Don’t Ask for Directions with Sony’s NAV-U Sony is jumping into the GPS market with the introduction of its NAV-U. This innovative navigation system will help travelers with directions to destinations using a series of map systems. It also provides several routes to assist in avoiding traffic jams. It also points out landmarks and special attractions. The new Sony NAV-U boasts many state of the art features. The display screen is a remarkable 3.5 inches with extremely bright colors. The screen is visible by drivers in almost all lighting conditions, making it great for night driving and helps avoid the glare often experienced during hours of direct sunlight. The display is a technologically advanced touch screen, which can also be voice activated. Sony has added a two-way speaker to the navigation system to ensure that the driver’s prompts are heard clearly. Sony could not have picked a better time to join the auto navigational devise industry. According to the NPD the navigation market is expected to grow by 100 percent in the year 2006. The Sony NAV-U is ready to use as soon as you get it installed. It depends on its 1 gigabyte of flash memory to function properly. Sony as programmed the navigation system with maps from every corner of the continental United States. In addition Sony has loaded the navigational computer with over 1.6 million high interest points. If a driver plans on traveling outside of the continental United States it can use the additional DVD-ROM that is included with NAV-U. The DVD-ROM includes maps of Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Another benefit of the NAV-U is that updates are constantly available t the preprogrammed maps. A driver can simply connect the unit to a personal computer using a USB cable and the updates to the database of maps are complete. The NAV-U begins working seconds after it is turned on. The devise is a receiver with twelve channels with a built in antenna. The antenna allows the GPS receiver to access a satellite signal to aid in accurate navigation. Once the unit is on, Sony has made several shortcuts available to insure that the NAV-U is user friendly. The driver can touch the “home” prompt and the NAV-U will determine the automobile’s location and determine the most efficient route to any address given. The driver can program their home address, so that the NAV-U can direct them home from any location. The other easy option made available is the “block road” feature. This feature provides alternate routes, allowing drivers to change courses in the case or a traffic jam, or road closure. The NAV-U is also equipped with day and night modes. These modes can be manually selected or will be automatically regulated by a light sensor. The3 sensor measures the light in the automobile and will transition gradually between the two modes for optimal lighting. The NAV-U, unlike some of its counterparts, can easily be moved from one automobile to another. The unit sits in a bracket that can be installed
on any dashboard or windshield. Its battery is rechargeable and lasts for up to fours when removed from the automobile. Sony expects the NAV-U will be available for purchase by the end of February. The navigational system can be purchased in a Sony retail store or online at the Sony website. The NAV-U will be sold for $700. Additional accessories will be available at the same time. For example, there will be an extra bracket and car charger available to purchase for $80, an additional antenna for $100, and a stylish case to travel with the system for $30.