Samsung has launched its new Bluetooth Navigator (STT-D370), a nifty GPS device that can be connected to mobile phones via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth Navigator is capable of adopting the latest technologies, such as Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) and terrestrial DMB.

According to a press release, the Samsung STT-D370 is in fact the first GPS navigator to connect a mobile phone via Bluetooth. The navigator is equipped with microphone and speakerphone, so that users can make or receive phone calls and SMS text messages, without using a mobile phone.

The Bluetooth Navigator comes with a built-in Real 3D map that helps driver see the road ahead in crystal-clear 3D graphics. The gadget also comes with dynamic navigation feature that makes use of TPEG (a transportation information service based on terrestrial DMB data broadcasting) information updated every five minutes via a terrestrial DMB data channel to select the optimal route by incorporating road situations in real time.

The Samsung STT-D370 comprises of a variety of multimedia functionalities, such as high-resolution Personal Media Players (PMP), MP3 and photo albums, in addition to a translator, an electronic dictionary, a file viewer.

“Samsung is leading the convergence technology to make people’s lives more convenient. We will continue to deliver a wider range of convergence terminals that incorporate next-generation telecommunication technologies,” said Ki-tae Lee, president of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business, in the press release.

The Bluetooth Navigator comes with a long-lasting battery allowing users to enjoy its features both in vehicles and while walking.

Source: Niladri Sekhar Nath - TMCNet Contributing Editor

The tablet PC is offically back, with Samsung and Asus leading the charge with the first real world gadgets.

Dubbed Ultra Mobile PC (formerly ‘Origami’), the new handheld computers will be far more luggable than today’s tablets and theoretically easier to use - screen sizes are limited to 7in and Microsoft’s bundling a bunch of touchscreen software called the Touch Pack.

The first two machines to be unveiled are Asus’ R2H and Samsung’s Q1. We’ve already memorably christened Asus’ ‘the silver one’ but it’s probably more accurately known as the ‘one with GPS, a web cam and a fingerprint scanner built-in’. What we know about Samsung’s job is that it’s ‘the black one’, weighs a fairly light 779g, measures 24.5mm thick, has a 40GB hard drive and can add GPS as an optional extra.

Beyond those facts, we’re reliant on Microsoft’s Ultra Mobile PC site which reveals that the computers will run Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 and have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard.

Microsoft’s bloggers have also given some insight into Programme Launcher – a Media Centre-esque skin with touchscreen-friendly shortcuts for your most-used apps, files and the like – and Brilliant Black, a touchscreen skin for Windows Media Player so you don’t have to bugger about with a stylus. We’ve got snapshots below of both.

For the time being, today’s new tablets throw up more questions than answers. And, boy, are we brimming with questions: will UMPCs have instant-on modes? Will they get Vista? Will they be able to take 3G data cards? What battery life can we expect? What’s the meaning of life? And, of course, when can we have one to keep? We’ll be badgering Microsoft, Sammie and Asus, so watch this space.

Programme Launcher

Brilliant Black

Source: By Adam Vaughan - Stuff Magazine