The Pentax Optio WG2 and WG2-GPS are two new waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant compact cameras. Both models can be used at a depth of up to 12 metres and can withstand a drop of 1.5 metres, cold to -10°C and a weight up to 100kg. The WG2 and WG2-GPS also feature a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, Full HD movie recording, 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage, 3 inch high-resolution LCD monitor with 16:9 dimensions and 460,000 dots, and six built-in LED macro lights. The Optio WG2-GPS additionally comes equipped with an upgraded GPS module.

The Pentax WG2 and WG2-GPS will be available from March 2012 for £299.99 and £349.99 respectively.

Pentax UK Press Release

PENTAX Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS

The Ultimate Rugged Outdoor Camera

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio WG2 and PENTAX Optio WG2-GPS digital compact cameras. The waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant build of these two new cameras, offer users a heavy-duty camera that is ideal for shooting outdoors.

Equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and a state-of-the-art imaging engine, the Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS are ideal for shooting in poor light, delivering clearer and sharper images with minimised noise.

The cameras are packed with a range of features including 16 megapixels and high-resolution Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080 pixels). Built with a new wide, high-resolution LCD monitor images are easy to view, even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the cameras offer outstanding underwater shooting capability at a depth of up to 12 metres and perform superbly in demanding outdoor conditions as they can withstand a drop of 1.5 metres, cold to -10°C and a weight up to 100kgf.

The PENTAX Optio WG2-GPS comes equipped with a newly designed GPS module that offers some crucial improvements over its predecessor.

The OPTIO WG2 and WG2-GPS will be available from March 2012 at RRPS of £299.99 and £349.99 respectively.

Major Features

1. Heavy-duty construction for underwater shooting up to a depth of 12 metres
By further enhancing the water tightness of the camera body, PENTAX has upgraded the underwater performance of the Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS to 12 metres, for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX8 or JIS Class 8 waterproof performance). These cameras are also designed to be highly shock-resistant (from a height of 1.5 metres) *, dustproof**, cold-resistant (down to -10°C)***, and crushproof (with a weight up to 100 kgf)****. All these features make the Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS the ideal imaging partners in challenging outdoor shooting conditions.

2. New back-illuminated CMOS image sensor for high-quality images
The Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS are equipped with the latest back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, which offers much lower noise even when the camera is set to higher sensitivities. With the combination of a top sensitivity of ISO 6400, 16 megapixels, and a new imaging engine, they deliver super-high resolution images every time. The Optio WG2 and WG2-GPS also feature the new Handheld Night Snap mode, which allows users to capture four images of the same scene in one push of a button, which automatically produces a single blur-free, composite image.

3. Full HD movie recording
The Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS offer Full HD movie recording with the H.264 recording format, allowing users to capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. They also feature a high-speed camera function***** for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips, and an interval movie function to simplify advanced movie-recording techniques. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on the camera body allowing output of Full HD movie clips and sound to external devices.

4. Extra-large, high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The new Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS feature a new extra-large, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with 16:9 dimensions and 460,000 dots. The AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimises glare and reflections to deliver a sharp, clear on-screen image even in bright sunshine, while the wide-view design offers a clear view of the monitor from approximately 170 degrees horizontally and vertically, making it particularly useful in low and high angle shooting.

5. Digital Microscope mode with six LED macro lights
By positioning six LED macro lights around the circumference of the lens barrel, the Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS provide brighter illumination for macro shooting when the Digital Microscope mode is selected.****** The macro lights provide the user with a clear and magnified view on the LCD monitor. The instant illumination enhance function, which automatically raises the illumination level of the LED Macro Lights at the moment of the shutter release, has also been upgraded to minimise camera shake. Additionally, the macro lights provide a Self-Portrait Assist mode to ensure the subject’s face is safely captured within the picture frame using the blink of an LED lamp, and a new LED lighting mode which allows users to use the Macro Lights as a torch in the dark.

