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DescriptionFederal Judge Richard M. Berman has decided to go along with the new law in NYC that GPS must be installed in all taxis, effective today. We originally told you that the cabbies were not thrilled having to follow the ruling because they felt the tracking was too much of an invasion of their privacy. Some of the drivers went as far as a two day protest last month. Head of the city’s law office, Michael Cardozo, said the decision was a “satisfying legal victory and a victory for all taxi passengers who will enjoy the benefits of these service improvements.” Living in a state that almost shut down today, some of us hope that the problem is soon solved to satisfy both sides in the next go-round October 10.

Read More | ABC

Gallery: Federal Judge Okays NYC GSP


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PetCell

Similar to the Hear Now that we introduced you to last fall, PetsMobility’s PetsCell is a waterproof GPS tracker that will notify you when your furry friend steps outside a pre-programmed area. In addition, the collar has a built-in cell phone so that you can chat with your pooch, or for others to contact you should your dog stray a little too far from home. The company also features PawTrax, an online system to track your pooch via the Internet that includes a sensor to keep track of the temperature surrounding your pet. Now we’re thinking, how far away will your pet be that you need to use that particular capability? Contact PetsMobility for price and availability.

Read More | PetsMobility

Gallery: PetsCell, for Dogs That Want to Keep in Touch


NYC CabLast month we told you about NY cabbies who were disgruntled about the new requirement that all taxis have GPS and touchscreen monitors that allow customers to pay by credit card. Yesterday began a two day strike that showed that the drivers were serious in their threats about suffering a lack of privacy with the new rule. Backed by The New York Taxi Workers Alliance, it wasn’t apparent how many took part in the strike and the ramifications of the opposition remain to be seen since other groups opposed the strike.

Read More | ABC

Gallery: NYC Cabbies Stage Strike


Navigon 2100

Recently unveiled at the IFA 2007, the Navigon 2100 features a 3.5-inch anti-glare touchscreen, simplified menus, and spoken directions with its text-to-speech. Their Reality View displays geometry and road sign text with automatic speed warnings. The exclusive technology provides 2D and 3D, photo-realistic, virtual views of intersections. Look for the navigational device this fall with an MSRP of $249.00. We wonder if the future of such gadgets will provide us with back seat drivers and directions to the nearest pit stop.

 

Read More | BetaNews

Gallery: Navigon GPS Speaks


GPS Platform ShoesWhile this item screams “Saturday Night Live” skit, it’s actually real, useful, and we love it. It’s the Platform 001 sandal, created by the Aphrodite Project, which contains a tracking module, and a compartment for hiding cash and keys—all “safety features designed to meet the needs of today’s sex workers”, according to the Aphrodite website. If the prostitute is in danger, the GPS relays the prostitute’s location via silent alarm to local emergency services. If she is having a problem with the police, the GPS can relay a signal to the sex workers’ rights group in her city. The shoe also comes equipped with a piercingly loud alarm system, to ward off attackers. No word on pricing or availability (the shoe is still in prototype stage), but the shoe actually went on a world tour last year, including stops in New York and Norway, and will have an exhibition in New Jersey next month. We love it because someone realized a prostitute’s safety is no less important than yours or mine—and did something about it.

Read More | Sexy GPS Shoes via GPS Lodge

Gallery: GPS Platform Shoes—For the Ladies of the Night


Rave Guardian

Ever since the tragedy at Virginia Tech 5 months ago, many colleges and students have been purchasing devices to ensure their safety. The Rave Guardian has a “safe walk” feature that lets students set a timer when they want to be watched while crossing a dark campus. It also features the means of allowing administrators to contact students in an emergency.

Napco Security offers a Gem-WP Panic Button that can be placed on a key chain or pendant. The system features radio waves to find student locations. Other colleges and universities now have installed systems such as Send Word Now, so that students can receive instructions in case of an emergency.

Many of the institutions require scholars to purchase equipment after enrollment. It makes us sad that it took an extreme incident to make the schools sit up and take notice, but happier knowing that our kids are safer when going to and from classes.

 

Read More | CNN Money

Gallery: Security Stepped Up After VT Tragedy


PSP GPS

 

During the Leipzig Games Convention this week in Germany, Sony announced that they will be releasing a satellite navigational accessory for its PSP. Users will also be able to transfer recorded programs onto the game system. David Reeves, in charge of Sony’s European games unit, said the GPS will carry a price of between €100 and €150 (~$135.00 to $200.00).

The company also said an accessory for its PlayStation 3 that will allow it to record digital video will be available as well. Don’t get too excited about the changes. Although we have created our own mock-up, the real thing won’t be available until early 2008 in selected European markets.

Read More | Reuters

Gallery: Sony to Offer GPS for PSP


Asus R600 GPS

Asus’ R600 is soon to be introduced to the U.S., fresh from FCC approval. With an integrated light sensor, its brightness can adjust according to its surroundings on its LCD. It also features a 4.4-inch touchscreen, connectivity, a SiRFStar III GPS chipset, and an SD card slot to hold an additional 4GB memory. The R600 runs on a 400 MHz Samsung processor, has 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB ROM. Check with Asus for price and availability.

 

Read More | Akihabara News

Gallery: Asus to Release R600 GPS


NYC TaxisBeginning October 1, 13,000 New York City taxi drivers must have GPS touch-screen monitors installed that allow passengers to check out the news, find entertainment and restaurant information, and pay their fare by credit card. However, the Taxi Workers Alliance claims that GPS devices, because they can track the cabbies, would be an invasion of drivers’ privacy. Taxi officials feel that the systems will boost ridership as well as drivers income since no cash is involved, but the TWA is considering a potential work stoppage in September if the city decides to go through with the it, unless there is a compromise with the GPS part of the plan.

Read More | CNN

Gallery: NYC Taxi GPS: More Income or Invasion of Privacy?


BlackBerry 8820Research in Motion will be launching their BlackBerry 8820 with plenty of new and updated features, such as built-in GPS with BlackBerry Maps, 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi support, an enhanced multi-media player, voice dialing, trackball navigation, and a micro SD/SDHC expandable memory slot that will hold 32GB. Rim’s smartphone still has an easily manageable QWERTY keyboard, a 320 x 240 display, SMS and MMS text messaging, IM, and web browser. The BlackBerry 8820 will be available in Europe in the next few weeks, with a North American AT&T launch during the latter part of this summer.

Read More | RIM

Gallery: BlackBerry 8820 To Be Released


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