GPs

Researchers have developed the most accurate atomic clock ever built, according to a report published by Phys.org. The new clock advances precision timekeeping, a field that underpins GPS navigation, telecommunications and tests of fundamental physics. Details of the team behind the device and its exact performance figures were not included in the available information.

A solar eruption has raised concerns that a solar storm could reach Earth around October 2. Brazilian outlets report the event may affect satellite communications, GPS signals and power grids, and could produce auroras visible at lower latitudes than usual. Space weather agencies are monitoring the eruption's trajectory to determine how strong the impact on the planet will be.

Garmin has introduced the Enduro 4, a GPS smartwatch aimed at endurance athletes. The headline feature is battery life, with up to 320 hours in activity mode and up to 90 days of regular smartwatch use. Solar charging is also part of the package, and early reactions online are focusing mainly on the battery figures.

Jammertest 2026 is being promoted as a unique environment for testing positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems under jamming conditions. Organised in Norway, the annual event lets industry, government and researchers test GPS and GNSS resilience against real interference. The announcement highlights growing international interest in hardening satellite navigation against jamming and spoofing threats.

Fitbit Edge is rumoured to be Google's next fitness tracker, reportedly featuring built-in GPS, a display and up to seven days of battery life. The device would continue Fitbit's line under Google's ownership, and tech outlets are sharing the leaked specifications. No official confirmation has been given, so details remain speculative until Google announces the product.

Ukrainian company Farsight Vision has developed navigation technology for ground robots that works without GPS, according to United24 Media. The system is designed to let unmanned ground vehicles operate reliably where satellite signals are jammed or unavailable, a common problem on the battlefield. The development adds to Ukraine's growing defence-tech sector, which has produced a range of drones and robotic systems during the war with Russia.

TACAN, the Tactical Air Navigation system, is drawing attention in explanations of how military pilots find their way back to base. The system uses ground beacons to give fighter jets distance and bearing information, serving as a navigation aid when GPS is unavailable or jammed. Interest in the technology comes amid broader discussion of navigation resilience in military aviation.

Ukrainian company Farsight Vision has unveiled a new navigation module that allows unmanned ground vehicles to navigate terrain without a GPS signal. The system is aimed at keeping robotic platforms operational in environments where satellite navigation is jammed or denied, a common condition on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. The announcement highlights the growing role of domestic defense technology in Ukraine's war effort.

NextNav is pushing forward with its plan to build a terrestrial backup network for GPS, as the FCC reviews its proposal for repurposing spectrum near 900 MHz. The effort has drawn support from SpaceX, adding weight to the company's case. If approved, the network would provide a resilient alternative positioning, navigation and timing service in case GPS signals are jammed, spoofed or lost.

Garmin has released a new golf watch that measures heart rate immediately before and after every shot. The feature is aimed at giving golfers insight into how physical stress and exertion affect their performance on the course. Coverage highlights it as a distinctive addition to the sports wearable market, where detailed golf-specific biometric tracking remains relatively rare.

Google's next wearable, the Fitbit Edge, has leaked with several notable features. The device reportedly includes built-in GPS, a battery life of up to seven days, and full compatibility with iPhones, suggesting Google is broadening the tracker's appeal beyond Android users. The leak gives an early look at specs before any official announcement from Google or Fitbit.

The Guardian reports a warning that modern cars' connected smart features, including GPS and telematics systems, could potentially be used to spy on drivers, with particular concern raised about Chinese-built vehicle imports. The alert highlights growing unease across Europe, including the UK and Netherlands, over data collection in connected vehicles.

A Moroccan startup has unveiled a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle capable of operating without GPS signal, according to Breaking Defense. The development points to growing drone engineering capability in Morocco and addresses a key vulnerability, as GPS jamming and spoofing have become common in conflict zones. Details on the startup, the navigation technology used, and the drone's intended customers were not immediately available.

