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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]
Mio's Windows Mobile-powered concept MID hands-on
Well, what have we here? While waltzing about the CES floor today, we stumbled upon a conceptual Mio MID that looks suspiciously like Sony's VAIO P. The currently unnamed device was actually lookin' pretty sharp, as it boasted a 7-inch WVGA (800 x 480) resolution display, integrated WiFi, a non-removable battery good for eight hours or so and a full QWERTY keyboard. It was also packing a trackball setup, an SD card slot, a few USB ports and audio in / out. We were told that the design was still being finalized and that it wouldn't ship until mid-2009 at the earliest, and while we'd love to see this piece ship Stateside, we have our doubts. Oh, and did we mention that this thing runs on an evidently skinned version of Windows Mobile? Because it does. Peek the gallery below if you're in disbelief.%Gallery-41230%
Mio said to be prepping GPS-enabled 3.5G touchscreen handset for Q1 2009
Not that Mio hasn't pumped out a GPS phone or two before, but the rarely-heard-from handset maker is reportedly on its way to delivering its first 3.5G touchscreen-based GPS phone in Q1 2009. Undisclosed sources singled out at DigiTimes have it that the mobile will be powered by a 3.5G chipset from Qualcomm and will come loaded with Mitac's self-developed "Spirit" touch interface. Additionally, it'll pack a 3.2-megapixel camera and should launch ahead of Garmin's oft-delayed nüvifone. In related news, Mio is also scheduled to launch a GPS-packin' MID before Q1 2009 ends, though it's still unclear if it'll choose a 7- or 8-inch panel to accompany the 3G radio and Windows CE operating system. Riveting stuff, huh?[Via GPSTracklog]
Navman intros slimline S100 GPS unit
It looks like those wanting a GPS unit that's a bit more stylish than the usual fare now have a new option to consider from Navman, which has just introduced is IDEO-designed S100 model. In addition to being shiny, this one measures just 13.5-mm thick, and packs a 4.3-inch "super flat" touchscreen, all the usual PMP features, 3D maps, Navman's trademark NavPix photo navigation, and SirfStar's InstaFix II, which promises to deliver a GPS fix five times faster than normal. It also uses Mio's new "Spirit" software with Glide Touch, which provides "simple tap and slide functionality," but apparently not full multi-touch. No word on a release 'round these parts, but folks in the UK will be able to pick this one up in November for $199, or roughly $340.[Via NaviGadget]
Mio's Knight Rider GPS gets reviewed, high-fived
Sure, we've been totally into Mio's Knight Rider GPS, but how does it really stack up? PC Magazine took it out for a test drive and found that the device is essentially a Moov 300, which they say has solid route calculation times and a straightforward menu system. The Knight Rider version comes pre-loaded with maps for the US, Canada and Puerto Rico -- an improvement over typical Mio US-only map packs -- and the reviewer likes the device's 58 POI categories (compared to the Moov 310's paltry 35). The biggest knock on the unit is the lack of live traffic on-board; you have to purchase a subscription and a separate receiver (not yet available on Mio's web site). Of course, you could always go for the aforementioned 310 with a built-in traffic receiver (and $20 lower price tag), but how cool would that be? Not cool at all. Don't take our word for it, though, hit the read link and check out the whole review for yourself.
