Mio launches four new Moov navigators at CES

There's no Turbo Boost or anything involved with this bunch, but Mio has launched four mildly interesting navigators for 2009. The new Moovs all sport an improved "Spirit" software platform, and while the S300 features a 3.5-inch panel, text-to-speech and 12 million POIs, the S500 steps up to a 4.7-inch panel. The Moov S556 keeps the same 4.7-inch display but adds in Bluetooth and Junction View, while the S700 breaks out a 7-inch panel. The whole lot is supposed to ship before the second half of this year for $199.99, $249.99, $299.99 and $299.99 in order of mention.

[Via GPSTracklog]

[Charlie @ Jan 9th 2009 4:07AM]

Want one

[Amabo @ Jan 9th 2009 4:17AM]

Want two three four

[ken @ Jan 9th 2009 5:15AM]

lol. that screenshot is of my shit-hole hometown.

[big boy @ Jan 9th 2009 6:03AM]

7" for 299.99 Sold to the lowest bidder ME!

[TxDot @ Jan 9th 2009 8:36AM]

Until Mio starts shipping map updates on a regular basis I won't buy another Mio GPS. I have the C520 and for the most part really like it but no map updates in 2 (or is it 3) years. That's ridiculous.

[Super Geeky @ Jan 17th 2009 10:46AM]

this should help your three year itch....
http://estore.mio.com/search.asp?ProductID=4

[stiltman @ Jan 9th 2009 8:40AM]

While indeed these all look very good, the one thing that I would caution against is the utter lack of map updates that Mio seems to be going for. I bought a Mio C220 a couple of years ago and am still waiting on a map update for it. Seems like Mio is only supporting new maps on the newest models, which doesn't say much for the long term support for their devices. After all, if you look past all the fancy tech, without up-to-date maps, GPS units tend to be less useful.

[htd @ Jan 9th 2009 10:05AM]

a gps that can be used to cut cakes? wow...

[strider_mt2k @ Jan 9th 2009 10:34AM]

You don't get what you don't pay for. In this case updated maps.

That's why Mios are inexpensive. It's a one time purchase.

Hack it into a PDA to get extra use out of the thing.
Hopefully the folks doing Miopocket will keep up with these new models too!
http://www.gpspassion.com/FORUMSEN/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=109690

[Stewie @ Jan 9th 2009 10:55AM]

My Mio is great.

While frequent map updates would be preferred, Mio was selling text-2-speech units for $99 while Garmin and Tom Tom wanted $400 and up. Mio is the competition that is driving the cost of GPS units downward. Street prices for Mio are often substantially less than MSRP.

If my Mio remains useful for 2-3 years without updates, I will willingly update to a new unit with new features if the cost remains low. Still, updates would be appreciated.

[TxDot @ Jan 9th 2009 11:12AM]

There is a difference between map updates not being included in the price and map updates just not being available. The complaints stated here are NOT that free map updates weren't included but that they just AREN'T available. I'd gladly pay for the update but IT DOESN'T EXIST!

[stiltman @ Jan 10th 2009 8:55AM]

I don't see anywhere that I implied that I'm supposed to get free map updates when I bought my MIO. When I buy a GPS unit, I fully understand that the maps that come with the device are my "free" maps. Any further updates, I will have to pay for. In the case of the Mio, the map updates simply don't exist (for my specific device). I don't care how cheap the device is initially, the availablity of yearly map updates is pretty much a given now. I purchase map updates for my spouse's Garmin unit each year, so why is it hard for Mio to do the same thing?

If it is indeed a one time purchase, then Mio should indicate on the outside packaging that no further map updates will be available. Then the consumer can make a better informed decision. I'll look into this MioPocket thing..seems kind of interesting.

[Super Geeky @ Jan 17th 2009 10:47AM]

I believe that since a new product line was launched last April, the software is now being created by Mio. The free map update promotion has been on their website for a few months now and it applies to the new MOOV series. Now does it give a hand to those who need an update for a device that is a couple years old, no not all of them are available that's true. However this does imply that the idea of map updates and programs to suit those needs are in the works. Mio is fairly new to the US and map updates overseas are pleasantly available. The world we live in is about change and from what I saw @ CES, I'd say they are making strides in the right direction.

"Mildly interesting" no I don't think so. When I visited the Navigon, Tom Tom and Garmin booths, it seemed to be same old hardware with some new features (that I personally don't need and/or want) added to the existing software. Give the newbs on the block some space to grow and then do the same.....that would be my 2009 mantra... =)