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Microsoft Navigation Gps 168 Model 1372 2021 Review

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

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:

  1. GPS Receiver: The device featured a built-in GPS receiver, which allowed it to communicate with a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. This enabled the device to determine its precise location and provide accurate directions.
  2. Map Data: The device came with a comprehensive map database, which included detailed information about roads, highways, and points of interest. The map data was stored on a compact flash card, which could be updated periodically to reflect changes in the road network.
  3. Turn-by-Turn Directions: The device provided turn-by-turn directions, guiding drivers through complex road networks. The voice guidance system alerted drivers to upcoming turns, ensuring they stayed on course.
  4. Route Planning: The device allowed users to plan their routes in advance, selecting from multiple options and avoiding toll roads or other undesirable routes.
  5. Points of Interest: The device included a database of points of interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. Drivers could search for specific points of interest and navigate to them.

Technical Specifications

The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 had the following technical specifications:

  • Processor: 168 MHz processor
  • Memory: 32 MB of RAM and 128 MB of ROM
  • Display: 3.5-inch color TFT display
  • GPS Receiver: Built-in GPS receiver, supporting up to 12 parallel channels
  • Map Data: Stored on a compact flash card, with a capacity of up to 256 MB

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:

  1. Popularizing GPS Navigation: The device helped popularize GPS navigation among the masses, making it a desirable feature in vehicles.
  2. Advancements in Map Data: The device's map data capabilities set a new standard for navigation systems, driving innovation in map data collection and storage.
  3. Influence on Future Navigation Systems: The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 influenced the development of future navigation systems, including those from other manufacturers.

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:

  1. Accuracy Issues: The device's accuracy was not always perfect, particularly in areas with tall buildings or heavy tree cover.
  2. Map Data Updates: The device's map data required periodic updates, which could be costly and time-consuming.
  3. Competition from Other Manufacturers: The device faced competition from other manufacturers, such as Garmin and TomTom, which offered similar products with improved features.

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

  • Model Number: 1372
  • Manufacturer: Microsoft
  • Release Date: Early 2000s
  • Display Size: 3.5 inches
  • Display Type: Color TFT
  • Processor Speed: 168 MHz
  • Memory Capacity: 32 MB RAM, 128 MB ROM
  • GPS Channels: 12 parallel channels

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:

  • Improved Accuracy: Modern navigation systems use advanced technologies, such as WAAS and EGNOS, to provide more accurate location data.
  • Increased Storage Capacity: Modern navigation systems have much larger storage capacities, allowing for more comprehensive map data and additional features.
  • Advanced Features: Modern navigation systems often include advanced features, such as traffic updates, weather forecasts, and points of interest.

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

  • Q: What is the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372? A: The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372 is a GPS navigation device released in the early 2000s.
  • Q: What are the key features of the device? A: The device features a built-in GPS receiver, map data, turn-by-turn directions, route planning, and points of interest.
  • Q: What is the legacy of the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372? A: The device played a significant role in popularizing GPS navigation and driving innovation in the automotive industry.

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.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re searching for real-world navigation tools inspired by Microsoft’s tech:

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator: Offers hyper-realistic GPS navigation for virtual pilots.
  • Bing Maps: Free online tool with traffic, transit routes, and street-level views.
  • Windows 10/11 Apps: Built-in Maps app with voice commands and indoor navigation.

The Verdict

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) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

is a legacy USB GPS receiver primarily bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software packages in the mid-to-late 2000s. It was designed to provide real-time location tracking for laptops and vehicle-based computing systems. Technical Overview

Hardware Core: Features a U-Blox GPS chipset, known for reliability in civilian-grade navigation during its production era.

Connectivity: Uses a standard USB interface for power and data transmission.

Operating Compatibility: Originally designed for older Windows versions (XP, Vista); however, users have successfully implemented it on newer systems using specific 64-bit drivers.

Performance: Typically tracks multiple satellites simultaneously to provide position accuracy within approximately 15 meters under clear sky conditions. Historical Context & Usage

Product Bundle: This model was a successor or alternative to the Pharos-branded receivers often found in Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007 and later editions. microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372

Durability: User reviews suggest a functional lifespan of roughly five years, with performance degradation typically manifesting as longer satellite acquisition times (TTFF).

Modern Applications: While the official software it supported (Streets & Trips) is discontinued, the device remains popular in the hobbyist community for projects like Pwnagotchi or as a low-cost GPS logger for Linux-based systems. Acquisition & Support

Availability: As a legacy "OEM" product, it is no longer sold at major retailers but is frequently available on secondary markets like eBay and Bonanza for approximately $18.00 to $32.00.

Troubleshooting: Common issues involve driver recognition on Windows 10/11. Experts recommend manually updating drivers through the Device Manager and avoiding USB hubs to ensure stable power delivery.

The small, silver Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 sat on the dashboard of Elias’s vintage sedan like a relic from another era. Model 1372 was a sturdy piece of tech, designed for a time when people still trusted satellite signals more than cell towers. For Elias, it was a lucky charm, the same device his father had used to cross the country twenty years ago.

The screen flickered to life with a soft, green glow. Elias punched in the coordinates for a ghost town in the Nevada desert—a place his father had mentioned in his old journals but that didn't appear on any modern smartphone map. The GPS beeped, a nostalgic, digital chirp, and began its calculations.

As he drove, the voice of the 168 was calm and mechanical, guiding him away from the bustling interstates and onto cracked, forgotten asphalt. The world outside became a blur of sagebrush and heat waves. Modern phones would have lost their signal miles ago, but the Model 1372 held tight to its orbital tether, its tiny internal antenna pulsing with determination.

