You could taste the level of excitement Monday at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center as Apple's founder and uber CEO Steve Jobs kicked off the computer giant's 2010 Worldwide Developers Conference. It was here that he unveiled the company's latest "must-have" consumer electronics device, iPhone 4, along with iOS 4, the updated/renamed operating software it runs on. With this announcement Apple is once again poised to revolutionize the cellular market, not to mention how all of us communicate, work and live.
The redesigned and re-engineered device, notoriously leaked on tech website Gizmodo back in April, has been highly anticipated for months, and although news of it's release didn't include some much hoped for features - i.e. additional service providers (Verizon) and 4G capabilities -- Jobs and Co. managed to load it with enough improvements and refinements that when all was said and done, the crowd of Apple faithful was left doing Snoopy's "happy dance".
The newest iPhone, which ships on June 24th, sports a sleek, reworked design that's less rounded and, if you can imagine, more minimalistic feeling than previous iterations of the product. iOS4, is compatible with older iPhone 3G and 3GS models (however only the latter and iPhone 4 support all features) and packs over 100 new features including multitasking, the ability to group apps into folders, better mail, wireless keyboard support, 5x digital zoom and much more.
However, what's likely to cause the biggest stir among video enthusiasts and a new generation of content creators is the addition of HD video recording (720p @ 30 fps or frames per second), and a new version of iMovie, Apple's flagship, entry level desktop editing application. iMovie for iPhone is a $4.99 download from the iTunes App Store that enables users to edit and refine their newly captured video clips, directly on their iPhone.
Monitoring reactions online and in the twittersphere, I found it ironic that many who would have never had the chance to edit, were it not for the release of Final Cut Pro, more than 10 years ago, were jadedly poo-pooing the new shooting/editing combo and it's possibilities. Posts like; "it's not something anyone would use for professional work", or "Ugh, I dread the thought of the first iPhone movie", were running rampant. Not for professional work? OK, I'll give them that, but lets put things in perspective.
Although you might not see those occupying "professional" editing suites, honing their sequences on the new iPhone, you can rest assured that a new generation of filmmakers most certainly will be. Frankly, if I was Apple the NEXT generation is all I would care about. These are the kids who will get a taste of what it's like to shoot a narrative, cut it, try to make sense of it, and then broadcast it to the world for all to experience.
Many of us remember getting together with friends and sneaking our parents Super-8 (or VHS) cameras to make our little films. Today, young creative's with a desire to tell a story have the ability to do it cheaper, faster and with stunning quality. Then they can then disseminate their vision, (no matter how crude or raw it may be) with the click of a button to the rest of the planet.
iMovie for iPhone 4 is like a pair of water-wings for a new generation of media creators. For writers, directors, editors; anyone with some genuine talent and drive, it provides the fundamental tools to teach, tell stories and entertain and is a stepping-stone to the next level of the filmmaking crafts. And as has happened so often in the past, don't be surprised to see iPhone generated clips being cut into "professional" productions.
Love them or hate them, it's an exciting time once again for media creators courtesy of everyone's favorite computer company.
Once you insert that new location, the GPS system is going to calculate and choose the best available route. At the end of this process, it is going to highlight the route you need to follow. Additionally, it will also show you the coordinates. While you drive your car, the system will dictate how you can arrive to the new destination. Even more, in some emergencies such as if your car is stolen, the GPS systems for cars are very useful as thanks to them the police can easily locate your car and recover it. Besides this, in case that your car is part of an accident, the navigator can be set to notify the authorities about the location of the vehicle stating that it is an emergency.
Additionally, the GPS systems for cars can notify the right persons, including your family members, when an accident occurs. This thing considerable increases the chance of survival of those implied in the accident. As well, some other devices work together with the GPS to lock and unlock the doors, to find the vehicle by using your flashlight if you forgot where you have parked it and diagnose different problems the vehicle might have such as system overheating, direction dysfunctions and others. Besides all these, the GPS devices are of great help in different business applications, which makes them almost indispensable for business persons; this is one more reason why the GPS is so popular.
Some of the business applications that can be taken care of by the GPS systems for cars are related to large transport companies which own numerous cars. By using this type of navigator, these companies can easily locate their cars, thing that ensures updating the delivery information and other important elements that are essential for the control center. Besides this, the GPS helps the drivers to follow specific routes without encountering any issues related to the route accuracy. Being connected to satellites, the systems provide the latest information about specific routes which is of great help whenever drivers encounter situations such as closed roads are. Currently, the GPS devices are the ones who can transfer different information related to cars and maps to the computer systems and it seems that this is only the beginning of a new era in high technology applications.
