North Adams Outdoors Weblog

February 26, 2009

nüvifone: Phones for the Location-Based Life

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 2:05 am
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GA Tower_MWC Pictures 057b GA booth products_MWC Pictures 013bGA booth products_MWC Pictures 012b GA booth_MWC Pictures 036b Today is the last day of Mobile World Congress and it’s been a whirlwind.  From meetings with carriers to press interviews, the Garmin-Asus booth has been a beehive of activity. One of the great things about the show this year is that it’s the first time the public has had a chance to press buttons on a nüvifone and see how we integrate location-based information compared to others. From the beginning we’ve said the nüvifone series would integrate location in a new way, but “integrate” is an overused word in marketing-speak and therefore makes it difficult to describe the nüvifone experience until actually trying the phone. For example, if you open a contact’s name on a nüvifone, you’ll have three primary options: call, text and go.  The call and text choices are traditional options found on most phones, but if you press “go” it launches the navigation screen and you’ll be navigating to the contact’s address.  Another example is having the nüvifone’s location integrated with the calendar. You can find an event in the area via the “upcoming events” option, then add it to the calendar with the click of a button. When it’s time to attend the event, your calendar will prompt you of the event and then you can navigate to the event by touching a button on the calendar page. The nüvifone product line is reinventing how phones do navigation and they truly are phones for the location-based life.

TomTom and FUJITSU TEN announce second generation of semi-embedded portable navigation devices

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 2:02 am
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Jan 06 2009

TomTom and FUJITSU TEN announce second generation of semi-embedded portable navigation devices

~ TomTom further strengthens automotive strategy with second generation device ~
Amsterdam, 6 January 2009 – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider, today announces the availability of a second generation, semi-embedded TomTom device, designed especially for use with the in-dash FUJITSU TEN ECLIPSE AVN4430. With this product, a customer can enjoy all the benefits of portable navigation, integrated fully into the dashboard of their vehicle.

TomTom’s partnership with FUJITSU TEN is a direct result of a continued focus on innovative navigation solutions. Users are able to seamlessly integrate the TomTom device into their vehicle using the ECLIPSE AVN4430 audio, video and connectivity system. Additionally, the TomTom device can easily be taken out of the dashboard and used as a stand-alone navigation device in a different car.

This second generation product, which was recently recognised as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award Honoree, is the ideal combination of a portable navigation device (PND) coupled with in-car integration through the double-DIN radio.

It remains the only product in its class to offer smart navigation as well as ease of use when driving. Users always benefit from the latest maps via TomTom’s unique map technologies, including Map Share™. This allows drivers to instantly make map improvements on their device and share these with other car drivers. In addition, by using Bluetooth hands-free calling, users with compatible mobile phones can make and answer phone calls safely while driving. Additionally, the device’s 4.3” touch screen can be used to control all navigation functions and to operate the car’s entertainment system including CD/DVD player, iPod audio, iPod video and USB, when docked. This means drivers can enjoy their favourite music over their car speakers.

“We are pleased to offer our customers an alternative portable navigation option, said Wolfgang Reelitz, VP Sales Automotive. “Using our technology in a semi-embedded navigation device, customers are able to receive all of TomTom’s exclusive features, with the added convenience of in-vehicle, audio-integration.”

In addition to full audio-integration, the TomTom semi-embedded PND, has a sleek, high-quality finish and expanded Tele Atlas maps. It also comes equipped with all of TomTom’s latest navigation features, including the following.

Best Maps

  • TomTom Map Share™ technology, enabling users to make updates and corrections to their own maps instantly on the device and to benefit from improvements made by other users free of charge.
  • Latest map guarantee so users always have free access to the latest map at time of purchase.

Safety

  • ‘Help Me’ Emergency menu that gives drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
  • Voice address input so that users can drive to millions of cities and street names by simply announcing the address of their destination
  • Clear voice instructions and text-to-speech to enable street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of the spoken instructions
  • Enhanced hands-free calling with high-quality sound system via Bluetooth® to allow drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road while making phone calls in the car
  • Rear-view Camera Ready so drivers can expand their view outside of a normal field of vision.

Future Proof

  • Free TomTom HOME software and content from the TomTom community to keep their device up to date at all times.

