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Magellan's new RoadMate GPS stays relevant by including a dash cam
Dedicated GPS units may be less popular these days, but Magellan has figured out a way to justify their existence: strap a dash camera to the back. The company's upcoming RoadMate 6230T-LM DashCam can both guide you through unfamiliar areas and record video to an SD card, saving you the trouble of mounting two devices in your car. Magellan's hybrid design is also handy even if you don't need directions, since you can watch live video from either the built-in camera or an optional wireless backup cam. The new RoadMate won't ship until April, but it will also cost $230 -- a relative bargain next to purpose-built dash cams that offer many of the same features.
Jon Fingas01.06.2014
Magellan SmartGPS review: further proof your phone is the only navigator you need
When speaking with executives from the Google Maps team earlier this year at I/O, I was reminded that Maps wasn't even a product in 2004. In less than a decade, one of Google's bright ideas has completely and unabashedly transformed the entire routing industry. (Avid readers will no doubt recall this graph, depicting real moves in the stock market moments after Google Maps Navigation was first introduced.) That development, coupled with the explosion in smartphone adoption across emerged markets, has left players like Magellan in quite the predicament. It wasn't that long ago that dedicated PNDs (personal navigation devices) were the gift to get for the holiday season. And indeed, many units from Garmin in particular delighted me plenty over the years. But the reality today is that PND makers have found themselves redundant. A few have resorted to innovating on the software side and nailing down partnerships with automakers and fleet-management firms in order to keep revenue rolling in, while Magellan has opted to create a new piece of hardware. That hardware, of course, is the SmartGPS. Rather than being a standalone PND suitable for mounting on one's dash or window, the device works best when used in concert with an accompanying iPhone or Android app (sorry, Windows Phone and BlackBerry users). In essence, the company is hoping that by creating a product that extends the functionality of your smartphone, you'll be inclined to hand over $250. After a week of road tripping through the US southwest, however, I'm inclined to believe differently.%Gallery-190765%
Darren Murph06.14.2013
Magellan unveils RoadMate GPS units with auto-replies to calls, earns fellow drivers' gratitude
Phone use while driving is still a serious problem in the US, even for those trying to quit -- which makes us happy to see Magellan doing its part to change travellers' habits. Out of five new RoadMate GPS units the company is releasing to the world, the Bluetooth-equipped, 4.3-inch 2255T-LMB and 5-inch 5265T-LMB models both carry a Safe Texting mode that can reply to any inbound voice call with a text, supplying either the arrival time or the promise of a call later on. All five of the navigators support a portrait view for more details of the road ahead, and the top two 5-inch devices support Magellan's $150 Back-Up Camera for delicate parking jobs. We'll have to wait until September before the RoadMates arrive, but the sub-$200 prices will be a relief to other drivers who want at least a few more eyes on the road.
Jon Fingas08.07.2012
New Magellan RoadMate GPS units navigate by landmarks, steer clear of pesky traffic cameras
It's been a long while since Magellan comprehensively updated its RoadMate GPS mapping units, so the company's making up for lost time in style by introducing no less than seven new models in one shot. The RoadMate 2210, 2210T, 2220-LM, 2230T-LM, 5220-LM, 5230T-LM (pictured) and 5235T-LM all bring in a new Landmark Guidance option to give directions based on landmarks, not just those occasionally impenetrable street numbers. Traffic Camera Alerts are just as new and help you stay on the sunny side of the law when speed cameras and traffic light cameras are nearby, albeit at the cost of $30 a year after the first year is up. As Magellan is wont to do, the new GPS range is dictated by screen size and what features you'll get for life: the 2200- and 5200-series units carry respective 4.3- and 5-inch screens, while the LM and T badges signify lifetime map updates and traffic alerts. The range's prices start off at $100 for a RoadMate 2210 and scale up to $170 for a fully decked-out 5235T-LM.
