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Friday, March 4, 2011

Android on stereo; GPS on way out

accessories: Software features FM transmitter, while Magellan appears stuck on single-purpose thinking
By LoweLL Conn
Postmedia News

android gaining: G oogles Android software is to mobile phones what Microsoft Windows is to the personal computer. Both are software platforms employed by hardware manufacturers in competition with each other, and with Apples iPhone. Ne w P o t a t o Te c h n o l o g i e s TuneLink Auto wireless in-car audio solution features a USB charging port with built-in FM transmitter that beams songs stored on an Android phone to the car stereo. The product, which charges the phone while transmitting tunes, is the first to provide this specific application for Android. So, while iPhone has enjoyed an embarrassment of riches when it comes to accessories such as this, Android users have been starved. Drivers who already have Bluetooth car stereos are unlikely to need this device as most phones arrive with Bluetooth capability. But those who use the TuneLink Auto will enjoy it, and the fact that this prod-

new Potato Technologies TuneLink Auto wireless in-car audio solution puts Android phones on the air.

Magellans RoadMate 9055 GPS unit doesnt provide enough functionality to keep it relevant for long.

uct will work with multiple Android phones at the same time is definitely a plus. Android has a ways to go before it enjoys accessory attention like Apple, but this product is a good start. $100; visit newpotatotech.com take on the tablet, magellan: We have publicly stated that the dedicated GPS unit is doomed; that the

proliferation of smartphones containing navigation software combined with in-dash combo units and the rise of the tablet spells the end for single-purpose anything. So, what is a company that is known for single-purpose products to do? In the case of GPS manufacturers, we suggest taking on all comers with a versatile tablet prod-

uct built around a navigation operating system. Sadly, Magellans RoadMate 9055 GPS is not said product. But its good. It features a seven-inch XVGA screen, five million points of interest, a built-in AAA guidebook, Bluetooth capability and live-time traffic, which is useful if you live in a big city. The 9055 goes beyond tradi-

tional GPS by offering compatibility with a Magellan backup camera thats scheduled to be introduced in the spring. And thats what were talking about: multi-function. Unfortunately, this one stab at further versatility is merely evolutionary, not revolutionary. Magellan and its peers may be running out of time. $300; visit magellangps.com

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