Easy to Use

  • Large 4.3 inch touch screen with fresh icons and an updated user interface to navigate drivers to their destination even more easily.

TomTom and FUJITSU TEN, an inventive manufacturer of products which enhances the in-car theatre entertainment information experience, partnered to develop the first semi-embedded double-DIN radio navigation unit in January 2007. It featured a PND – the ECLIPSE AVN2210p, which provides in-dash portable navigation with a CD/ USB multi-source receiver. The ECLIPSE AVN4430, the ECLIPSE AVN2210p’s successor, is a secure dash-mount audio, visual and portable navigation system, equipped with TomTom innovative technology and ECLIPSE superior sound and visual quality.

The ECLIPSE AVN4430 will be available in the USA in January 2009 and will have a suggested retail price of 850 USD.

- END -

February 12, 2009

TomTom Honored with “Best of CES” Awards at CES 2009

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 12:16 pm
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Concord, MA – January 12, 2009 – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider today announced that both CNET and LAPTOP Magazine recognized the TomTom GO 740 LIVE with the “Best of CES” award.

The GO 740 LIVE is TomTom’s first connected portable navigation device in the US that provides the industry’s best routing and helps drivers take control of their daily drive via automatic delivery of helpful features including: real-time traffic information, TomTom Fuel Price Service, Local Search powered by Google, TomTom Weather, QuickGPSfix™ and TomTom Buddies. The TomTom GO 740 LIVE will be available in Q2 2009 at major retailers across the US for $499.95.

“The honors and accolades bestowed upon TomTom at CES 2009 underscore our strategy of delivering easy to use, innovative devices that provide the best core navigation products on the market,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “We are honored by this recognition of the GO 740 LIVE and are proud to add it to our list of award-winning products and features.”

LAPTOP Magazine
LAPTOP Magazine’s top editors choose the most innovative and exciting products in their respective technology categories as their “Best of CES” winners. The most anticipated new arrival to the tech industry went hands-down to the TomTom GO 740 LIVE.

CNET
CNET’s expert editors also recognized the TomTom GO 740 LIVE as their “Best of CES” winner in the GPS category. The GO 740 LIVE was chosen for its unmatched innovation and creativity, and its ability to excite consumers and help them explore a world gone digital. CNET editors reviewed hundreds of entries, as well as scoured the 2009 International CES show floor for products to consider for the award.

“Each year at the show, CNET editors scour the show floor to determine the top technologies that will set the trends for the coming year,” said Scott Ard, vice president of content at CNET. “Chosen from hundreds of products at the 2009 International CES, TomTom demonstrates the innovation and creativity to be awarded our “Best of CES” award within the GPS industry.”

A video of the CNET winners and finalists showcasing their technologies can be found at http://www.cnet.com/ces.
For information or to request a demo unit, contact Kevin Carter at (978) 405-1840 or kevin.carter@tomtom.com

Garmin® Increases Its Marine OEM Presence: EdgeWater Power Boats to Offer Garmin Equipment Onboard

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 12:11 pm
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Miami, Fla./February 12, 2009/Business Wire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that EdgeWater Power Boats has selected Garmin marine electronics to outfit their full range of power boats. With dependable performance and a rugged, reliable reputation, Garmin now offers a full suite of electronics to outfit yachts well over 70-feet, and are announcing this new OEM partnership in conjunction with the Miami International Boat Show (booth #1689).

“Garmin is pleased to work with a quality builder such as EdgeWater, to offer its customers a full marine electronics suite that will compliment the purchase of their new boat,” said Greg DeVries, Garmin’s director of marine sales and marketing. “This transaction strengthens Garmin’s growing position as a leading marine electronics supplier.”

EdgeWater will be debuting its 335 Express at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, which will offer customers an electronics suite that includes Garmin’s revolutionary 15” touchscreen color chartplotter that lets boaters intuitively see and select the information they want, while eliminating the clutter they don’t want. The 33’ Express electronics package will also include Garmin’s GHP™ 10 Autopilot with its patented Shadow Drive™ technology, high-definition radar, digital sounder module and XM satellite weather/audio antenna for the ultimate in situational awareness. For more information, visit www.garmin.com or www.ewboats.com.

