Po pierwsze po autostradzie jedzie się szybko, bardzo szybko. Z reguły szybciej niż 120km/h co oznacza, że jeden kilometr przejeżdżamy szybciej niż w 30 sekund!

Po drugie z autostrady nie można zjechać w dowolnym miejscu a zjechanie w złym miejscu grozi sporym nadłożeniem drogi i stratą czasu. Pomijam tu niekorzystną sytuację, że jak niechcąco wjedziemy na odcinek płatny to musimy za niego zapłacić. Zjechać lub go ominąć się po prostu nie da.

Po trzecie na autostradzie nie można bardzo zwolnić jazdy w taki sposób aby "dać sobie czas" na zastanowienie co dalej robić. Nawet jak mamy pasażera system musi działać z dużym wyprzedzeniem. Sytuacja może być banalna czyli na przykład gdzie zatankować paliwo, ale wiadomo, że na autostradzie stacje są co kilkadziesiąt kilometrów czyli ... następna stacja może być już za daleko.

Wszystkie trzy powody (a jest ich zapewne więcej) skłaniają do specjalnego traktowania autostrad czyli specjalnego trybu autostradowego w nawigacjach. Od razu warto wspomnieć, że nie każdy system nawigacji ma tryb autostradowy a czasami nawet autostrady nie bardzo się różnią od innych dróg dwupasmowych.

Użytkownik powinien być informowany o tym, że w ogóle wjeżdża na autostradę. Śmieszne? Wcale nie. W Luboniu pod Poznaniem jest wjazd na autostradę zupełnie nieoznakowany. To znaczy, że jak się przejedzie na wprost skrzyżowanie to wjeżdża się na autostradę (co prawda bezpłatną), ale najbliższy zjazd z niej jest za ... 6 kilometrów. Widziałem już kilka samochodów, które próbowały tam na wstecznym wycofać się z tego manewru. Na ile jest to groźne to każdy może sobie sam wyobrazić.

Nawigacja powinna informować z wyprzedzeniem o wjeździe na autostradę. "Za 200 metrów wjazd na (płatną/bezpłatną) autostradę". W tym komunikacie można dodatkowo przekazać informację o opłacie lub jej braku. Bardzo przydatny byłby dodatkowy komunikat o ograniczeniu prędkości na tego typu drodze np. "Dozwolona prędkość 110 kilometrów na godzinę". Przy przejeździe przez kilka krajów można łatwo przekroczyć przepisy na przykład wjeżdżając z Niemiec (brak ograniczeń) do Danii (ograniczenie do 110/130 km/h).

Przyjrzyjmy się bliżej jak to jest zrealizowane w systemie Alpine.

Przede wszystkim jest w nim sporo miejsca. Na tyle dużo aby można było podzielić ekran pionowo na dwie części. Lewa z mapką trasy i klawiszami oraz prawa z przydatnymi informacjami o zjazdach, parkingach i stacjach benzynowych. Na autostradzie nie dzieje się wiele stąd mapka jest (i będzie w większości przypadków) bardzo skromna. U góry widać symbol najbliższego zjazdu za 49 kilometrów. Z boku standardowe informacje o odległości do końca trasy i przewidywanym czasie przejazdu. Prawy panel boczny oferuje bardzo przydatne dla kierowcy informacje. Zbliżają się dwa zjazdy:

• pierwszy za 3,6 km (12 minut) - będzie miał numer 2, w okolicy tego zjazdu znajduje się także parking (ikona z boku)
• drugi za 22 km (2 minuty) o numerze 3

Pamiętajmy, że na autostradach zjazdy są numerowane i jest to bardzo przydatna informacja gdyż drogowskazy mogą być skomplikowane i nie zawsze jest na nich to czego się spodziewamy. Numer zawsze pozostanie prosty i nie budzący wątpliwości.

Bardzo przydatną informacją jest to, że za 400 metrów mamy zjazd na parking ze stacją benzynową i barem/restauracją. Widać ten punkt także na mapce w formie ikony stacji benzynowej.

Jakich dodatkowo informacji potrzebuje kierowca na autostradzie? Przede wszystkim poprawnych i wyprzedzających informacji głosowych:

• o zbliżającym się zjeździe z autostrady
• o skrzyżowaniu autostrad (u nas będzie zdaje się tylko jedno takie pod Łodzią)
• o rozwidleniu autostrady na dwie - szczególnie w przypadku autostradowych obwodnic miast
• o zmianie typu autostrady z płatnej na bezpłatną i odwrotnie, ta informacja powinna być skorelowana z dodatkową o bramkach aby ostrzegać kierowcę o koniecznym zatrzymaniu się. Na ile jest to krytyczna informacja można się było przekonać w 2006 roku pod Poznaniem gdy rozpędzony TIR  staranował bramkę. Komunikat będzie bardziej złożony gdy bramek nie ma a wymagane są winiety.

Krytyczne są zjazdy z autostrady. Dobra nawigacja musi tak prowadzić aby kierowca nie miał wątpliwości jak jechać i kiedy ma zjechać. Dwie sytuacje są szczególnie godne opisania.

Skrzyżowanie autostrad lub rozwidlenie autostrady

Przede wszystkim powinna być informacja wyprzedzająca, że taka sytuacja będzie miała miejsce. Takie wyprzedzenie byłoby także przydatne nawet w przypadku gdy autostrady się łączą choć wtedy kierowca ma możliwości zjazdu a jedynie musi zachować ostrożność ze względu na wzmożony ruch (vide Berliner Ring). Skrzyżowanie autostrad może prowadzić do bardzo trudnej nawigacji z sześcioma lub więcej pasami ruchu z możliwością jazdy na wprost, w prawo lub w lewo. Bardzo złożone bywają sytuacje w tunelach gdzie dodatkowo zanika sygnał GPS i system "nie wie" gdzie aktualnie znajduje się samochód. W takich sytuacjach najlepiej sprawdzają się nawigacje wbudowane.