Mio's Knight Rider GPS now shipping to the hardcore fans
Anybody can say they're going to shell out for a Knight Rider GPS pre-order, but when the house party dies down and everyone peaces out, who actually keeps that order alive? For you, dedicated K.I.T.T. fan, your moment in the sun has arrived, as Mio's legendary Knight Rider GPS is finally shipping within one to two business days. William Daniels is calling -- are you tuned in?[Via CNET]
Mio's two-faced LEAP K1 gets unboxed
It's been quite awhile since Mio's LEAP K1 was introduced overseas, but now we're getting an up close and personal look thanks to one particular unboxer over at Mobile01. The two-faced mobile looks like a typical handset from the front, but upon flipping it over, you'll find another side to this critter -- one that fancies GPS navigation. We're not too sure how we feel about having to safeguard displays on both sides of the handset, but if we had access to plenty of screen protectors, we suppose we could get used to all that added functionality. Hit the read link for lots more pics.[Via iTech News]
Mio's Knight Rider GPS now available for pre-order
Dying to get your eyes and fingers all over Mio's GPS-incarnation of KITT? Can't hardly wait to hear the voice of the voice of the original KITT barking directions at you? Well you're in luck, friend. Radio Shack has apparently begun taking pre-orders for the Knight Rider-branded satnav, which they claim will be available to own come September 24th. Ready to go? Get your credit card out, then prepare to be $269.99 lighter and 40 percent nerdier.[Thanks, Jason]
Mio gets official with Knight Rider GPS unit
Mio has understandably not been very shy about showing off its new Knight Rider-themed GPS unit, but the company has now finally gotten its official business out of the way and provided all the details on the device's US launch. In case you somehow managed to miss it, the device itself is basically a mid-range Moov in disguise, with some red LEDs and, most importantly, William Daniels' instantly recognizable voice helping to make you feel just a little bit more like Michael Knight as you traverse the U.S. and Canada with the aid of the pre-loaded maps. As we had heard, however, you'll still have to wait until a bit later in this quarter to get your hands on one, when it'll set you back a reasonable $270.
Mio Moov 380 SIM card-equipped GPS unit clears the FCC
It may not speak with the voice of KITT, but Mio's new Moov 380 GPS unit looks like it'll pack some pretty desirable features nonetheless, not the least of which is a built-in SIM card for some Dash-like two-way communication. That'll of course also let you make and receive calls and text messages straight from the device without having to jump through the usual Bluetooth hoops, although there's no word as to what carrier Mio might be teaming up with or what the rates will be. Otherwise, it seems you can expect the usual array of GPS and non-GPS-related functions, along with the requisite microSD card slot and Mio's trademark MioMore Desktop software for some PC connectivity. No word on a price or release date just yet, but its recent trip through the FCC would seem to indicate that those details should be cropping up sooner rather than later.
Getting dirty with Mio's Knight Rider GPS
We may be a little overexcited about Mio's Knight Rider GPS unit, but we're not about to apologize for that. This is one beautiful union of KITT and navigation that was meant to happen since the day LCDs and GPS chips first hung out. With that out of the way, we have some hands-on impressions.The unit feels solid and small enough to be portable while the screen remains just big enough to be of use. A nice anti-glare coating looks to keep things visible during daylight hours. Yes, standard fare.Peep the gallery below and don't miss the video after the break.%Gallery-26159%
Video: Knight Rider GPS asks, "Michael, where do you want to go today"
You can't purchase it for few more months, so we thought you'd like to see a brief preview of Mio's $270 Knight Rider GPS unit. It boots into a KITT scanner effect and warm, "Michael, where do you want to go today" greeting. Fortunately, you can then reprogram KITT to address you from a list of 200 or so other names (with more to come). Add Flux Capacitor and your ride to nerdvana is complete. See the action after the break.[Thanks, Joe P.]