About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark and GHP and Shadow Drive are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2008, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

February 9, 2009

North Adams Outdoors is now carrying the Navigon Brand Gps Navigation Systems.

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 2:08 am
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North Adams Outdoors is happy to announce that we are now carrying Navigon GPS Navigation Systems.  Navigon is among the world’s leading providers of navigation products and software solutions.

Navigon makes its own navigation brand consumer products and creates innocative software solutions for customers operating in personal navigation, wireless, and automotive sectors.

January 11, 2009

Zumo 660 for two-wheeled adventures – first quarter of 2009, just in time for a Spring ride

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 11:55 pm
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Today is the opening day of CES and it’ll be a busy one for us as we begin showing off all our new products to the thousands that come to Vegas to find the latest and greatest in consumer electronics. The zumo 660 is one of our exciting new products. What makes the zumo 660 special from earlier zumo motocycle models? The list feels endless, but the external size is one of the first things motorcyclists will notice. The zumo 660 has a sleeker form factor that is similar to a nuvi. It also has advanced routing capabilities like lane assist with junction that guides riders to the correct lane. In major cities, like Vegas, navigation is enhanced by showing surrounding buildings in a 3D transparent view. And of course we haven’t left out the features that made the original zumo so popular — glove friendly controls, waterproofing, a compass page, Bluetooth, turn-by-turn voice prompted directions, route sharing and more. I could keep describing the zumo 660 in this blog post, but words really don’t do it justice. If you’re in Vegas, stop by our CES booth (South Hall 4, #35832) and check it out. If you’re not at the show, you can find more zumo info here and you’ll be able to purchase it from our dealers in the first quarter of 2009, just in time for a Spring ride.

Geocaching Garmin Style

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 11:49 pm
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Geocache

Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting.

Geocaching is the widely popular, high-tech game of treasure hunting, and Garmin is at the forefront with a host of products to ensure you find that big cache. With a Garmin in hand and an appetite for adventure, you’re sure to find hidden treasure and see the world.

Whether it’s finding caches, moving hitchhikers (or travel bugs), locating NGS benchmarks or more, Garmin has your unit. Garmin manufactures several lightweight, rugged, waterproof GPS handhelds perfect for geocaching. These units have long battery lives and lots of waypoint storage — some even come with built-in altimeters, compasses, mapping capabilities and more.

Check out our geocaching product guide to find out which unit is best for you and read below for more information about geocaching. Get a Garmin and get geocaching!


Introduction:


Basically, geocaching is a high-tech version of treasure hunting. Geocachers seek out hidden treasures utilizing GPS coordinates posted on the Internet by those hiding the cache. Using a Garmin® GPS unit, they then trek out into the backwoods or urban jungles to find the hiding spot of the cache. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide variety of rewards. If the visitor takes something out of the cache, they are asked to leave something in return. For some, the biggest reward is the thrill of the search and the discovery of a place that they have never been.
The Rules:


This growing outdoor sport has a simple set of rules, making it easy for anyone to play. The challenging part is finding the cache. Some caches have even been planted on mountainsides and underwater!

Once geocachers find a cache, they follow these basic rules:

  1. fill out the logbook
  2. take something out of the cache
  3. put something in the cache
  4. return the cache to the exact position and condition in which it was found

Caches typically consist of a waterproof container discreetly placed within the local terrain. The container will include a logbook and any number of more or less valuable items such as toys, books, money, jewelry, trinkets, etc. You never know what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left for you to enjoy. Be sure to fill out the logbook with the date and time you visit the cache and leave something in return.


Choosing a GPS Unit:


Geocaching

Garmin offers an impressive array of products for geocachers.

You will need a Garmin GPS unit to help you find or mark cache locations and Internet access for finding or sharing the coordinates. Garmin offers an impressive array of products for geocachers. GARMIN 12-channel units have an accuracy of less than 15 meters (49ft), and less than 3 meters (10 ft.) on WAAS-capable models. Check out our geocaching product guide to find out which product is best for you.