Jon Fingas05.07.2012
Magellan's new RoadMate 5190T helps truckers find their way, like the do-dah man
Truckin'? Got your chips cashed in? Well then you might wanna put them toward the latest RoadMate GPS navigator from Magellan. Designed for commercial truck, bus and taxi operators, the company's new RoadMate 5190T boasts a five-inch color display that drivers can use to find the most pain-free routes from point A to point B. With the 5190T strapped to their dashboards, truckers will be able to set up customized routing based on their vehicles' precise specifications, while using Magellan's Highway Lane Assist feature to help negotiate more baroque highway interchanges or exits. The onboard information dashboard, meanwhile, provides constant updates on trucking speed limits, alerting drivers whenever they drift above a given threshold. There's also a tracking log that allows operators to store information on mileage, hours and other parameters, as well as a built-in speaker system that projects sound at up to 93 decibels. The device is priced at $380, though Magellan has yet to announce a launch date.
Amar Toor01.05.2012
Magellan updates RoadMate USA with enhanced maps
The updated version of Magellan RoadMate (2.2) includes new features such as the most current maps available, red light camera and fixed speed camera alerts. The Junction View feature guides users through complicated freeway interchanges. A premium upgrade via an in-app purchase gives you live camera feeds and warnings about dangerous curves and school zones. You can also purchase additional voices for turn-by-turn directions. Magellan was an early provider of navigation software for the iPhone. The Magellan app has all the maps on board, so you will not use your data plan for basic navigation, although business searches and other special services will require an Internet connection. The app is available from the App Store at US$39.99 for the USA version, and $49.99 for the USA/Canada version. All existing RoadMate App users will receive a FREE update to the new version.
Mel Martin10.13.2011
Wireless Back-Up Camera for the Magellan RoadMate checks your six
Most of us can get by with occasionally frequently checking our rear view mirror, but many bigger vehicles don't offer quite the same visibility. Hence the market for bumper cams in general and for Magellan's new Wireless Back-Up Camera in particular. The $150 add-on exploits the 7-inch LCD on your RoadMate 1700 or 9055, thereby avoiding the clutter of an independent system. The waterproof and dustproof camera fixes to your license plate and connects to a transmitter in your trunk, which then beams the feed to a receiver attached to your GPS. The system activates automatically when you go into reverse and boasts a 120-degree field of view, 45-degrees of vertical angle adjustment and a 45-foot range. The PR with full details is just a click away. Oh, and it helps if you remember to brake.
Sharif Sakr06.24.2011
Magellan updates Roadmate for iPhone with new interface and free 'lifetime' map updates
Magellan has pushed out a rather massive and free update to iPhone Roadmate users. The entire engine and user interface have been freshened up and greatly improved (to my taste, that is). Yelp! and Google search are included, and the app has added personalization features to the display, including arrival time, distance to destination, and your speed. The update is free for current users, and the USA version of RoadMate sells for US $34.99. The North American version is $54.99. In a quick test of the app I found it functioned smoothly, and I like the addition of lane assist and Google searching. One thing to note is that Magellan defines 'lifetime' updates for maps and traffic data as "the life of the product or 3 years, whichever is reached first, or until Magellan no longer receives relevant map and traffic data." That's not that long, but it's better than no updates at all. I've generally liked the Magellan iPhone product but still prefer the Navigon app for day to day driving. With Navigon about to be purchased by Garmin, I'll be keeping my eyes open to see how competition develops.
Mel Martin06.17.2011
Magellan's iOS RoadMate GPS application gains free lifetime maps, Google local search
Magellan's RoadMate GPS app has always struck us as one of the better options within the App Store, and it just got a heck of a lot better with v2.0. One of the main reasons for sticking with Google Maps Navigation on the Android side is the availability of continually updated maps... at no charge. Now, folks who split with $59.99 will get the newest build of RoadMate, which just so happens to have lifetime map updates, Yelp and Google local search. Curiously, those "lifetime" maps run out after three years, but c'mon -- you're replacing that iPhone 4 just as soon as Steve trots out its finely tuned successor, aren't you?
