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New Google patent application could produce better photos using weather info

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by Jeff Causey on
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A new Google patent application demonstrates a method for connecting weather information with a device’s camera application. Besides the camera app and a connected weather app, the method makes use of GPS coordinates. Grabbing location data using the GPS of a device, coordinates are transmitted to a server to retrieve local weather information. When the weather data is returned to the device, ambient light info is fed into the camera to adjust the settings to optimize the picture. Some of the settings that may be adjusted include white balance, hue, saturation, sharpness, or contrast.

It is not clear how this may be better than the sensors already present in a camera, though many photographers find those to be inadequate and resort to manual settings or process their photos through software to make corrections. We also don’t know whether this concept will ever find its way into an actual product. If it does, Android users may enjoy an edge in the photography department compared to other platforms.

source: USPTO
via: Engadget

TrakDot Luggage tracking device will tell you where your luggage is at all times, now available for preorder

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by Jason Bracey on
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Greetings frequent travelers!  If you like to travel as much as I do, you have probably fallen victim to the missing luggage bandit at some point. Bummer when you are attending a week long business seminar and everything you brought to wear is MIA. Low cost tracking solution guru’s, GlobaTrac, LLC., has a solution. They have just announced the release of their latest innovation, the GPS TrakDot Luggage  for preorder.

Just purchase the low cost TrackDot for $49.99, activate it for $8.99, and subscribe to the service for a nominal $12.99 annual subscription fee and the TrakDot will do the rest. Just drop the GPS enabled TrakDot into your luggage and it will report what city/airport it’s at in real time to your cell phone. It will even automatically turn itself off just before takeoff and turn back on upon landing.  By the time you get off the plane, you will receive a text message telling you what city it’s in.

» Read the rest

TomTom finding its way onto Android in October

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by Sean Stewart on
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The last time we heard news of TomTom’s arrival on Android, it was simply described as releasing “fairly soon.” Well, today the news is a little clearer. TomTom will be previewing their long awaited Android version today at IFA which will hit the Play Store in October. It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out since Google’s prepackaged navigation is both very familiar and functional to most Android users – as well as the small fact that it’s free. There are no specifics as far as pricing for the TomTom application, however with an October release, we will most likely find out more today from their official preview. » Read the rest

Samsung Galaxy Nexus Users Reporting GPS Bug After Jelly Bean Update, Easy Fix Possibly Remedies The Problem

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by Roy Alugbue on
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It looks like all is not rosy for some Galaxy Nexus owners. After receiving some of that buttery goodness in the latest update, some Galaxy Nexus owners are reporting what is a significant GPS problem. Apparently, certain Galaxy Nexus owners are unable to get a precise GPS fix that doesn’t allow those users to track their location. What’s worse is the fact this can possibly happen even with satellites in plain view.

This bug doesn’t seem to be affecting everyone, but it’s probably a good idea to check if you’ve recently received the update. To check if you’re affected, you’ll want to open an app that constantly tracks where your whereabouts such as Google Maps, then check the notification shade for a GPS message. If the text says “Searching for GPS…” and you’re not seeing a flashing icon, that means you’re not getting a GPS lock. If that is the case, then you’ll want to confirm you’re affected by then downloading an app such as GPS Test which allows you to see if there are satellites within range.

Thankfully— where there’s a problem, there’s always a solution. Galaxy Nexus users will need to go to Settings > Location services, uncheck and re-check “Google’s location service,” voila!— everything should be cleared up by then. There are added reports that the simple remedy seems to correct the bug, which indicates there’s some type of glitches perhaps on Google’s side.

source: Android Central

 

Google Files Patent On Peer-to-Peer Location Finding

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by Ed Caggiani on
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A new Google patent application has been filed for a peer-to-peer location service. This patent talks about obtaining “high-resolution physical locations for a wireless device by leveraging the high-resolution physical location capabilities of wireless peers of the wireless device to provide a peer-to-peer location service and facilitate location targeting.” In other words, physical distances between your phone and nearby peers can be used to get a more accurate position on your phone should your GPS crap out on you.

A data connection is still required, however, so if you’re lost in the deep woods of a rural area with no cell towers or Wi-Fi nearby, you may be up that proverbial creek, paddles nowhere to be found, banjo music getting louder.

Of course, a patent filing is not a product roadmap and Google may not ever introduce this concept to market. We’re hopeful it will make it in a future Android build to increase the accuracy of location finding in situations where Wi-Fi and GPS are unavailable or unreliable.

source: uspto

Tom Tom Android App set to Launch soon says Co-founder

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by Adam Johnson on
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I don’t know about most of our readers, but I’m fairly attached to my Google Maps and its navigation features on my Galaxy Nexus. Does everything I’ve ever needed it to do….so far. Maybe this is because it’s all I’ve ever used as a GPS device. Well, there are a few GPS navigation applications out there and there’s another to come.