In general, features to look for when purchasing a GPS unit to geocache include:

  • Lightweight and compact — makes it easier to carry (look for a wrist strap too!)
  • Waterproof — caches can be hidden under or near water
  • Long battery life — a must for those hard-to-find, remote caches
  • Waypoint storage — will hold more cache locations
  • Screen readability — should be easy to read in daylight and at night

Advanced features which make it even easier for you to find that big cache include:

  • WAAS-enabled — means your GPS unit will give you better position accuracy – within 3 meters (10 feet) 95% of the time
  • Built-in Compass — convenient and comes in handy when you get within 100 feet of your cache
  • Altimeter — shows how high up you are for those vertically hidden caches
  • Mapping Capabilities — makes it easier to navigate when you can download maps to your unit and see the terrain
  • External antenna — for use under heavy tree cover or difficult terrains


Finding a Cache:


Once you have a GPS unit, you will need to go online to start finding cache locations or report a cache that you have created.

You can start here at a site Garmin has created that allows you to search thousands of geocaches and load them directly to your Garmin device. You must create a myGarmin account to use this feature.

Also, several other geocaching web sites and clubs have sprouted on the Internet. To find a hidden cache near you or to plant a cache, you can go to www.geocaching.com — the first to bring geocaching to the masses and the most comprehensive site for this adventure-game. After you get the coordinates online and enter them into your GPS, you’re ready to get started on your adventure!


Geocaching Responsibly:


Garmin is committed to protecting the environment. We strive to make the safest, most planet-friendly products and encourage others to use our products responsibly. Please seek permission before geocaching on private or public lands. Geocaching can have an unintended impact on the earth’s natural resources and result in trampled vegetation, damaged habitats and destruction of parks’ historical and cultural resources.

Placing a cache on lands administered by the National Park Service (NPS) is illegal without first obtaining permission. Please contact your local park to obtain a special use permit or inquire about sites designated for geocaching on park property. Help make geocaching an educational and entertaining experience while preserving our environment for future generations of geocachers to come!

November 20, 2008

Let your voice lead the way with the Garmin nuvi 880

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 6:22 am
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nuvi 880

nüvi 880

Let your voice lead the way with the nuvi 880. This line of premium navigation devices features voice-activated navigation so you’ll be able to control the menu screens while keeping your hands on the wheel. It’s the nüvi series that everyone’s talking about.

November 14, 2008

Garmin Holiday Tv Commercials 2008

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 4:43 am
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November 10, 2008

Eureka! Tents Bring Comforts of Home to Next Level with Patented Designs for Backcountry and Advanced Four-Season Expedition use

Filed under: The Buzz — northadamsoutdoors @ 9:42 pm
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New Generation of RapidAir Mats Increase Camping Comfort With a Non-Skid Surface

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (August 2008) – Building upon the success of its Eureka! tent line, Johnson Outdoors, a leading global outdoor recreation company, will introduce the next generation of recreational and backcountry tents featuring proprietary designs providing more useable floor space and lightweight options. Eureka! is also introducing additional dual-valve camping pads with Traxtion non-skid fabric that will maximize camping comfort for spring 2009.

“With the strong success of our N!ergy tents and our other recreational tents last year, we are continuing our focus of encouraging more families to experience the outdoors,” said Linda Grebe, product manager for Eureka! tents. “Consumers, both recreational and frequent participants, are reacting well to our designs and accessories. Our product designers have taken great care to incorporate features for each of these audiences. We are committed to making the outdoors more accessible to families especially during a tough economy. Enjoying the outdoors is a lot easier and more fun if you have the right gear. The 2009 Eureka! products bring the experience closer to home at reasonable price points.”

2009 Recreational Tents

The Eureka! Grand Manan incorporates a new concept in tent design providing more useable floor space. The lower portion (the bottom 12”) of the walls is straight, eliminating the unusable space where the walls meet with the floor, maximizing the floor area. Additionally, the sides of the fly roll up from the ground for optimal airflow through the tent. The Grand Manan is a dome tent with fiberglass poles and two D-shaped doors, and has outdoor vestibules for shoe and gear storage. The Grand Manan 7 is designed for two to three campers and measures 7’ x 6’ x 4’3” high and weighs 10 lbs., 14 oz. The Grand Manan 9 is designed for four to five campers and measures 9’ x 9’ x 6’ high and weighs 21 lbs., 7 oz. MSRP: Grand Manan 7 – $209.99; Grand Manan 9 – $339.99.

