For now they’re only available for the city of London, or at least its downtown core, but these paper maps are a great update to traditional maps, particularly since we’ve all grown accustomed to being able to zoom-in with Google Maps and GPS navigation devices.

The map is broken into 4 quadrants which can be individually zoomed/unfolded to give an enlarged and more detailed view of that part of the city, and thanks to its clever design, when the map is folded to its minimum size you still have the ability to zoom in on any two sections for quick access.

It comes printed on tear-resistant paper and includes a clear PVC wallet to keep it protected, and is available from TheZoomableMap.com for about $13. (£8.00)

[ohgizmo]

For the past few days, Nokia has been trying to get everyone excited about.. something. They piqued our interests by sending out press event invites (for separate events in the UK and the US, no less), then revved the hype machine with a good ol’ fashion countdown timer.

The US announcement is still a few hours away, but they just pulled back the curtain over in the UK — and while we can’t say for certain, I’m pretty sure the talk of the event will be the same on this side of the pond. The big secret? Free turn-by-turn navigation is now available for roughly 20 million Nokia handsets around the world.

To dive a bit deeper into that “20 million.. handsets” number, we’re talking about users speaking 46 different languages across 74 different countries. If Google didn’t kill the standalone GPS market when they announced free navigation for the Android platform, Nokia may very well have just pushed the knife that last inch.





Some of the features of the new, free Ovi Maps with Navigation:

• Maps are stored locally, and no continuous data connection is needed
• Traffic Information in 10 countries
• Lane assistance, speed trap warnings
• Pedestrian mode, including shortcuts only possible on foot
• Free Lonely Planet/Michelin travel guides

So why did Nokia suddenly decide to make turn-by-turn navigation free to anyone rocking a compatible handset? Besides making the somewhat antiquated S60 platform that much more competitive, it’s all a part of Nokia’s plan to snatch up a chunk of the location-based service market before things get too crowded. We had been hearing rumblings from our sources that Nokia would be putting a focus on this space, and I get the feeling this isn’t their only move – we’ll check in with our sources and see what else we can dig up.

In the mean while, anyone toting a Nokia X6, N97 mini (Note: Not the standard N97 just yet), E72, E55, E52, 6730 classic, 6710 Navigator, 5800 Xpressmusic, 5800 Navigation Edition, or 5230 can grab the new Ovi Maps with Navigation app here.

[mobilecrunch]

In early 2010 Audi will be bringing the next generation of the A8 to the starting line I can’t wait! The new vehicle will be bringing a variety of Google services and information to the luxury sedan via the internet.




The services will be available in selected markets. Its multimedia interface (MMI) navigation plus features among other innovations, a highly evolved operating concept incorporating a touchpad – known as MMI touch. It doesn’t just end there though; the system also includes an integrated hard disk for navigation, phone and audio data and a graphics processor capable of generating high-quality, three dimensional images. The MMI system also analyzes navigation data predicatively and relays information to the control unit managing the automatic cruise control with Stop & Go, adaptive lights and the 8-speed tiptronic gearbox so the systems adapt their function to conditions well in advance. Holy happy navigation Batman!  




It can also supply up-to-date information from the internet via the optionally integrated GPRS/EDGE modem. You’ll be able to search online with Google for points-of-interest directly from within the MMI. The large 8 inch LCD display makes it easy to view Google Earth imagery and its corresponding 3D terrain view with the detailed street network. All you need to do is insert a SIM card or pair their mobile phone via the Bluetooth. Wow! GPS is certainly getting better and better and definitely more media friendly. It’ll be really had focusing on the road.






[newlaunches]

Map Hole is a new road guidance tool designed to direct pedestrians and travelers to their final destination using existing elements in the urban landscape.

It locates the pedestrian with a starting point and provides information on the exact distance or average walk time to the listed landmarks. It sounds intriguing but I feel like I need a cartography degree to understand it. If this were real, you might just enter a city full of confused people looking down at the ground.

Designer: Jiae Kwon

[yankodesign]