Sony of Canada Ltd. has unveiled the nav-u NVU-70 GPS-based portable navigation device. It’s equipped with a 3.5’’ touch-screen display and two-way speaker system, and lets drivers to map a destination, re-route around traffic jams, and locate points of interest.

“The portable navigation segment is expected to grow more than 100 per cent in this year, and will continue to grow significantly through 2008, according to NPD data,” commented Neil Dutton, Product Manager, Mobile Electronics Products, Consumer Audio/Visual Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “We’ve leveraged our audio and video expertise to make the nav-u system a feature-rich and easy to use device for a better customer experience.”

At the core of the system is Sony’s 12-channel GPS receiver with proprietary RF technology and a built in antenna that allows the unit to receive a satellite signal within seconds after it is turned on. It’s ready for use right out of the box, with 1 GB of embedded flash memory that’s preloaded with 1.6 million points of interest, including Canada and the northern U.S. A DVD-ROM with full maps of Canada and the northern U.S. is also included; and updates to the mapping database are made by connecting the device to a PC’s USB port.

By tapping the touch-screen twice, users can access several programming features. For example, the “home” feature recognizes the unit’s location and maps the quickest route to the programmed home address; while the “block road” reroute feature allows drivers to change their course and keep driving in the case of a closed road or traffic congestion. The screen has day and night modes regulated by a light sensor that measures ambient light and gradually transitions between modes.

As a handheld device, the nav-u can be transferred between vehicles. It can be cradled in a universal, light-weight bracket that can be mounted on a car’s windshield or dashboard. Its embedded rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows for up to four hours of operation outside of the car.

The nav-u NV-U70 will be available in early April at an MSRP of $799.99. Sony notes that it is also finalizing details of an annual map upgrade program offering. The program will be announced shortly.

Source: Marketnews