Mobile maps offer untapped resources for parks

Ever since GPS technology has been integrated into mobile phones, most people have become accustomed to reaching in their pockets for directions or to look at a map of their surroundings. And while most mobile map services require cellular service, more options are surfacing that feature embedded content that allows map access in remote areas like state and national parks.

The Pocket Ranger application, developed by New York City-based Parks by Nature Network, functions as a mobile, self-service tour package, said CEO Richard Dubi. By partnering with state parks departments, the Pocket Ranger app has access to in-depth maps of parks, trails, amenities and activities.
After downloading the free app, users can search by geographic location or category and any map or information they choose becomes cached to the phone — the benefit of the cache being that the content is then accessed without a cell signal. The app also has an alert feature for emergencies, Dubi explained, where the user sends out a distress signal that triangulates their location through satellite. Although the alert system does require a cell signal, Dubi said it offers those in a dire situation a chance to get help.
The application offers peace of mind to park-goers, Dubi said, as well as a tremendous marketing opportunity for businesses looking to expand their brand presence.

Source:Internet

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Startup Uses a Smartphone Compass to Track People Indoors

People have used magnetic compasses to find their way outdoors for centuries. In a twist, a startup has found a way to use the magnetic sensors in smartphones to locate people themselves—this time, indoors, where GPS signals don’t normally reach. Tracking people in this way could lead to mobile maps that work indoors, and let stores target offers to customers standing in front of a particular product.
The Finland-based startup, Indoor Atlas, launched last week as spin-off from the University of Oulu. The company’s technology, intended for mobile software developers to use in other apps, is a new approach in the growing market for systems that track people inside.
The company says its method pinpoints people more accurately than many current methods, which typically employ the Wi-Fi or radio signals detected by a smartphone and are precise to within several meters. Indoor Atlas says its approach is accurate to between 10 centimeters and two meters, depending on the building. That’s the difference between, say, knowing a shopper is in the freezer section versus knowing he is standing in front of the ice cream. It also does not require a building to have any special equipment.

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MiFi

MiFi is a line of compact wireless routers produced by Novatel Wireless that act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. MiFi stands for 'My Wi-Fi'. The MiFi can be connected to a mobile phone (cellular) carrier and provide internet access for up to 5 devices. The MiFi works at a distance up to 10 m (30 ft) and will provide internet or network access to any WiFi enabled peripheral device.
The first MiFi device was introduced in the U.S. in May 2009 by Novatel Wireless,^[1] and Novatel owns a registered trademark on the "MiFi" brand name in the U.S.^[2] The Novatel MiFi is also marketed as such in the Netherlands, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.^[3][4][5][6] However, in the United Kingdom, mobile operator 3 owns the "MiFi" trademark and markets a similar device from Huawei under the name.

MiFi (and MiFi-like) devices

Novatel MiFi 2200

MiFi 2200 from Novatel Wireless for Verizon Wireless

• Limited to 5 Wi-Fi clients such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players; with the exception of manually editing the devices config file to allow more clients.^[8]
• May be connected to a computer via a MicroUSB connection, though doing so disables the Wi-Fi networking, converting the device into a traditional single-client modem. (However, CNET has introduced a tweak to charge the device over USB while maintaining its functionality.)
• Includes GPS unit, which is usable on some networks (Virgin) and not on others (Verizon).
• Uses 3G data network (CDMA 1xEVDO RevA).

Novatel MiFi 23xx series

Same functionality as 2200, plus:

• Accepts SD card for in-device shared media storage.^[9]
• Uses 3G data network (MiFi 2352: HSUPA/HSDPA 900/1900/2100 MHz, MiFi 2372: HSUPA/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz; both support GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz).

Novatel MiFi 33xx series

Same functionality as 23xx series, plus:

• Linux-based MiFi OS with widgets:
• Messages: perform SMS-based messaging actions such as reading, writing, sending and receiving SMS messages
• Data Usage: track MiFi data usage in home and roaming networks
• GeoSearch: leverage the GPS functionality of the MiFi to display a map of the local area, search the local area, display the search results on the map
• Weather: fetch weather data for the current and defined locations
• MiFi DLNA Server: start, stop and configure the MiFi DLNA server

4G MiFi devices

MiFi 4510L from Novatel Wireless for Verizon Wireless

MiFi 4082 from Novatel Wireless for Sprint Nextel

The Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show 2011 saw the introduction of two new 4G capable MiFi devices from Novatel:

• Verizon Wireless featured the 4510L model, which will connect to Verizon's new LTE 4G network, expected to support 5–12 Mbps download and 2–5 Mbit/s upload.^[10]
• Sprint featured the MiFi 4082, a WiMAX version.^[11]

Both devices maintain backward compatibility with existing 3G networks. Other features include:^[12]

• MiFiOS with widget support
• MicroSD card slot
• GPS receiver
• 4 hour battery life
• Front panel status display using E Ink technology. The front panel display shows battery, signal strength and number of connected devices. The difficulty of viewing such information was seen as a major shortcoming of earlier MiFi devices.^[11]