GPS is a technology in its prime, but choosing the right system can be a pain. The multitude of devices out there, the differing feature sets, and the number of things to keep in mind when purchasing GPS Systems for Cars, can be made simple if you follow a few, simple, common-sense tips. For one, decide what kind of activity you will need navigational information for. Since the advent of GPS, the kinds of things people use these devices for include hiking, off-road driving and biking, and bike trips. They can also be used portably, when you walk somewhere, although the incorporation of GPS into mobile phones on such platforms as Google Maps means that fewer people buy GPS systems purely for walking.
Getting lost is primarily due to two factors: you forget your location, and you forget what the destination was supposed to look like. Rapid changes in the environment can add to the confusion, which is why you need GPS Systems for Cars. GPS in cell-phones is well and fine, but there will be times when you need to figure out if that building is supposed to look like that, or if that square you crossed was supposed to have a fountain in it, or, more importantly, where to turn without taking your eyes off the road. GPS renders your journey that much smoother and safer, and reduces your fuel cost and time spent traveling into the bargain.
The two major manufacturers of GPS Systems for Cars devices are Garmin and TomTom, each of which produces navigational aids that have their uses and drawbacks. Towards the end of 2009, the top 5 such devices rated online contained two offerings apiece from Garmin and TomTom, and one from Magellan. The first two produce devices aimed at all price ranges and users, the latter for serious users whose needs include off-roading or long-haul voyages. Therefore look to Garmin or TomTom for your in-car GPS device. Both companies' devices are easily installed, have extensive map databases, and contain text-to-speech software that renders the name of the route you are driving down into the spoken word, for your ease of use and convenience.
Remember to consider simple things before buying, such as how often you will need your GPS Systems for Cars - which will affect your memory requirements, the battery life, and whether you attach the device inside your car. Actually, consider that last point twice, since attaching a GPS device also depends on the layout of your car. A badly-installed or obtrusive device could obstruct your vision, and lead to dangerous situations on the road. At the very least, consider whether air vents will be blocked by the device, and whether it will let you lower and raise your window and turn your steering wheel with ease. The number of times you use the device will, in turn, affect the number of times you need to update your maps, since if you just need it to pop down to the dry-cleaner's, then slightly out-of-date maps will be fine.
Sitting in your car behind the steering wheel, how often do you find yourself fearing how you will get to your destination? Well fear no more because automotive GPS systems are now freely available. Today most high end auto-motives come ready with an automotive GPS device that shows us the shortest way to get from destination A to B. However if you choose to purchase an automotive GPS gadget for yourself there are some questions you must answer and some features you must keep in mind.
Automotive GPS systems are those that are powered by the car's electric system. They are used in an automobile and have voice features which mean that the device announces aloud for you to "turn left", "reverse", etc.
Automotive GPS devices that come ready with the car are often more expensive. It is more advisable to buy a hand held GPS meant for automotive navigation after you have purchased your car.
Here are the points to consider when selecting a GPS gadget;
What's my use? This is the first and foremost question to ask yourself. If you want a device only for the car you may go for a dedicated automotive navigator. However if you choose to use the same navigator for biking, walking around and trekking, opt for a hand held GPS device.
Select a GPS device based on cost. GPS devices that come with a car are the most expensive. The hand held GPS devices are moderately priced but they need to be installed by professionals and hence add to your cost. Portable devices are most economical.
Look for a GPS device which offers convergence. Get one with radio, hands free phone, MP3, video viewing capabilities.
Try and look for a GPS with large enough LCD screens where the map will be displayed. The LCD screen will increase visibility. Large enough screens also ensure that the directions appear before you in greater detail.
For an automotive GPS system the biggest criterion is that it must be voice compatible. The device must announce the directions to you loudly. Else you will have to look away from the road and check for directions at each turn.
A GPS system which informs about car safety, battery health, upcoming repair work needs are some features to keep in mind when looking for an automotive GPS device.
Make sure your GPS system allows for updates that you can download from the internet. It is needless to say that it must thus have adequate memory space. It should also allow you to store frequently visited locations so that you do not need to prompt for directions again and again.
There are certain GPS systems that will offer you multiple directions to get to a destination. Opt for these. At the same time look for a GPS system which will provide directions for your return from the destination too.
Drivers can enter specifications in relation to their trucks, trailers and even the loads they are transport using this information to provide appropriate information. Fuel stops are in addition accessible with this GPS device include National Truck and Trailer Services (NTTS) Breakdown Directory locations, which include 24-hour big rig road service and semi-truck repair facilities nationally.
They furthermore provide weather advisories ( high winds that might be unsafe to trucks) moreover offers traffic delays and road construction. Blue tooth hands-free calling with wireless know-how. GPS Navigators for cars These GPS systems used for just automobiles doesn't offer the information that over the road drivers need to know about restriction for weight on restricted roads or low underpasses or tunnels and bridges. Over the road drivers that enjoy the GPS Navigation Systems designed for automobiles will often discover themselves on restricted roads that trucks are not permitted on or facing a lower underpass or passage and no way to go under it and often causing traffic delays for the reason that they can go anywhere. If you are shopping on behalf of a GPS for a truck driver make sure you buy individual designed for over the road drivers they will recognize the value of it.
