plus 4, Garmin intros aera GPS devices for pilots, drivers - Electronista

Garmin intros aera GPS devices for pilots, drivers - Electronista
Text Size - Chicago Tribune
Haynes Manuals comes to iPhone, iPod touch - MacWorld UK
Garmin's Touchscreen aera™ Series Takes Pilots from Runway to ... - TMCnet
Japanese auto giants exiting motor sports - Khaleej Times

Garmin intros aera GPS devices for pilots, drivers - Electronista

Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:23 AM PST

Garmin on Monday introduced a new series of portable GPS devices meant for use by pilots and drivers alike. Making up the aera series are the aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560 touchscreen devices, which combine the simplicity of Garmin's in-car navigation units with the feature set and GPS accuracy necessary for pilots. The multi-mode devices switch between auto and aviation mode quickly.

All four devices share a 4.3-inch screen with 480x272 resolution and are legible in direct sunlight. When in aviation mode, color icons represent map, weather, terrain, direct to, HIS/panel, active FPL, numbers, nearest, WPT info, position, XM Weather radio, and tools functions. While all four navigators look identical, they have unique software that allows for different functions and features.

The aera 510 and aera 560 have a GXM 40 receiver that, along with a subscription to the service, provides both XM Radio and XM WX Satellite Weather information. This includes NEXRAD weather radar, aviation routine weather reports (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft, turbulence forecasts, PIREPs, icing forecast and other important weather data.

The aera 550 and area 560 have SafeTaxi and AOPA Airport Directory, with the former containing geo-referenced diagrams of over 950 US airports. SafeTaxi identifies runways, taxiways and hangars, as well as the aircraft's exact location on the field. The AOPA Airport Directory has data for more than 5,300 public-use airports and over 7,000 FBOs like pilot services, ground transportation, lodging, restaurants and local attractions.

Through a dedicated website, fly.garmin.com, users can update database information and purchase aviation databases such as obstacles, terrain and SafeTaxi. The aera 550 and aera 560 include a year's worth of database updates for NavData, obstacles, terrain, SafeTaxi, and AOPA Airport Directory.

In the automotive mode, users will find a familiar interface from the nuvi and zumo line of products and include street-level maps of the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. The ruggedized and waterproof aera devices are also compatible with Garmin's zumo 660 motorcycle mount. Map data is provided by NAVTEQ. Users can also access the XM and XM WX Satellite Weather data on compatible modes in automotive mode, along with XM Radio satellite stations. Pairing Bluetooth headsets or phones is possible with all four aera devices when in automotive mode.

The aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560 are now shipping, priced at $799, $1,299, $1,499, and $1,999, respectively.

Garmin Aera 500

Garmin Aera 550

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Text Size - Chicago Tribune

Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:25 AM PST

MARINE RADAR The Waukegan Sail and Power Squadron offers a Marine Radar Seminar Nov. 3 at the Waukegan Yacht Club, 199 N Harbor Pl. The seminar, from 7 to 9 p.m., explains radar functions, selection, operation under various conditions, display interpretation, basic navigation and collision avoidance. Fee is $10 per. Contact Lt. Cmdr. Mike Ludtke at 815-575-0809 or wspsxo@gmail.com or visit www.wspsboating.org.

SLOT CAR SHOW The Midwest Slot Car Show is set for Nov. 8, at Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, Ind. The show, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature slot cars in HO, 1:32 and 1:24 scale along with aaccessories. Admission is $5 for adults with children younger than 16 free. Vendor fee is $30. E-mail Mikedore@go.com or call 815-233-6541.

POLAR EXPRESS The Polar Express pulls into the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wis., Nov. 27, 28 and 29 and Dec. 4, 5 and 6. The annual trip to the North Pole will be made at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. each day and include a dramatic reading of the Christmas story about a boy who is not sure whether he believes in Santa Claus. Standard class fares are $12 for adults and $8 for kids 2 through 12. Fares in premium class--a restored 1950s streamline buffet-lounge-observation car, are $25 for lounge seating and $18 for table seating. Reservations are required. Call 920-437-7623, ext. 10, or visit www.nationalrrmuseum.org.

THE POLAR EXPRESS The Monticello Chamber of Commerce hosts Lunch with Santa on the Train Dec. 4 and 5 at the Monticello Railway Museum, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. The journey, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., leaves the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello and includes a reading of the story. Tickets are $20 per person. For information, visit www.polarexpressride.com or call 877-762-9011. For tickets, visit www.mrym.org.

