MSN Direct provides customers on the go with relevant, timely, location-specific information along with additional functionality that enables them to integrate their personal navigation device with Live Search Maps and receive enhanced location-specific information. With MSN Direct, customers have access to the following: • • • A new Send to GPS functionality that enables them to select destinations using Live Search Maps and send them from their desktop directly to MSN Direct-enabled navigation devices in their car wirelessly over the MSN Direct network Information on stock prices, local events, news headlines and weather Enhanced movie details, gas prices and expanded traffic information for the U.S. and Canada
Microsoft is working with a host of companies, including Alpine Electronics Inc., Garmin Ltd., Goodyear, dmedia System Co. Ltd., Pioneer and StreetDeck, all of which have announced plans to offer personal navigation devices with the newest version of MSN Direct. Details on specific products are below. Garmin nüvi 780 and Garmin nüvi 880 The Garmin nüvi 780 and Garmin nüvi 880 with MSN Direct will be released in April 2008 and will be 1 available for $799.99 (U.S.) and $999.99 (U.S.) (estimated retail prices (ERPs)). Both products include the MSN Direct receiver out of the box and, after an initial three-month free trial, require a subscription. The new Garmin nüvi 780 with MSN Direct features the new Send to GPS functionality that enables customers to select and save destinations using Live Search Maps and send directly to a nüvi device. In addition, these new devices intelligently route drivers based on updated traffic conditions while conveniently displaying information on the latest news, local events, weather, gas prices, movies and more. Other features of the Garmin nüvi 780 include these: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Mapping for North America or Europe FM transmitter Bluetooth wireless technology Text-to-speech capability Where Am I? feature, which helps users find the nearest hospitals, police stations and gas stations Audiobook player Last position: Unit automatically marks its position when it is removed from the windshield mount so users can navigate with nüvi on foot and find their way back to their vehicle Route planning with Via Points Track log High-sensitivity integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for improved performance and reception Low-cost, high-quality 480x272, 4.3-inch WQVGA display with touch screen Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)-enabled No-flip patch antenna: Includes MCX connector for optional external GPS antenna Rechargeable battery SD card slot
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Other features of the Garmin nüvi 880 include these: • • • Automatic speech recognition (including remote) Video input and international FM wireless transmitter Picture viewer, music player, audio book player
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USB mass storage World map 2 My Data Location messages, text messages Route shaping and planning QWERTY and ABC keyboards Custom points of interest Display size: 3.81 inches x 2.25 inches; 4.3-inch diagonal Display type: 64,000 colors, bright WQVGA TFT landscape display with white backlight and touch screen Unit dimensions: 4.9 inches wide x 3.1 inches high x 0.71 inches deep
Garmin nüvi 5000 Also new to Garmin’s lineup, the Garmin nüvi 5000 features a 5.2inch display and is MSN Direct-enabled using a receiver that is sold separately. The Garmin nüvi 5000 will be available for an ERP of $799.99 (U.S.) in spring 2008. Other features include these: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Auto backlight TMC support (GTM receiver) Traffic support FM transmitter Backup camera/video input support North America coverage Route planner with support for Via Points Text-to-speech capability (speaks street names) Music and audio book player Picture viewer Games QWERTY keyboard Trip log Garmin Lock
Alpine PND-K3msn Alpine Electronics’ new, portable PND-K3msn provides fast, accurate and easy-to-use navigation guidance for the U.S. and Canada and will be 3 available in spring 2008 for an ERP of $650 (U.S). As a device enabled with the latest version of MSN Direct, it is equipped with instant up-todate information, including current stock prices, information on local events, news headlines, and enhanced movie details and showtimes, in addition to traffic information, gas prices and weather. The new Send to GPS feature in MSN Direct also allows users to send an address directly to the PND-K3msn from their personal MSN account, for trip planning directly from the user’s PC. Other features include these: • • • • • • • 4.3-inch-wide high-resolution touch screen Pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada (including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands) Cradle with MSN Direct that provides up-to-date traffic, weather, gas price information and movie showtimes Fast routing and map zooming 6 million points of interest with selectable map icons Auto map zoom Multilanguage menus and voice guide
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Customizable map and menu colors Animated menus Easy-to-use windshield and dashboard mount Built-in SD card slot and speaker for use with music player Ability to announce street names during guidance Built-in Bluetooth for convenient hands-free calling
Goodyear Goodyear, the most trusted name in tires for over a century, has entered into a trademark license agreement with The NCC. The NCC is launching its first line of Goodyear-branded, driver-focused GPS navigation systems at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show. The officially licensed Goodyear GPS systems are touted as a “rugged GPS systems.” Both the GY440 and GY540 include 12 months of MSN Direct service. Other features of the Goodyear GY440 include these: • • • • • • • • Bluetooth capabilities Optional remote control to access hands-free communication, with a single quick-touch button to answer and hang up incoming calls 4.3-inch LCD touch screens High sensitivity receivers Text-to-speech navigation for spoken street names, millions of points of interest (POI), MP3 and video playback A/V inputs for iPods, TV tuners or DVD players Internal speaker and headphones included 1 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of removable SD storage
