays the distances in yards or meters. Its case is completely waterproof. It has 12-channel GPS receiver with precise accuracy (+/- 2 yards). The retail price for GolfLogix is $350. The package contains free golf courses making you capable of high performances.

The device in the picture that accompanies this post is about the size of a matchbox and includes both a GPS positioning device and a GPRS module for data transfer.

Basically, this device is designed for those of you who always want to keep track of things like their car, dog and even wife. If you want to know something’s or someone’s whereabouts make sure they have a small device like this on them. Using the GPS, this gadget gets a position on its location module and sends the data referring to its location through the GPRS module pretty much like with a regular mobile phone.

For additional info on the device please visit this website.

Apparently simple GPS products have fallen out of style as the new navigational devices seem to be more focused on the entertainment providing than on the actual navigation. It is the case of the Mio Digiwalker H610 too.

Besides directions, this device can also provide music and video playback, picture viewing and gaming for your personal entertainment. Important informations like weather and currency converting are also available on this device because you benefit from a free 3 year subscription when you buy the H610.

For the specifications passionates (like myself) I mention the 64 MB RAM and the possibility to increase the internal storage capacity with the help of a memory card inserted in the included SD/MMC slot. All the video informations available will be provided on a 2.7″ LCD display and the audio suggestion can be listened using either your headphones or the small integrated speaker.

Asus news last few days were only set on mobile phones. Now it seems that they are announcing more and more and looks like all their new products have GPS navigation incorporated. Just like the Asus Pegasus and A686 and A696 PDAs, the new phone from Asus, P735 model has GPS enabled. However this new mobile is unlike the P526 (Pegasus) this one is 3G/UMTS, the first PDA phone on the Taiwanese market with these features.

Why should you buy it? The nice looks and the fact that you will have the right track every time you want. Under testing so far and without a keyboard but with touchscreen navigation help, the new Asus P735 will launch in March.

[via Ubergizmo]

Nowadays we have a wide range of GPS devices, but there are some with other functions besides the navigation. For example ViaMichelin X-980T is a GPS device which also offers real-time traffic information, weather condition information or unforeseen incidents (accidents, traffic jams…).ViaMichelin X-980T has a 4.3 inch panoramic LCD screen, a 416 MHz Intel processor backed up by 64Mb RAM and a SiRF Star III GPS receiver power the device. The screen is separated into two, a part with a 2D zoom of the next intersection. Also you can use Bluetooth connectivity for making or receiving calls. ViaMichelin X-980T for Europe contains maps for 20 European countries, and 15 language guidance. Furthermore, ViaMichelin software provides you information about hotels, restaurants or tourist location of your choice according to its category, price, Michelin rating, proximity…

Regarding the navigation, ViaMichelin X-980T has a long journey mode that announce you the towns gone through and tourist sights. The speed Warner helps you to avoid getting fines. Besides, the POI Warner indicates that in your area is a Point of Interest (POI). The software contains 51,000 hotels and restaurants in Europe from the selection from The MICHELIN^® Guides, 19,000 tourist sights from The Green Guides and 2.5 million Points Of Interest: service stations, car parks, public services, post offices, local shops, etc. ViaMichelin offers 6 types of routes:

	Shortest: route with the least distance
	Quickest: route with the fastest journey time
	Recommended by ViaMichelin : route focussing on comfort, safety and simplicity
	Route without tolls
	Pedestrian
	Bicycle

This great navigation system has some weak points too. For instance, the autonomy is only 3 hours (specified by manufacturer). So, it is not suitable for a long walk journey if you won’t have a power supply. Other problem is the stylus, which is very hard to reach, especially when driving. The price range between $700-$750 depending on the store.

FIC (First International Computer Inc.) announced at the beginning of this month the availability of the E-GO II GPS device. With a suggested retail price of $399 the product offers more than other navigational devices.

As it is a GPS device it features maps of America (or Europe depending on the version of choice) offering complete turn-by turn instructions both vocally and by means of 2D/3D maps. According to the producer there are more than a million points of interest stored on the built-in memory (32/64/128 MB) and real time traffic report is also possible.

The E-GO II is more than a standard navigational device as it has the ability to play video and audio files,watch JPEG pictures and also play games on the 4″ LCD display. The available storage capacity can be upgraded with a memory card as a SD/MMC card slot is included together with a USB 1.1 port. The 115.8 mm x 82.7 mm x 17.5 mm (aprox 4.6″x3.2″x0.7″) device has a 1350 mAh Li-Polymer battery to assure up to 4 hours of continuous use.

The handheld device I am going to present now is claiming the title of “The Thinest All-in-one Poket Pc Phone in the World“. I am inclined to award him this distinction as I know nothing about a similar gadget with so many features in such a small packaging (113 x 59.5 x 15.5 mm).

To best describe X500 I would only have to mention 3 words and you would understand the valuable assets this device brings: GSM, PDA and GPS. Are you ready for more? Well, the developing company thought a 802.11b/g WiFi is a must for such a product and I certainly would not like to disagree. Do you think Bluetooth connectivity could not be included? Neither did they as it has v2.0 of the wireless standard. And there is also a mini-USB port for cable connections to computers.

Speaking of extras I should mention the SD slot that facilitates an upgrade to the 64 MB of built-in memory in the eventuality you run out of storage space. Are you wondering how could you run out of storage space on a mobile phone? An obvious answer involves filling the internal memory with pictures taken with the included 2 MP digital camera.
A 400 MHz processor will perform all the tasks when using the embedded operating system: Windows Mobile (v5.0). The software includes Microsoft Outlook Mobile , Microsoft Word Mobile, Microsoft Excel Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, ActiveSync, Calculator, Games, Microsoft PowerPoint Mobile, Windows Media® Player 10 and many other useful programs.

If you are still unimpressed it must be my fault as lack of space prevented me from presenting all the features in this device. If the current price of approximately 500€ won’t turn up to be a hoax I will seriously consider buying this phone (if nothing better comes up).