Rozwidlony zjazd z autostrady

Przede wszystkim powinna być informacja wyprzedzająca, że taka sytuacja będzie miała miejsce. W zasadzie to każdy zjazd z autostrady jest rozwidlony, ale istotne jest to z jaką prędkością mijamy to rozwidlenie. Jeśli dojeżdżamy do niego np. 50-60 km/h i dalej są światła to nie ma problemu. Gorzej jeśli rozwidlenie jest prawie natychmiast po zjeździe z autostrady, znajduje się w zaroślach i jest zupełnie niewidoczne z samej autostrady. Często niestety zdarza się, że jest źle oznakowane gdyż zjazd jest opisany kilkoma nazwami miejscowości a natychmiast po zjeździe okazuje się, że lista ... dzieli się na dwie i trzeba szybko decyować czy jedziemy w prawo czy w lewo. W takiej sytuacji bardzo przyaje się asystent pasa ruchu stosowany w wielu systemach.

Na zdjęciu pokazano trywialny przykład jazdy na wprost, ale zjazdy z autostrad bywają bardzo złożone. Trochę lepiej widać to na przykładzie Alpine.

PS.

Oczywiście w dużej mierze tryb autostradowy może być także stosowany na drogach ekpresowych, których co trzeba przyznać w Polsce przybywa całkiem sporo.

Guidare la propria auto senza preoccuparsi di sbagliare strada ma soprattutto guidare la propria auto senza accostare per parlare al telefono, chiamando in tutta sicurezza e tranquillità con il collegamento Bluetooth, senza rischiare di incorrere in fastidiose multe. Guidare la propria auto facendosi accompagnare da un navigatore dal design raffinato, con lo schermo panoramico, spendendo meno di € 300. Per chi è sempre in auto o adora viaggiare in totale relax, è giunto anche sugli scaffali italiani il NAVIGON 2150 max, il navigatore più economico nella gamma di prodotti NAVIGON a montare il kit per il collegamento Bluetooth. Così i guidatori potranno tenere entrambe le mani sul volante quando sono al telefono. Connettere il telefono cellulare è facile e veloce oltre che particolarmente comodo per i viaggi lungo i 40 paesi europei coperti dalle mappe preinstallate sul NAVIGON 2150 max.

Inoltre, seguire il percorso che appare sull’ampio schermo da 4,3 pollici in formato 16:9 è particolarmente agevole e sicuro grazie alle esclusive funzioni Reality View Pro e Assistente di Corsia Pro. Mentre la Reality View Pro presenta in modo realistico svincoli e uscite autostradali, l’Assistente di Corsia Pro conosce in anticipo la svolta successiva e mostra con una freccia la corsia su cui tenersi.

Grazie all’antenna TMC integrata nel caricatore da auto, il 2150 max indica gli ingorghi sulla rotta pianificata suggerendo percorsi alternativi. Con l’ottimizzata funzione d’inserimento intelligente della destinazione, con lettere più grandi, è possibile digitare qualsiasi destinazione in Italia o in Europa in pochi secondi o, se si preferisce, è possibile pianificare tutto il percorso a casa, salvarlo, e poi richiamarlo a video a proprio piacimento. Con oltre due milioni di punti di interesse, questo navigatore intelligente può indirizzarti alla più vicina stazione di benzina, al migliore ristorante o nel più popolare luogo turistico.

In aggiunta, il servizio online NAVIGON FreshMaps permette di tenere il NAVIGON 2150 max sempre aggiornato in qualsiasi momento: registrando infatti il prodotto entro 30 giorni dall’acquisto è possibile accedere alle più recenti mappe per 24 mesi a sole €19,95 invece di €99. I nuovi aggiornamenti delle strade, numeri stradali e punti d’interesse sono disponibili da scaricare online ogni tre mesi. Il nuovo NAVIGON 2150 max sarà nei negozi al prezzo di € 279 euro. La durata delle batterie è di tre ore di autonomia.

Per ulteriori informazioni su NAVIGON, NAVIGON Fresh e sul nuovo dispositivo NAVIGON 2150 max, consultare il sito www.navigon.com.

Caratteristiche di NAVIGON 2150 max

· Design di alta qualità

· Schermo 16:9 da 4.3"

· Servizio traffico gratuito (TMC), modulo integrato

· Reality View Pro

· Bluetooth kit

· Esclusiva funzione Assistente di Corsia Pro

· Disponibile con 40 mappe Europee

· Mappe sempre aggiornate con NAVIGON Freshmaps

· Dimensioni: 122 mm x 77.1 mm x 18.7 mm (W/H/D)

· Prezzo: 279 Euro, IVA inclusa

GpsPasSion forum member [Ospray] has released a new version of MioPocket. For those of you that don't know, MioPocket is a great unlock kit for GPS units. It basically unlocks the hidden potential of your GPS so you can access the built-in functionality of a PDA as well as retaining the GPS software. This means you can play music, watch video, play games, read and write office documents, and many other things with the once single-purpose device.

Originally written for Mio brand devices, it has been successfully used on a couple other brands. We've seen it on a Navigon 2100 using a modified install. This software can run directly off the SD card, so it can easily be updated or removed.

