gps posts (Subscribe to this feed)

Fuel: post-apocalyptic 'GPS' navigation included

by James Ransom-Wiley { Apr 24th 2009 at 2:15AM }

After the coming apocalypse, when the world devolves into an open-world racecourse, we'd be seemingly lost without the Garmins and TomToms of the bygone era. Fear not, though, for it seems a result of the globe-altering warming featured in Codemaster's Fuel is the appearance of giant, airborne ... pointers -- conveniently "pointing" out the path to the finish line. (All that's left, you see, is the finish line.) We suppose then, these guiding arrows are a fair trade for the vicious tornadoes and blinding sandstorms that also -- naturally -- plague this fascinating vision of the future.

Find your way home with the Ranger GPS for DS Lite

by Richard Mitchell { Apr 15th 2009 at 6:15PM }

Don't throw away those DS Lites just yet! GBalpha has announced the Ranger GPS system. which, if it does everything it's supposed to, sounds pretty sweet. The unit plugs into the GBA slot of your DS Lite (and presumably your old DS Phat), features a u-blox GPS module, support for Google Earth and Google Maps and even packs a rechargeable battery.

Sadly, the price remains a mystery, which doesn't really matter as the unit doesn't appear to be available anywhere just yet. Let's just hope it releases before E3; LA traffic is a nightmare.

[Via Engadget]

Rumor: North American GPS still en route for this year

by Majed Athab { Jan 13th 2009 at 9:00AM }

[Update: We're now classifying this story as a rumor, as there is no verifiable press release sent during CES 2009.]

Sony hasn't forgotten about North American GPS for the PSP; though, we suppose you have. We've heard since mid-2008 that the much-sought after service could be coming to North America in 2009, but since then, talk about peripheral had died down. However, according to PSP World, Sony reiterated interest in bringing the guidance system over at the Consumer Electronics Show this past weekend, suggesting that it could very well be on its way to release this year. The peripheral has already been implemented in Europe for several months now and in Japan since 2006.

Spotted @ Comic-Con: the PSP GPS peripheral

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 24th 2008 at 12:00PM }

It's really real. Trust us.After making a debut at CES earlier this year, the GPS accessory disappeared off the face of the earth, with only vague promises that the device will be coming within the next nine months. We don't know what the hold up is, but IGN spotted a working unit at San Diego Comic-Con. Of note, they saw that the device can give different directions based on whether you're in a car, bike or simply on foot. Can Sony please just release this thing already?

GPS games could be heading your way next year

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 22nd 2008 at 2:00AM }

It only took, y'know years, but American PSP owners will be able to enjoy GPS navigation some time next year. Not only will the platform support navigation and maps, as expected, but John Koller wants to offer something a bit more. SCEA is investigating game development which can take advantage of GPS technology. Koller told MTV Multiplayer the upcoming peripheral "changes the dynamics of GPS but also changes the way developers think about games on PSP because you can start integrating GPS into it." According to Koller, Sony will introduce the GPS solution to third party publishers and is currently brainstorming ideas within its first-party studios. "There's been a number of things that our first-party worldwide studios have looked at, and they've been trying to look at different options," he said.

Sony: iPhone not a threat, GPS coming within 9 months

by Alan Tsang { Jul 18th 2008 at 2:45PM }

PSP brand manager John Koller has spoken out about the prospects of the PSP for the rest of 2008: he is confident that like the first half of 2008, key titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy and God of War: Chains of Olympus, along with multimedia functionality, will set the system apart from its competitors. Koller also believes the key to maintaining strong sales is to add "new features, new functionality." He also confirms the Go!Explore GPS will go on sale in the States in the next nine months and hopes to convey to consumers the PSP is part of a "broader cultural trend for content on the go."

Addressing the new iPhone App Store, which has many games available for download on it, Koller feels that the iPhone "is more of a threat to DS than anything else" because of its nature as a secondary gaming device, hence attracting more casual gamers. We agree -- with an onslaught of specialized exclusives coming up like Resistance: Retribution, Papapon 2 and Dissidia: Final Fantasy, it certainly seems the PSP is poised to have a bright future.

Video: PSP app uses GPS to remix tunes as you walk

by Randy Nelson { Jul 4th 2008 at 6:00PM }

It's not often (in fact it's never) that you see a game tagline line this: "Make music with a disc of 510 067 420 km² = the Earth." But that's what Oterp, a hombrew PSP app by Antonin Fourneau does.

Oterp uses the PSP GPS add-on to track your relative position on the planet and alters music in real time based on your movements. Its developer has also hard-coded numerous "collection" spots around the globe into the software. Travelling to these locations will unlock new music and effects, similar to unlocking characters via GPS in the Japanese release of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. Sounds pretty cool, huh? More videos of it in action can be found at the Oterp site.