LUNCH WITH SANTA The Monticello Railway Museum hosts the Polar Express Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 5 and 6 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. Departures are 10 a.m. and 1, 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. Dec 6. Tickets are $11 per person. Visit www.monticellochamber.org.

HAPPY HOLIDAY RAILWAY Take a train ride through holiday light displays and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Illinois Railway Museum Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13 and 19 and 20. Children on Santa's "good" list will recieve a gift. Trains run every two hours at the museum in Union. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245).

TOYS FOR TOTS The 32nd annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at Dan Ryan Woods, 85th Street and Western Avenue, Chicago. The parade will proceed up Western to the Marine Reserve Center at Foster Avenue and Troy Street. Participants can gather at 8 a.m. and should bring an unwrapped new toy or game -- but no plush toys. Visit www.chicagolandtft.org or call 773-866-TOYS (8697).

TOY SHOW The annual Tinley Park Holiday Toy Show is set for Dec. 6 at Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. The show, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature diecast cars and models. Admission is $6. Call Jim at 262-246-7171.

BOAT SHOW The 80th annual Chicago Boat, RV and Outdoors Show sails into McCormick Place North Jan. 13 through 17. Hundreds of the latest product s and accessories will be featured along with the Huck Finn Trout Pond and green boating zone. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan 13, 14 and 15; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan 17. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for kids 13-15 and free for those 12 and younger. Seniors 65 and older will get $2 off Jan. 13. Visit www.ChicagoBoatShow.com .

STRICTLY SAIL Strictly Sail Chicago will be held Jan. 28 through 31 at Navy Pier. The event will include the latest sailboats and products, along with seminars and a kids activity center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan 28 and 29, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 31. Adult admission is $12 Jan. 28 and 29 and $15 Jan. 30 and 31. A two-day adult pass is $24. Children 15 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Visit www.StrictlySailChicago.com.

AUTO SHOW BLACK TIE The Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Feb. 11 on the show floor at McCormick Place. Eighteen Chicago-area charities benefit from the black-tie event. Tickets cost $225 each. Visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW The 102nd Chicago Auto Show hits McCormick Place North and South Feb. 12-21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 12-20 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 21. Tickets cost $11 for adults, $7 for seniors 62 and older and children 7-12 and free for kids 6 and younger with a paid adult. Visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

Having a public event? Rides would like to list it. Please send the information--event name, time, place, admission/fees and contact information--to What's up, Rides, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or e-mail to transportation@tribune.com at least two weeks before the event. Submissions will be accepted in writing only.

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Haynes Manuals comes to iPhone, iPod touch - MacWorld UK

Posted: 02 Nov 2009 04:57 AM PST

The famed Haynes Manuals are now available for iPhone and iPod touch.

Located in Somerset, Haynes Manuals was founded in 1960, and has become a worldwide leader in automotive and motorcycle repair, maintenance and customising manuals with sales of well over 7 million manuals annually and over 150 million total sold globally.

The Haynes Car Tips application, developed by Gourmet Pixel, is billed as intuitive and simple to use as the manuals, featuring step-by-step guides with images and text, 30 easy-to-access automotive categories and an overview to learn the basics of how a car works and operates.

Haynes Car Tips also includes videos so users can watch exactly how each task is completed by a Haynes engineer, along with a 'My Garage' section for setting reminders and tasks.

The makers say much more content will be available with updates, including in-app purchases and extending the Hints and Tips section.

Available for the Apple iTunes App Store, Haynes Car Tips costs £2.99 and requires the iPhone 3.0 Software Update or later.

Check out our new Macworld Mobile site.

Follow Macworld UK on twitter: www.twitter.com/macworlduk

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Garmin's Touchscreen aera™ Series Takes Pilots from Runway to ... - TMCnet

Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:41 AM PST

OLATHE, Kan. --(Business Wire)-- Garmin (News - Alert) International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the aera, Garmin's newest aviation handheld series that is touchscreen and multi-mode so that it can transition between aviation to automotive mode with one touch. The aera series includes four different models - aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560 - and all have unprecedented ease of use that is derived from Garmin's 20 years of expertise in the aviation and automotive markets. The aera product line will be on display and available for purchase for the first time at the Aircraft Owners Pilot Association (AOPA) Summit in Tampa, Florida, November 5-7, 2009.