6. Advanced GPS function (available with the Optio WG2-GPS only)
The Optio WG2-GPS comes equipped with an upgraded GPS module. Not only does it shorten the time lag before the start of GPS operation, but it also greatly extends the operating life of the function. This automatically creates log data and stores it as a KML-format file onto an SD memory card.  The Optio WG2-GPS allows the user to record their position data when shooting still images. They can also take advantage of various GPS-compatible applications and services provided by the included software******* and such websites as Google Maps™. The GPS function also corrects the built-in clock automatically to match the local time of the shooting location. Thanks to the GPS function, the user can keep an accurate record of their movement during outdoor shooting and display it later on the computer using various online services such as Google Earth™.

7. 5X optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage
The new Optio WG2 and Optio WG2-GPS feature a high-performance 5X optical zoom lens covering focal lengths equivalent to 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto in the 35mm format. Thanks to this versatile zoom lens, the cameras can capture beautiful pictures, from spectacular landscapes to family/group shots in a confined space.

8. Other features
1    Carabiner strap included
2    Protector neoprene case (available as an optional accessory) to protect the camera body from scratches and dirt
3    Comes with two remote-control receptors which allow the user to send the remote signal either from the front or back of the camera
4    A Macro Stand is also included to make extended observation effortless even at a minimum distance of one centimetre away from the subject
5    High-speed Face Detection function to capture up to 32 faces in approx. 0.03 seconds, and Smile Capture function
6    Instant startup with the playback mode by pressing and holding the playback button
7    Auto Picture mode to automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode from 16 different scene modes
8    12 digital filters
9    Digital Wide mode to compose an extra-wide-angle picture (equivalent to 21mm wide angle in the 35mm format) from two separate images
10    Image viewing, editing and filing software included: MediaImpression 3.5 for PENTAX (Windows version compatible with Windows 7) and MediaImpression 2.1 for PENTAX (Macintosh version compatible with Mac OS X 10.7)
11    Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards

* Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards (from a height of 1.5 meters, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood), conforming to the Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F, to show the stable operations.
** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, equivalent to IPX6 or JIS Class 6.
*** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, with which the camera is proven to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C to show the stable operations.
**** Measured under PENTAX-original testing standards, in which the camera is put under a pressure of up to 100 kgf, or kilogram-force to show the stable operations.
***** When this function is selected, the recorded size is fixed at VGA (640 x 480 pixels).
****** When the Digital Microscope mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed at 2 MP (at 16:9 proportions).
******* This function is available with the Windows version only.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. Google, Google Earth, Google map, and logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Google Inc. All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Here is a latest company Magellan has offers its amazing new eXplorist Pro 10 Rugged GPS Handheld for GPS/GIS Data Col that comes in smart quality and enhance features. The device has a rugged IPX-7 waterproof casing and is lightweight at 195g. It is power by a 128MB RAM, 533MHz processor and comes with 4GB onboard storage memory. It runs Windows Mobile 6.5 OS. This is a new design of fantastic design coolest phone it comes in yellow and black color.

The eXplorist Pro 10 provides 3 to 5 meters precision in real-time via its internal GPS receiver or work with a supported Bluetooth enabled GPS recipient to attain sub-meter or 1-3 meter accuracy. It features a 3.2 Megapixel camera to capture geotagged photos and video, 3-inch QQVGA touchscreen, and an on-board voice recorder to enable hands-free note taking.

It as well sports a pressure altimeter, 3D compass and barometer. The new Magellan’s eXplorist Pro 10 rugged phone is runs up to 15 hours on two standard AA batteries. This is very nice and coolest design superb phone it is available at a price of $699.99 hope that it will be hit in the market so guys are you interested to buy this superb handset? If yes then go ahead don’t miss this great offer!

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Weekend warriors and novice hikers: You've got a new tool to guide you in your exploration of the wide world. Magellan released its newest handheld GPS, called the eXplorist 110 GPS receiver, at the Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas.

