NavStar's Voice Navigator ditches the screen, simply talks back

There's just something magical about listening to a British dame tell us exactly how many meters remain before we make our next turn, but we're not so sure we'd be down with only that. Nevertheless, NavStar is hoping that you won't mind the loss of visual aids when navigating to your next destination, as its Voice Navigator ditches the screen entirely and doles out guidance via auditory cues. Granted, the concept sounds at least halfway decent, but judging by a video of the unit in action, we can't say we're thrilled. The firm is, however, aiming to integrate "freshly updated NAVTEQ map data" to its servers each quarter, which should enable US drivers to take the most efficient routes as new roads open up. Hit up your local RV dealer for a demonstration, but set the expectation bar low, okay?

[Via GPSTracklog]

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:23PM]

This takes the, "Turn Right" ... *Crash* ... "In fifty feet" commercial to a whole new level.

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:24PM]

Beat me to the first comment... >:-(

[applefreak @ Jan 2nd 2008 5:08PM]

hahaha

so funny I forgot to laugh

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 7:15PM]

only you laughed...

[caubeck @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:32PM]

"There's just something magical about listening to a British dame tell us exactly how many meters remain before we make our next turn"

Oh yeah? Then I challenge you to drive with my mother in the back seat.

[Zak @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:38PM]

If the voice nav feature in my brother's Prius is any indication, trying to input directions using only voice commands is a tortuous experience. It's much faster and accurate to simply type in the address you want to go to. I mean really, 3 minutes straight trying to get it to recognize a street name was pretty ridiculous.

[Josh L @ Jan 2nd 2008 4:43PM]

"There's just something magical about listening to a British dame tell us exactly how many meters remain before we make our next turn"

You left out "straight off of a cliff."

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 5:02PM]

What? we can't comment on the switched on post!!!

My comment:
How could you nominate the iPhone for anything... You made that category just for the iPhone cause.

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 5:03PM]

Oops forget that (cause.)

[monkfishbandana @ Jan 2nd 2008 7:47PM]

Get off my internet.

[Ipaq3115 @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:14PM]

"YOUR internet" huh...

[GreatSunJester @ Jan 2nd 2008 6:21PM]

Actually for the field I work (accesibility technology for the blind) in this is exciting. I love the idea of a single self contained unit. Now if they can make it say the road you are on every 100 or so feet and program points of interest....

Could be a great competitor for a Trekker system.
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/gps/trekker/_details/id_88/trekker.html

If you have a Trekker and are out walking, it tells you what road you are on and informs you as you approach intersections which is which way. NOT a substitute for a guide dog or cane, but a great addition.

[Adam @ Jan 2nd 2008 6:34PM]

Thank god you added tose last few lines, I was starting to get worried about where in the world they might let blind people drive...

[Neoprimal @ Jan 2nd 2008 6:54PM]

It's not a substitute at all. While inputting directions through dictation is 'neat', visually understanding where you're going is the best deal....not to mention as others have put it, if there's alot of talking in the vehicle or music going on. Nothing's worse than saying "Shhh! I have to listen to the GPS", other than maybe not owning one at all and getting lost a million times.

[aeo @ Jan 2nd 2008 8:32PM]

But... a picture is worth 1000 words!

[icool @ Jan 2nd 2008 10:12PM]

yeah

[Smileguy @ Jan 2nd 2008 11:42PM]

I want one.

[Carl Lumma @ Jan 3rd 2008 12:37AM]

Ditch the map, great idea; I find them useless. However this goes in the wrong direction. I want to listen to music, not some gay directions. What's wanted is a tiny screen that displays the text of the next move, and chimes when you're within 3 seconds or whatever of having to do it. $89 retail. Could even be built on the end of a cigar lighter plug. You heard it here.

[striggity @ Jan 3rd 2008 10:18AM]

this clearly isn't aimed @ those who like to ride while jamming to their 15 inch subs blasting the lastest jonas brothers tune. lol.

[kombizz @ Jan 3rd 2008 1:43PM]

I want one.