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iPod Touch GPS Cradle launched by Dual Electronics
Article by: Darren Griffin
Date: 12 Nov 2009
 Dual Electronics have announced a GPS Cradle for the iPod Touch.
Compatible with all models including 1st and 2nd generation models, the cradle incorporates a GPS receiver, built-in rechargeable battery, amplified speaker, microphone, 3.5mm audio out and a mini-USB charge/sync port.
This unique solution allows owners of the iPod Touch to utilise their device as a fully featured GPS navigator and is supplied with access to download Nav Atlas (US & Canada) from the appstore. Nav Atlas appears to be a custom version of G-Map.
Supplied with 12v charge cable and a car windscreen mount, the biggest bonus of this is news that it should be possible to use the GPS cradle with any GPS app available on the appstore as it is a condition of approval that such solutions must not be locked to a manufacturers chosen app.
The cradle will be available at the end of November with an MSRP of $179.99
| Comments
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 Posted by mikealder on Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:30 pm |
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| Darren Wrote: | | the biggest bonus of this is news that it should be possible to use the GPS cradle with any GPS app available on the appstore as it is a condition of approval that such solutions must not be locked to a manufacturers chosen app. |
Does this condition also apply to the TT car kit?
If so it looks rather costly unless the bundled application is over $50 on its own even if the TT unit doesn't have a built in battery which I see of little benefit in a car as it should be wired to the supply while in use - Mike
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| Posted by Darren on Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:29 am |
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| mikealder Wrote: | | Does this condition also apply to the TT car kit? |
I would imagine it must. I have a touch and 2G here but i don't have a carkit.
| Quote: | | If so it looks rather costly unless the bundled application is over $50 on its own even if the TT unit doesn't have a built in battery which I see of little benefit in a car as it should be wired to the supply while in use - Mike |
The app is free so I suspect it must be locked to work only with the cradle. But having said that, based as it is on G-Map, it's definitely not worth anything near $50.
But let's be fair here, if it can use other GPS apps then it can be used out of the car AND can be used as a backup battery for usage in other scenarios which does make the price more attractive.
I use a Mophie Juice Pack Air battery jacket with my 3GS and they cost £70 so that makes this GPS jacket quite reasonable.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by jimmski on Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:08 am |
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Do you think you'd be able to use this GPS unit for other location base apps - e.g. be walking around town and be able to call up a list of local restaurants through Google Maps like iPhone users can? Or post your current location using Twitter etc?
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| Posted by Darren on Fri Nov 13, 2009 10:19 am |
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As far as I can tell, when attached this cradle should offer all the standard location services but I cannot be certain.
We will try to acquire a cradle for review once available.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by homersolly on Wed Nov 18, 2009 4:57 pm |
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I like the look of this, but could be quite expensive getting it to the Uk.
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| Posted by Darren on Wed Nov 18, 2009 5:03 pm |
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Indeed but if it proves popular then it may well be picked up by one of the big iPhone accessory distributors here. Time will tell.
There is also Magellan's forthcoming iPhone cradle although this won't have the battery.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by homersolly on Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:02 am |
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Hi,
Do you know if the Magellan cradle will work with my 1st gen touch or is it going to be iphone specific like the Tomtom one?
Kevo
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:09 am |
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Magellan's own website says it is for iPhone and iPod Touch.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by homersolly on Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:21 am |
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Thanks for that.
It looks just what i want.
Will have to wait & see price when it arrives.
No time scale as far as I could see.
Thanks for the link.
Kevo
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:24 am |
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Due very soon and price has been quoted in US Dollars at $119.00 which makes it more expensive than TomTom's.
It is yet to be seen if the TomTom cradle will accommodate an iPod Touch, I suspect it will.
Darren Griffin |
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| Posted by Darren on Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:15 pm |
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| Darren Wrote: | | It is yet to be seen if the TomTom cradle will accommodate an iPod Touch, I suspect it will. |
See here for confirmation that iPod Touch and 2G iPhone now supported with TomTom car kit and App.
Darren Griffin |
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