The fun part is fiddling with the scripts to get the newest releases to work on the Navigon and Magellan devices.

Tego typu opcje mają między innymi Nav4All i Navigon. Oczywiście działa ona poprawnie tylko wtedy gdy to co w rzeczywistości zbiegnie się z zapisem na mapie cyfrowej. W Polsce dzieje się to dość często, ale zdecydowanie zbyt często znaki drogowe są jednak różne od ograniczeń na mapach. Na przykład system każe zwalniać do 50 km/h a na znaku mam dozwoloną prędkość do 70 km/h (np. Reymonta w Poznaniu i Nav4All).

Nie mówię już o oczywistościach w polskich warunkach takich jak to, że mało kto nie przekracza dozwolonej prędkości. Pół biedy jeśli są to przekroczenia rzędu 5-10 km/h. Na nawigację stać naprawdę wielu "rasowych" kierowców i oni na pewno nie będą zachwyceni takimi ostrzeżeniami. Jeśli w systemie istnieje możliwość wyłączenia tego typu ostrzeżeń to właśnie tacy kierowcy zrobią to na samym początku używania nawigacji.

Minor things or standard things that Navigon is missing.

* Cant easily modify the route to go via this street.

* Most of the time Road (RD) is pronounced as 'R' 'D', Parade (PDE) is pronounced as 'P' 'DE'.

* Street name pronunciation is excellent.

* does not show all most all traffic lights.

* round-abouts are very well clearly displayed on a separate area/box out of the current path. but it not displayed on the highlighted path.

* Does not have the ability to select the state all the suburbs are under Australia so bit slow to search.

* I found Mios predictive keyboard is faster than Navigons.

*

A volte il minimalismo rende le cose migliori. Questo è proprio il caso del nuovo NAVIGON 7210: niente fronzoli, molto lineare, estremamente piatto e a prima vista senza alcuna cornice. Fuori dall’ordinario, unico, e non solo per il suo design elegante. Già vincitore dell’acclamato premio internazionale Red Dot Design Award, non è esclusivamente l’aspetto esteriore che lascia a bocca aperta.
Il nuovo NAVIGON 7210 combina le ormai ben conosciute funzioni dei prodotti della famiglia NAVIGON con le ultime tecnologie dal mondo dei navigatori: affidabile Riconoscimento Vocale Pro, Reality View Pro e Assistente di Corsia Pro, e in aggiunta la nuova funzione Landmark View3D, il Segnalatore di Curve Pericolose, l’Assistenza emergenze e i Favoriti sulla mappa. “Il nostro nuovo navigatore è capace di informare i guidatori sulle curve strette o pericolose delle autostrade sia acusticamente che visivamente: un ulteriore passo verso una maggiore sicurezza. Per facilitare la guida nelle aree urbane, l’Assistente di Corsia ti mostra sullo schermo la corsia migliore da prendere prima di svoltare presso grandi incroci. Con la funzione Landmark View3D, i punti di interesse più caratteristici – come strutture architettoniche o siti storici – vengono mostrati sulla mappa attraverso una rappresentazione realistica in 3D”, spiega Jörn Watzke, Vice President Product Line Management di NAVIGON AG. “Questo aiuta maggiormente il guidatore nell’orientarsi in città – e vale per tutta l’Europa”. E fuori dalle città, la Reality View Pro vi dà una precisa visuale del percorso: infatti prima degli svincoli autostradali complessi, il nuovo NAVIGON 7210 vi mostrerà quale è la strada giusta e l’uscita corretta da prendere. L’autostrada, i cartelli autostradali e le uscite sono visualizzate con immagini foto-realistiche sul display. E il Segnalatore di Curve Pericolose conosce più di 55.000 curve pericolose in tutta Europa.
La nuova funzionalità Assistenza emergenze indica la posizione GPS del veicolo e aiuta a trovare i punti di utilità più vicini come ospedali, stazioni di polizia, benzinai e farmacie. Si può facilmente accedere a questi punti di interesse speciali attraverso il menù, visualizzarli sulla mappa e integrali nella navigazione con un semplice tocco di un tasto. Altre informazioni aggiuntive sono mostrate sul display, come un numero di telefono che è possibile chiamare al volo grazie alla tecnologia Bluetooth integrata.
Il Riconoscimento Vocale Pro, che permette di inserire la destinazione con la pressione di un solo tasto, e le nuove speciali opzioni di destinazione completano il pacchetto di funzionalità di questo navigatore dal design unico. Oltre ai 2 milioni di punti di interessi presenti nel navigatore, ora è anche possibile salvare le proprie destinazioni preferite e aggiungerle sulla mappa, dando così al NAVIGON 7210 un tocco personale e distintivo (Favoriti sulla mappa).

All’interno del NAVIGON 7210, un processore super-potente da 600 MHz, 64 MB di memoria interna e 2 GB di flash memory sono al lavoro per offrire ottime prestazioni sul brillante SmartDisplay da 4,3 pollici in formato 16:9. La batteria ricaricabile al litio (1.600 mAh) garantisce numerose ore di viaggio. Poi il ricaricatore da auto con il cavo TMC integrato fornisce nuova energia al navigatore.
Con il nuovo servizio online NAVIGON Fresh, il NAVIGON 7210 può essere aggiornato costantemente: registrando il prodotto entro 30 giorni dall’acquisto si otterrà inoltre un consistente sconto sul prezzo di €99 per gli aggiornamenti delle ultime mappe per 24 mesi. Un aggiornamento completo da parte degli esperti di NAVTEQ, che include nuove strade, numeri civici e punti di interesse, è disponibile ogni 3 mesi. Il nuovo NAVIGON 7210 è equipaggiato con le mappe di 40 Paesi Europei e sarà disponibile questo autunno al prezzo di €349.

