Like my DVR section, today we see many products for GPS which have USB as either the connection interface or as the device itself. If you need to track – stroll through this category.
Linux Computer is One P.H.A.T. USB Stick
A start-up firm in the French Alps put together one Pretty Hot And Tempting USB stick. This one only has 256MB of memory, but IS a full working computer.
Based off an Atmel processor this SoC (System-On-Chip) design has a 190MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 256MB of memory, USB connectivity and a 10/100 Ethernet port.
The company, Calao, didn’t give a price tag but did mention some useful applications like GPS and image processing.
I for one saw that lovely USB connector and immediately thought of the new Samsung USB monitors and wondered if this is our future of computing.
Not only is the Calao Linux computer PHAT it’s also fat. Measuring at 3.3 inches long and 1.4 inches wide it is much larger then your average UFD…but also clear there is nothing average about this concept.
GPS/Skype Pocket PC phone
E Ten has the slim-jim phone Pocket PC lovers would,…well,…love. The Glofiish X500 is a very thin Pocket PC based off E Ten’s internal antenna design. The improved ergonomics of the phone are just for starters. You also get GPS and Wi-Fi built in and integrated two hot-keys. The Glofiish features 2 quick application buttons that offer one-thumb navigation of Pocket PC applications, 2 dedicated phone function buttons and several user-configurable soft-keys that will allow for customization.
Future products will incorporated Bluetooth, multimedia video and audio capacities and a 2.0MP camera.
GPS Track Stick logs your every move
So where were you at 3am – Denny’s? If you have doubts the Track Stick can help. This USB gadget is a GPS logging device that can track locations for over two months. Using 24 global satellites the Track Stick can precisely calculate its own position anywhere on the planet to within fifteen meters. Using the latest in GPS mapping technologies, your exact location can be shown on graphical maps and 3D satellite images.
The Track Stick’s micro computer contains special mathematical algorithms, that can calculate how long you have been indoors. While visiting family, friends or even shopping, the USB Track Stick can accurately time and map each and every place you have been. Track Stick works around the planet. By exporting to Google Earth’s .KML file format via USB connection, each travel location can be pinpointed using 3D mapping technology or more simple maps like Map Quest. So now you can verify that 3am Denny’s story.
Prices under $200 from Amazon
FusionSoft with 7inch Personal Media Player
Well, apparently the Koreans are hungry for some hot 7-inch action as of late, judging from the latest developments over at FusionSoft – creator of the recently-mentioned odd-i P10 (recently upgraded to the GPS-equipped P11N). Enter, N700(D). Oh, that’s a very original name indeed. First, the Archos AV700, then the Viliv N70, now the odd-i N700D. But whatever, let’s see if the specs are any good.
Cypress releases first “Infotainment” USB host controller
Cypress Semiconductor introduces the world’s first Infotainment USB Host/Peripheral controller. The EZ-Host is targeted to the automotive industry to make communication between car and GPS, MP3 players, mobile handsets and in-vehicle radios as easy as a USB port. The EZ-Host is a 16-bit RISC microcontroller with 2 configurable SIEs and one configurable I/O block.
Fiat and Microsoft present Blue&Me
Windows Automotive and Fiat are poised to unveil a new in-car technology via USB called “Infotainment.” This Bluetooth based technology will interact with hand held devices like phones, PDAs, GPS systems and other communication devices. Connection is made from a hardwired USB port located in the glove box to the internal car system. Voice activated features, like reading SMS messages, playing MP3 files and more
