GPS Giants have hearts - who knew?

In the mobile technology news this week, stories have ranged from GPS systems trying to navigate people off cliffs, to donated units helping children with cancer. I thought I’d give you a run down of the best and worst that the world of GPS has to offer this week…

The headline across the internet has been Smartnav’s navigation system, which has apparently been directing users in Crackpot, England (not a joke, actual place!) over a 100ft cliff as the fastest way through the village. No one has lacked the wit to actually drive over the cliff as yet, but local officials are seeking permission to install warning signs along the route. While a spokesman for Trafficmaster, the makers of Smartnav, told the BBC: “We believe our system would not have been responsible for taking motorists on unsuitable roads in the first place,” the company have removed the routing from their software - bit of a contradiction me thinks.

Now for the good side of sat nav….I’ve already told you about how HP is helping hurricane victims, but they’ve also just been awarded a Design for Recycling prize from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). ISRI created the award to recognize a company or individual “that is voluntarily working in the earliest stages of product design toward end-of-life recyclability.”

“We chose HP because of its documented efforts to reduce the use of hazardous substances, to simplify component design, and to build computers and printing products for easy disassembly and recycling,” ISRI President Robin Wiener said.

Magellan have also been pulling their community weight, by donating $32,000 worth of cash and equipment to Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA) Care Camps. These camps are set up for children with cancer and their families, letting them camp and take part in outdoor activities in a medically staffed environment. Magellan’s owners, Thales, have donated $12,000 worth of eXplorist handheld GPS receivers, Mapsend software, and RoadMate portable Navigation systems.

“With the cost of each child attending Care Campe exceeding $2,500,” commented Care Camp’s CEO, “the gift from Magellan provides much needed assistance in jump starting our annual fund-raising campaign.” As well as giving the children the chance to use the GPS technology, units were donated as incentives for volunteers to register as Care Camp helpers.

So GPS giants do have hearts - who knew?

But publicity stunt or genuinely wanting to help? Any thoughts?

For more information on the Magellan products donated - click here.