Caratteristiche NAVIGON 7210

* SmartDisplay piatto premiato per il design
* Riconoscimento Vocale Pro
* Bluetooth integrato
* Perfetta visualizzazione della strada grazie alla Reality View Pro e Assistente di Corsia Pro
* Funzione Assistenza emergenze
* Funzione Segnalatore di Curve Pericolose
* Landmark View3D
* Informazioni sul traffico tramite antenna TMC integrata nel ricarica batterie da auto
*  Salvataggio delle destinazioni preferite sulla mappa
* Display touchscreen da 4.3 pollici in formato 16:9
*  Mappe di 40 Paesi Europei

Fonte:press Navigon

È NAVIGON 8110 il navigatore selezionato dall’EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) quale miglior “European Portable Navigation Device”. L’EISA è un’associazione composta da 50 riviste specializzate nel settore dell’elettronica di consumo di 19 paesi che ogni anno seleziona i migliori prodotti suddivisi in categorie. Grazie ad innovazioni che consentono la visualizzazione realistica e tridimensionale del percorso - come la Panorama View^3D e la Reality View Pro - e che semplificano la guida - come l’Assistente di Corsia Pro - il NAVIGON 8110 è stato indicato dal panel giudicante quale dispositivo che stabilisce nuovi standard nel campo della navigazione mobile. Il lettore mp3 integrato, il visualizzatore di fotografie, il bluetooth e il trasmettitore FM ne fanno inoltre un innovativo prodotto multimediale. Con un ampio touch screen da 4.8 pollici racchiusi in una cornice in acciaio spazzolato, il NAVIGON 8110 dispone di una precisa ed immediata funzione di Riconoscimento Vocale Pro grazie alla quale è possibile programmare il tragitto semplicemente parlando. E se non bastasse, gli aggiornamenti delle mappe sono gratuiti ogni tre mesi per 2 anni dall'acquisto.

Na pierwszy ogień niech pójdzie miniony rok 2007. Szacunkowo sprzedano w nim od 180.000 do 300.000 urządzeń i systemów (to drugie w przypadku usług online i samych programów np. AutoMapa bez urządzenia). W porównaniu z latami poprzednimi, w których sprzedaż nie sięgała 100.000 szt. dynamika rynku jest ogromna!

Rok 2007

Bardzo ważna uwaga do tabeli powyżej. Dane w niej ujęte pochodzą z różnych źródeł i nie są spójne. Dają jednak pogląd na cały rynek i udziały poszczególnych producentów.

W ocenie analityków cała zeszłoroczna sprzedaż to ok. 260 mln zł. Sądząc z tej wyceny rynku średnia cena sprzętu wypada ok. 870 zł przy szacunku 300.000 urządzeń i wydaje się to bardziej prawdopodobne niż ok. 1.450 zł przy szacunku 180.000 szt. GfK podaje, że w całym 2007 roku sprzedano ok. 200.000 szt. nawigacji PND. Dla porównania w Niemczech sprzedano 3,6 mln urządzeń PND czyli 18 razy więcej!

Rok 2008

Sprzedaż miesięczna w 2008 roku to ok. 32.000 szt. nawigacji czyli minimalnie ok. 384.000 rocznie, ale to są szacunki z miesięcy zimowych a później sprzedaje się coraz więcej. Na 2008 rok prognozy przewidują wzrost rynku na poziomie od 80% do 100% czyli optymistycznie nawet 600.000 szt. nawigacji!

GfK podaje, że w pierwszej połowie roku 2008 wydano już 240 mln zł na systemy nawigacji czyli prawie tyle samo co w całym 2007 roku. Zatem prognozy o 100% wzroście wartości tego rynku nie są przesadzone. Liczba urządzeń będzie zapewne jeszcze większa gdyż ceny systematycznie spadają.

Obecnie szacuje się, że około miliona kierowców w Polsce posiada nawigację i stanowi to około 5% ogólnej liczby kierowców (czy może bardziej samochodów?).

• More about Navigon

Navigon...James Navigon
The first thing you notice about the Navigon 7100 GPS Navigator is, well, the Navigon 7100 GPS Navigator. It's beautiful. It's the kind of device you'd expect an international spy to have in their rocket car. It's less than an inch thick, and its shiny black casing will go well with just about any car interior. Paying the same attention to every detail, Navigon's included car mount raises the bar even higher, with a design that is not only easy to use, but echoes the 7100's in a way that makes device and accessory become one, adding a touch of style and elegance to any vehicle's interior.

The Navigon 7100 offers a premium navigation experience in a sleek package. View larger.

Intuitive, animated menus offer predictive text input, helping you select your destination quickly. View larger.

The lane assistant provides guidance to the optimal lane for your route. View larger.

The reality view guides you with photo-realistic 3D images of junctions. View larger.

Packed with Features
When you stop ogling the outside and really start using the 7100, what you notice is that Navigon has decided to avoid media support and instead has focused on navigation-based features. This means the 7100 is packed, offering an array of features that are, at the time of this writing, unmatched at this price point. It provides you with turn-by-turn directions, including actual road names via text-to-speech. It includes built-in Bluetooth technology that enables hands-free mobile phone integration, which not only increases driver safety, but is fast becoming a necessity as states pass laws against talking on a cell phone hand set while driving. It warns you when you are exceeding the speed limit. It offers 2D and 3D map views with incredibly precise road visualizations (more on that below). Its Navteq data contains millions Points of Interest (POIs) such as restaurants, hotels, golf courses, gas stations, banks, etc.

