Setting up the GPS 168 today is an exercise in retro-computing.
If you need to drive across the country in 2025, do not buy the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168. Your phone is infinitely better.
But if you are a retro-tech enthusiast who loves the clatter of a stylus on plastic, the green glow of a SiRFstar lock indicator, and the chunky UI of Windows CE—keep an eye out for the Model 1372. It is a time capsule of a moment when Microsoft genuinely believed your dashboard needed a "Start" button.
Do you still have a Microsoft GPS 168 sitting in a drawer? Plug it in. It might still boot up.
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software (discontinued in 2014). While it is considered an "old" piece of hardware, it is still sought after for specific niche uses like GPS tracking on laptops or Pwnagotchi projects. Performance Review
Satellite Acquisition: Users report it is generally reliable and fast to lock onto satellites when used outdoors. However, some long-term users have noted that older units can take 10–20 minutes to find a signal or fail entirely as they age.
Durability: The hardware typically lasts about five years under regular use before signal degradation occurs.
Design: It is a small, portable USB dongle, often manufactured by Navation for Microsoft. Compatibility Issues
Operating Systems: It was designed for Windows XP, Vista, and 7. Users often face driver compatibility issues on Windows 8.1, 10, and 11.
Drivers: Finding functional 64-bit drivers for modern systems can be difficult. It typically uses a u-blox 5 chip, which has been discontinued, making official support non-existent.
Software: While it worked natively with Streets & Trips, modern mapping apps like Google Maps (desktop) or Windows Maps may not recognize its NMEA data without third-party "GPS gate" software to bridge the connection. Pros and Cons Pros:
Affordable "vintage" tech usually available on eBay for $15–$30. Plug-and-play functionality on older Windows machines.
Works well for stationary or vehicle-based laptop navigation. Cons:
Significant driver hurdles on modern 64-bit Windows and Linux.
Requires a clear view of the sky (often needs to be near a window).
Software it was built for is no longer supported or sold by Microsoft.
Are you trying to install this on a modern Windows 10/11 laptop, or are you using it for a specialized project like a Raspberry Pi? Genuine Microsoft 1372 Navation GPS 168 USB Receiver
Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) compact USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips
. Despite its age, it remains a reliable tool for users needing external satellite data for laptops and tablets, provided they have the correct drivers. Key Specifications & Features Form Factor : A small, portable "G-mouse" style dongle with a USB interface for power and data. : Often identified as using or similar hardware, communicating via standard protocols. : Typically operates at
, which is the industry standard for NMEA devices from that era. : Features a magnetic base
, making it easy to secure on a vehicle's dashboard or roof for better satellite reception. Compatibility and Setup
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372: A Pioneer in Automotive Navigation microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is a pioneering device in the realm of automotive navigation. Released in the early 2000s, this GPS device marked a significant milestone in the development of navigation systems for vehicles. In this article, we will explore the features, functionality, and impact of the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 on the automotive industry.
Background and Development
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the automotive industry witnessed a rapid growth in the adoption of navigation systems. These systems were initially rudimentary, relying on paper maps and cumbersome interfaces. Microsoft, a technology giant, recognized the potential of this market and decided to venture into the development of navigation systems. The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 was one of the company's early forays into this market.
Key Features and Functionality
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 was a compact, user-friendly device designed to provide turn-by-turn directions to drivers. Some of its key features included:
Technical Specifications
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 had the following technical specifications:
Impact on the Automotive Industry
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 had a significant impact on the automotive industry. Some of its key contributions include:
Limitations and Challenges
While the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 was a groundbreaking device, it had its limitations and challenges. Some of these include:
Legacy and Conclusion
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 may seem like an ancient relic compared to modern navigation systems, but its legacy lives on. The device played a significant role in popularizing GPS navigation and driving innovation in the automotive industry. Today, navigation systems are an integral part of modern vehicles, providing drivers with turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and other features.
In conclusion, the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 was a pioneering device that marked a significant milestone in the development of automotive navigation systems. Its features, functionality, and impact on the industry paved the way for modern navigation systems, which have transformed the way we travel.
Specifications and Details
Comparison with Modern Navigation Systems
Modern navigation systems have come a long way since the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372. Some of the key differences include:
Availability and Support
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is no longer in production, and support for the device has been discontinued. However, users can still find compatible map data and software updates online.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) was a specialized USB GPS receiver designed primarily for use with the Microsoft Streets & Trips software suite. Popular in the mid-to-late 2000s, this device allowed travelers to transform their laptops into real-time navigation systems long before smartphones dominated the market. Historical Significance and Software Integration Setting up the GPS 168 today is an
Released as a companion to "Streets & Trips" (specifically around the 2005–2009 editions), the Model 1372 was a key component of Microsoft’s foray into consumer-level GPS hardware. At the time, dedicated in-car navigation systems were prohibitively expensive. Microsoft provided a "bargain alternative" by bundling the GPS 168 receiver with its mapping software for a fraction of the cost.