Mio's Knight Rider GPS speaks with the voice of KITT -- we're in love
Move over, Dash Express. Take a seat, Garmin and Tom Tom. As of right now there's only one GPS unit worth buying, and it's this trick Knight Rider unit from Mio that issues directions in the voice of KITT. Yep, Mr. Feeney William Daniels is gonna be right there with you, although we doubt he'll be as tolerant of your skin-tight pants and unkempt chest hair this time around. Underneath the hood it's basically the same Mio kit as you'd expect, only it boots up by saying "Hello Michael, where do you want to go today?" uses a cartoon Trans-Am to represent your car, and features dual LED scanner lights on each side. Yes, we're in love. $270 is all it'll take when this thing hits in a few months -- 10 points to the first reader to get a picture of it inside a KITT replica.[Via Autoblog]
Mio's Lovebird becomes G50 while LEAP K1 shows both sides of itself
Mio's got quite the interesting duo set up at Computex: the Windows Mobile 6.1-packin' G50 and the two-faced LEAP K1. As for the former, you may know it better as the Lovebird, but it seems a more corporately accepted monicker was chosen at the last minute for the quad-band GSM handset. As for the latter, this mysterious creature actually has two faces to fondle -- one of which packs a traditional numeric keypad, while the other features an expansive panel perfect for serving up routes. Check the links below for more details on both.Read - Mio G50Read - Mio LEAP K1
Mio's navigator concept looks like a camera + GPS Po' Boy
This isn't the first odd-ball GPS concept we've seen from Mio. This time, we've got a personal navigation device (PND) teamed with a digital camera. The device features a 3.5-inch touchscreen, 8 megapixel CCD, and presumably some kind of integrated geo-tagging ability. On display now at Computex where Engadget Chinese has all the pics. [Via PMP Today and GPS Business News]
MiTAC Mio Lovebird spotted
MiTAC Mio seems set to bring its 'B' game to the Windows Mobile World with this barely inspired bit of design work. Packing 2GB of ROM -- whoa! -- 64MB RAM, quad-band GSM, touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6.1, and memory expansion with microSD. As far as wireless connectivity goes we only see Bluetooth, but seeing as this little handset lacks any 3G magic, the Lovebird may get some updates before it ships. Though, if it ends up at retail as is, we wouldn't expect it to tank your wallet come check-out time.
Mio's Moov GPS units hit the States
If you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for Mio's new GPS satnavs to hit the States, it's time to break out the party favors. The PND-maker has just launched its Moov 200, 210, 300, and 310 touchscreen GPS units in the US, all equipped with SiRFstar III chips (with SiRFInstantFix II technology), pre-loaded maps of the US and Puerto Rico, and real-time traffic reports (on the 310 and 210). Prices range from $179.95 for the 3.5-inch 200, up to $249.95 for the 4.3-inch 310, and all four should be available on April 1st.
Mio springboards Moov GPS lineup at CeBIT
Thanks to a little digging at the FCC, we knew good and well Mio had a few Moovs on the way, and it's really no surprise that it chose CeBIT to make things official. Aside from looking incredibly sexy, the new Moovs all feature MioMore to unearth local gems and points of interests, SiRF GPS chipsets and InstantFixII for acquiring your location in a jiffy. Up first is the Moov 330 Regional (€180; $273) / 330 Europe (€230; $350), which each boast a 4.3-inch display and differ only in the expansiveness of their European maps. Next up is the €280 ($426) Moov 370 Europe, which ups the ante on the previous two by including Bluetooth and traffic information. Lastly, we've got the Moov 200 Regional (€150; $228) / Moov 200 Europe (€180; $273), which look to boast 3.5-inch displays and pack the same features as the 330 series. Mum's the word on availability, but folks situated across the pond aren't apt to miss a design like this.[Via NaviGadget]
Mio and Qualcomm to merge GPS, real-time traffic, and cellphone
In case you missed it, the biggest trend in GPS navigators at the moment is real-time, two-way data feeds for traffic updates. There's the Dash Express of course, and TomTom's ONE XL HD Traffic GPS navigator with real-time traffic feeds provided over Vodafone's GSM network. Now Mio is looking for a piece of that action with some help from Qualcomm. The collaboration brings Qualcomm's QST1100 chipset to the mix for real-time traffic updates (presumably two-way, or why bother), voice calling, search, and the always intriguing, "more." Details on the chipset are few. We do know that it features assisted-GPS, Standalone-GPS and gpsOneXTRA Assistance technology. How very marketingy. While no date for a device launch was provided, we have a funny feeling that one of MIO's prototypes spotted at CES or perhaps that Qualcomm reference design is due for mass assembly sometime soon.
Hands-on with Mio's dual-front GPS phone concept
It was the end of the day and we're rather charming, so the Mio reps were nice enough to pull their super off-limits dual-front GPS phone prototype out of its glass case and let us play with it a bit. Obviously it's not the most operational thing in the world, but even with its limited functionality we were pretty impressed -- the interface was entertainingly swoopy and the phone parts even worked well enough to almost get service. There was also another connected GPS concept with a SIM slot, but you know us -- we're not taking more than one photo if it doesn't light up. Check it all out in the gallery! %Gallery-12981%