Reality View and Lane Assistant
The 7100 has two features that are a great help in negotiating unfamiliar or complicated road systems. Lane Assistant recommends the best lane for you to be in relative to the proposed route, so you won't find yourself trying to move over three lanes when the freeway splits.

Reality view guides you with photo-realistic 3D images of junctions, complete with actual sign text and exit ramp guidance. This makes translating what the navigator is telling you to what you see on the road instantaneous.

Free Traffic for Life
This is a biggie. The Navigon 7100 comes is the first GPS device to offer subscription-free, real-time traffic information via the integrated traffic receiver with no additional fees or setup for the life of the product. Be advised on traffic flow and incidents, as well as the best alternate routes. The traffic info starts working as soon as you get the 7100 out of the box.

Zagat Ratings and Branded Icons for POIs
All of Navigon's gps navigators offer Zagat ratings and reviews for their POIs, so while this device may not get you a beer, it can tell you where to find the best one. Branded icons displayed on your map make it easier to navigate to a familiar location of your choice.

Superior Software and Hardware
The features and functions of the Navigon 7100 are controlled via intuitive, easy-to-use animated menus that use predictive text input to quickly and easily select your city, state and address. Maps and menus appear on its extra-large and elegant, high-contrast 4.3-inch, full-color touch-screen display with an easy-to-read 16:9 aspect ratio for an exceptional view of the road. The Navigon 7100 includes a powerful Samsung 400 MHz processor, a fully integrated SiRF Star III GPS chip, 64 MBs of both RAM and ROM built in, and a rechargeable 1,200 mAh lithium ion battery that is rated for 4.5 hours of continuous use. All this is housed in an ultra-thin, sleek piano black housing that weighs only seven ounces, and measures just 5.1 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D). The Navigon 7100 even comes pre-loaded with complete maps of the U.S. and Canada, providing you with superbly accurate, seamless door-to-door directions wherever your vehicular travels might take you.

Note that the 7100 runs on the Microsoft Windows CD Net 5.0 operating system. A PC is required to use additional map data, and in such cases users require Windows 2000, ME, XP or higher, as well as a CD ROM drive and a USB port. An SD/MMC card reader is recommended as the 7100 not only uses SD cards, but also comes with a 2 GB SD card in the package.

What's in the Box
The Navigon 7100 preloaded with North American maps, 2 GB SD card, car charger, wall charger, car mount, USB cable, CD and user manual on DVD, quick installation guide, and warranty information.

About Navigon
NAVIGON has been a leader of GPS navigation since 1991, and has a long history of industry innovations. NAVIGON created the world's first dynamic personal GPS product in 1996, launched the industry's first navigation software for the Pocket PC in 2000, and unveiled the first Traffic Message Channel-based (TMC) avoidance feature on mobile navigation product in 2002.

NAVIGON has helped revolutionize how consumers get from place to place with software products for practically any navigation-ready hardware. Personal navigation devices (PND), smartphones, and in-dash navigation systems directed by NAVIGON's award-winning MobileNavigator (MN) software delivers reliable information on millions of destinations in an intuitive, easy to use format. NAVIGON is a valued partner to the automotive industry, and in 2006 strengthened its category competency by acquiring NAVTEQ's navigation software business.

NAVIGON is a privately-held software company based in Hamburg, Germany, with NAVIGON USA headquarters in Chicago, IL.

Key Features

• Reality View: 3D images of highway interchanges with actual road sign text so you’ll never miss your exit again. (Learn more)
• Lane Assistant:. Icons alert you to the optimal lane to be in.(Learn more)
• Widescreen: See the big picture with a stunning, easy-to-read, 4.3-inch widescreen format.
• Spoken Directions with Text-to-Speech: keep your eyes on the road with spoken turn-by-turn directions and real street names.
• Points Of Interest: Reach gas stations, hotels, restaurants, transportation hubs, and more with millions of points of interest that will help you find your way.
• Branded icons: places are so easy to find that everywhere will feel like home.
• DirectHelp: At-a-glance information helps you find emergency and roadside services—and helps them find you. Just push a button and get instant directions and phone numbers to the nearest hospitals, police stations, roadside assistance companies and pharmacies.

Easy Add-Ons

Navigon offers some unique services that are easy to add to your Navigator with a simple activation code.

• FreshMaps gives you up to 12 regular, trusted map updates for three years.
• Lifetime Traffic gives you traffic flow and incident information and alternate route suggestion for the life of your unit (included free on the 5100 and 7100 models).
• ZAGAT Ratings and Reviews Service gives you over 21,000 ZAGAT ratings and reviews covering more than 70 cities in the U.S. and Canada (included free on the 5100 and 7100 models).

The 2100 is the lowest-priced (and smallest) of Navigon's line of portable GPS navigators. While it lacks some of the features of it's bigger siblings, the 7100 and 5100, it packs solid navigation and some unique features  into its diminutive frame.

The Navigon Family of Portable Navigators
The 2100 and 5100 have 3.5-inch screens, while the 7100 has a 4.3-inch widescreen. The big difference is that the 5100 and 7100 come with free lifetime traffic data,  while with the 2100 you have to buy an activation code separately. The 5100 and 7100 have a feature called "Lane Assistant" that will suggest which lane you should be driving in, but that's not such a big deal. Another important difference is that the 7100 also adds bluetooth-capability for hands-free mobile phone integration, which is really handy. If you want that feature, do check out the 7100. This chart may help as well.

