TomTom just announced a new, completely redesigned TomTom GO GPS for 2013, and I have to admit, it’s looking pretty good from the photos & press release. Of course, proof will be in the full review, which I hope to post in the coming weeks.

Available in 4.3, 5, and 6-inch screen size versions, the new GO is a “connected” GPS. When paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth, the new GO will access TomTom Traffic data.

Looks like there’s a re-designed user interface (seems to be an improvement over the old interface, which was getting dated), and a new dashboard/windshield mount.  The new GO has a brand new Interactive Map, Lifetime TomTom Traffic and 3D Maps (just like everyone else). But what looks unique is TomTom’s focus shift from basic navigation to intelligent routing.

Pricing and availability TBD. You can read all the details on TomTom’s website.

TomTom has announced a new range of GPS watches. The watches feature a large display, and are available in a running specific model, or a multi sport (runners, cyclists and swimmers) version.

According to TomTom’s press release, the watches will have full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control for ease of use while training.  Further, some models will be able to track the number of steps taken without requiring an additional pedometer. GPS

Sport Watches will also have a vibration alert technology that can provide workout progress updates without pausing music playback, as well as the ability to Sync, analyze & share your stats on popular running sites. The watches are Bluetooth enabled, and compatible with the TomTom Heart Rate Monitor* & other Bluetooth Smart accessories.

Available in Summer 2013, pricing TBD.

Activists and aid workers often find themselves working in dangerous areas where the the threat of kidnapping (or worse) is very real.

Stockholm-based Civil Rights Defenders is distributing this GPS-enabled bracelet to its workers. When activated by the wearer, the bracelet will send its location to nearby workers who could come to the rescue. Additionally, the device will automatically posts messages to Twitter and Facebook, as well as notify The Civil Rights Defenders headquarters.

The group is planning to distribute around 55 such devices to its workers this year. Those interested in receiving alerts cal sign up on Civil Rights Defenders page.

Augmented driving safety app iOnRoad – Augmented Reality Driving was just acquired by Harmon.

Available for iOS, Android, as well as Windows and Linux, the Israeli startup says nearly a million people have downloaded the App.

If you’ve never used iOnRoad, the $4.99 app brings advanced features to your car such as lane departure warning alerts, collision warning system, speeding alerts, augmented reality navigation, and more.

Download the App:

Smartphones are great and all, but for serious driving sooner or later you’re going to need a larger screen. That’s where TeleNav’s new Scout for Cars system comes in.

Scout for Cars lets your smartphone running a Telenav Scout application connect to the built-in car navigation screen. That keeps the navigation data up to date, and lets routing or other information transfer seamlessly between the Scout app and the in-car system.

Other features include personalized search, local weather, real-time traffic, and voice search. Check out the full specs on TeleNav’s website.

DeLorme just announced a new satellite communicator, the InReach SE (Screen Edition).

Like the previous InReach communicators, this new model can be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth and used in conjunction with DeLorme’s free Earthmate app.

However, unlike previous models, the new SE communicator has a a built-in screen. That means you can do more directly on the device without needing a separate smartphone.

[ReviewAZON name="DeLorme InReach SE" id="2" display="inlinepost" asin="B00BX7TJ2O" trackingid="gps01-20" country="us" width="200px" float="left" imagetop="10px"]DeLorme’s InReach satellite communicators operate on the Iridium satellite network, providing global two-way satellite communications and low-latency data links (less than 60 second delivery of messages end-to-end) anywhere on Earth.

Suggested retail price for inReach SE is $299, with annual satellite subscriptions beginning at $9.95 per month. Four-month seasonal and special aviation plans with more frequent tracking intervals are also available.

You can check out the full details in DeLorme’s press release HERE

Verdict: Huge Screen & Lots of Route Flexibility

The Bottom Line: Lackluster windshield mount and a user interface that’s getting long in the tooth aside, the RoadMate 9250T-LMB excels in the most important area: routing. It’s easy to customize the route to avoid certain roads, maximize or minimize highway usage, or simply detour around a traffic jam for a few miles and then resume the planned route.

The huge 7-inch screen and support for the optional Magellan wireless backup camera will please RV/large vehicle drivers.

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