Gotta Have It: Azentek SmartMirror

By: Ben Vollmer, Car Audio Nationals/Team SoundDomain

I recently ran across this and fell in love, it's the Azentek SmartMirror.  It looks like a larger-than-average rear-view mirror, but has a 4" screen built-in with integrated GPS navigation and Bluetooth. The navigation software is from Navigon, and also includes two additional video inputs. I have yet to find anybody selling it, but was supposed to be on sale the 1st of August for about $800.00.

What do you think?

in the forums!

Navigon Gets Fresh (Maps)

Navigon continues to impress me with their out-of-the box thinking. One of the most painful things for a GPS navigation owner to absorb is the map updates. Updates typically occur every other year or so, but prices can range from $100 all the way up to $500(!). The $500 was a real shocker for me. My previous navigation had maps from the year 2000 when I finally pulled it out last year to start my new build because I couldn't see the point in paying that much for a update when an entire new system cost only $200 more.
Well, Navigon feels your (my) pain and is introducing a new subscription-based map update program. The Fresh Maps program covers 12 high-quality map updates over a three-year period, and includes updates for both maps and POIs. But the best part is the price: only $79. The only downside is the program only works with newer models (7100, 5100, and the 2100/2120 Max series so far), but my hats off to Navigon for making navigation a more affordable, better experience.

Source: GPS Review via Gadgetell

A King Dethroned: The New Navigon 8110

We just told you about the new Navigon 7100 a few days ago, donning it the "King" of current portable navs. Well, it might be getting dethroned, but at least it's staying in the family. This might be the new Navigon 8110. It looks sleeker and sexier, and should feature the latest Navigon MobileNavigator software (Version 7), which will be faster and offer an upgraded 3D Reality View interface. The 8100 series will be housed in a brushed aluminum housing with a 4.8" widescreen, a nice upgrade from the 7100's 4.3" screen.

The 8100 is just as feature-packed on the inside as the 7100, offering Bluetooth for handsfree mobile phone connectivity and a built-in RDS/TMC receiver for real-time traffic and weather info for example, but will also feature a built-in wireless FM transmitter to integrate the 8100's route instructions through any radio.

Have something say?

in the forums!

Takata CSW: A Heads-Up Display at Your Fingertips

What you see here is a pretty bad-ass concept developed jointly by Navigon and Takata. If you've followed this blog, you'd know that the new Navigon 7100 is one of the most cutting edge and sexy PND's (Portable Navigation Devices) for 2008. But Takata is a name you've probably never heard before. Takata is pretty well-known in the OEM automotive industry and develops little things like airbags, seat belts, fabrics, steering wheels, and other automotive safety devices.

Well in a small corner of Navigon's CES booth, was the display you see here. I was able to get a little bit of information out of the Navigon guys, but they weren't allowed to divulge much more than what was on the show display. So what is this funky steering wheel, what does it do, and why is it so special?
Click through at the jump to find out and to check out more pics!

Navigon 7100: A New King of Portable Nav Emerges?

Navigon is a relatively new player in the US portable nav market, but they're coming out of the gate with a wide-open throttle and a full tank of gas. The 7100 is Navigon's flagship model, and not only does it offer all the standard features you expect in a portable navigation these days, but Navigon has thrown in a few extra unique features to sweeten the deal. An easy-to-read 4.3 inch widescreen color touchscreen offers easy access to menus, and is large enough to incorporate a good deal of map information. The 7100 also includes a lifetime subscription to Real-Time traffic, advising you of traffic flow, accidents, and alternate routes, all for free.
Navigon’s Reality View also improves the overall navigation experience by providing a 3D realistic street-level view of the road, including road signs and exits. Combine that with Navigon’s Lane Assistant technology, which instructs drivers of the optimal lane of travel for their route, as well as text-to-speech for spoken route instructions and street names, and the chances of missing an exit or next turn are slim-to-none.

(More info and TON of pics are available after the jump!)