Trucking companies try to block in trailers sitting in the yard to discourage the potential of theft. Construction companies cross their fingers every day when they come to the job site, hoping that their equipment didn't get stolen the night before. Most people don't know that some equipment have a standard key. Many people prefer to hide and hope it doesn't happen to them. Some try to be proactive and do something about it. Some have turned to GPS systems. A noble attempt. Unfortunately, this technology is reactive. It means that it only works for you after the equipment has been stolen. If it's not too far away, the police can help you. If it has traveled a distance, it becomes more troublesome to recover. Law enforcement officials are already taxed dealing with the greater needs of society. They really don't have the resources to deal with theft. That is why sometimes a vehicle with an installed GPS does not get recovered. Of course, even if your vehicle did get retrieved, sometimes you don't want it back because it has been abused to the point of non use.
Well there is an answer.
Introducing the new technology. Well really it's existing technology. However here in North America most people have no idea that it exists. Not only does it exist, it is proven, and available. I am talking about the Vehicle immoblizers. They are also called anti-theft systems. OEM vehicle immobilizers isolate one circuit, namely the ignition. Best in class approved immobilizers isolate three circuits. Auto Watch carries the premier anti theft immobilizers on the market today. They isolate three electrical systems on a vehicle. They are designed to immobilize any vehicle on and off road. If it has a motor, it can be immobilized. The products are ULC approved and TS16949 certified. Some of their products have been tested and approved by the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. Auto Watch's claim to fame is that they have had ZERO thefts in over 9.5 million installations worldwide. North America is behind the times. This company is successful around the world and virtually unheard of in North America. Vehicle immobilizers are pro -active, compared to their reactive GPS cousins. Immobilizers are designed to allow only authorized personnel to start a vehicle, thus effectively preventing theft. Now there is a vehicle theft solution.
First of all you should understand the benefit of a portable option as opposed to a fixed design. Portable GPS systems can be removed from one vehicle and used in another without any problems, also they can help to guide you to your exact location when on foot, and be used to remember where it was you parked your vehicle.
Consider whether you would want a GPS navigator that can be operated by voice commands as well as through touch. As you would not want to have to fiddle with the screen when driving at speed, it is usually better to find an affordable voice operated model.
It would make sense to opt for a device that can provide you with information relating to current traffic conditions. By having data such as this at your fingertips you can take a detour that would allow you to miss the worst jams and congestion.
You may find it desirable to opt for a portable unit that is Bluetooth compatible. By doing so you would be able to make calls through your voice alone. As most countries have now in place strict laws that govern cell phone use when deriving, this feature is extremely useful.
Road layouts can change on a continual basis. Opt for the best new GPS navigator that automatically updates its information on a constant basis. This can ensure that you are not told to travel on a longer route than what is actually necessarily, saving you both time and fuel.
Automotive GPS systems are now very popular and there are several different brands available for you to purchase. Which one you choose will often be determined by your budget as there are some very expensive models available. You can find more affordable ones which work as well as other brands and you will find they may even be easier to use. You have to decide how many features you require on your car GPS systems and which ones you will benefit from having.
Many of the car GPS systems will enable you to pin point your exact location at all times and others will simply help you to plan your route. If you are planning a journey to a place where you have never been before then automotive GPS can be very helpful. They will often indicate speed cameras, gas stations and even places of interest. You can plan your whole journey included where you may want to stop off for lunch. The GPS will also help you to find the shortest route so this will help with fuel consumption.
Many of the car GPS systems these days are very small and fit on your car dashboard with ease and you can have them mounted so the screen is visible when you stop. Using the automotive GPS is very easy and once you type in your destination then you simply have to listen to the voice commands. The commands will guide you turn by turn to your destination and will also notify you of any road work on your route. The car GPS systems are very high tech and you will never go anywhere ever again without the gadget.
You can either have portable GPS systems or inbuilt ones which assist the police and insurance company if your car is stolen. The inbuilt ones will help to reduce your insurance premiums and hopefully will get your car returned undamaged. Although not all cars have these built in systems the portable car GPS systems are as good but won't track your car if stolen. You can purchase the systems in many different stores and online. You should research the different brands and models before making a decision on which one to purchase.
Once you have established which brand of automotive GPS you want then you can begin comparing prices. If you do not want the latest GPS available then you will find they are very affordable and equally as good as the latest ones. They can help you to save money, find your destination and find land marks you might not have even known existed.