Non-Novatel devices

• Huawei E5830 (Series), E585, E586 with HSPA+^[13] and Chinese market E5805 using CDMA2000 and ET536 using TD-SCDMA.
• NetComm MyZone 3G24W
• Option GlobeSurfer III
• Sierra Wireless Overdrive (Note: 4G capable; available only in U.S. through Sprint)
• D-Link DIR-457/MyPocket

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RunKeeper’s smartphone app gets smarter with sensors

Smartphones are packing more sensors these days, and application developers continue to find new ways to gain additional value from them. Popular exercise application RunKeeper, for example, updated its software on Monday with two new ways to take advantage of the GPS and Bluetooth radios in either a Google Android handset or Apple iPhone.
The free RunKeeper application already leverages these radios; using a GPS sensor, the software tracks the speed, distance and route elevation while running, walking or cycling, for example. During the exercise, the application can provide audio feedback on pace and distance. When the activity is completed, a route map is saved in a Google Maps format, complete with details on the effort. But the new version takes RunKeeper a step further.
An auto-pause function is now built in to RunKeeper, which temporarily pauses the GPS tracking when arriving at a red light or stopping to take a picture of the scenery. I know from experience that the automatic pause feature will prove handy. I run daily using the app, and it can be a chore to unlock the phone and manually pause it when needed. It’s actually difficult to do so in the winter when running with gloves; I’ve actually used my nose to pause the application during cold weather months, which looks ridiculous to cars passing by.

The other new function takes advantage of wireless heart rate monitors. RunKeeper already supported these monitors by tracking heart rate data during exercise and providing an average heart rate upon activity completion. Now the data becomes more useful in the new software update. RunKeeper shows visual heart rate data in real time and supports targeted heart zone training. Users can set up heart rate target zones, which generally measure exercise effort, and RunKeeper will provide audio cues when the heart rate is above or below the targeted zone.
RunKeeper’s software updates also include a handy workout countdown timer, allowing you to stash your phone in a pouch or pocket before taking off, and some GPS updates to improve exercise tracking. These are welcome, of course, but the more important features are those that continue to find new ways to gain value from the sensors in our smartphones. Think about it: If the auto-pause feature could be combined with accelerometer data, your smartphone could determine that you’ve been hit by a car while running or cycling. Imagine if it could call for help in that scenario, thanks to the sensor data.

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Android app turns smartphone into wireless viewfinder for Contour+ camcorder

If you are the sort that is into some sort of action sport where you like to record yourself doing things like skateboarding, biking, or racing cars you may have one of the little camcorders that you can wear or mount in weird places. One of these camcorders is called the Contour+. This little camcorder can be mounted just about anywhere thanks to the small size.


The catch with such a little camcorder is that there is no LCD screen so you really can’t tell what the camera is recording. An app for the Contour+ camcorder has landed for the Android platform called Contour Connect. The app turns your smartphone into a wireless viewfinder. That means you can use the screen of your smartphone to line up your shot.
The app will also show you the remaining battery life in your camcorder and allows you to change the camera settings. The settings that can be adjusted using the app include video mode, video quality, mic, GPS, and lighting. The app is free and is on the Android Market right now.

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Device turns smartphones into satellite communicators

All the myriad benefits of today’s smartphones amount to no more than the proverbial hill of beans if no cellphone signal is available. We’ve already seen a few solutions for off-grid connectivity — Range Networks’ open source phone service, for example — but nothing quite like SPOT Connect.
Launched just last week by Globalstar’s California-based Spot subsidiary, SPOT Connect is a satellite communicator capable of sending messages over the Globalstar satellite network from a smartphone operating system. Smartphone users begin by downloading the SPOT Connect app. Then, when they’re out of range, they pair their phone with the SPOT Connect device using Bluetooth. SPOT is currently compatible with smartphone operating systems including Android; others will be incorporated later this year. In any case, once it’s connected, the SPOT device links the smartphone to communication satellites, enabling users to send text messages, short emails and SOS messages including GPS coordinates, as well as to perform tasks like updating Facebook and Twitter. Users can create contact groups and store up to 10 predefined messages for quick reference and sending, and an on-device SOS button provides standalone emergency operation.
Winner of this year’s CES Innovations Award in Design and Engineering in the Personal Electronics category, the waterproof, 3.7-ounce system is scheduled to begin shipping this month. Pricing is USD 169.99 plus an annual subscription service starting at USD 99.99 per year. Retailers specializing in GPS, outdoor recreation and personal electronics: this one’s for you!

Website: www.findmespot.com
Contact: customerservice@findmespot.com

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GPS (GNSS) Telecom Time Now and Future

Image via WikipediaGPS (GNSS) Telecom Time Now and Future pdf

Topics:

•GNSS Systems
•GPS Status and Future
•Other GNSS
•GNSS Failure Modes
•Conclusions & References

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