Advertisement

Nextar intros Q4-MD navigator, throws in MSN Direct free for a year


Nextar's not only introducing a sizable duo in its SNAP line at SEMA 2008, it's also introducing a navigator with MSN Direct support. The Q4-MD will boast a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, Tele Atlas maps covering all 50 US states along with Canada, access to 1.6 million points-of-interest, 2D / 3D map viewing modes, an SD card slot, MP3 player / JPEG viewer, USB connectivity and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. Most notably, you'll receive a free year of up-to-the-minute traffic reports, current / three-day weather conditions, news headlines, stock quotes and local event listings via the aforesaid MSN Direct service. Expect to see this one in stores for $329.99 in Spring 2009. Full release is after the break.
%Gallery-35552%



Nextar Debuts Advanced GPS Navigation System with MSN Direct Service Free for 12 Months

Includes Maps of US and Canada, Smart Traffic, Weather Reports, and More;
Unit to Be Unveiled at 2008 SEMA

Note: Nextar products will be on display in the Mobile Electronics area of SEMA in booth 10613 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

La Verne, CA – October 30, 2008 – Nextar™, a designer and marketer of bold and new consumer electronic products with mass appeal, is set to unveil its latest GPS navigation system featuring a host of MSN® Direct (www.msndirect.com) location based services free of charge for 12 months. The unit (Q4-MD) is part of the Nextar Q4 series and includes an easy-to-see 4.3" touch-screen display, built-in speaker, and voice-guided, turn-by-turn prompts for maps covering all 50 states as well as Canada. Nextar will feature the Q4-MD with MSN Direct at the upcoming 2008 SEMA show in booth 10613 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"The Nextar Q4-MD with MSN Direct is the perfect prescription to provide drivers with the latest traffic conditions, weather reports, and other vital information," stated Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. "Now, users not only have access to maps and directions for the entire United States and Canada, but also a wealth of other information to make their in-car time less harried and more enjoyable."

With the inclusion of MSN Direct, the Q4-MD not only gets users to their destination via the quickest, easiest route, but also provides a unique resource to a wide-range of information. MSN Direct expands navigation systems by offering relevant, timely, location-specific information.

With MSN Direct, the Q4-MD provides drivers with essential, up-to-the-minute traffic reports, current and three-day weather conditions for a local area or nationally, and handy gas-price comparisons for stations near the driver. It is also a conduit to news headlines, stock quotes, and a listing of local events. For instance, MSN Direct can look up box office times for current movies playing at local theaters and get you information on the latest sports events, music concerts and more.

"We are excited to be partnering with Nextar on its advanced GPS Navigation Systems," said Patrick Kennedy, Director of Business Development, MSN Direct. "Together MSN Direct and Nextar are adding value to portable navigation devices that translates into real benefits for consumers -- helping them reduce commute time, save on fuel and increase productivity."

The unit comes with a generous 4.3" TFT touch-screen display that provides large, clear, colorful images of maps from all 50 US states and Canada's 10 provinces and three territories. A special automatic night mode offers additional screen lighting for even easier-on-the-eye viewing. Voice-guided directions with turn-by-turn voice prompts are clearly audible through a built-in speaker. Text-to-speech technology clearly pronounces road names. Language support is provided for the three most spoken languages in the covered area: English, French, and Spanish.

The Nextar Q4-MD provides 1.6-million points of interest, including hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, and restaurants. Instant route recalculation is provided in case a driver misses a turn. Digital map data is supplied by Tele Atlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world's most essential navigation and location-based services.
Other features include:
• Storage capability for up to 300 addresses of favorite destinations;
• 2D and 3D map-viewing modes, a SD card slot for additional memory, and a built-in an;
• Capability to play MP3 files and display JPEG images (lightweight, built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery supplies power).

The unit measures 4.5" x 3.1" x .08" and weights approximately 2.3 pounds. Accessories include a MSN Direct receiver, AC adapter, car adapter, USB cable, protection pouch, suction cup, and a stylus/touch pen.

Pricing and Availability
The Nextar Q4-MD navigation system with MSN Direct will be available at leading retailers across the U.S. in Spring 2009. It has a SRP of $329.99 and comes with a one-year limited warranty.