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Pioneer cranks out slew of AVIC in-car navigation systems
Pioneer's been known to unveil new navigators fairly frequently, but the firm is starting October off right by introducing no fewer than nine new units for you to choose from. Starting at the top, the AVIC-HRZ009G / AVIC-HRV002G both sport seven-inch displays, DVD playback, support for MP3 / AAC / DivX formats, a terrestrial digital TV tuner, built-in hard drive and a wireless remote, with the only real difference being the in-dash design of the former and the on-dash (mountable) design of the latter. As your budget tightens, Pioneer ratchets the specs down on seven other similar siblings, giving users a ¥126,000 ($1,094) to ¥262,500 ($2,278) window of alternatives. Hit the read link for all the juicy details on each.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Panasonic unveils Strada CN-HDS710TD in-dash GPS
Panasonic's just announced a new mid-range, Strada-brand, in-dash GPS unit for the hometown crowd, the CN-HDS710TD. Following the European-spec'ed CN-GP50N we just spotted at IFA, this rolling entertainment center offers almost all of the functionality you could ask for, with a 40GB HDD, DVD / CD player, SD slot, MiniDisc deck, and digital TV tuner all feeding a 480 x 234 pixel 7-inch LCD. In fact, the only things really missing here (besides a cassette player for your old mix tapes) are Bluetooth support and iPod connectivity, which can both be added on for an extra fee. The double-DIN 710TD will retail for 270,900 yen ($2,358) when it hits Japan a month from today, with two other models also available minus MD slots (700TD) and / or TV tuners (700D) for 249,900 yen ($2,176) and 189,000 yen ($1,645), respectively.
Pioneer intros well-spec'd AVIC-N4 in-dash navigation system
Less than a month after Pioneer loosed details on its AVIC-X3, along comes word that we can also expect an AVIC-N4 in the not-too-distant future. This single-DIN unit boasts a motorized, flip-out seven-inch touchscreen, optional iPod / Bluetooth compatibility, CD or DVD playback, XM / XM NavTraffic-readiness, and a Tele Atlas database for routing you around. Regrettably, the lack of an internal HDD means that you'll be forced to insert the map DVDs in order to access guidance, but users can feel free to toss in discs with MP3, WMA, AAC, or DivX files when the drive is clear. Furthermore, the unit can even accept tunes streamed in wirelessly from a mobile handset when utilizing the CD-BTB200 adapter, as it understands both A2DP and AVRCP protocols. So, now that you've found a satisfactory replacement for that aging factory head-unit, you've only got to scrounge up $1,600 to make the swap.[Via NaviGadget]
Azentek stocking DiMora's $2 million ride with in-car electronics
If you thought the MyGIG or even Bose's Media System was high-class, Azentek is out to change your perception. Recently, the firm inked a deal with DiMora Motorcar "to provide high-performance computers for the Natalia SLS 2 sport luxury sedan." The ride, if you weren't aware, will be a hand-crafted $2 million, 16-cylinder production automobile, and will sport "at least two Atlas units" which boast voice recognition, FM / XM Radio / Sirius / HD Radio, Bluetooth, CD / MP3 / WMA / DVD support, GPS navigation, VoIP / cellphone integration, "over a terabyte" of storage, and Windows Vista for good measure. Additionally, users will be able to interface with the machines via touchscreen, keyboard / mouse, a handset, USB, auxiliary inputs, etc. Sure makes Blue&Me look like child's play, no?
