JOBO photoGPS gets upgraded: more memory, more POIs

It's been a while since we've seen a new GPS geotagger from JOBO, and then along come two at once.  The new JOBO photoGPS 2 and photoGPS 4 each slot into your digital camera's hot-shoe and grab GPS coordinates every time you take a shot.  That way you can browse your photos by the location at which they were taken, using apps like iPhoto.

Compared to the previous photoGPS model, there's twice the memory on the photoGPS 2 and four-times the amount on the photoGPS 4.  That means enough space for up to 4,000 saved locations; when you then plug the unit into your computer the bundled software automatically converts raw latitude/longitude into country, city, street and nearest point of interest.  A software update will see the original model get the same access to the boosted database of POIs, streets and other information.

Accuracy is down to 12m, and JOBO reckon users will see two months of battery life from a single charge (assuming 100 shots per day).  The photoGPS 2 and photoGPS 4 will go on sale by the end of April 2010, priced at $99 and $129 respectively.

[via Photography Blog]

Press Release

JOBO introduces two new photoGPS models featuring "facelift" and software improvements

New Geo-tagging models photoGPS 2 and photoGPS 4 for up to 4,000 locations – Plus Improvements in Reverse Geo-coding for all JOBO photoGPS models

Gummersbach, Germany (April 12, 2010) – JOBO AG announces the addition of two new versions of the award-winning GPS receiver photoGPS. Both Geotagging models photoGPS 2 and photoGPS 4 feature a new "facelift" as well as bigger, internal memories in comparison to the previous version. The photoGPS 2 stores up to 2,000 locations on its internal memory, photoGPS 4 even up to 4,000.

The JOBO photoGPS is a small GPS receiver attached to the hot-shoe of a digital camera that captures instantaneously and automatically geodata for photos on the spot. Due to the included software the geodata will be translated automatically in real address data when connected to a PC or notebook and all images will be tagged with these information. In addition to longitude and latitude the real address of where the image was taken such as country, city, street and nearest point of interest are written into the image file. According to these criteria tagged photos can be found, sorted and organized.

JOBO offers improvements to the Reverse Geocoding Service for all photoGPS models in two categories. On the one hand the software features improved results specifically for Japan due to incorporation of additional data sources. The algorithms have been modified in order to generate results which better fit the expectations of Japanese users. On the other hand the photoGPS software features an improved coverage thanks to an extensive database by using the latest updates from Open Street Map. The coverage has been optimized by increasing the number of streets up 23%, of municipalities up 42% as well as increasing the number of nearest points of interest up 27%. Users do not need to do anything to take advantage of these improvements. The photoGPS software will automatically make use of the improved Reverse Geocoding Service.

These new photoGPS models will be available prospectively end of April for MSRP € 99.00 (photoGPS 2) and € 129.00 (photoGPS 4).

JOBO photoGPS 2 / photoGPS 4 Specifications

Capture time: about 0.4 sec

Storage capacity: up to 2,000 locations (photoGPS 2) / 4,000 locations (photoGPS 4)

Accuracy: approx. 12 m

Reverse geocoding providing the real address (country, city, street, POI)

Interface to camera: standard hot-shoe (ISO 518:2006)

File support: JPEG, RAW with XMP sidecar file

Power source: internal rechargeable Li-Poly battery

Typical battery life: 2 months (100 captures per day)

Status information: via 2 LEDs

PC connectivity: USB 2.0

Battery charging: via USB 2.0

Requirements for usage: computer with internet connection

Operating systems: Windows XP, 7, Mac (Intel)

Dimensions: 68 x 20 x 43 mm (without adapter)

Weight: 80 g

Package content: photoGPS main unit, USB cable, manual, CD-ROM including photoGPS matching software and various Software suggestions