Suddenly, the screen glitched. The map didn't show a road, but a straight line cutting across the salt flats. "Turn left in five hundred feet," the device commanded. Elias looked out at the empty expanse. There was no road, only the shimmering horizon. He hesitated, then pulled the wheel.

The sedan bounced over the hard-packed sand. For an hour, he drove into the nothingness, guided only by the steady arrow on the small screen. Just as the sun began to dip, a silhouette emerged from the haze. It was a cluster of wooden buildings, preserved by the dry air and hidden by the curvature of the hills.

Elias stopped the car. The GPS gave one final, satisfied chime: "You have arrived at your destination." He looked at the device, then at the town his father had loved. The old 168 had done more than provide directions; it had bridged two decades, proving that sometimes, the old ways are the only ways to find what is lost.

Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software during the mid-to-late 2000s. Microsoft Source Hardware & Accessories

Since this is a discontinued product, new replacement parts are generally unavailable through official channels. If you are looking for a specific "piece," you will likely find it through second-hand retailers like or specialized vintage tech forums. Main Unit:

A small, square USB dongle often used with laptops for mobile navigation. Original Bundle: Typically included with DVD versions of Streets & Trips 2007 Associated Parts: Users often search for the (which is frequently missing on used units) or USB extension cables

to improve signal reception by placing the receiver closer to a window. Software & Drivers

The "missing piece" for many users is the software required to make the hardware function on modern systems. Driver Support:

The device is known to have driver compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows (particularly 64-bit systems like Windows 7 and above). Configuration: To set it up, you typically need to use the "Configure GPS Receiver" tool within the Streets & Trips application under the Tools > GPS Modern Use:

Some enthusiasts have successfully used it with Linux or other modern platforms by identifying it as a u-blox 5 chip series

device, though drivers for this series are largely discontinued. (like a cap or cable) or the digital driver/software to get it working?

It looks like you’re referencing a specific product: “Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 model 1372.” Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) compact USB

However, after checking available records, this exact model number combination does not appear in standard Microsoft product catalogs or major GPS archives. It’s possible there’s a mix-up with the brand, model number, or that this was a very obscure OEM device (perhaps from the early 2000s, when Microsoft licensed its mapping software to third-party hardware makers).

To help you get the right post, here’s what you can do:

  1. Double-check the device – Look for other labels (e.g., “Made for Microsoft Streets & Trips” or a brand like Pharos, Dell, or HP). Microsoft never manufactured standalone GPS hardware under its own name, but it did sell a Microsoft GPS‑500 (Sirf III) for use with Streets & Trips software.
  2. Model 1372 – This format is common for older SiRFstar chipsets or generic Bluetooth GPS receivers from brands like Holux or GlobalSat.
  3. If you need a general “vintage GPS” post – I can write one for you. Just let me know if you want it to be:
    • A for sale / giveaway post (e.g., “Microsoft-compatible GPS, model 1372”)
    • A help request (e.g., “Drivers or software for this old GPS?”)
    • A nostalgia / retro tech post

Example post (retro tech / help request):

“I found an old GPS unit labeled ‘Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 model 1372.’ Can’t find any info on it. It has a compact flash or serial connector? Anyone remember using this with Microsoft Streets & Trips? Looking for software or drivers — Windows XP era. Works with Bluetooth? Photos attached.”

Let me know how you want to use the post, and I’ll write a precise version for you.

The Microsoft Navation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB GPS receiver famously bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software during the mid-to-late 2000s. While primarily a vintage tech piece today, it remains a reliable tool for hobbyists and niche navigation setups. The Legacy of the Model 1372

Before smartphones dominated navigation, the Model 1372 was the go-to for turning a laptop into a real-time GPS unit. Powered by a u-blox GPS chip, this compact USB dongle was designed to lock onto satellite signals quickly and provide precise location data for long-haul road trips. Key Specifications

Interface: USB (Plug-and-play for supported older Windows versions). Chipset: u-blox series GPS module for accurate tracking.

Compatibility: Originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips (2005–2009 editions).

Design: Small, "mouse-style" receiver often featuring a magnetic base for external vehicle mounting. Modern Day Uses and Challenges

If you've found one of these in a drawer, it’s not obsolete just yet. Modern users often repurpose it for:

Retro Computing: Running classic versions of Streets & Trips on older hardware.

Linux Projects: Getting it to work on modern Linux distros (though drivers can be finicky).

Warwalking/IoT: Some tech enthusiasts use it for Pwnagotchi or other wardriving projects to log GPS coordinates.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you're having trouble on Windows 7 or 10, check the JustAnswer forum for specific 64-bit driver workarounds, as the legacy drivers weren't always natively compatible with newer 64-bit architectures.

Are you trying to get this running on a modern OS or using it for a specific project like a Pwnagotchi?

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

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 GPS Receiver : The device featured a built-in

Microsoft USB GPS 168 Receiver Model 1372 for sale online - eBay

The Mystery of the "Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 Model 1372": A Historical Tech Autopsy

3. Compatible Software (Original Use)

  • Microsoft Streets & Trips (2004–2013 editions) – works natively.
  • Microsoft AutoRoute (Europe).
  • Third-party software that supports NMEA 0183 over virtual COM port (e.g., OziExplorer, Fugawi, GPSGate, Navigon, older MapSource).

6. Known issues & fixes

| Issue | Likely fix | |-------|-------------| | No GPS data | Check 12V power (lighter socket must be live in some cars). | | COM port not showing | Driver issue – try older Windows compatibility mode for driver install. | | Works, then disconnects | USB power saving disabled in Power Options. | | No satellites | Connect external active antenna (MCX male, 3V or 5V). |