"Customers who use Garmin products in their plane and car often ask us to create an all-in-one GPS that combines our aviation expertise with the operational simplicity and clean exterior design of our automotive devices," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing. "Since Garmin is vertically integrated and we do nearly everything in-house, we were able to meet our customers' requests by leveraging the best features of our consumer and aviation technologies. The aera series will appeal to those who need a low cost aviation handheld that is so simple to use that many will never have to crack open the manual." In the air The aera series has a 4.3 inch QVGA sunlight readable touchscreen display with large, finger-touchable icons. When in aviation mode, pilots are greeted with colorful icons that use intuitive pictures and labels to indicate their function: map, weather, terrain, direct to, HSI/panel, active FPL, numbers, nearest, WPT info, position, XM radio, and tools. Pilots can choose any of these functions by simply touching the appropriate icon. For example, after touching the terrain icon, pilots will see terrain and obstacle data that vividly depicts potential hazards.

The exterior of the aera 500, 510, 550 and 560 are identical, but the software features of each model are tailored to those seeking an entry or mid-level aviation handheld.

aera 500 aera 510 aera 550 aera 560 5 HZ GPS update rate for near-real-time updates of panel page X X X X Patented aviation panel page X X X X Terrain and obstacle data X X X X Private Airport data X X X X XM WX capable and GXM™ 40 antenna included (XM WX subscription required) X X Standard 30 arc second terrain/obstacle data X X High resolution 9 arc second terrain/obstacle data for a more vivid depiction of proximity hazards (over 11 times more onscreen resolution than the standard 30 arc-second) X X SafeTaxi® with over 950 U.S. airports X X AOPA Airport Directory X X One year complimentary aviation database updates (obstacles, terrain, SafeTaxi, NavData and AOPA Airport Directory) X X Preloaded auto maps with voice prompted directions that speak street names, "turn right on Main Street" X X X X Bluetooth capability in automotive mode X X X X Ruggedized and waterproof (IEC (News - Alert) 529 IPX-7 standards) X X X X Enhanced auto features (lane assist, junction view, and speed limit notification) X X NAVTEQ (News - Alert) automotive traffic compatible (requires purchase of accessory cigarette lighter adapter with integrated FM traffic receiver) X X The aera 510 and aera 560 include a GXM™ 40 receiver for XM radio and XM WX Satellite Weather that provides NEXRAD weather radar, aviation routine weather reports (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft, turbulence forecasts, PIREPs, icing forecast and several other important weather products.

The aera 550 and area 560 include SafeTaxi and AOPA Airport Directory. SafeTaxi now includes geo-referenced diagrams of over 950 U.S. airports. SafeTaxi identifies runways, taxiways and hangars, as well as the aircraft's exact location on the field. The AOPA Airport Directory data is an electronic version of AOPA's popular U.S. pilot guide that includes information for over 5,300 public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs, such as pilot services, ground transportation, lodging, restaurants, and local attractions. In addition, Garmin's electronic version of the AOPA Airport Directory highlights airports where pilots can save on fuel by using self-service fueling locations.

Pilots can keep track of and renew the databases on their aera device through fly.Garmin.com, a website that helps pilots manage Garmin database information and dramatically simplifies the process of updating and purchasing aviation databases such as obstacles, terrain and SafeTaxi. After logging onto fly.Garmin.com, the home page gives a quick synopsis of the owner's registered products and whether or not the databases are current. If a database needs to be updated, users can purchase one-time downloads or annual subscriptions directly from the site and install the database in three easy steps. Fly.Garmin.com eliminates the hassle of "unlock codes." Those who have purchased the aera 550 or aera 560 will receive one year complimentary aviation database updates for NavData, obstacles, terrain, SafeTaxi, and AOPA Airport Directory.

On the road Customers can easily change from aviation to automotive mode by pressing the airplane icon at the top of the aera's screen. In the automotive mode, customers will see the same "Where to?" and "View map" interface found on Garmin nüvi® and zumo® products. The ruggedized and waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) aera series comes loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For those who prefer two wheels over four, the aera is also compatible with Garmin's zumo 660 motorcycle mount. The aera allows for quick searches of street addresses or millions of preloaded points of interest like gas stations, hotels, restaurants, attractions, ATMs and more. In automotive mode, the device will speak street names so drivers will receive turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions through the aera's built-in speaker, such as "turn right on Main Street." If they miss a turn, the aera automatically recalculates a route and gets them back on track.

