IranMap

The Danew GS 160 is a satellite navigator that comes pre-installed with the mapping data of France making it ready to be used right of the box. It is integrated with a high sensitivity chipset that provides accurate and fast satellite reception irrespective of the terrain or surroundings. It functions on the Windows CE .Net 5.0 platform. Its SiRFAtlas III processor is clocked at 372MHz that enables the unit to function faster. The device has a 64MB RAM and a 64MB ROM of internal memory that can be increased up to 2GB using external microSD cards. The Danew GS 160 In-Car Satellite Navigator features a 3.5-inch touch screen display that has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels.

The major interfaces on the Danew GS 160 Satellite Navigator include a miniUSB socket and a 2.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones. This unit provides navigational guidance in France, Middle East and Europe. Along with accurate visual guidance, this one also provides regular and timely voice guidance. The maps are displayed in 2D and 3D formats. Also the unit includes many points of interests that make it an easy task to locate the nearest restaurant, railways stations, petrol stations and shopping centres. With its on-board sensor, the device notifies your speed on a real-time basis. The specified speed limit of the area is also informed and on exceeding the speed limit, you are provided an alert.

Furthermore, this Danew GS 160 Hand-Held Satellite Navigator can be used to view photos, listen to music files and even watch a movie. Its rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides a total life of 3 hours. It brings along a wind shield mount with suction cups, a car cigarette lighter charger, a USB cable and an instruction manual. It is available in red, white and black colours.

Danew has introduced yet another GPS system integrated with some interesting functionalities. The Danew GS 510 is a high end satellite navigator that is just 12mm thick. It comes with a wide 5-inch touch screen display for viewing the navigational data. This Danew GS 510 In-Car GPS System measures 134 x 87 x 12 mm in dimensions and weighs about 197 grams. It functions on the Windows CE.Net 5.0 platform and runs on the 372MHz SiRFAtlas III processor. With the internal antenna integrated with a 22-channel high sensitivity GPS chipset, the unit provides accurate positioning information. Its major interfaces include a mini-USB socket, a 2.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.

Danew GS 510 Satellite Navigator is capable of providing navigational assistance in France, Europe, Middle East and America. A 64MB RAM and 64MB ROM memory form the internal memory of this system. The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that offers a total battery life of up to 3 hours. This portable sat nav provides simple and intuitive navigation. It will accurately guide a user from A to B with minimum hassles. Danew has incorporated large icons making it easy for the user to read and operate. This device can be converted into a multimedia player owing to its in-built music and video player. Additionally, it includes a picture viewer. Thus now users can listen to their favourite tracks, watch movies or photos on this portable GPS system.

The Danew GS 510 Hand-Held Satellite Navigator brings along a CD/DVD with the necessary software, a cigarette lighter adapter, a car cradle, a USB cable and a quick start-up guide. A manufacturer’s warranty of one year is applicable on this unit.

Maarten Oldenhof, CEO of Dutch digital map maker AND said last Friday he is in talks with Chinese and Middle East map data companies to build a global alliance to challenge the Tele Atlas/NAVTEQ duopoly, reported Reuters. AND has developed its own navigable map data for seven countries in Western Europe, but getting from being a local player to a worldwide one is a process that requires time and capital expenditure out of the reach of a small company like AND – which posted €3.6 million revenue in 2008.

Oldenhof is looking at offering a one stop shopping experience for digital maps: “Working with other companies makes it possible to respond to the rapid development of the location enabled mobile devices. Developing our own maps for ie China would take quite some time.”

The acquisition of NAVTEQ by Nokia and Tele Atlas by TomTom last year gave birth to a duopoly controlled by two major players selling themselves navigation solutions. This situation creates a strong appeal for one or more additional global providers.

An alliance of local players could be a possibility as far as they can provide a seamless experience to their customers in terms of map quality, pricing, terms of licensing and map format. As a matter of fact, Tele Atlas itself came to offer a global coverage through multiple acquisitions, partnerships and joint ventures.

OpenStreetMap, developed by over 100,000 volunteers worldwide (read our report here) is also likely to become a contender on this market as its coverage gets more consistent.