Recently Fedex introduced to its customers a new package tracking solution called ‘FedEx SenseAware’. This highly sensitive tracking and  information service combines a GPS sensor and a web-based collaboration platform will be available the next year. FedEx SenseAware hardware is a little device that travels inside a shipment allowing both the supplier and the customer to monitor the whole transportation process.

Smart unit that control everything

The device has a light sensor, a temperature sensor  and an A-GPS receiver. In addition to giving an exact location of the packaging SenseAware will also warn platform users,  if it is outside the required temperature range, or if it has been opened.

FedEx SenseAware

The FedEx SenseAware traveling with a FedEx shipment will provide users with the following information:

- precise temperature data

- exact location of the shipment

- real-time alerts in case the shipment is opened or if its  contents have been exposed to light

- analytics between trusted parties regarding the vital signs of a shipment

FedEx announced that its SenseAware tracking solution will initially target life sciences and the health care industries, since SenseAware was created through intensive research with suppliers and customers within these branches.

With the coming of Microsoft Streets & Trips 2010 turning your notebook into a large-screen global positioning system can now be done for less than $100. This GPS software package will cost you $70 including a USB receiver, and thanks to user-friendly interface and a lot of advanced options will make your trip planning easy, so you can relax and drive with confidence.

The only, but very important thing to consider before taking a trip with your laptop GPS system is power capacity. Since a notebook battery only provides a few hours of power,  you might want to get a car charger that plugs into the power port of your vehicle to keep the device running for the whole duration of the drive.

Streets & Trips 2010 alternatives

There are more companies that make map software for laptops and sell the program separately, which is good, if you already have a GPS unit.  Or you can find software packages bundled together with a GPS receiver. For example, Garmin has a Microsoft application, Garmin Mobile PC, that can be purchased for $100 with a USB receiver or for $150 with a Bluetooth receiver.

MS Autoroute 2010 – European version of Streets & Trips 2010

Magellan announced the release of the ‘Magellan RoadMate 2010′ turn-by-turn navigation iPhone application.  In addition to usual option ‘Magellan RoadMate’ has a very useful “find my car” option which automatically stores the parking position of your car to smoothly locate the way back. The application will be distributed as a one-time purchase with no subscription or monthly fees.

Premium Car Kit for iPhone/iPod

Simultaneously with the launch of the Magellan RoadMate, the company also introduces their GPS car kit, a new ground-breaking vehicle mounting kit named the ‘Premium Car Kit’ for iPhone. Magellan’s Premium Car Kit provides charging facilities and offers a smart car mounting and charging solution for  iPhone owners. The kit consists of a GPS receiver, an amplified speaker, and a built-in Bluetooth to facilitate hands-free calls. It will support both the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, as well as the iPod Touch, and also doubles as a device charger.