Sony Reveal New NAV-U Series NV-U73T & NV-U83T In-Car Portable Touchscreen Navigation Devices

Sony have revealed a new NAV-U range of in-car, personal navigation
devices in the form of the NV-U73T and NV-U83T which come with features
such as text to speech voice commands, real-time traffic capabilities as
well as touchscreen based gesture commands allowing for instinctive menu
control.

Designed to be dashboard or windscreen mounted using Sony's new super
suction cups, the top end NV-U83T also comes with integrated Bluetooth
connectivity allowing the device to be utilised as a hands free unit
with cell phones, a 4.8' high resolution display with anti-glare coating
whilst the NV-U73T sports a 4.3' display - both screens being 16:9
aspect ratio.

Official Sony Press Release:

For drivers geared toward value, Sony Electronics is announcing that
its new nav-u personal navigation devices (models NV-U73T and NV-U83T)
are now available at retail and online stores for about $300 and $400,
respectively.

These in-car portable systems contain navigation features that drivers
have come to expect, such as text-to-speech voice commands and
real-time-traffic capability. They also add new safety features, such
as the super suction cup mounting system.

Sony's new super suction cup comes with both models. It is easy to mount
on the windshield or dashboard, providing a tight, stable attachment.
Made with a flexible non-adhesive gel, it grips the rugged surface of
the dashboard so the touch screen can be mounted closer for an easier reach.

Designed to stay put even in the most extreme temperatures, the super
suction cup can also be easily removed and transferred to another vehicle.

Bluetoothยฎ Hands-Free Phone Calls

The top-end NV-U83T model adds another safety feature'"Bluetooth
technology'"for making hands-free phone calls. With a built-in
microphone, drivers can use voice commands to initiate calls via
compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The nav-u system connects
automatically so drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and
their eyes on the road.

This new model has a large, 4.8-inch (measured diagonally), 16:9 aspect
ratio display and ultra-thin footprint.

With anti-glare coating, it is easy to see the screen in any lighting
condition. With its high resolution, the device maintains a clear image
even when the screen is split into two images.

This unique dual view feature helps drivers navigate visually so they
don't have to rely solely on street signs. It zooms in and shows
certain landmarks to help drivers make the correct turns at the right
time. On the highway, dual view shows a 3D rendition of approaching
intersections with lane guide information to let drivers know exactly
where they need to turn if necessary.

Low GPS Signal'ฆNo Problem

When the GPS signal is weak, the nav-u device will still be able to keep
drivers headed in the right direction. Another unique feature, called
POSITION Plus , provides constant, more accurate positioning and
interruption-free guidance. In addition to the SiRF Star III GPS chip,
POSITION Plus includes pressure, gyro and acceleration sensors. The
device uses these additional sensors to calibrate where drivers are so
they can safely plan ahead and not miss turns coming out of tunnels or
from in-between tall buildings.

Touch Screen Shortcuts

Gesture command, another unique new Sony function, lets drivers jump to
commands with one touch on the display, eliminating the need to dig down
on the menu. If drivers want to go home, they just draw a roof (or
inverted 'V') and the destination becomes home. Other gesture commands
include zoom in or out, call home and two user-customized destinations.

The nav-u device is the first Sony portable navigation system to show
brand icons for restaurants, hotels, gas stations and stores. In
addition to proactively selecting a point of interest, drivers will
automatically see brand icons appear on the map so it's fast and easy to
find favorite locations while driving in unfamiliar cities.

Text to Speech

Ready to use right out of the box, both nav-u devices help drivers map a
destination, locate points of interest and find home again. Both models
come with text-to-speech technology, which enables the voice prompts to
actually say the name of the street or highway. A powerful speaker
ensures that voice prompts are clear and audible.

The nav-u systems come with nearly 5 million points of interest, making
it easy to find destinations nationwide. The system will automatically
complete partial entries of states, cities and street names. It also
comes with U.S. and Canadian maps on their 2GB flash memory. Maps of
Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and Puerto Rico also come pre-installed.

About as wide as a deck of cards, the new devices have a thin, portable
design. They also come with a Memory Stick Pro Duo slot for future
expansion capabilities.

The NV-U73T model comes with a 4.3-inch (measured diagonally), 16:9
aspect ratio display. Its features include text-to-speech functionality,
the dual view feature, super suction cup mounting system and gesture
command.

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