NDrive announces that the Android edition of its newest navigation software is now available from the Android Market Store. In contrast to the majority of available navigation solutions, NDrive uses complete maps installed on the smart-phone. This is a great cost savings for end users, because they will not need to pay extra for using wireless data services during application use. Users can now install and use NDrive's fully featured navigation software for free for 7 days. Users can choose from a wide variety of maps. NDrive can be described as a very intuitive and quick GPS navigation application.

Nokia has announced plans to release a new version of Ovi Maps for Nokia smartphones that includes high-end walk and drive navigation at no extra cost, available for download at the Nokia maps website. This move has the potential to nearly double the size of the current mobile navigation market. The new version of Nokia Ovi Maps includes high-end car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries, in 46 languages, and traffic information for more than 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for more than 180 countries.

Not only Motorola smartphones of the newest Motorola Android cell phones were shown during the CES, but also Motorola navigation was present. It seems as if Motorola has all the wind in its sails and is launching one product after the other, and receiving a mostly positive response. Internally, it was necessary for Motorola to reorganize, as they have thrown all the old dead weight overboard and with a fresh wind, a little help from Google’s Android, we are now seeing a different Motorola from the years before. Innovative, fast and driven by an open source, 2010 promises to be an interesting year for Motorola. The Motorola Motonav TN700 is such a new navigation product.

Garmin announces its new golf specific GPS handheld, the touchscreen Garmin Approach G3. Smaller, lighter and at a lower cost than similar models, Garmin Approach G3 was announced in conjunction with the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Weighing just 5.25 ounces, Garmin Approach G3 gets up to 15 hours of battery life from two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium are recommended). Preloaded with a database of more than 12,000 course maps (and growing), and powered by two AA batteries, the Garmin Approach G3 golf GPS is ready for a round just minutes after being taken out of the box. There are no subscriptions or annual fees that are common in golf technology.

Garmin announced the Oregon 450t and 450 touch screen GPS devices, the newest of Garmin’s next-generation outdoor handhelds now compatible with the online community at Garmin Connect as well as Garmin’s free Custom Maps utility for transferring paper or digital maps onto your compatible handheld. The Garmin Oregon 450t and Oregon 450 outdoor GPS handhelds are the latest breakthroughs from Garmin, which has spent 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries.

Garmin expands its relationship with BMW Motorrad, the companies have developed the next generation BMW Motorrad Navigator, the Navigator IV, a motorcycle-friendly GPS navigator that is based on Garmin’s zūmo 660. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV takes the best of Garmin’s navigation technology and adds exclusive, BMW specific features such as a customized mount, preloaded BMW dealer database, unique audio and Bluetooth handling capabilities, and more.

TomTom, provider of GPS navigation solutions and digital maps, announces a special edition of the TomTom XXL family of products - the TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition. Drivers can now enjoy Tom Tom’s premium technologies, optimal routing and latest maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe, all on an extra-large five-inch screen. “TomTom’s XXL GPS navigation products have been well received by consumers for their large, clear displays. The TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition appeals to globetrotters who appreciate a wide screen, a sleek design and the assurance that their routes are always the most efficient regardless of their destination,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of Tom Tom.

TomTom and Renault introduce the world's first feature upgrade for embedded navigation. For the first time, users of an embedded navigation system can get new advanced routing features without buying a whole new system. Carminat TomTom users can now benefit from even smarter and more efficient navigation, in addition to safer driving. The updated Carminat TomTom will plan the fastest route by using the driving experiences of millions of TomTom users worldwide (IQ Routes). Motorists will also drive safer and less stressed with the popular advanced lane guidance, which gives clarity when navigating difficult junctions and crossing multiple lanes.

Garmin, leader in satellite navigation, announce the availability of Custom Maps, a free, simple process that helps users transform the maps they currently have - in paper or digital form - into downloadable maps for compatible Garmin GPS outdoor handhelds. “Free Garmin Custom Maps can be used by anyone wanting to bring their favorite locations to life,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Potential users include new students on college campuses, experienced hunters on game areas, and the millions of visitors to zoos, amusement parks and botanical gardens.”

Proving that quality, simplicity and style can mix, TomTom introduces the TomTom Start in Europe. Tom Tom Start is an entry-level car GPS navigation solution that represents the ultimate in easy-to-use, smart route planning. The new TomTom Start car GPS is specifically designed for occasional drivers and drivers who haven’t had a chance to experience the benefits of car navigation. The simplified menu displays a two button user interface, ‘Plan route’ and ‘Browse map’. The TomTom Start is lightweight, has a compact 3.5” screen and has a semi-fixed Easy Port mount, making the whole navigation package fit into a pocket, small bag or glove compartment.