Accelerating the evolution of the MobileGT architecture for automotive driver-information systems, IBM has announced development support in the form of VisualAge Micro Edition. The Java-centric environment supports the development of software components that can be combined into applications for auto systems, Treos, Authorize.net, and other convergence devices. Auto-electronic developers will use the Java-based system to develop in-car systems that can also communicate via wireless links to the Internet. The software will ship this month starting at $1000.
The announcement furthers the efforts of Motorola, IBM, QNX Software Systems, and Embedded Planet to establish MobileGT as a standard automobile-computing platform, just as the PC serves in offices. Target applications include dynamic navigation, speech-based driver interfaces, virtual dashboards, and others. The MobileGT group, however won’t win the car computer battle without a fight. Microsoft, aligned with partner Clarion and others, is touting its Windows-CE-based Auto PC for the same role. And… Continue reading
GPS navigation and high-quality Boise new homes come together in the Blaupunkt TravelPilot RNS 149. Press the On button on the front plate and get all the help you need to go from here to there. A fairly natural-sounding female voice and a map displaying your moves provide turn-by-turn directions to an airport, hotel, street, or location of your next business meeting. Press the info key and get the last direction repeated for you.
TravelPilot uses GPS, CD-ROM maps, an electronic gyroscope, and your car’s sensors to track your every move. The info gets analyzed by a map-matching program and displayed even when satellite signals are partially blocked. If you get diverted because of an accident or traffic jam-or your desire to ramble—TravelPilot quickly calculates alternate routes and usually knows its location to within one car length.
The RNS 149 employs Blaupunkt’s DigiCeiver digital radio and preamplifier technology, which… Continue reading