Nokia introduced its new Nokia N810 Internet Tablet at the recent Web 2.0 2007 Summit and already it has been named as one of Wired’s Top Ten Gadgets of the Year. The unit embraces the concept of a Internet connected GPS navigation device which will allow instant access to current maps, user-updating of maps, access to current points of interest (POI) databases and online location based services. Connected personal navigation devices (PND) such as the N810 are going to provide the platform for far more accurate demographic targeting of POI in the future.

The Nokia N810 Internet Tablet is a powerful ultra mobile communication (VOIP) and software utilities platform driven by a Texas Instruments OMAP 2420 processor running at the same fast 400MHz as its Samsung rival. For an ultra portable device, the Nokia N810 has an attractively large and useful 4.13 inch WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) color touch screen display. Other hardware features include a SiRF Star III GPS receiver, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, twin speakers, microphone and VGA camera.
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Technorati Tags: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, Top Ten Gadgets, GPS navigation

Nokia have just announced an upgrade to their EISA award winning, pinnacle of convergence the N95 smartphone.

Upgrade highlights include:

• Enormous jump in built-in memory from 160 MB to 8Gb (up to 20 hours of video or 6000 songs)
• Larger 2.8 inch QVGA display to replace 2.6″ QVGA (240 x 320 pixels)

Nokia expect the new upgraded version of the N95 to begin shipping in Q4 2007.

Technorati Tags: N95 smartphone, 2.8 inch QVGA display

Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W adds GPS navigation functionality to your mobile phone. The LD-3W connects wirelessly to a compatible phone, PC, or PDA using Bluetooth wireless technology. Nokia is moving rapidly into the location based services market and the LD-3W is compatible with a number of location-based applications and services.

The unit is powered by a SiRF Star III receiver chip (20 channels) well regarded for its market leading sensitivity enabling it to establish and maintain GPS satellite fixes even in poor signal reception areas. The module comes with a Nokia DC-4 mobile charger.
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Technorati Tags: Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W, Bluetooth, location based services, SiRF Star III

Nokia’s N95 GPS enabled cell phone has won a 2007/2008 EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award for the European Media Phone category. The award was made by EISA’s convergence panel which would be expected as the Nokia N95 is a convergence of technology and features including; GPS navigation, Google Earth, 5 Megapixel camera, MPEG4 video capture, HSDPA data access, web browser, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared port, USB interface, microSD slot, multiple audio format playback (MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+/WMA/M4A) and more.

To quote EISA “It’s no mere mobile phone and no mere status symbol. Pick up a Nokia N95 and you hold in your hands a state-of-the-art communication tool – the ideal way to remain permanently in touch and on track with the world that surrounds you.”

You may wish to read GPS Technology Reviews recent detailed review of the Nokia N95 GPS enabled mobile phone.

Technorati Tags: Nokia’s N95 GPS enabled cell phone, GPS navigation, Google Earth, 5 Megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Nokia are taking GPS capabilities seriously and have GPS enabled mobile phones such as the N95 and Nokia 6110. However, it is not as widely known that they have the Nokia 330, a dedicated car or personal navigation system (no phone capabilities). It’s a device loyal Nokia customers will be able to use in making use of the considerable investments Nokia is making in mapping and GPS location based services.

The Nokia 330 is a comparatively small and light (205 g) compared to other automotive GPS navigation devices. It’s turn by turn directions are driven by a Route 66 Navigate 7 software application with maps by NAVTEQ. As somewhat of a surprise to many the underlying operating system is Windows supplied by Microsoft.
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The Nokia 6110 Navigator follows in the footsteps of the first handset with built-in GPS navigation, the N95, launched earlier this year. Nokia now even has the Nokia 330, a dedicated navigation system (no phone capabilities). The Nokia 6110 Navigator combines both GPS (Global Positioning System) and AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) functionality with the flexibility of mobile connectivity.

The trend towards a more pervasive presence of GPS in the mobile device market is continuing. Telecom TV One has reported Nokia representative David Watkins as saying “We see GPS as a key trend in the future. It isn’t just turn-by-turn navigation. It’s much more….” He also emphasized the considerable strategic investment Nokia is making in mapping. Nokia can definitely see the future profit flow from GPS location based services and would be correct to assume that profit growth will shift to these mobile services from hardware.

Nokia see the launch of the Nokia 6110 as a big deal to the extent that its navigation capabilities will be tested as it accompanies actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they undertake the “Long Way Down” journey to Cape Town on BMW motorcycles. It is reminiscent of their 2004 Long Way Round motorbike journey from London to New York in 115 days.
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Augmentra, a specialist in gps navigation software for smartphones, has announced a new version of its ViewRanger off-road mapping, navigation and information software which now includes support for the Nokia N95 with integrated GPS. Nokia named ViewRanger Best Location-Aware Service & Application in Nokia’s S60 Global Challenge 2006. ViewRanger has been designed specifically for the off-road users and offers a unique combination of 2D and 3D mapping, GPS navigation, sports performance analysis, content sharing, and buddy tracking - see video below.

ViewRanger runs on the Symbian S60 smartphone platform, and transforms a Nokia or other S60 handsets into a full-featured trail navigation system. While further international coverage will be announced soon, the ViewRanger is currently available to use internationally with no base-maps, and with Ordnance Survey mapping of Great Britain.

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Anticipating the predicted explosion in mobile location based services, Nokia’s new N95 cell phone will have a significant addition in the form of integrated GPS technology and location based services and software. Rather than developing their own technology Nokia have established a licensing agreement giving it access to GPS related patents held by GPS technology giant Trimble. Nokia intend the N95 to be a powerful “one for all” replacement for a media player, digital camera, digital camera, PDA and now a GPS navigation device. It features a 2-way slide concept to simplify switching between different functionalities.

The strategic importance of Nokia’s recent acquisition of gate5, a navigation software developer, is now obvious. The new Nokia N95 will come with gate5 software installed rather than available from a remote server. Installing the software on the phone provides independence from cell phone carriers for services.
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