The receiver utilized a U-Blox chip and adhered to the NMEA 0183 protocol, a standard that allowed it to communicate location, speed, and heading data to the computer. Design and Technical Specifications
Microsoft USB GPS 168 Receiver Model 1372 for sale online - eBay
Based on the model number 1372 and the Microsoft branding, you are referring to the Microsoft GPS 168 Receiver.
It is important to clarify exactly what this device is to manage expectations. This is not a modern, standalone navigation unit like a Garmin or TomTom with a screen. It is a Bluetooth GPS Receiver (GPS Puck) released in the mid-2000s.
Here is a complete review of the Microsoft GPS 168 (Model 1372), including its historical context, design, functionality, and relevance today.
Seamless Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
High-Precision Mapping
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Sustainability Focus
Augmented Reality (AR) Enhancements
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why 1372?
In the GPS hardware world, "Model 1372" does not appear in any master FCC database. There are several plausible explanations:
The consensus: "Model 1372" is not a valid Microsoft navigation product model. It is either a component number or a typo for the actual Pharos GPS-168.
In terms of performance for its intended era:
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft's Streets & Trips software . It was designed to turn a laptop into a real-time navigation system by providing GPS coordinates via a USB connection. Key Specifications & Features Device Type: USB GPS Receiver (Dongle).
Chipset: Features a U-Blox GPS chip (specifically identified in some variations as a UBX-G7020KT).
Connectivity: Standard USB-A port; it is recommended to connect directly to the computer rather than through a hub to avoid hardware conflicts.
Protocol: Communicates using the NMEA 0183 standard, making it compatible with various third-party navigation software beyond the original Microsoft suite.
Performance: Users report it is generally reliable and provides a relatively fast satellite lock once outdoors. Compatibility & Setup Street&Trip 2013 with GPS on Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Q&A
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB-based GPS receiver primarily known as the hardware companion for the Microsoft Streets & Trips software suite. Although it is no longer in active production, it remains a popular choice for hobbyists and travelers looking for a cost-effective way to add real-time satellite tracking to laptops or DIY projects. Technical Specifications and Features Do you still have a Microsoft GPS 168 sitting in a drawer
The Microsoft 1372 model was designed for plug-and-play simplicity during the era of portable computing before internal GPS became standard in all devices.
Chipset: Often reported to feature a u-blox GPS chip (specifically the discontinued u-blox 5 series), which allows for relatively fast satellite locks even in outdoor environments.
Connectivity: Uses a standard USB 2.0 interface, making it compatible with a wide range of older and modern hardware.
Navigation Capabilities: Provides real-time data including speed, altitude, latitude, and longitude coordinates.
Build Quality: Noted for being a durable "OEM" product, with some users reporting consistent performance for five years or more. Historical Context: Microsoft Streets & Trips
This GPS receiver reached its peak popularity when bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips (and its European equivalent, AutoRoute). The hardware allowed the software to offer features such as:
GPS Trail: A graphical representation of the user’s route.
Automatic Re-routing: Recalculating directions in real-time based on the vehicle's current location.
Points of Interest: Accessing millions of mapped locations without needing an active internet connection. Modern Utility and Setup
While Microsoft officially ended support for Streets & Trips in 2013, the GPS 168 Model 1372 is still useful today for several niche applications. Installation Steps
To set up the device on a Windows PC, follow these general steps:
First step: confirm the product. If it doesn't exist, I need to adjust accordingly. But maybe the user is creative and wants information on a similar or fictional device. The user might not know the product is fictional, so I should check that.
Assuming it's a hypothetical device, I can craft a blog post as if it does exist. I'll mention that this is a hypothetical example. I'll structure the post to cover features, design, software, and benefits, even if the product isn't real. The key points would include GPS capabilities, integration with Microsoft services, design aesthetics, user interface, and potential use cases.
I should also include a section addressing the possibility that this isn't a real product and offer alternatives, like Microsoft's real products such as Xbox SmartGlass or Windows 10 Navigation apps. Ending with a call to action for questions or further research would be good.
Need to make sure the tone is informative and positive, keeping it engaging. Avoid technical jargon to keep it accessible. Also, ensure that if the product isn't real, the user knows upfront to set accurate expectations.
Title: Exploring the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372: A Vision for Seamless Wayfinding
As of the latest data, there is no publicly available information or product from Microsoft directly named the "Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372." This may be a fictional or hypothetical model, or perhaps a misinterpretation of an existing Microsoft product, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Windows 10/11 integrated navigation apps, or even a third-party device using Microsoft technologies. However, assuming this is a creative concept or a placeholder for a future product, let’s imagine a speculative blog post that explores what such a device could entail.
The Microsoft GPS 168 is not a collector's item because it is powerful. It is a collector's item because it represents the "Wild West" of GPS.
Today, you can find these units for $15–$30 on eBay, often with 2008 maps that still think the Twin Towers exist or that a certain stretch of road is a dirt path.
For tech preservationists, the Model 1372 is a perfect example of Windows CE hardware. It can be hacked to run emulators (Doom on a GPS?), serial terminals, or custom Linux builds.