Magellan says the new unit, priced at $130, is perfect for people who simply are trying not to get lost in the woods. Recreational hikers, fishers looking for that perfect spot and geocachers can hang the receiver around their neck or clip it to a carabineer and know their location within 10 to 15 feet(3 to 5 meters), Magellan said.

The water-resistant receiver has a 2.2-inch (5.6-centimeter) color screen, a SiRFstarIII GPS chipset, weighs 5.2 ounces (147 grams) and runs on two AA batteries, which should give 18 hours of use.

The eXplorist 110 is pre-loaded with Magellan's World Edition map, which has road networks for more than 200 countries and shows rivers, parks and other natural features. A compass on the home screen lets users quickly confirm their direction. The home screen also has customizable navigation fields such as latitude, longitude, elevation, odometer and distance to end.

The eXplorist 110 supports paperless geocaching adventures, the treasure hunting sport, so that seekers can see clues about their next treasure on the receiver's screen. The device can also track where you have been, creating a trail of digital breadcrumbs should a hiker get lost. Just don't forget to mark where you parked your car.

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I receive a fairly steady flow of questions from people looking for a truck-specific GPS (i.e. a GPS that knows about road restrictions that impact truck drivers), and until now the options were pretty bleak. Thankfully, Garmin has responded to the demand, and released the trucking industry focused nuvi 465T.

In addition to lane assist, subscription-free traffic, speed limit indicators, Bluetooth and text to speech, this nuvi features exclusively points of interest and location information from NTTS Breakdown. Currently, drivers carry around a phonebook-like directory with this NTTS (National Truck & Trailer Service) Breakdown information - this nuvi now provides driver's that information with the tap of the screen.

The pre-loaded NTTS database includes long-haul focused POIs, such as truck repair, towing and recovery, tire sales and repair, glass repair, fuels stops and more.

The nuvi 465T includes free lifetime traffic service (no word yet if will be ad-supported, as current 2x5T and 7x5T models are), and will also display warning information of upcoming road conditions to help aid driver awareness of possible truck hazards along the route such as sharp curves, steep grades, road narrows and more.

Garmin's press release states that the 465T will feature a "high resolution 4.3-inch display that is easily read from the driver's seat of a long-haul vehicle." That's the same size as Garmin's current wide-screen GPS devices, so it's not clear if this will be a higher resolution LCD or not.

On top of the trucking-specific features, the 465T will sport the usual nuvi features, such as lane guidance, text-to-speech, multi-destination routing with route optimization, and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. Suggested retail price is $499.

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Inspired with the very projection, TPL Trakker – a subsidiary of TPL Holdings – launched TrakkerNav, a navigation solution for Pakistan, here on Tuesday. The new product, a joint initiative of Pakistan’s TPL Trakker and South Africa’s Digicore, will provide users with the most comprehensive and detailed map of Pakistan, say officials.

“From a small pan shop at PIDC to the remotest wedding lawn in the city, TrakkerNav will get you everywhere,” CEO of TPL Direct Insurance, another subsidiary of TPL Holdings, Saad Nisar said.
He said about 61 million people are using in-car or personal navigation devices globally, adding this number is projected to cross 91 million by the end of 2014. There are hardly 400 people in Pakistan using such services, Nisar said, so there is a huge potential for growth.

TrakkerNav, which officials say will mark the start of a new era for road navigation technology in Pakistan, will cover more than 100 cities and major highways. The database also has 800,000 points of interest and will enable house address-based search in all major cities with 3D landmarks. Sygic, a renowned navigation software provider in Europe serving six million users in 44 countries, is TPL Trakker’s navigation software partner for the product.

Since its soft launch in May 2011, the product has been running in English for in-car devices, portable navigation devices and downloadable applications for iPhone and Android-powered phones and devices. The Urdu version will be launched in three months, Executive Director of TPL Trakker, Ahsan Sarwar, said.