Darren Murph06.09.2011
Magellan reveals Roadmate 9055 and Explorist 310 GPS units
Remember that Roadmate 9055 that popped up in the FCC's database back in September? Looks like Magellan's using CES to officially launch it. Listing for $299.99 here in the States, this monstrous 7-inch navigator packs a WVGA touchscreen, Bluetooth and a lifetime supply of free traffic updates. It's preloaded with maps of the 50 US states, Canada and Puerto Rico, not to mention six million points-of-interest, loads of content from the AAA Tourbook Guide (including Diamond ratings and descriptions for US and Canada), and a roadside assistance feature that provides your precise location in case you need to tell it to some fine man or woman on the other end of an emergency call. If you're more of an argonaut, the Explorist 310 handheld navigator is likely more your speed. This one's retailing for $199.99, and it includes a 2.2-inch color display, a rugged, waterproof enclosure, a SiRFstar III GPS chipset and a slew of features catering to the outdoor navigation market -- things like waypoint creation, a premium, preloaded World Edition map, active tracking, and track summary. There's also 500MB of user-accessible memory (for adding extra maps), and we're told that two AA batteries can power it for an astounding 18 hours. So, where's life planning to take you? %Gallery-112297%
Darren Murph01.04.2011
Magellan updates RoadMate with free traffic and iOS 4 support
It was almost exactly a year ago that I reviewed the first version of the Magellan RoadMate app for the iPhone. Over the last several months the price has dropped, and features have been added. In the latest update of the app, released this week, RoadMate USA now fully supports multitasking and fast application switching. If you are listening to music, it fades it for voice announcements, and voice guidance continues if you switch to another app. There is also an option to pause audio, which is nice if you're listening to an audio book and the voice guidance needs to interrupt. More value from Magellan: traffic info is now free (with a catch, see below). You won't need an in-app purchase or any kind of subscription. I consider that a big plus if you commute in an urban area. The app also allows you to share your route or points of interest via email or with another Magellan user. In a test drive, everything functioned very well. The voice guidance is clear, and you can choose a male or female voice, as well as other languages. If you zoom out and are in 3D mode, you can see the terrain, which is a nice feature. In downtown areas of bigger cities, you get 3D renderings of major buildings. %Gallery-107896%
Mel Martin11.19.2010
Magellan RoadMate GPS app updated for iOS 4, includes real-time traffic and multitasking
Magellan may not be the head honcho when it comes to standalone PNDs here in North America, but that's not stopping the outfit from keeping its iOS app up to snuff. With TomTom, Navigon and Garmin all introducing iOS 4-compatible apps over the past few months, Magellan has finally done likewise -- version 1.3 of the app now enables navigation to occur in the background, meaning that iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 users will still hear turn-by-turn guidance while using another application. Better still, real-time traffic information is provided free of charge through NAVTEQ, alerting motorists to accidents, traffic flow and the nearest ice cream truck. If you've already sunk cash into this one, now's a solid time to check those updates -- otherwise, you can hit the source links for a trifecta of versions catering to various regions.
Darren Murph11.18.2010
Global Positioning Shocker: Magellan rolls out ten new RoadMates for Spring
Looks like Magellan isn't messing around with its new Spring lineup of RoadMate navigation units -- and by not messing around, we mean not changing things very much. Totaling ten units in all, the company's new lineup features models with 4.3-inch, 4.7-inch and 5-inch touchscreens, and seemingly similar specs across the board otherwise, with the biggest difference being the inclusion of lifetime maps, lifetime traffic, and Bluetooth on some models. Look for the whole lot to start trickling out to retail over the coming days and weeks, with about half of them already available on Amazon and directly from Magellan for between $169.99 and $299.99. [Thanks, Rich]
Donald Melanson05.19.2010
Magellan's GPS Car Kit for iPhone and iPod Touch: $130, coming next month
We heard earlier this month that Magellan was looking to one-up TomTom by outing an iPod touch / iPhone GPS car kit of its very own, but a few critical details were missing: namely, a price and a release date. Thanks to a new product listing on Amazon (capped after the break), we at least have a clue as to when this thing will be shipping stateside and for how much. If you'll recall, this one's compatible with the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod touch as well as the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and aside from providing a built-in speaker, charging capabilities and a noise-canceling handsfree speakerphone, it'll also work with any navigation or location-based app -- not just Magellan's own $79.99 RoadMate program. The unfortunate part here is that Magellan has somehow managed to produce a cradle that's actually more expensive that the ludicrously overpriced TomTom variant, but those willing to part with $129.99 can place their order now and look for a December 11th ship date. [Thanks, Mark]
