Let the sun recharge your batteries

Tomtom’s latest GPS program allows you to let all your friends know where you are

Griffin Technology’s new Smarttalk Solar Bluetooth Speakerphone

This is further evidence that the Munshi tribe of West Africa has it right in considering the sun to be a supreme being. How else to explain the benevolence inherent in solar rays charging car gadgets, requiring no need to change batteries, and as we exploit this natural resource, we are nevertheless regarded as Earth friendly? Compatible with all Bluetooth- enabled phones, the Smarttalk Solar’s motionsensing Auto Connect feature automatically links any paired smartphone that is in proximity to the vehicle. The device features a single large button that’s utilized to answer or place calls and activate voice command features that are available on a tethered phone. Installation is as simple as using the accompanying suction cups to attach the device to the windshield with the solar panel facing out. Many absent- minded drivers forget to change or recharge batteries on their Bluetooth unit, leaving them terminally without a hands- free option. This would never be the case with the Smarttalk Solar, provided that the sun keeps giving all it’s got. $ 70; visit griffin. com

GPS for the social butterfly

One of the leading traditional GPS manufacturers, Tomtom has managed to make some noise in the tablet and smartphone space by releasing a navigation app that recently enjoyed a worthwhile refresh. Tomtom Navigation for iphone and ipad features social media capability so drivers can share their destination and arrival times via email, SMS, Twitter and Facebook, even including the ability to share locations from an automated calendar. In fact, we nearly posted the location of an upcoming chiropractor appointment on Facebook. Though this would only attract needless “likes” and banal comments, we’re glad we quickly figured out how not to do this. The app already features North American map data, free map updates, turn- byturn guidance served by an array of selectable interesting voices and integration with the tablet or smartphone’s music, photos, contacts and aforementioned calendar. Tomtom Navigation is great for people who wish to constantly tell everybody where they are and where they are going, and fortunately, it has a great set of features for everybody else, too. $ 45; visit IOS App Store.