“By 2013, we would like to map every town and city in the country; launch the app in regional languages and add live traffic feeds to the device,” Sarwar said and added they also plan to launch connected navigation for real-time updates by 2013. Sarwar said the product will be available by February 5. Though the cost has not been finalised yet, it will be around Rs12,000. It is a licensed product with unlimited access – a onetime buy, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, TPL Holdings CEO Ali Jameel said there is nothing better than a company like Apple endorsing the product. For the overall Pakistani downloads from Apple’s app store on January 23, Jameel said, TrakkerNav downloads were higher than that of Angry Birds, a frequently downloaded app.
He said their app remained number one for three weeks on top charts for iPhone apps grossing 8,000-10,000 downloads.

TPL Holdings also announced that it will soon launch two more companies, which are Financial Services and Centre Point. Ali Jameel hinted that they have found a niche market for the product and the real bread and butter of the company is the insurance and security vehicle tracking services they offer. “It’s a high-end value-added product,” said security analyst Norbert Almeida who tested the device before it hit the markets.

“I think this will work better for long runs and would work even better upcountry in Punjab where people travel frequently from city to city,” he said. “It can be of greater use to authorities and I could see tourists using it. It can also be used in reporting crime and by the media to map out crime,” said Almeida.
Trakker Product Manager Mohamed Owais said, “We have people from the armed forces and authorities who have used it personally and have great feedback and we think that working with security authorities would be very lucrative but we don’t have any official agreements at the moment.”

The company claims to have a record of recovering 92 per cent of stolen vehicles fitted with their tracking devices. In the past, thieves have managed to disable the system with jammers, but now Trakker says they have anti-jammers in the device and if someone tries to remove the device a tampering alert is sent and the car is immediately immobilised.

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Portable GPS Navigator combining the turn-by-turn directions of modern GPS navigation along with a rich media enhanced operating environment to give you the best user experience possible.

So much power in a handheld device. Introducing The GPS-C4320 portable GPS computer and media player with 2GB SD card included free - transforming the way you travel! The GPS-C4320 was designed to be versatile, yet rugged - to take with you anywhere, whether you're on crossing continents by car or hiking off the beaten path in the jungles of Peru.

World Class GPS Device: The GuideStar comes with Windows CE 5.0, the mobile operating system of choice to run today's most popular GPS software titles. Load in your maps and experience amazing features like lane assist, voice guidance, 3-D views, intelligent route planning, points of interest, real time traffic and weather data, map update and share, and emergency response to your location.

Feature-rich Media Player: This handheld wonder features a stunning 4.3 inch touchscreen TFT LCD screen to bring all your videos to life! You can play multimedia files like: XVID, AVI, MP4, MPG, MP3, WMA, BMP, and JPG saved on SD cards and USB thumb drives with the Guidestar.

Lots of Extras: Not only is the GuideStar an award-winning portable GPS device and multimedia powerhouse, it is also a remarkable eBook reader, gaming machine, and mass storage device! You can even pair your cellphone to it. Then using the unit's FM transmitter function, output your cellphone to your radio speakers, and talk handsfree - how cool is that?

Use it as a handheld or mount it in-car with the free car kit. The GPS-C4320 also comes with a cigarette adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, and everything you need to use it straight from the box! It powers on instantly, comes with an incredibly responsive touchscreen and is compact enough to fit in your pocket! Be Smart - Add to Cart! Buy one for yourself and a couple more for your parents and relatives. Then stock up a bunch for your online store.

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The leading manufacturer of wireless consumer electronics, Uniden has recently announced an aggressive expansion of six new GPS (Global Positioning System) products including units with an unique radar detection capability, ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 inches.

According to the company, these latest GPS devices also includes more innovative features including Bluetooth capability, text-to-speech navigation, preloaded NAVTEQ maps, 2GB of internal map memory, night view and pin point positioning accuracy down to three meters.