	Screen Size (diagonally)	Bluetooth	Lifetime Traffic Data Service	Lane Assistant	Reality View	Zagat Ratings	POIs
2100	3.5 inches		Requires Purchase of Activation Code				1.3 million
5100	3.5 inches		Included Free				millions
7100	4.3 inches		Included Free				millions

Intuitive, animated menus offer predictive text input, helping you select your destination quickly. View larger.

The reality view guides you with photo-realistic 3D images of junctions. View larger.

Navigon decided not to try to add multimedia features like a photo viewer or MP3 player into its devices, but instead focused on navigation-based features. The 2100 provides precise turn-by-turn directions, including spoken road names via text-to-speech

Reality view guides you with photo-realistic 3D images of junctions, complete with actual sign text and exit ramp guidance. This makes translating what the navigator is telling you to what you see on the road instantaneous.

Superior Software and Hardware
The features and functions of the Navigon 2100 are controlled via intuitive, easy-to-use animated menus that use predictive text input to quickly and easily select your city, state and address. Maps and menus appear on its extra-large and elegant, high-contrast 3.5-inch, full-color touch-screen display. The 5100 includes a powerful Samsung 400 MHz processor, a fully integrated SiRF Star III GPS chip, 64 MBs of both RAM and ROM built in, and a rechargeable 1,200 mAh lithium ion battery that is rated for 4.5 hours of continuous use. All this is housed in an ultra-thin, sleek chrome housing that weighs only 6.3 ounces, and measures just 4.2 x 3.3 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D). The Navigon 5200 even comes pre-loaded with complete maps of the U.S. and Canada, providing you with superbly accurate, seamless door-to-door directions wherever your vehicular travels might take you.

Note that the 2100 runs on the Microsoft Windows CD Net 5.0 operating system. A PC is required to use additional map data, and in such cases users require Windows 2000, ME, XP or higher, as well as a CD ROM drive and a USB port. An SD/MMC card reader is recommended as the 7100 not only uses SD cards, but also comes with a 2 GB SD card in the package.

What's in the Box

Navigon 2100 GPS Navigator, SD card preloaded with software and maps of the continental US, rechargeable 1150 mAH lithium ion battery (rated for up to 4.5 hours),
car charger, car mount, quickstart guide, limited warranty

About Navigon
NAVIGON has been a leader of GPS navigation since 1991, and has a long history of industry innovations. NAVIGON created the world's first dynamic personal GPS product in 1996, launched the industry's first navigation software for the Pocket PC in 2000, and unveiled the first Traffic Message Channel-based (TMC) avoidance feature on mobile navigation product in 2002.

NAVIGON has helped revolutionize how consumers get from place to place with software products for practically any navigation-ready hardware. Personal navigation devices (PND), smartphones, and in-dash navigation systems directed by NAVIGON's award-winning MobileNavigator (MN) software delivers reliable information on millions of destinations in an intuitive, easy to use format. NAVIGON is a valued partner to the automotive industry, and in 2006 strengthened its category competency by acquiring NAVTEQ's navigation software business.

NAVIGON is a privately-held software company based in Hamburg, Germany, with NAVIGON USA headquarters in Chicago, IL.

Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network has been a growing concern for a while now. Today they released the news that CCTTN is now up to 500,000 paid subscribers.

Via The Business Wire Press Release:

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) today announced that half a million people are now signed up for the company’s real-time traffic service, where they are receiving the data from a growing number of distribution platforms. From the car to cell phones, CCTTN is continuing to form crucial partnerships that are expanding the business in this rapidly increasing sector.

“It’s rewarding to see that 500,000 subscribers and our automotive and navigation equipment customers are recognizing the value of real-time, accurate traffic service,” said Jeff Littlejohn, Executive Vice President of Distribution Development for Clear Channel Radio. “As the vibrant navigation and traffic market continues to expand, we are proud to be selected as a leading provider of real-time traffic to both established players and the new entrants. Consumers have a growing choice of navigation products, and traffic information has become an integral feature on these devices that have been flying off retailers’ shelves.”

Practical and immediate are two words that come to mind, and Clear Channel is clearly leveraging these two qualities as they embrace a multitude of delivery mechanisms. Once more I find the word evolution creeping into my writing.

CCTTN was chosen by four out of five navigation suppliers. Partnerships are plentiful for them and include arrangements with well known companies such as BMW, MINI USA, Volvo, Garmin, TomTom, NAVIGON, Mio Technology, Delphi, Kenwood, Clarion, Harmon Kardon, Panasonic, Siemens, and more.

Photo courtesy of respres, used under its Creative Commons license

21max_Front_TWL_RealityView_ES_baja.jpg

El Navigon 2110 max, aquel navegador que en el CES 2008 nos dejó tan buen sabor de boca, ha llegado por fin a España. Y nos alegramos, porque si en el mundo de los navegadores es complejo destacar en estos días, la vista real de Navigon es una de la bocanadas de aire fresco que nos gusta saborear de vez en cuando.

El Navigon 2110 max sale a la venta con un precio bastante ajustado. Concretamente son 260 euros para un navegador GPS con pantalla de 4.3 pulgadas pero que juega con dos elementos clave para atraer al consumidor: diseño y funcionalidades avanzadas más allá de mostrarnos una ruta e ir cantando las instrucciones. Y viene con los mapas de 39 países europeos.

Las mejoras en la navegación que hemos adelantado que nos proporciona este equipo Navigon 2110 max están relacionadas básicamente con las circunvalaciones y salidas complejas en las autovías y grandes vías de circulación. El asistente de carril va más allá del típico comentario de mantenerse a la izquierda o derecha, y nos indica de forma muy gráfica, qué carril es el que tenemos que tomar de forma inequívoca.

