GPS

Leica Launches the V-Lux 20 with Built-In GPS

Filed under: Gadgets

Leica has just launched the stylish new V-LUX 20 compact digital camera, equipped with 12.1 megapixels and a high performance Leica 12x zoom lens along with built-in GPS tagging and HD movie recording. Priced at $699, it's the first Leica camera to feature GPS tagging, with an innovative tracking system allowing photographers to record the exact geographical coordinates of their location automatically, as well as the local time for every shot, ensuring the user always has a useful and accurate record of their trip. In addition, the V-LUX 20 can display the names of interesting sightseeing locations from a total of 500,000 'points of interest' across 73 countries. For those posting images on social networks, image portals or map sites such as Google Maps or Google Earth, the GPS data automatically reveals exactly when and where the photos were taken.

For those who want to make movies as well as still images, the V-LUX 20 enables movie recording in HD quality. Its intelligent automatic features, such as face recognition, automatic scene modes and smart exposure, are all available in movie mode, together with the camera's zoom functions. The camera's three inch LCD display has a resolution of 460,000 pixels, and offers an extremely bright, sharp view for precise composition and framing of shots, as well as accurate quality control for captured shots in playback mode. In addition to all the high-tech features, the matte black V-LUX 20 is also available with a classic leather case for $175, making it as stylish as any of the brand's famed old-school models and a fitting complement to luxury accessories.

Gallery: Leica V-Lux 20

Tags: camera, digital camera, GPS, leather, Leica, leica v lux 20, movie

Don't Get Lost In Your Mercedes

by Erin Mays (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos

Ahh, GPS systems are so passé all by themselves. Why bother with all that programming when you can simply send the directions to your car from Google or Yahoo! Maps?

Mercedes-Benz appears to be the first automaker to implement the idea, which simply involves sending the directions to your car, pressing the i-button and either loading up the directions or saving them for later via the Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid System.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the Search & Send is available starting on the 2007 S-Class, CL-Class, and 2008 C-Class with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System.

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Tags: google, gps, maps, mercedes, navigation, yahoo

Pioneer AVIC-D3: In-Dash Everything

by Anton Friant (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Despite rampant reports of careless drivers placing complete trust in their in-dash navigation systems (like wrapping their shiny new ride around a tree or driving uninhibitedly into a construction zone), the market for GPS directions is expected to grow over 163% next year. Pioneer's AVIC-D3 will pack a whole host of entertainment features to its 6" touchscreen, but the real kicker is the unit's complete iPod support and Bluetooth capabilities; even if you're streaming video from your iPod and following directions at the same time, the unit will put everything on hold to tell you that you have a call from your mother reminding you to pick up a gallon of milk on your way home for Thanksgiving dinner.

The AVIC-D3 will be available in March 2007 with a retail price to be determined at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show.

[via BornRich]

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Tags: AVIC-D3, bluetooth, gps, iPod, navigation, pioneer

Isaac Daniel GPS Sneakers

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

We've seen running shoes with a microprocessor that adjusts to your step but what about a shoe that could actually track where you are going? The shoes by Isaac Daniel include a GPS (Global Positioning System) embedded in the sole. The new Compass line also includes a Covert Alarm Locator Apparatus™ incorporated into the shoe's design which generates an emergency signal to a tracking station. A call to a 24-hour monitoring service can located the shoes anywhere around. The line includes walking shoes as well as running shoes. The sneakers sell for $325 and up. Isaac Daniel is one of the sponsors of Fashion Week in LA next week so I may check out these shoes in person.

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Tags: gps, isaac daniel, IsaacDaniel, shoes, sneakers

Ritz-Carlton in Dubai Becomes The First Middle Eastern Hotel To Add GPS For Guests

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai has become the first hotel in Middle East to introduce portable GPS devices for guests. As our friends at Hotel Chatter have pointed out hotels in the U.S. and other places have also adopted the practice of handing out to GPS devices to their navigationally-challenged guests. It's definitely an attractive idea and potentially more helpful than a map and a few helpful scribbles written down by the front desk staff when you are trying to get somewhere. In the long run however, I suspect that like iPods at hotels, most people may come with their own electronic ways of getting around. Perhaps instead what hotels should provide is a download area where people can load local maps, podcasts of tourist attractions, etc. onto their own devices.

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Tags: dubai, gadgets, gps, hotels, travel