XM's CommanderMT receiver finally launches
It won't go down as the timeliest of launches, but the Audiovox-built CommanderMT that we peeked back at CES is finally up for grabs. The in-dash receiver was designed to operate with any AM / FM radio and sports a four-line display, jog dial, and the ability to "alert you whenever your favorite songs, artists, or sports teams are being played on another channel." Additionally, the Mini-Tuner compatibility ensures that you can take your XM subscription with you when you exit the vehicle, and while it may have lost some of its luster during the six months you've been anxiously waiting, interested consumers can snag one of their own "later this month" for $179.99. Continue on for a few in-car snapshots.[Via Orbitcast]
Sanyo intros NVA-HD1700DT double-DIN navigation system
Sanyo's taking a break from releasing all those projectors to focus on its in-car lineup, as it introduces a well-spec'd double-DIN navigation unit dubbed the NVA-HD1700DT. The head unit sports a seven-inch QVGA display, built-in DVD player and 30GB hard drive, and even a 1Seg TV tuner for catching up on sitcom reruns whilst stuck in traffic. Additionally, you'll find an FM tuner, 43-watt x 4 amplifier, and an integrated GPS antenna to keep you headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether an Americanized version of this system will make its way over, but those in Japan can pick one up later this month for a staggering ¥285,600 ($2,332).[Via Impress]
TomTom DUO / Eclipse AVN2210p get reviewed
Granted, we can't imagine Eclipse's AVN2210p appealing to more than a minuscule chunk of you out there, but we can't help but take note when someone rips apart their dash and drives around with it for days on end. The mettlesome crew at GPSReview was able to take the multifaceted device for a literal spin, and while they weren't thrilled with the tricky installation, lack of an included traffic kit, and the omission of text-to-speech, everything else seemed peachy. The TomTom DUO that slots into the in-dash device churned through routing at a respectable pace, and the touchscreen management of the internal functions seemed to delight time after time. Of course, it's hard to say whether or not replacing your double-DIN stereo with this conglomerate is a logical step to take, but if you were tabling this do-it-all creation until some kind words were spoken, we'd suggest giving the read link some thorough attention.
Apple developing navigation system for Mercedes?
Without so much as citing an "unnamed source" or "someone close to the negotiations," German magazine Focus is claiming that Apple -- they of the iPod, Mac, and several other consumer products -- is secretly developing a navigation system to debut in Mercedes vehicles during 2009. Focus goes on to promise that we'll see other manufacturers adopting the hardware once Mercedes' six-month exclusivity period has ended, and that we can likely expect Apple board member Eric Schmidt to toss in some Google Maps on the front end. With the company clearly expanding its reach as of late (Apple TV, iPhone, dropping Computer from the branding), it's not entirely out of the realm of possibilities that we'll also see an expansion into navigation devices, but we're certainly not taking this particular rumor seriously until we see some spy shots of a 2009 or 2010 S-class sporting some of this supposed iNav action.[Via Foursprung]
Panasonic launches its first US in-car navigation unit
Looking to establish itself as a "leader in the U.S. mobile navigation market," Panasonic has finally launched its Strada CN-NVD905U, the company's first in-car GPS receiver for American consumers. Besides getting you from here to there using NAVTEQ maps on a 7-inch touchscreen, the 905U -- first introduced almost six months ago -- also offers an impressive suite of entertainment options, including DVD and MP3 CD playback, a 30GB hard drive, iPod video compatibility, and either Sirius or XM satellite stations through the use of optional tuners and antennas. Other nice features include Sirius Traffic capability, Bluetooth support, and inputs for a rear-mounted camera, but since this $1,800 package requires a double DIN slot, Panasonic's gonna have to work a little harder if it really wants to replace our TomToms, Garmins, and Pioneers.
Bose drops off Media System, Ferrari at FCC headquarters
Typically when you want your device tested by the FCC, you have to send over a real-world production unit so its radio emissions and communications capabilities can be tested in under (confined) real-world conditions. However, and maybe we're being just a little paranoid here, unlike Bose we probably wouldn't send over our gear housed in a $250,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Actually, we can understand the need to impress the government organization that can make or break most any gadget's release, so if Bose did indeed send over its test sample Media System in a Scaglietti, as it appears they did, we can only hope those rough and tumble FCC testers returned it without so much as a scratch -- the Media System that is. Oh yeah, a few new details about the incoming in-dash nav system: it organizes and knows what's up with your media by using Gracenote and AMG's (All Media Guide) media metadata tech, and it uses maps by Navteq. Oh yeah, and one little bit they left out of the initial press release -- it tunes television. Not that you should be watching while driving, but if you pull an Erikkson with your Ferrari trying to catch the latest ep of Heroes, we are so going to laugh at you.
