Garmin adds free live services to 2017 Garmin Drive models

Garmin International has updated the Garmin Drive product line with portable navigation devices (PNDs) that now offer free live services*, providing the freshest, most updated content with industry-leading driver alerts to increase situational awareness and encourage safer driving. The announcement reaffirms the company’s commitment to refine and modernise PNDs with enhancements to its four models: Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart, Garmin DriveAssist, and Garmin DriveLuxe.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 offers versatile driver alerts, while the Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 adds smart connected features. Customers looking to record their drive can consider the camera-assisted Garmin DriveAssist 51, while the premium Garmin DriveLuxe 51 features a sleek metal casing. 

“Thanks to the enhanced feature set of our 2017 Drive navigators, it’s easy to see how consumers can benefit and rely on them every time they step in their vehicles,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “Free live parking and traffic, plus new travel information lets drivers enjoy the actual ride and save precious time when heading to work, driving on family road trips, or running errands.”

Like their predecessors, the new Garmin Drive navigators boast a number of driver alerts. These include warnings for upcoming sharp curves, railroad or animal crossings, alerts for users driving the wrong way on a one-way street and more. Drivers also receive alerts for red light cameras**, speed cameras and more. Garmin Real Directions simplifies navigation by guiding drivers using recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 adds free real-time services, such as live traffic* for select models when wirelessly paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. After pairing to a smartphone, drivers can also enjoy live parking* information from Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. Parkopedia provides pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking as drivers approach a destination. Other real-time services such as LiveTrack* allow drivers to share their location with friends. Preloaded TripAdvisor data comes with all 2017 Drive models so drivers can see ratings for popular travel points of interest, such as hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 boasts all of the features from the entry-level Garmin Drive models, and adds built-in Wi-Fi for easy map and software updates when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Customers can choose from a 5" model or the new 6.95" edge-to-edge touchscreen that offers a high-resolution, easy-to-read display. Keeping drivers connected is an essential asset of the Garmin DriveSmart series and is done through hands-free Bluetooth calling***, voice-activated navigation, and smartphone pairing to receive text messages and app alerts right on the navigation display*. 

The 2017 Garmin DriveSmart models can be paired with a Connect IQ-compatible Garmin smartwatch such as the new fēnix***** (sold separately) to provide compass guidance from a parked vehicle to a destination and back to the parked vehicle again.

Garmin DriveAssist 51 builds on the Garmin DriveSmart feature set and adds a built-in dash cam**** with audio recording to continually record and save video footage on impact with the included microSD card. The integrated camera enhances advanced driver awareness alerts such as Forward Collision***** and Lane Departure Warnings*****. 

To take some of the guesswork out of navigating to new address locations, Garmin Real Vision shows a live camera view on the display with an arrow pointing out the specific destination. The “Go” Alert notifies distracted drivers when standstill traffic ahead of their vehicle begins to move. Garmin DriveAssist has the added benefit of being a personal companion if users encounter an incident during a drive. This model can send an automatic text**** to a friend and provide them with the vehicle’s location. Additionally, the navigator’s Travelapse feature can turn long hours of driving footage into a short video recap of the adventure. By downloading the free Garmin VIRB app, drivers can create Travelapse videos and share them on social media.

The stylish Garmin DriveLuxe 51 is a premium navigator that includes the full feature set offered in the Garmin DriveSmart series, framed in metal. This navigator is secured with a powered magnetic mount to convenient stowage.

Interested?

The Garmin Drive lineup has models with various map regions, display sizes, and navigation features. Local availability and pricing will be announced on a later date. Suggested retail prices for the US range from US$149.99 to US$329.99. The Garmin Drive product line is expected to be available in February of 2017 in the US.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about new apps at the Garmin Connect IQ Store and about Garmin's three multisport GPS wearables

Hashtag: #CES2017

*To receive live services and smart notifications on your navigator, you must download the free Smartphone Link app. User’s data plan charges, if any, will apply. Contact your mobile service provider for more information about your service plan’s data and roaming rates. Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

**Red light and speed camera warnings may not be available in your region.

***Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

****Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of the dash cam feature. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use Garmin DriveAssist.

*****Certain conditions may impair the warning function. Visit Garmin.com/warnings for details.

RINGS.TV offers broadcasting box to subscribers, free for a limited time

Source: RINGS.TV.

Need to broadcast video anywhere, anytime? The RiBox is the first broadcasting device offered by the makers of the Singapore-based mobile app RINGS.TV to do just that, for its community.

