SatMap, the makes of the SatMap Active 10 (and SatMap Active 10 Plus), have this week released a new version of their PC software, and a new firmware for the Active 10 devices to go with it.   For us, the key new feature is the support of geocaching.com GPX files, giving you a full range of information about the geocaches; offering hints, cache descriptions, terrain, difficulty, and logs.  The changes to the PC software include:

• New graphical display: the new layout of the user interface makes operation clearer and easier.
• GEOCACHING.COM compatible: users can install either .LOC files or .GPX files. The .LOC files contain the latitude and longitude of the cache, and the .GPX files contain the full information offering hints, cache descriptions, terrain, difficulty, logs, etc. This compatibility allows users to fully enjoy the growing international sport of Geocaching.
• Google Earth compatible: so users can download .KML and .KMZ files for both routes and POIs from Google Earth onto the Active 10. The .GPX files from the Active 10 can still be uploaded and viewed on Google Earth.
• Microsoft Virtual Earth compatible: so users can download .KML and .GPX files for both routes and POIs from Microsoft Virtual Earth onto the Active 10. The .GPX files from the Active 10 can still be uploaded and viewed on Microsoft Virtual Earth.
• Enhanced Windows XP compatible: this allows users to run SatSYNC in guest accounts on their computers.
• Direct links to Satmap Online Route Planner and Route Share Network: this allows users to access the online web applications rapidly, making it faster and easier to move routes around.
• SD Card transfer of routes: users can now insert the SD Card straight into their PCs and do the import and export of files (using the Convert buttons) without needing the Active 10. This should make it easier for users to share routes or access routes as it means they don’t have to restart the unit to view any new routes when the card is inserted into the Active 10. It also makes the transfer of route files faster.

As for the firmware, which is needed to support these new features, it also includes:

Updates

• Zoom Floor lowered from 1:1,000 to 1:500 for improved viewing of aerial photography products when released.
• Support for Spanish and Catalan languages.
• More flash memory freed up for map handling, allowing bigger maps to be loaded in future.
• Updated support for German, Italian and French languages.
• Routes now saved by default to SD card (if present), allowing for optimal use of memory resources.
• Faster screen responses as soon as the Active10 acquires satellite lock, allowing for faster cold start times under certain conditions.
• Minor improvements for use with the SatSYNC application.
• Better handling of routes which have been “reversed”.

To us, the addition of the geocaching support really brings this device forward as a single, all-encompassing device which provides the benefit of OS maps as well as acting as an all-round device suitable for anyone who spends time in the countryside.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm and is filed under Gadgets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.