The aera 550 and 560 come equipped with advanced routing capabilities like lane assist with junction view so drivers will see a realistic presentation of road signs and junctions along the route, as well as arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. These features make it easy to navigate unfamiliar intersections and exits because the aera guides drivers to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit. Map data is provided by NAVTEQ™ - a world leader in premium-quality mapping.

The benefits of XM and XM WX Satellite Weather capability are also available in automotive mode. While in the automotive mode, drivers may overlay weather information along their route, as well as simultaneously choose from XM radio's 170-plus channels of XM digital music, news and programming. XM radio and XM WX Satellite Weather subscription data is available from XM WX Satellite Weather, and is only available in the U.S. or Canada.

All aera products also have Bluetooth® Wireless Technology that makes it possible to receive and place phone calls directly from the aera while in automotive mode. It can be paired with over 200 Bluetooth enabled phones, and a driver can retrieve and dial numbers using a supported phone's contact list, the phone's call history log, or the aera's preloaded points of interest database.

The aera 500, aera 510, aera 550 and aera 560 are available immediately for an expected street price of $799, $1,299, $1,499, and $1,999, respectively. XM WX Satellite Weather data and audio is provided by XM Satellite Radio. Please see http://www.xmradio.com/weather/aviation.html for pricing and other details. Additional information about the aera is available at www.garmin.com.

About Garmin International (News - Alert) 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, SafeTaxi, zumo and nüvi are registered trademarks and GXM and aera are trademarks or service marks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

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 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.

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Japanese auto giants exiting motor sports - Khaleej Times

Posted: 02 Nov 2009 03:59 AM PST

TOKYO - Tyre maker Bridgestone's exit from Formula One is part of an exodus by Japanese automotive industry giants from the multi-million-dollar sport amid the worst industry slump in decades.

Toyota has said it would stop hosting Japan's annual Grand Prix, Honda Motor has sold its F1 racing team, and several other industry players from Suzuki to Subaru have also turned their back on motor sports.

Industry watchers say the pull-out reflects the need to slash costs — but also waning enthusiasm for high-octane auto sports as consumer demand is shifting toward more fuel-efficient and greener cars.

"Once a car was cool for its high speed, competitiveness, design and style," said Tatsuya Mizuno, an auto analyst at Mizuno Credit Advisory. "Winning in Formula One equated with what people thought was cool.

"But now people want more environmentally friendly, fuel-effective and safe cars. Auto and autopart makers are questioning what they can gain now by spending hundreds of millions of yen in taking part in Formula One."

Bridgestone Corp said Monday it would stop supplying tyres to Formula One late next year after its main rivals Michelin of France and US maker Goodyear withdrew from the sport years earlier.

"We need to concentrate our management resources on strategic areas and technological innovation," said spokesman Makoto Shiomi, adding that a priority would be developing more environmentally friendly products.

Toyota Motor, the world's largest auto maker, in July pulled out of hosting the Japanese Grand Prix at its Fuji Speedway circuit from next year.

The economic downturn had made it "extremely difficult" to continue to stage the event, Hiroaki Kato, president of operator Fuji International Speedway Co., said at the time, bowing before the cameras.

Honda Motor has since said it would host the 2010 race at its Suzuka Circuit "to avoid discontinuity in the history of the F1 Japanese Grand Prix" — but the company has hardly been enthusiastic about the sport.

Last December it quit the premier autosport tour as a racing team in order to cut costs. The company was reported to have spent 20 billion yen (200 million dollars) on running the F1 team.

Honda sold the team to former principal Ross Brawn in March, allowing it to compete in this year's world championship. Brawn driver Jenson Button of Britain has since been crowned the new F1 champion, with the team at the top of the constructors standings.

Honda and Brawn did not disclose the cost of the deal, but a Japanese newspaper said the price was just one British pound.

Other Japanese companies have also backed away from motor sports.

Suzuki and Japan's Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of Subaru cars, have withdrawn from the world rally championship.

In January motorcycle maker Kawasaki said it was pulling out of the MotoGP.

Honda has also said it would scale down its motorcycle racing activities to cope with the economic crisis, which was Japan's worst since World War II, notably skipping this year's Suzuka Eight Hours endurance championship.

Mitsubishi is quitting the Dakar Rally while Daihatsu Motor has also withdrawn from a domestic auto rally.

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