Wyoming Game and Fish is asking hunters to avoid shooting animals wearing research collars. The department's request, reported by the Billings Gazette, is aimed at protecting GPS-collared elk, deer, moose and other wildlife whose collars provide scientists with vital data on migration patterns and population health. Hunters are being reminded that collared animals can still be legally taken in some cases, but sparing them helps ongoing research efforts.

US dependence on GPS for navigation, finance, and critical infrastructure is drawing fresh scrutiny, with experts warning that a single point of failure could disrupt the economy and national security. Policy analysts are urging Washington to build resilient alternative positioning, navigation, and timing systems, as other countries move ahead with their own satellite networks and terrestrial backup options.

Wired has published a review of the Tractive Cat 6 Mini, a smart collar that brings pet-wearable tech long available for dogs to cats. The device offers GPS location, activity and sleep tracking, and adds new heart and respiratory rate monitoring. The review frames it as a 'Fitbit for your cat', noting cats are finally getting the dog treatment in pet wearables.

Garmin watch deals are being highlighted for October Prime Day 2026, with the tech press rounding up the best discounts on the brand's fitness and smartwatches. Shoppers looking for GPS and sports watches during the Amazon sales event are being pointed toward price cuts across Garmin's range. The coverage signals the growing importance of the October Prime Day event for wearable shopping.

A commentary piece argues for a return to single-purpose devices, at a time when smartphones have absorbed the roles of cameras, music players, GPS units, alarm clocks and more. The author reflects on the simplicity and reliability of dedicated gadgets, a sentiment that resonates with growing interest in digital minimalism and dumbphones.

Lifehacker examines whether a treadmill's distance readout or a GPS running watch gives a more accurate measure of how far you've run. The piece compares how treadmills calculate distance from belt revolutions against how watches use satellite tracking, a common question among runners trying to log their training properly.

New positioning technologies are being developed to complement or replace GPS, according to an Economist science and technology report. The discussion centres on emerging navigation systems that could offer alternatives to satellite-based GPS, which underpins everything from smartphones to aviation and military operations.

A group has been awarded close to $200,000 in funding to run a virtual fencing pilot project, according to local reporting. Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars and software rather than physical barriers to manage where livestock graze. The technology is drawing growing interest among ranchers and land managers as a way to control grazing patterns, protect sensitive land and cut the cost of traditional fence infrastructure.

Wired has published a review of the Tractive Cat 6 Mini, a small GPS and activity tracker for cats, describing it as something like a Fitbit for felines. The device tracks a cat's location and daily activity, letting owners monitor their pet's movements and health. Reviews of pet wearables tend to draw attention from cat owners weighing whether tracking gear is worth the price and whether cats will tolerate wearing one.

German startup Armadin has raised $10 million in seed funding to develop autonomous security drones capable of operating in GPS-denied environments. The drones use computer vision and AI-based navigation instead of satellite positioning, allowing them to patrol areas where signals are jammed or unavailable. The funding comes amid growing European investment in defense and security technology, and the startup's focus on resilient navigation has drawn attention from defense and tech communities.

Morocco has unveiled a drone reportedly capable of flying announced distances of tens of kilometres without relying on GPS, according to a French-language report circulating online. The development is being framed as a step forward for the country's aerospace and defence ambitions, with observers highlighting its navigation innovation and potential military applications.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS smartwatch is being offered at its lowest recorded price, with a discount of nearly 40%. The deal is being pitched as a budget-friendly alternative to the Apple Watch, and shoppers searching for wearable deals are taking note of the price drop.

Unmanned Systems Technology published its roundup of the most-read articles in September, centred on drone battery technology, military autonomy and resilient navigation systems. The selection reflects sustained industry interest in power endurance for unmanned aircraft and in navigation methods that can resist jamming and spoofing on the battlefield.

The Carmel Central School District Board of Education in New York's Hudson Valley is studying the possible adoption of GPS technology on its school buses. The system would allow the district and parents to track bus locations in real time. No decision has been announced yet, and details such as cost and implementation timelines remain unclear.