[Via MAKE]

More details on the US release of the PSP GPS and keyboard

by Andrew Yoon { May 22nd 2008 at 10:30AM }

It's taking long enough. GPS for PSP is available in many territories around the world, but the US has been trailing behind. Still scheduled for within the next twelve months, the American version of the GPS peripheral will have a few enhancements over its earlier incarnations. The navigation software, created by Tele Atlas, will run entirely in 3D. The software will be available on UMD, and as a downloadable to store directly on Memory Stick. It will be priced between $100 and $200, and will include a carmount. According to Gizmodo, the GPS experience may be enhanced in the US: "Sony is thinking about treasure hunts, friend locaters and other geo-coolness."

In addition, more details about the mysterious PSP keyboard have been unearthed: the keyboard will plug into the AV/headphone port at the bottom, and will flip over to cover the PSP screen when not in use. Other than that new tidbit, the keyboard remains an elusive mystery. Hopefully, we'll learn more during E3.

Go!Explore GPS system on French amazon.com: July release

by Andrew Yoon { May 13th 2008 at 10:00AM }

The Go!Explore pack looks to be a rather fun and useful addition to the PSP's lineup of features. The GPS system is hitting France (and perhaps other parts of Europe) on July 2nd, if amazon.com's French site is to be believed. There are packages bundling both a GPS and PSP system: giving brand new consumers the chance to jump on the PSP bandwagon. We hope SCEA will announce a similar program in the not-too-distant future.

[Via MAXCONSOLE]

Video: PlayStation Day demonstration of PlayTV, Go!Explore

by Andrew Yoon { May 9th 2008 at 8:00PM }

Europe gets all the fun stuff! Watch David Reeve's PlayStation Day presentation about the PSP, which talks about two key PSP products available across the Atlantic: PlayTV and Go!Explore. PlayTV gives PSP owners access to DVR content, through connectivity with PS3. Go!Explore is an affordable GPS utility, which adds yet another fancy tool to PSP's ever-expanding features list. C'mon, SCEA! Give us GPS ... now!

Rumor: New accessories coming in April

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 11th 2008 at 10:05AM }

A supposedly leaked PowerPoint presentation revealed some potentially new accessories from Sony. If this information turns out to be true, PSP owners can anticipate a new traveler case and Media Manager software this coming April/May. Both will retail for $20. More exciting, however, is the potential for a Skype Headset Kit. Currently, PSP owners must purchase two separate accessories in order for Skype to work. Providing one easy to purchase solution is far more ideal.

The same PowerPoint presentation also mentions that SCEA is planning to release the GPS peripheral in America for under $150. Unfortunately, when asked for comment, a SCEA rep informed us that "any information is speculation and rumor."

Spotted@GDC: the PSP GPS receiver

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 25th 2008 at 11:45AM }

We know GPS is coming to PSP some time this year (in fact, we predicted it). So, when we see the peripheral being touted at GDC at Sony's booth on the show floor, our interest gets piqued. Considering the booth was underground, the device apparently had trouble figuring out a precise location. Oh well.

Let's hope for more news on an official release soon.

[Via Engadget]

Go!Explore GPS priced for European territories

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 8th 2008 at 2:00PM }

Go!Explore is the European branding of PSP's GPS system. And, now it has a price. There will be three ways to purchase the system, depending on what accessories you'd like with it:

GPS receiver and UMD (including maps of the relevant country): RRP €119
GPS receiver, UMD (including maps), Car Adaptor and Car Mount: RRP €149
PSP, GPS receiver, UMD (including maps), Car Adaptor and Car Mount: RRP €299

The following territories will be initially available: UK/Ireland, France, Germany / Austria / Switzerland, Spain / Portugal, Italy. When you travel on foot, you'll be able to see cities in full 3D. You can select a destination, and watch landmarks and other POIs appear on the screen. You can also download new maps and upgrades from the PS Store.

The system's release has been set for Spring of this year.

GPS for Sony PSP coming to US

by Ross Miller { Jan 6th 2008 at 11:55PM }

The GPS receiver for the Sony PSP is about to find its way out of Japan and into US gamers' hands. According to Sony's CES 2008 page, "Your PSP will provide 2D/3D locations, driving directions, POI's, and even downloadable city guides."

No official release date or price - the peripheral in Japan retailed for approximately US $51. Of course, if you're impatient, you can always hack the PSP now.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

CES: GPS peripheral coming soon to the US

by Andrew Yoon { Jan 6th 2008 at 10:25PM }

The Consumer Electronics Show has been big for the PSP. Sony officially revealed plans for Skype on the PSP. Now, they've shown off GPS navigation for use with the PSP. The peripheral has been readily available in Japan for quite some time now, but this is the first official sign that the US will also receive the device.

The Sony CES website reveals that the peripheral will work with navigation software, provided on UMD. "Your PSP will provide 2D/3D locations, driving directions, POI's, and even downloadable city guides. With an easy search feature feature and customizable settings, GPS on PSP is the easiest way to navigate new areas and new cities."

An official release date and price have yet to be revealed, but we're glad to see it's finally coming. Hey, didn't we predict GPS coming out this year?

[Thanks, kspraydad!]