Other features of the Goodyear GY540 include these: • • • • • • • • Bluetooth capabilities Remote control to access hands-free communication, with a single quick-touch button to answer and hang up incoming calls 4.3-inch LCD touch screens High sensitivity receivers Text-to-speech navigation for spoken street names, millions of POI, MP3 and video playback A/V inputs for iPods, TV tuners or DVD players Stereo speaker and headphones included 2 GB of internal memory and removable SD storage
dmedia dmedia introduces the G4, an MSN Direct-enabled device offering a new level of service to an expanding line of portable navigation devices. New models are expected to be available in spring 2008. dmedia’s G4 promises to bring GPS navigation devices to the next level. Other features include these: • • • • • Wide 4-inch display screen and a sleek black design with a rounded casing Innovative button display that functions as an easy-to-use touch pad e-Compass and G sensor to allow drivers to receive guidance and stay on course in areas such as tunnels and bridges, where it is difficult to receive a good GPS signal Built-in Bluetooth functionality that enables users to connect their cell phones to the G4 and use a Bluetooth earpiece to make and receive phone calls Multimedia support that allows users to watch movies and video clips in full color
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StreetDeck StreetDeck plans to integrate a touch-screen interface with MSN Direct in a new ultra-mobile PC as an aftermarket MSN Directenabled navigation unit. Designed to reduce driver distraction while leveraging the power and convenience of an ultra-mobile PC, it allows for simple navigation, and access to information through MSN Direct. Other features include these: • • • • • • Precise 3-D navigation Media playback and management Gesture-controlled touch interface Bluetooth phone control Vehicle systems integration, including engine notifications and reverse cameras Location-based services via MSN Direct
Pioneer Pioneer plans to release the AVIC-F500BT, a hybrid navigation technology that brings the power of an in-dash device with the convenience of a portable system, with MSN Direct. Available this spring, the device is designed to integrate with virtually any factory audio system. The AVIC-F500BT will enable consumers to add superior navigation features and extended entertainment capabilities without modification of their existing car stereo. The large screen generates an easy-to-view map, and its enhanced graphic user interface makes it easy for users to control and manage the system. Other features include these: • • • • • • • • • • • Can operate as both a navigation device and media center for entertainment Significantly enhances the audio experience in the car with its ability to accept portable devices with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and/or music-filled SD memory cards The AVIC-F500BT resides in a 7x4x7.5-inch chassis and utilizes a large high-resolution WVGA 5.8inch touch panel display Pre-loaded mapping data from Tele Atlas for the United States and Canada Up to 12 million points of interest with updatable POI database via SD Card slot PC application included from Pioneer Text-to-speech engine to further enhance its assistance capabilities by pronouncing street names Bluetooth hands-free calling when paired with a Bluetooth-capable phone Auxiliary output for vehicle audio integration plays audio through automobile speakers, automatically muting during navigation directions, incoming calls and more VoiceBox Conversational Voice Search Platform allows users to control their iPod and Bluetoothenabled cell phones by voice For safety and convenience, the device is equipped with a camera input and back-up trigger
Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services Consumers can turn their laptop PC into the ultimate, up-to-date GPS navigation system. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with 4 Connected Services combines the No. 1 best-selling travel and map software with a sleek and stylish GPS Locator and an MSN Direct Receiver that provides updated traffic and local gas prices (an Internet connection is not required). Users can choose the best routes to take to get to where they are going without hassles or
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unexpected delays. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with Connected Services is available now for an estimated retail price $149.95 (U.S). Other features include these: • • • • New MSN Direct Receiver enables traffic and gas updates without an Internet connection Ultra-compact GPS device with SiRFstar III technology and a USB cable that can be used either with or without the MSN Direct Receiver One-year subscription to MSN Direct for traffic updates and gas prices without an Internet connection; traffic reports and gas prices through an FM signal using the included MSN Direct Receiver, laptop PC running Streets & Trips and MSN Direct; no Internet connection needed Includes Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 ######### Note: To receive MSN Direct on an MSN Direct-ready device, you must be within an MSN Direct coverage area; see http://www.msndirect.com for current coverage maps. Coverage areas are affected by reception limitations of the FM network as well as other factors, which may affect the ability to receive FM broadcasts. Coverage areas are subject to change. Not all content is available in all coverage areas.
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All models are MSN Direct-compatible; only Garmin nuvi 880 will ship with GDB50 with 12 months of free user access in the United States. 2 My Data allows user to change home location, delete favorites, delete routes, import GPX routes, and clear trip log. 3 Requires optional subscription service fee to MSN Direct. 4 The NPD Group/NPD Techworld, January 2000–February 2007. Based on total U.S. retail sales.
For more information, press only: Elizabeth O’Connor, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, (425) 638-7000, eoconnor@waggeneredstrom.com Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, (503) 443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com