“With more than 40 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry and a solid understanding of consumers’ needs, Uniden’s expanding line up in the personal navigation arena is a natural next step for our growing company and its brand” said Brendan Morris, president of Uniden America.

The new Uniden’s MapTrax GPS devices that will be characterized by compact designs, large displays and cutting-edge technology is expected to debut at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2008.

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LightSquared and former FCC chief engineer Edmond Thomas on Wednesday said the GPS test devices that were used by a government agency to test its new network were rigged by “manufacturers of GPS receivers and government end users to produce bogus results.”

The company said that devices from GPS manufacturers, which have claimed LightSquared’s network interferes with GPS communications, were “cherry picked” in secret and that independent authorities were not allowed to partake or oversee the tests or test results. In addition, LightSquared said the tests focused on obsolete technology that is only used in “niche market devices” and that are “least able to withstand potential interference” from wireless networks.

After a list of the test devices was released to LightSquared, the company found that the only mass market device that reportedly failed the government’s tests -- which were run by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Executive Committee (PNT EXCOM) -- actually “performed flawlessly during Technical Working Group” testing. The government also reportedly tested LightSquared’s network at a power level that is 32-times greater than the level at which it will actually operate.

LightSquared is relying on FCC approval to solidify a contract with Sprint to help build out the carrier’s 4G LTE network. Sprint most recently gave LightSquared an additional 30 days to gain FCC approval, but the government has said none of LightSquared’s proposed fixes will help it gain approval.

“Transparency is the only way taxpayers can be assured that the testing process is not manipulated to benefit one particular set of self interests,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday. “LightSquared is confident that a fair process will allow the company to move forward with its plan to deliver wireless broadband to hundreds of millions of consumers.”

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You know those futuristic-type movies where people don headsets and information is delivered directly to them – kind of like Arnie in the Terminator movies or the predators in the Predator movies? Well, the future is here. Canadian-based technology company Recon Instruments Inc. has developed a set of GPS ski goggles that deliver real-time navigation information, such as speed, distance, altitude and, of course, location. Information is viewed on a micro LCD display in a module that can be snapped into goggles and helmets.

According to articles on theglobeandmail  and theskichannel.com, the GPS module will include:

• Integrated maps and buddy tracking, so you’ll always know where your friends and family are on the slopes.
• Bluetooth smartphone and video integration, so you can access your music, receive calls and text messages and use the goggles as a viewfinder for the camera.
• Capabilities to stream videos among friends and view each other’s perspectives on the mountain.
• The ability to share information such as statistics, maps and trails via Recon’s online social network.

To achieve all this, the goggles, called Transcend, will use Google’s Android OS. Android will also allow developers to create apps for Transcend, which means that skiing could soon be secondary to all the distractions available on the slopes.

GPS systems have also come in handy for families on skiing holidays. Many parents worry about hitting the slopes while leaving their kids to fend for themselves in ski classes. The worry is that once the kids are let loose on the mountain side they could become lost or injure themselves and no one will know where they are.

As a result, ski resorts around the world have bought into flaik (pronounced flake), a GPS tracking system designed specifically for ski instructors and their students. A flaik, which the size of a pack of cards, is strapped to a student’s leg and acts as a beacon, letting the instructor know where the student is at all times. Should students wander out of bounds, the instructor is alerted and students are summoned or brought back.

The systems are programmable so instructors can set predetermined limits based on the competency level of the class. One of the added advantages of flaik is that it records information, so students can log onto the website and see how they did and measure their progress.

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Magellan RoadMate RV9145 is the latest GPS navigation system from the company that focuses on RV’s and trucks. It is going to sell for $399 according to their own website but we’ve seen other sites reporting lower numbers. Here are the facts for the RV9145: 7″ touch screen
A/V input The Good Sam club Trailer Life directory Customize your RV routes using your own vehicle’s length, width, weight and height auto night view  Preloaded Maps of US, Canada, Puerto Rico

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