Tom Tom for Android is just down the road, or is will be launching “fairly soon” as co-founder Peter-Frans Pauwels puts it. Yes, the latest GPS navigation application is on its way, and more insight from the co-founder tells us possibly this summer, although he won’t give any definite answer at this time. iOS users already use their version of the Tom Tom app which has been said to be doing very well. So this app being developed for Android will probably be welcome by many who would love another option for their traveling needs. These days with the power of the Android phones and even the sizes that we’ve seen as of late, there’s almost no need for a dedicated GPS device. And I think the companies developing for that market see this, and are gearing their development more and more toward the smartphone. There’s yet to be any mention of what the price tag on this app will be. Most likely it’ll be in line with the iOS app, which weighs in at close to $40.

source: pocketlint

 

HTC One S Faster GPS Fix Available Now, Speeds Up GPS Lock

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by Stacy Bruce on
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Have you recently picked up a shiny new HTC One S and have noticed that the GPS seems to lock-on rather slow? This isn’t a largely widespread complaint but when something can be improved the Android dev community will never shy from a challenge. Thanks to senior XDA member, MacroHD,  we now have a flashable fix for you rooted users and has been proven to speed up the phone’s GPS lock.  Simply download the file that pertains to the country you have service in and flash that zip through your custom recovery. One thing should be mentioned, though. MacroHD says that the fix will not be instantaneous because your device needs to redownload new A-GPS data. You can either flash the fix while you have a data connection and be patient for the device to update itself, or you can simply download the new A-GPS data yourself. To do this you will just need to grab the GPS Status app from the Play Store and use that to manually install the A-GPS data yourself. Easy enough!

Hit the source link for your appropriate download and further details. As always, it is safest to make a backup before you flash anything to your device! Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

source: XDA

Transformer Prime GPS Dongle Demoed on Video, Locks onto 16 Satellites in Just Seconds

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by Stacy Bruce on
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One of the most reported complaints about the ASUS Transformer Prime is the trouble it has locking on to a GPS signal. Now, whether or not that is even a valid complaint for a tablet can be argued until blue in the face. I personally think using a tablet for a GPS unit is a silly thought and would never think to Velcro my Prime to my cars window or strap it to my bike’s handlebars. But who am I to judge? And apparently ASUS doesn’t want to judge either because they want to keep their positive customer service in tact and have offered Prime owners a solution – a free GPS dongle.

All a Prime owner needs to do is simply register their tablet and in a few weeks will receive this tablet add-on in the mail. Speaking of receiving a dongle in the mail, our pals at Engadget already got their dongle and put together a little video showing how it can drastically improve GPS reception. The Prime managed to lock on to 16 satellites in only a matter of seconds and should prove to be more than enough signal for anyone. It may not be the prettiest of solutions, but hey, at least it free. Jump past the break to check it out in action. » Read the rest

Registration for Transformer Prime GPS dongle now open

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by Chris Stewart on
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Still suffering from spotty or non-existent GPS signal on your beloved Transformer Prime? Already heard the news that Asus is set to offer a GPS dongle to resolve the issue? Well time to get registering folks as the website is now live.

Those of you holding out for a software fix will unfortunately be disappointed as it appears that the rather unsightly dongle is your only hope. The dongle plugs into the proprietary port which in turn means you won’t be able to use it whilst charging or in conjunction with the laptop dock. Quite the sacrifice to make for an accurate GPS lock.

Naturally the dongle will be absolutely free providing you register before the 31st of July 2012. There’s no word on when you should expect to receive the unit once ordered nor is there any clarification as to what happens beyond the cut off date. Still, it’s refreshing to see Asus is dedicated to providing a solution to the messy situation.

Click the link below to register for your dongle.

So what’s the verdict owners of the Transformer Prime, are you happy with this solution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

source : Asus

ASUS Set To Further Address GPS Issues With An Upcoming GPS Dongle

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by Roy Alugbue on
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Ah yes the ASUS Transformer Prime. The tablet is easily one of the best available, but sadly was plagued with some minor GPS issues and subpar performance. ASUS did make everything good by releasing a much-needed software update, but ASUS is trying to take yet another step to show that it’s a force to be reckoned with in the Android world. It seems that ASUS has been in direct communication with XDA and has stated it:

“Will be releasing a dongle shortly that will address the GPS function and be a fully usable GPS that will lock onto many satellites and keep their lock with wi-fi active”.

Oh and ASUS has pledged this GPS dongle will be ”provided for free” by mid-April. ASUS Transformer owners are certainly a lucky bunch. It almost wants to make you trade up and get a TF Prime just for the cool dongle, doesn’t it? We’re all on the lookout for that dongle ASUS.

source: XDA
via: pocketnow

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