JVC kicks out KD-NX5000 in-dash HDD navigation / DVD head unit
As we overheard yesterday during JVC's live press conference, the company has unveiled a single-DIN in-dash solution for navigation and DVD / CD playback. The multifaceted KD-NX5000 sports a sleek, black motif with quite a busy faceplate, which is packed with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, volume / track controls, blue backlights, and nearly half a dozen logos. Crammed within the narrow enclosure is a 40GB hard drive with 15GB reserved for maps / navigation functions and 25GB for music / media. On the navigation side, it sports built-in real-time traffic, maps of North America and Virgin Islands, 13 million POIs, and a remote control to (partially) keep your eyes on the road. On the stereo side, it plays back DVDs, CDs, DivX, MPEG 1/2, and even displays JPEG photos, but it can also rip CDs straight the HDD and can receive tunes from Bluetooth-enabled DAPs / iPods with appropriate adapters. So if you're satisfied with keeping your current ride, and don't want to cramp its style by installing one of those unsightly in-car mounting kits, you can shove a navigation system in your dash next month for $1,199.95.[Via NaviGadget]
Dotel's Navi Box brings GPS to your in-car A / V system
Although a lot of in-car entertainment systems come equipped with navigation these days, you were unlucky enough to have to pimped out your fleet of luxury vehicles before the bubble burst, and now that all your loot's all gone, you're one of the only people rolling around in a GPS-free Lambo. Well, friend, all is not lost, as we've just stumbled upon an external GPS receiver from Korean manufacturer Dotel that eschews the fancy Bluetooth radio for a good old-fashioned wired connection; this means that you can hook the Navi Box DOTN120 to any in-dash unit with a screen via RGB or composite A / V cables. On the specs tip, this device runs Windows CE.Net 4.2 powered by a 300MHz Samsung processor, sports 64MB of RAM / 32MB of ROM (expandable to 1GB), pumps out QVGA resolution, and features an IR receiver and GPS port for use with an optional remote control and external antenna, respectively. You also get an SD slot to store your maps and multimedia content, so you can load up some MP3s and videos to complement your collection of CDs and DVDs. Unfortunately there's no word on pricing or availability here, but we imagine that you won't have to pawn too many more possessions in order to get your hands on one.[Via Navigadget]
Pioneer updates Carrozzeria in-car entertainment systems
If you're looking to play almost every audio/video format known to man in your car, even MiniDiscs, then Pioneer has just introduced a whopper of an in-dash system that may be perfect for you (well, if you live in Japan, that is). The AVIC-VH009MD in-car multimedia system, which takes over the high end of Pioneer's Carrozzeria lineup, features a 5.1 channel amp, dedicated TV tuner, GPS receiver with birds-eye view, and a head unit that contains a 7-inch screen and plays back DVDs, CDs, MDs, and MP3/WMA files as well as DivX-encoded videos. Also new to the Carrozzeria line is the AVH-P90DVA, which also has a TV tuner and 7-inch screen, but *only* supports DVDs, CDs, VCDs, and the aforementioned codecs plus AAC, but not MiniDiscs or navigation. The all-in-one system will go for a cool $3,200, while the AVH-P90DVA costs $2,300, although if you want to listen to tracks from your cellphone, you'll have to forgo a lot of these niceties and stick with the Bluetooth-equipped AVIC-S1 that we brought you the other day.Read- AVIC-VH009MDRead- AVH-P90DVA
2007 Infiniti G35 gets in-dash system with hard drive and CF
Infiniti's G35 may be the most expensive CD ripper you ever bought (or lusted after, anyway). The new 2007 G35 has an in-dash system apparently outfitted with not only a CompactFlash slot, but a CD player that will also rip and encode your CDs for storage on an internal drive of unspecified size (we're really hoping the "9.5G" mentioned in the article is a model designation, and not capacity). Sure, it might just be easier to have a removable drive (or USB port) for dropping already-ripped or, um, downloaded songs into your car, but Infiniti must not expect the unclean to understand luxe doesn't always mean ease.[Via Anything But iPod]
