4x4Wire

New features provide improved GPS and data-collection capabilities

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) July 13, 2009 -- Ricoh America's Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment and business solution cameras, today announced at the ESRI User Conference in San Diego the release of major hardware and firmware enhancements to its 500SE GPS-ready camera.

To provide the best solution for GIS workflows that require quality images, Ricoh has announced the new SE-2 GPS module line for the 500SE to provide superior GPS reception, capabilities and accuracy. The SE-2 modules, designed by EKA Technologies, Inc, incorporates state-of-the-are GPS components into a small, power-efficient, and ruggedized housing that attaches to the side of the 500SE, providing an all-in-one geo-imaging solution.

"The SE-2 represents Ricoh's commitment to provide cutting-edge technology to its customers," said Jeff Lengyel, national manager for Ricoh's Camera Division. 'Unlike other GPS cameras and imaging devices with built-in GPS, the 500SE was designed with a modular approach to ensure the camera's capabilities follows the rapid technology curve in the GPS industry.'

The new modules are available in two versions. The SE-2g provides GPS capability while the SE-2c offers GPS and a 3-axis compass for direction (azimuth) information.  Key advantages of the SE-2 modules are its small form-factor, significant power saving capabilities and faster GPS fix times, due to it new helix antenna. The SE-2c and SE-2g are also less expensive then previous modules with a MSRP of $169.00 and $399.00 respectively.

“Garmin and BMW are known within their respective industries for providing high-quality, high-end products with superior customer satisfaction and support,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM and mobile marketing. “By equipping BMW motorcycles with the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV, riders can let the GPS device deliver spoken turn-by-turn instructions while they focus on the road and enjoy a worry-free ride.”

This portable, 4.3-inch navigator has a bright touchscreen display that is glove-friendly and comes preloaded with detailed street maps with millions of points of interest that include locations like restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, hotels and specific street addresses. After the rider selects a destination, the system calculates the best route and gives turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to the final destination. This feature can also work with a compatible Bluetooth enabled helmet or headset. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s stereo (A2DP) Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for riders to pair their phone to a Bluetooth enabled helmet or handset so that they can safely talk on the phone or listen to MP3’s without having to remove their gloves or helmet.

The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV comes with a BMW exclusive, four-button motorcycle mount that enables many quick-key functions for extra control and usability. The mount and GPS device are vibration-tested, waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards), and designed to withstand fuel sprays and UV rays.

While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly from the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. It also has sophisticated routing capabilities so that riders will never have to wonder if they are in the correct lane, because the device will guide them with arrows to the appropriate lane for approaching turns or exits. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view.

Garmin® announces Dakota™ touchscreen outdoor handhelds, simple to use and simple to afford from Garmin

OLATHE, Kan./June 26, 2009/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the Dakota 10 and Dakota 20 handheld GPS navigators, packing a high sensitivity GPS receiver, worldwide basemap and color touchscreen display into a compact, waterproof device with up to 20 hours of battery life.

“As families and friends explore the outdoors – from an exotic locale to the local park – Dakota helps keep their adventures affordable and enjoyable,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “While kids have fun with Dakota’s small size and simple interface, parents can take comfort in never losing their way thanks to high-sensitivity GPS and extended battery life.”

Lightweight, rugged and waterproof, Garmin’s new Dakota devices quickly acquire and maintain satellite reception – even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons – thanks to a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFixTM, which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a position. Everyone from geocachers and youth scouts to surveyors and hunters can take advantage of Dakota’s 850 MB of internal memory, which can store up to 1,000 waypoints, 50 routes, 2,000 geocaches and an active tracklog of up to 10,000 points and 200 saved tracks.

Based on the innovative interface of Garmin’s award-winning Oregon series, Dakota’s glove-friendly, color 2.6-inch touchscreen display is easy to read and use in all conditions, responsive to the touch of your finger, yet resistant to the forces of nature. Weighing only 6.75 ounces, Dakota lasts up to 20 hours on two AA batteries and can connect to your PC or Mac via USB connection.

OLATHE, Kan./May 20, 2009/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., 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. “my.Garmin 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, my.Garmin helps customers keep up with the latest and greatest for their GPS.  By simply attaching the GPS to a computer using a USB cable, my.Garmin 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.

OLATHE, Kan./April 8, 2009/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that its automotive OEM division will provide in-dash navigation for the new 2011 model year Chrysler Grand Cherokee, which debuted today at the New York Auto Show.

The program marks Garmin’s first major automotive navigation system to be installed at the factory.  The system combines Garmin’s best-selling, affordable, and intuitive user interface into Chrysler’s Uconnect radio that merges technology and content into one 6.5” touchscreen display.

“Garmin is uniquely positioned to quickly bring the latest and greatest navigation technology to an in-dash environment – priced at a level that mainstream drivers can afford,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and chief operating officer.  “Being a navigation provider for Chrysler is a significant and long sought-after achievement for our company.  We look forward to collaborating with them on this exciting project.”

The collaborative effort puts Garmin’s nüvi-like consumer experience – complete with affordable map updates – into an original equipment, in-dash radio.  The navigator includes highly detailed Navteq maps of North America with nearly six million points of interest, as well as many cutting-edge features found in Garmin’s newest portable devices, like:

• Lane Assist - guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.
• Junction View - realistically displays 3D road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.
• Speed Limit & Current Speed – know at a glance whether you’re within the posted speed limit.
• Where Am I? - get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.
• Speaks Street Names – so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
• Customized Vehicle Icons – personalize your navigation with Chrysler-specific icons.