También se incluye en este Navigon 2110 max la Reality View Pro, que complementa el asistente de carril a la perfección con una representación de los cruces y salidas de forma más realista.

Pese a ser un modelo relativamente económico, lleva servicio de TMC o información del estado del tráfico, cada día más importante en un navegador.

Por último queremos comentar el servicio Navigon FreshMaps, que permite que nuestro navegador esté constantemente actualizado. El problema es que tiene un coste extra de 19.95 euros para conseguir tener el navegador actualizado durante dos años si registramos el producto en los 30 días siguientes a la compra. Este servicio garantiza una actualización cada tres meses, pero nos gustan más los servicios que lo hacen de forma más frecuente.

En el futuro, lo lógico sería recibir estas actualizaciones de forma completamente gratuita y con más frecuencia gracias a la conectividad 3G que adquirirán los navegadores GPS. O incluso que se basaran en un servicio de suscripción para recibir estas actualizaciones (que serían oficiales y basadas en los datos de otros conductores) y con mejora de los Puntos de Interés.

Más información | Navigon.
http://www.xataka.com/2008/04/29-navigon-2110-max-en-espana

L'evoluto Assistente di Corsia Pro indica ben prima dell'incrocio successivo qual è la corsia corretta da imboccare. La funzione Reality View Pro consente di visualizzare sul display da 4,3'' in formato 16:9, oltre agli svincoli, anche le uscite autostradali in modo assolutamente realistico. Jörn Watzke, Vice Presidente Product Line Management di NAVIGON spiega: "il nuovo display, chiaro e brillante, semplifica l'orientamento già al primo sguardo. In questo modo è possibile concentrarsi completamente sul traffico senza dover cambiare corsia poco prima dell'incrocio". Inoltre, il passaggio automatico dalla modalità diurna a quella notturna permette al guidatore di non rimanere abbagliato quando guarda lo schermo nell‘oscurità. Il passaggio è controllato automaticamente grazie all‘ora precisa ricevuta tramite GPS, consentendo al guidatore di concentrarsi pienamente sulla strada.

Il modulo TMC integrato nel cavo d’alimentazione, l'immissione ottimizzata della destinazione a caratteri grandi e l'inserimento guidato dei dati assicurano poi una semplice ed efficace pianificazione dell'itinerario. Per Jörn Watzke “questo prodotto è uno dei più veloci e precisi della sua categoria e sarà sicuramente uno dei più apprezzati dal mercato”.

E per garantire a tutti gli utilizzatori del NAVIGON serie 21 max le mappe più aggiornate, NAVIGON offre la possibilità di scaricarle ogni tre mesi dal portale NAVIGON Fresh. Registrandosi entro 30 giorni dall’acquisto a NAVIGON Fresh, il cliente avrà accesso per i primi due anni agli aggiornamenti trimestrali con soli 19,95 euro anziché 99 euro. Secondo Jörn Watzke: “questo aggiunge ulteriore valore al nostro prodotto”.

Racchiuso in un involucro laccato elegante e di design, un processore da 400 MHz con 64 MB di ROM e 64 MB di RAM rende rapida la navigazione. La batteria assicura fino a tre ore di autonomia. L’utile diario di bordo digitale e il visualizzatore d’immagini completano uno dei navigatori più completi della categoria.

La serie 21 max è disponibile in due versioni: la variante per l'Europa offre copertura in 39 paesi e costa 249 euro (NAVIGON 2110 max), mentre quella per l’Italia è in vendita a 199 euro (NAVIGON 2100 max).

Per ulteriori informazioni su NAVIGON, NAVIGON Fresh e sul nuovo dispositivo NAVIGON 2100│2110 max, consultare il sito www.navigon.com .

Fonte:press navigon

I was excited to evaluate the Navigon 2100 Max GPS Navigator. When I received the unit I was impressed by the sleek and simple casing. I have always been apprehensive to put a GPS unit in my Acura MDX because I was afraid that adding a separate GPS would look strange with the nicely integrated console. However, the Navigon 2100 + Cam-action suction cup mount integrated itself well. The mount is easy to use, move and adjust; The Navigon unit can be easily seated and removed.

Let’s take a look at the specs and features of the Navigon 2100 Max:

* Samsung 400MHz processor
* 4.3″ touchscreen display with 16:9 aspect ratio
* Fully integrated SiRF StarIII GPS chip
* SD Card
* 512 MB RAM/64 MB Flash ROM
* 3 hour 1200 mAh lithium ion battery
* Measures 4.8″ x 3.0″ x 0.75″
* Weights approx. 6.3 oz
* Up to 12 map updates when you accessorize with FreshMaps
* Real World Sign Text (see picture)
* Extra guidance with exclusive 3D Reality View
* Text-to-Speech Technology
* Intuitive touch-screen menus and stunning 2D and 3D maps
* Mini-USB power port

As I had mentioned before I was impressed with the sleek packaging offered by Navigon. It is not as small as the Pocket LOOX N100 but still compact enough to carry around in your pocket if you wanted. I’m a big fan of the smooth casing with no protruding buttons. The Mini-USB power input provides a nice standard interface whereby you can charge the unit with the provided charges or a standard USB cable connected to your computer or even possibly your mobile phone charger if it has the same connector.

The screen on the Navigon 2100 was the most impressive feature. The 2D & 3D maps were crisp and clear. The screen is capable of high-color but most of the navigation screens use different shades of grey and don’t really utilize the screens full potential.