The RiBox weighs 150g and measures 78mm (W) × 113mm (L) × 25mm (D) and has up to 3.3 hours of operation time. It is attached to a recording device with HDMI input and will stream events live on the RINGS.TV platform thereafter at resolutions of up to 720p. Video is encoded in real-time with H.264 compression and AAC audio at up to 10 Mbps. The device does require connectivity, either wired LAN or Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac).

Bryan Loh, Chief Operating Officer of RINGS.TV said, “At 5% of the cost of traditional broadcasting, the RiBox is an invaluable gadget that will enable even the layman user to broadcast live from anywhere in the world and to connect with global communities online.”

Interested?

The RiBox is available for orders now and is offered to RINGS.TV content partners for free for a limited period. To operate the box users will need an account with RINGS.TV.

posted from Bloggeroid

Panasonic Open Golf Championship to attract global audience with live streaming

Panasonic will livestream the Panasonic Open Golf Championship at selected holes and locations during the weekend rounds at the Chiba Country Club (Umesato Course) to enhance the viewing experience of golf fans.

For the first time in 112 years, golf is scheduled to be held in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Panasonic, which has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner for over 25 years, will host the Panasonic Open once again in order to contribute to this new era of golf. In addition to the traditional men’s tour, Panasonic has established a Ladies’ Step Up Tour tournament to support both male and female golfers who are competing for a spot in the Olympic Games.

The Panasonic Open Golf Championship, co-hosted by Panasonic Corporation and the Japan Golf Tour Organization, will be making its debut on the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Schedules from April 21 to 24. It has attracted a stellar lineup which includes current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Marcus Fraser of Australia. Total prize money for the tournament is 150 million Yen (approximately US$1.27 million).

Viewers will get the opportunity to watch the action on holes one, 10 and 18 as well as from the practice range during the third and final rounds at the Chiba Country Club on the Japan Golf Tour Organization official YouTube channel.

Andy Wada, a former Asian Tour player, and Dave Fromm will lead the commentary in English during the broadcast.

The LPGA Step Up Tour Panasonic Open Ladies, co-hosted by the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan and Panasonic Corporation at Chiba Country Club (Noda Course), will be held for total prize money of 20,000,000 yen from April 20 to 22.

Interested?

Catch the action at 7:00am (Japan time) on April 23 and 24 via the Japan Golf Tour Organization official YouTube channel

Key dates:

April 20: Designated practice day
April 21: 1st round
April 22: 2nd round
April 23: 3rd round
April 24: Final round

posted from Bloggeroid

TomTom City portal provides live traffic and travel information

TomTom (TOM2) has announced TomTom City – a new traffic portal that provides live traffic and travel information for consumers and traffic management experts.

The new service showcases the extensive range of traffic information available on a city by city basis and will provide a platform to connect traffic authorities, businesses and citizens to jointly manage sustainable and efficient mobility. TomTom City builds on the TomTom Traffic information available to TomTom navigation devices and licensing partners in automotive, consumer and government. It also extends the historical congestion information provided through reports such as the TomTom Traffic Index.

TomTom City is accessible from any Internet enabled computer, tablet or smartphone and provides freely accessible content showing live traffic status and incidents as well as other driver-based information in cities. This will enable users to check their journey routes first and plan the best route. The data is also accessible to traffic management experts, traffic issues can now be dealt with even more quickly.

Singapore is one of 25 cities in 18 countries selected for this initial launch. More cities in 18 countries will be included, and more products, throughout the year.

Ralf-Peter Schäfer, Head of Traffic at TomTom, said: “TomTom City gives drivers and traffic managers essential insights into the real-time traffic situation and the historical bottlenecks in key cities. This is an important step in our mission to help reduce delays for all drivers. Using data from over 450 million devices* globally we are creating services that will help cities and connected cars work together to optimise the road network.”

Key features:

Real time traffic status updated every minute

Status indicators show the current average speed observed in the city compared to average speed when there is no congestion; a congestion barometer showing relative congestion compared to a free-flowing period; and a snapshot that shows the number of road closures, construction areas and accidents currently in the city. In addition, TomTom City also shows the traffic incidents on a map, and the traffic flow (speed) on a map.

Delay hotspots

TomTom City shows the top congestion bottlenecks recorded in the recent quarterly period.  The information is presented as a summary for ‘All Day’ and separately for morning and afternoon peak periods to reflect the periodic traffic conditions in cities.  Summary information is presented on a map view and each hotspot can be selected individually to see road segment delay details.

Event reporter

This new web-based tool will help road authorities and other professional operators to inform millions of road users in minutes about events that are affecting the road network and its traffic flows via the TomTom Traffic service.  With a few clicks a road authority can report road closures, road works, accidents and other disruptions that are affecting traffic in their local area, now, as well as those planned in the future.