Darren Murph11.28.2009
Magellan debuts GPS app / car kit for iPhone and iPod touch
Magellan's new iPhone navigation app won't do much for the iPod touch on its own, but it looks like the company's forthcoming Premium Car Kit will in fact work just fine with the handheld out of the box, unlike TomTom's similar Car Kit. Otherwise, there aren't exactly a ton of surprises, but the cradle is fully adjustable to accommodate a range of sleeves or cases, and it'll of course also charge your iPhone or iPod touch, and give it some amplified sound courtesy of the built-in speaker. The navigation app itself also seems to be more than ready to challenge the competition, with it boasting spoken street names, NAVTEQ maps, 3D landmarks, in-app music control, a pedestrian mode, and a price tag of $79.99. No word on a price or release date for the cradle just yet, but Magellan says it is "coming soon" -- iPhone users can get the app from the App Store right now. [Thanks, djphatjive]
Donald Melanson11.17.2009
7-inch Magellan RoadMate 1700 slips out to retailers
Well, Magellan itself may not be saying much about it just yet, but it looks like company's new RoadMate 1700 nav unit is doing its best to make itself known, with it now showing up for order on at least a few retailer's websites. The big selling point with this one, as you might have surmised, is its spacious 7-inch widescreen display, which gets paired with a number of other features right in line with Magellan's other recent RoadMate offerings. That includes complete maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, built-in AAA TourBook listings, six million points of interest, text-to-speech, and a microSD card slot for expansion, among other standard fare. No firm word on a release date, but Best Buy is estimating availability between September 14th and 21st, and currently has it listed for $299.99.[Via GPS Review]
Donald Melanson08.25.2009
Magellan intros 4.7-inch RoadMate 1475T PND for $299
Magellan's been on somewhat of a hiatus since being taken away by MiTAC, and while an unassuming FCC find has shown that it's still alive and well, we're thrilled to see the company's second actual product announcement in over half a year. The RoadMate 1475T is, for all intents and purposes, a refreshed RoadMate 1470 with a traffic receiver, though said traffic receiver works without any monthly fees. It features a 4.7-inch WQVGA anti-glare display, AAA TourBook listings, six million POIs, spoken street name guidance, highway lane assist, QuickSpell and NAVTEQ maps of the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Not too shabby for just $299, wouldn't you say?
Darren Murph06.09.2009
Magellan launches 4.7-inch RoadMate 1470 navigator
We haven't heard a peep from Magellan since MiTAC took over its consumer products division, and quite frankly, we're still waiting for a little trumpet blowing. Sneakily, said company has just launched the well rounded RoadMate 1470 on Amazon, which packs a 4.7-inch touchscreen, NAVTEQ maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, multi-destination routing, highway lane assist, spoken street names, AAA TourBook and a Roadside Assistance menu. Motorists looking for live traffic updates can plug in the optional Traffic Link device, but those kosher with doing things the old way can procure just the PND right now for $229.99.[Via GPSTracklog, thanks Rich]
Darren Murph04.06.2009
MiTAC buys Magellan consumer products division: 'take it away, Maestro'
MiTAC already did a bit of GPS reshuffling to start the year off, and now it seems a bit more of that will be required. Magellan -- the makers of the RoadMate, Maestro and Triton navigation systems -- has entered into a "definitive agreement to sell its consumer products division to MiTAC International," which goes a long way in explaining why development was suddenly halted last month on the promising Maestro Elite 5340 connected GPS. The deal is expected to close in January, and financial terms aren't being publicly disclosed at present time. So, what's this mean for both outfits at CES next month? It's hard to say, but we wouldn't count on a whole lot of new PNDs from Magellan. Hear that TomTom? You've got some slack to cover.[Via GPSTracklog, thanks Rich]
Darren Murph12.15.2008
Magellan's RoadMate 1200 keeps the low-enders happy
If you thought Magellan's RoadMate 2000 series was low-end, you ain't seen nothing yet. Turns out, the company has oh-so-quietly released a (relatively unsightly) RoadMate 1200, which has managed to slip under the radar until now. Spotted online in a number of locations for less than $200, this 3.5-inch navigator features a QVGA touchscreen, a Centrality Atlas processor, QuickSpell / SmartDetour functions, 1.3 million POIs, NAVTEQ maps of the continental United States / Puerto Rico / Hawaii on a 1GB SD card and a rechargeable Li-ion that's good for around three hours. It's a real yawner, we know, but there's a decent chance this thing's pricetag could sink even lower on Black Friday with a little luck.[Via NaviGadget]
Darren Murph10.30.2007