navigation

Cost-conscious wireless consumers have figured out that you don't need to pay a hefty monthly data fee to a wireless carrier to still enjoy many of the apps and functionality found on smartphones.

Of course, there are limitations to going without a carrier data plan. For example, you can only access the Internet when you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot, which means you won't get coverage everywhere. And you will likely have to pay full price for an unlocked device. (You could always buy a cheaper one used or use someone friend's or family member's old … Read more

Microsoft has a vision for the future. People interact with large digital screens via voice and touch, presumably running future versions of Windows and Skype. For example, recipes are suggested based on what's in the refrigerator, and a video hosted by a professional chef walks a novice cook through the steps of making a dish. In another example, grandma can read bedtime stories to the grandkids remotely via a large screen.

The scenarios are part of a video showcasing Microsoft's new Envisioning Center, which opened this month on the company's Redmond, Wash., campus. The Envisioning Center is … Read more

Google is testing a new version of its home page that eliminates the controversial navigation bar that has sat atop its services for two years, the company said.

The version now being tested requires users to click a grid icon borrowed from Chrome OS for links to Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and other products. The design, which was first spotted by blog Google Operating System, appears to be in an early stage of testing -- screenshots show the grid icon includes a redundant link to Google search, even when accessed from the search page.

"We're always experimenting with … Read more

AVG LinkScanner Free Edition 2013 is a standalone version of a component of the full AVG 2013 suite, both free and premium editions. It provides a layer of additional protection against a variety of online threats, such as hacked Web sites that can redirect your browser to sites you don't care to visit and that can threaten your privacy and even the security of your computer system. It's designed to work in the background, scanning each Web page before it loads to head off exploit sites and similar threats without slowing your browsing noticeably. It's also included … Read more

Driverless cars could get a big boost from a new system that researchers say will increase the accuracy of in-car satellite navigation systems by 90 percent.

Researchers say the system combines conventional GPS signals with data from sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine a vehicle's position within six feet of its location, a dramatic reduction from the current margin of error of 50 feet. The system can be installed inexpensively in any vehicle, say researchers at Spain's Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, where the system was developed.

"We have managed to improve the determination of … Read more

Irritated by your car's built-in GPS? You're not alone.

More car owners are less happy with their factory-installed navigation systems than in the past, says a report out today from J.P. Power and Associates.

A survey of drivers conducted late last year found satisfaction with their navigation systems down 13 points from the prior year. The level of satisfaction was down in all of the six factors measured, but ease of use was the biggest complaint, dropping in score by 25 points.

The other five factors included in the study were routing, navigation display screen, the speed … Read more

Apple has no plans to acquire Waze, a maker of social-navigation apps, despite earlier reports suggesting a deal was in the works, CNET has learned.

A source familiar with Apple's thinking has told CNET that reports that Waze would be acquired by the iPhone maker are completely "fabricated." The person told CNET that Apple has no plans to acquire Waze, and discussions are currently not being held between the companies.

Yesterday, TechCrunch cited its own sources, who claimed to have knowledge of negotiations between the companies. Those sources told TechCrunch that Waze was hoping to net $750 … Read more

Update 10:51 a.m. PT: A source has confirmed to CNET that Apple has no plans to acquire Waze. Click here to read the full story.

Apple and social-navigation app maker Waze might soon come to terms on a lucrative deal for the startup.

The iPhone maker is in talks to acquire Waze, TechCrunch is reporting today, citing sources who claim to have knowledge of the negotiations. Those sources say that Waze is looking to net $750 million in the deal, but Apple is so far only willing to offer $400 million in cash and an additional $100 million … Read more