2009 Backcountry Tents

Designed for the core backcountry enthusiast, the Eureka! Chrysalis has a patented design combining the comfort of a hammock with the functionality of a solo tent. It enables the consumer to lie in a horizontal position once the tent is assembled securely between two trees, or other stable structures. The overfly provides full weather protection and can be left attached to the lower hammock for take down or set up. Side entry wall flaps make getting in and out easy, and once inside, it has ample room with a gear loft near the head and feet. The Chrysalis is engineered for backcountry use because of its small pack size (only 6” x 21”), and it weighs 4 lbs., 15 oz. MSRP: $199.99.

2009 Backcountry Tents (cont’d)

The Eureka! Mountain Pass XTE tent has additional head space in the vestibules that ensure a dry tent entry. Eureka!’s unique short bottom venting vestibules, combined with the high/low door venting system and interior mesh, create a chimney air flow system. Windows in the vestibules lighten up the tent on overcast days for views of the outside. The Mountain Pass 2XTE measures 7’6” x 5’ x 4’ high and weighs 7 lbs. The Mountain Pass 3XTE measures 7’5” x 6’5” x 4’2” high and weighs 7 lbs. 15 oz. MSRP: Mountain Pass 2XTE – $224.99; Mountain Pass 3XTE – $259.99.

2009 Expedition Tents

The Eureka! High Camp tent is an advanced four-season tent designed to handle the most extreme conditions. It was designed and tested by one of the world’s premiere mountaineering expedition leaders, Eric Simonson and his staff at the International Mountain Guides. This tent features a roomy interior for two, yet has a narrow footprint for use in rugged high altitudes. The vestibules have bottom venting and there are two roof vents in the tent and fly. The High Camp measures 7’9” x 4’10” x 3’8” high and weighs 9 lbs., 8 oz. MSRP: $589.99.

The Eureka! Tundraline uses a design inspired by extreme canoeists who need quick and easy set-up, excellent wind stability and the ability to withstand severe weather. The design maintains a double wall feature ensuring warmth retention or heat dispersion, depending on conditions. Two pre-bent A-frame pole structures are in held in place in external pole sleeves which provide excellent strength and are integral to its quick set-up. The Tundraline measures 6’5” x 8’ x 4’4” high and weighs 12 lbs. MSRP: $299.99.

RapidAir Mats

The new Traxtion RapidAir Mat is an extension of the popular RapidAir mat series that was introduced in 2008, offering a dual-valve system, making both inflation and deflation fast and easy. New for this year, the Traxtion camp pad features a non-skid surface on the surface of the pad so that the camper’s sleeping bag does not slide off the pad in the middle of the night. Dimensions: 77” x 20” x 2” and 77’ x 28’ x 2.5”.

The new Traxion 3D RapidAir Mat features the same dual-valve system for easy inflation and deflation, but also features a contoured shape and variable thickness. The top third of the pad is wider and is approximately 1.5” thick for upper body support, the middle third is approximately 1” thick, and the bottom third is more narrow and is approximately ½” thick since the legs do not require as much space or support. The Traxtion 3D also has a non-skid surface on the surface of the pad so that the camper’s sleeping bag does not slide off the pad in the middle of the night.

E! Power™ System

Additional E! Power accessories available for spring 2009 include: a coffee maker, a bug zapper, hair dryer and plug-in LED lights for added camping convenience. These accessories run from 12-volt cords that plug right into the tent, which is powered by the E! Power Pak™ delete TM, a portable, sealed, lead acid battery that is rechargeable by 110v AC current (such as one found in a car lighter).

.

Eureka!, offering quality sleeping bags and tents for a wide spectrum of campers and environments, is a division of Johnson Outdoors. Johnson Outdoors is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of award-winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment.

Johnson Outdoors’ familiar brands include: Old Town® canoes and kayaks, Ocean Kayak™, Necky® kayaks, Escape® electric boats, Minn Kota® motors, Humminbird® fishfinders, Scubapro® and UWATEC® dive equipment, Silva compasses and digital instruments, and Eureka!® tents and sleeping bags. For more information, visit www.eurekatent.com.

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