Cities in Asia Pacific and the Middle East currently supported include:

Auckland (NZL), Sydney (AUS), Dubai (ARE), Istanbul (TUR), Riyadh (SAU), Singapore (SGP), and Taipei (TWN).

*Devices include dedicated portable navigation devices, connected smartphone applications, in-dash navigation and fleet management systems.

posted from Bloggeroid

Panasonic to broadcast solar eclipse live from Ternate, Indonesia

Source: Panasonic blog post. Map showing Ternate Island and path of the solar eclipse.

Panasonic will conduct a live broadcast of the 9 March 2016 solar eclipse from Ternate island in Indonesia. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the sun and the planet Earth.

Panasonic will leverage its portable Power Supply Container for the broadcast. The container can generate approximately 3kW of electricity and store it in 24 built-in lead-acid storage batteries. The stored energy will be supplied to a Panasonic LUMIX GH4 camera attached to a telescope to capture the astronomical phenomenon. Solar energy will also power the mobile computers, production and editing equipment, Internet connection and other supporting technology used.

Interested?

This year’s live broadcast will be available on Ustream, YouTube Live and Periscope. The international live broadcast timings are (Indonesia time on March 9, UTC + 7):

Live broadcast begins (tentative) 03:00
Partial eclipse begins 06:36 

Total eclipse begins 07:50
Maximum eclipse 07:53
Total eclipse Ends 07:56
Partial eclipse ends 09:20
Live broadcast ends (tentative) 10:00

Hashtag: #PanasonicSolarEclipse

Bank offers live videoconferencing in Beirut

Bank Audi has opened a flagship Novo branch in the Palladium Building in Beirut Central District. The Novo branch, open 365 days a year from 10am to 10pm, provides interactive access to banking services.

In addition to smart ATMs which allow cash withdrawal, cash and cheque deposits, and credit card settlement, the branch features, for the first time in Lebanon, interactive teller machines (ITMs) which offer customers live video conferencing with personal tellers. Through ITMs, they can perform banking transactions, manage their accounts, deposit and cash cheques, deposit and withdraw cash, pay bills, transfer money to a Bank Audi account, and get live assistance.

A Novo advisory room is also available for customers and enables live video chat, browsing and applying for services, loans and cards, in addition to account opening, as well as instant debit card issuance.

Another facet of the Novo branch is Cards to Go, a vending machine for prepaid cards. The machine includes the Card Artist feature which gives them the possibility of designing their own prepaid card and issue it on the spot.

The new branch also includes a Novo information station that offers live video chats with Bank Audi advisors, as well as the possibility of instantly browsing through services, loans and cards, and accessing home showrooms with loans, cards and services simulations.

*Image from Bank Audi.

ACCA to hold Accounting for the Future virtual conference from 15 to 18 September

Source: ACCA website.

Corporate culture, sustainability and global business service models are the burning issues up for discussion at the sixth annual Accounting for the Future global virtual conference, to be held by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants.

Four days of video and audio webcast content, on a range of subject matter involving the future of the accountancy profession, will be streamed live and on-demand for the conference from 15 to 18 September 2014:

15 September 

Risk and culture: how much does corporate culture influence effective risk management and governance? 

16 September 

Investors and reporting: a new reporting framework. 

17 September 

Tomorrow's world: how are changing economies going to impact on finance professionals? 

18 September

The smart finance function: how can finance teams work smarter to become the drivers of success with a business? 

Key highlights to look out for during the conference include a panel on culture and channelling corporate behaviour on the first day. Based on a report to be released in September 2014 in collaboration with UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), this session looks at recent scandals in the banking sector and at hospitals where the blame has fallen on "poor corporate culture". As a result of this, the Financial Stability Board expects more awareness of risk culture and that boards of financial institutions will be asked to judge their own organisational culture.

On the last day of the conference, a live audio webcast will cover talent transformation in Asia. A cross-discipline panel will look at available, established and emerging and converging technologies, and the ways in which they could potentially impact on the profession over the next five to 10 years. They will consider new technologies, their potential impact, the role that accountants can play and new  opportunities that will be created. 

Faye Chua, ACCA's Head of futures research, said: "The finance profession is ever-changing, especially with the rapid advancement in technology we have seen in recent years. We need to keep up-to-date with the changes and see how beneficial they are to our work and to the profession as a whole. Of course everyone wants to be ahead of their competitors too, so this would be another incentive to keep up with change, as well as to build a stronger and sustainable economy."

Register for the conference here. The agenda is here. ACCA members can receive CPD points that count towards their training and education.