The Navigon 2100 has 2 display modes; 2D & 3D Reality View. The 3D mode is my preferred mode of operation and with that you also get Real World Sign Text (see picture above). With this mode you get a cool picture of highway street signs, pretty close to how they would appear as you are driving on the highway. One piece of negative feedback no the view modes is that switching between 2D & 3D takes two actions (taps on the screen) I would have preferred having a toggle button on the main display instead of requiring selecting the mode on a separate menu window.

I very much like the speed limit information posted on the top left corner (when the information is available) and an audio warning can be set to warn the driver if they are exceeding the speed limit by a tunable amount (5 ,10, or 15mph over).

In either 2D or 3D view, Points of Interests (POI) can be set to be displayed which is a nice feature. For example little McDonald’s or Burger King Icons show up if they are in the vicinity. I find that the onscreen icons (battery, mute, etc) in the upper right corner are too small and the zoom-in & zoom-out features are not the most intuitive or user friendly.

Hardware

–Sound–

The Navigon 2100 offers Text-to-Speech Technology. So while driving the unit will tell you a change in direction is approaching and what street or exit to turn on. This is a great feature and requires less reliance on the Turn-by-Turn feature which is also available. The volume on the unit is good but I find that as the volume goes above 50% it is less clear and harder to understand. The unit has a mode that will increase the volume amplification as the car accelerates. This is a cool feature that some radios have built-in as well but also the feature that introduced me to the poor sound quality at the higher volume levels

–Interface–
Interaction with the Navigon 2100 is entirely through the touch screen. This works fairly well but in certain menus where you have to type out a destination or address the keyboard has small letters. In my opinion I don’t have fat fingers but I definitely struggled to type out an address correctly the first time with the small keyboard. The keyboard is 1½ inches wide with each key being 3/8 of an inch wide. It would be a nice enhancement to be able to expand the keyboard the full width of the unit in addition to the vertical configuration offered. Much as the iPhone allows users to do.

When using the unit up close this size works but if the unit is mounted almost an arm length away a lot of mistakes can easily be made. Especially if (heaven forbid) you try to enter in a destination while driving.

The interface on the Navigon 2100 is simple and easy to navigate but there are some bugs and much more to be desired. I’ve encountered problems where I’ve entered in a restaurant name and the Navigon finds it but the Start Navigation button is unavailable. I’ve had to exit out of the menu and try again, performing the exact same steps and then finally being able to select my destination. Likewise if the unit doesn’t know your POI there isn’t much of an alternative to finding your destination. Having the ability to enter in cross streets would be useful. Also when searching for a location under All categories can severely slow down the unit and cause a 5-8 second delay per tap so it is necessary to specify if you’re looking for a gas station, or restaurant etc.

Saving a destination is not as intuitive as I would have hoped. When at a location you have to hit the magnifying glass on the bottom right corner, which will then allow you to click on green check mark that will let you save the current destination. I think putting the save feature would make sense in an area like the options menu rather than the zoom menu.

Conclusion
In conclusion the Navigon 2100 is a good sized unit with a great display and good hardware features but in need of a software upgrade to work out some of the bugs and user-friendliness.

The first few days were frustrating and trying my patience but as I used the unit more I figured out what the Navigon 2100 wanted from me and we had a more working relationship.

–by G.K.
Published on May 10th, 2008 in gps navigation
http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/2008/05/10/navigon-2100-max-review/

The Garmin Forerunner 205 is a GPS device that you wear like a wristwatch. It tells you how far you ran and how long it took. Serious runners rave about this GPS device. The older Garmin Forerunner 201 which reviewers don't like as much as the 205 can be purchased for around $120 or you can buy the higher end Garmin Forerunner 305 that adds a heart rate monitor for around $220.

The Garmin eTrex family that includes very small, portable, and waterproof handheld GPS devices make great companions for outdoor activities. They come with WAAS accuracy enhancement technology and run for many hours on AA batteries. The Garmin eTrex Legend CX sells for under $200 and offers 36 hour battery life and a color display.

The TomTom One LE was a doorbuster at Best Buy for $119. It has a 3.5 inch display, Bluetooth, an SD card expansion slot, and comes with a windshield mount which are illegal in California and Minnesota.

The Navigon 2100 has an MSRP of $249 but they were gobbled up on Black Friday at Staples for $99. Staples had the Navigon 2100T the T is for traffic and was included in the price. The Navigon 2100 is part of a Navigon GPS family that just started selling in the U.S that includes The Navigon 2100, Navigon 5100, and Navigon 7100. The 2100 and 5100 have a 3.5 inch screen while the 7100 is a widescreen device. Traffic is included free in the 5100 and 7100. The 2100 gets good marks for industrial design and flash-like graphics but there are concerns about icon and font readability and data entry.

The Mio c230, featuring text to voice was on sale at Radio Shack for $149. You can get this basic 3.5 inch screen GPS that offers Text-to-Speech functionality and gets high marks for performance and ease of use for well under $200.

Avoiding traffic jams is top on every commuters list this year. Real time traffic information often requires an extra device to receive the data sent on FM, cellular, or satellite signals. You'll also often have to pay a monthly, annual, or lifetime fee. MSN Direct, bundled with some units like the Garmin nuvi 680 is available for 120 cities and not only gives you traffic info but adds gas prices, weather, and movie times. Some GPS devices like the Navigon 7100 include free lifetime traffic.

Text-to-speech (TTS) lets the GPS device give you audible street names, directions, and points of interest (POI) information. This feature is sometimes called spoken street names and is pretty standard in most high-end devices. The Navigon 2100 is a new low price GPS device that offers TTS.