Other slightly less useful apps are Coldwell Banker's real estate search—only useful if you're actually looking for houses and like driving around aimlessly hoping you get lucky, and Funambol's calendar feature, which checks your calendar for appointment locations. Trapster is free, but we're not sure about the other apps (they may not be).

A commenter notes that some apps are limited by the UI. The Trapster app makes you keep searching for speed traps instead of just displaying them constantly on your UI. [Dash]

Jan 02, 2008 09:15

OpenMoko Extends Mobile Phone to Power Next-Generation Dash GPS

New Dash Express(TM) GPS: Personal Navigation Device Leverages OpenMoko's Open Device Platform
TAIPEI, Taiwan —(Business Wire)— Jan. 2, 2008 OpenMoko and parent company FIC today announced a partnership with Dash Navigation, Inc. revealing that the Dash Express, the first Internet-connected GPS device for the consumer market, runs on the Neo mobile hardware and software platform. The partnership with Dash to build the Express device marks OpenMoko's first foray into the GPS market, and represents commercial validation of the company's mobile platform vision. The Dash Express is now available for pre-order directly from Dash Navigation.

On the heels of the successful launch of the Neo 1973, the world's first totally open FOSS mobile platform, the innovative Dash Express breaks ground as the first consumer electronics device based on the OpenMoko GTA0X reference design. Dash Express features applications developed by Dash Navigation and uses the OpenMoko kernel and bootloader. The GPS hardware was jointly designed to Dash's specifications by OpenMoko and FIC Mobility, who will manufacture the device.

"We always saw the Neo 1973 as more than a mobile phone; it's the harbinger of the coming generation of open mobile devices aimed at the Web2.0 social networking market," said Sean Moss-Pultz, CEO of OpenMoko. "We knew if we could free the phone, others would springboard from that and build revolutionary products. Dash seized the opportunity, improved the Neo hardware and OpenMoko Linux platform, and built a revolutionary product that will disrupt the mobile GPS market."

Dash marks a new kind of ODM relationship that enables companies to more easily create consumer products based on open hardware specifications and GPL licensing. OpenMoko officials predict this will enable more derivations of the Neo platform to enter the commercial market.

"Dash's support of open standards allows consumers to get the content they want into their cars," said Rob Currie, president and COO, Dash Navigation. "OpenMoko and FIC are technology leaders that have been great partners for us, and they continue to be important contributors to the development of diverse and accessible consumer mobile applications."

The Dash Express is now available for pre-order at the company's website (http://www.dash.net). The device is priced at $599.99 and includes three free months of Dash Service(1). The Dash Express will begin shipping in mid-to-late February directly from http://www.dash.net followed by broader retail distribution in Q2 2008.

OpenMoko and Dash will be featured at the press-only innovator showcase during CES, Lunch @ Piero's. The next generation of the Neo hardware platform will be announced shortly.

About Dash

Dash Navigation connects people to the information that empowers them in their cars. The company's first product, the Dash Express(TM), is the first personal navigation system with two-way, Internet connectivity. It's the smartest way to get from A to B — and get information about everything in between. Dash is located in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital, Skymoon Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Artis Capital and ZenShin Capital Partners. For more information visit Dash Navigation at http://www.dash.net.

About FIC

Founded in 1980, First International Computer, Inc (FIC) is a world leader in the design and production of computer motherboards, graphics cards, PC systems, notebooks, mobile solutions, and other electronic devices. Publicly listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE 3701), FIC has a workforce of over 5000 employees spread amongst six supplier hubs, ten manufacturing/assembly sites and seven branch offices.

As an OEM/ODM supplier to many of the leading brands in North America, Asia, and Europe, FIC has established itself as a pioneer of innovative products, supplying engineering expertise, advanced R&D, and logistical services throughout the world.

For the latest information on FIC products and services visit http://www.fic.com.tw.

About OpenMoko

OpenMoko is the commercial and community driven effort with a mission to create an open platform that empowers developers and consumers to customize their mobile devices, much like a computer, in any way they see fit. OpenMoko is dedicated to helping innovators bring the freedom and flexibility of Web2.0 to consumer electronics and vertical market devices.

For the latest information on OpenMoko visit http://www.openmoko.com.

(1)Note: Dash Product and Dash Service subscription sold separately. Other fees and taxes, including a one-time activation fee to reactivate a deactivated Dash Product, may apply. The Dash Service and fees are subject to change, at any time as set forth in the Dash Service Agreement available at http://www.dash.net. Dash purchasers will receive one month free Dash Service at initial turn-on and two additional free months Dash Service after registering at http://www.mydash.net.

Back? Ok. Here's what that was all about: Dash Navigation is looking for 2,000 car-loving gadget heads who can put their next-generation GPS systems to the test this summer. Basically, you get a free cellular equipped GPS before anyone else in exchange for feedback. The cool thing is that since Dash Express GPS's upload your traffic conditions to an ever growing model of traffic, you'll be seeding that data as you drive. And when the trial is done, the hardware is yours to keep. [UPDATE: You gotta give it back, but you'll get a discount on a fresh one when the test is over.]

They'll pick the best of the applicants, so if you really want to get your hands on this hot gear, do your best to let them know how interested you are in both gadgets and driving.

Sign up here, www.dash.net, and tell em I sent you.–Brian Lam

Dash Navigator GPS [Gizmodo]

Calling All Drivers - Dash Hits the Streets with Unique Nationwide Road Test Program

Company Recruiting 2,000 Frustrated Commuters in Preparation for Fall Launch

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 9, 2007 - Dash Navigation™, Inc. today announced plans to recruit 2,000 drivers to "road test" the Dash Express™, the first Internet-connected automotive GPS. The company recently completed a successful six-month field trial in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, Dash is turning traditional auto navigation testing upside down by crisscrossing the country to actively engage thousands of consumers in the process. Commuters eager to be the first to test drive the Dash Express are encouraged to apply by visiting HYPERLINK "http://www.dash.net" www.dash.net.

"We're committed to doing whatever it takes to deliver a great consumer experience," said Dash Chief Executive Officer Paul Lego. "The only way to do this well is to hit the road and reach out to the community for real-world input and feedback. This program also allows us to begin building our national Dash Driver Network immediately."

With its unique set of connected features, the Dash Express goes well beyond existing, standalone GPS devices. Here's why:

The Dash Driver Network - Know the best ways around traffic using information generated from other devices in the Dash community.
Yahoo! Local search - Find virtually anything - people, places, products, and services. Simply select your result and drive right to it.
Send to Car - Send addresses from any computer straight to the dashboard, eliminating the need for paper maps and directions.
Dynamic Destination Information - Get the latest gas prices, movie times and community-based ratings for destinations - right from the driver's seat.
Automatic Updates - Automatically receive updated features and software.

"We're excited to expand our testing beyond California," added Robert Acker, Dash senior vice president of marketing. "We don't believe that navigation is a one-size-fits-all experience. A driver in Los Angeles has very different needs than a driver in Atlanta. This national road test will enable us to really understand how people use and value our product in different regions across the country."

Calling All Drivers- Be the First to Test Drive Dash

Dash is looking for about two thousand technology enthusiasts throughout the country to join the exclusive Dash Driver Network as it prepares for a national commercial launch this fall. In particular, Dash is looking for heavy commuters and mobile gadget enthusiasts. Consumers can apply to join the free Dash National Road Test at HYPERLINK "http://www.dash.net" www.dash.net. Drivers will be selected based on responses to a short survey and will be notified via email if they have been chosen. Anyone who visits the site can also sign up to be alerted when Dash begins sales later this year.