Navigation

Mapping Out New Nav Systems

Whether it's driving to work, to the store or hitting the road with the family, new types of smart in-car navigation systems can help make that next trip go a little smoother. Smart navigation systems now help consumers get from point A to point B while also serving as hubs for favorite wired and wireless technologies.

Communicate

Bluetooth technology is growing in popularity because it offers the convenience of hands-free operation in the car. Pioneer's AVIC-Z1 navigation system lets users sync their Bluetooth mobile phones and carry out cellular conversation through the speakers in the car. When calls are made or received, the music stops and the call can be answered or made through the touch-screen display. One of the fastest multi feature Bluetooth mobile phones on the market is the Samsung t809. The fashionable, ultra-slim device features EDGE High-Speed Technology, as well as a host of multimedia capabilities. The phone packs an MP3 player with dual speakers, a video media player and a 1.3- megapixel camera and camcorder into a 3.3-ounce device. This phone (along with other Bluetooth enabled cell phones) is highly compatible with Pioneer's in-car navigation system.

Entertain

With more than 42 million sold, the Apple iPod® continues to be one of the hottest portable music players ever sold. While car adapters make it possible for owners to listen to the device in their vehicles, they don't always offer a high level of user control or audio quality. Pioneer's navigation systems, combined with an iPod adapter let users control an iPod through a seven-inch touch screen. The screen displays the same information as the device does, including artist name, song title and album. It also offers higher-quality sound. Pioneer's navigation systems also offers a complete entertainment experience in the form of CD and DVD playback with additional plug-in attachments for XM™ and SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio.

Learn

Unlike many of its competitors, Pioneer's new navigation system offers dynamic route guidance and considers speed limits and street signs for the most efficient route to a destination. An optional navigation traffic tuner provides up-to-the-minute traffic information and reroutes to avoid traffic incidents through XM's NavTraffic service, with subscription required. The system also "learns" frequently traveled routes and can understand conversational commands through advanced voice recognition. That means getting to a destination can be as simple as saying "go to.…"

Enjoy The Ride

Analysts say these new types of all-in-one navigation systems may help change the way many people drive. The technology can help motorists stay on the right path to their destination, stay in touch with loved ones, and stay entertained on the road.