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September 17, 2007
Dash's 2-Way Connected GPS is Really Happening
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While Garmin, Magellan, and TomTom are busy slugging it out with each other, California upstart Dash Navigation is quietly laying plans for what many are calling the most ambitious GPS navigation project ever: WiFi connected, GPRS equipped, GPS devices that talk to each other, and the 'Net to deliver real-time road conditions, and choose the smartest route to get to your destination.
The device will know your usual commute, choosing alternate routes if necessary, will learn your own particular driving style, and even send you an SMS message to leave home early if needed. Sound too good to be true? According to Dash, it's coming, and sooner than you think. Read on for all the juicy details.
Earlier this year Dash launched a public beta that seeded major cities with several thousand Dash-equipped drivers. Those devices have been collecting road data for months now, and Dash has incorporated that data and user feedback into designing the new Dash device, shown below.
Dash's beta device, left, vs. the new final version, right.
According to Dash, the new design is the final product, and in addition to a completely re-designed interface, the new hardware sports the following changes:
• Larger screen -4.3"TFT LCD screen, 480x272
• Haptic buttons for audio, main menu
• Powered mount
• Internal battery with 2 to 4 hours of life
• Improved audio quality
• Improved TTS
• USB port
The new hardware looks nice, although the L-shape (presumably the large antenna is needed for WiFi and the internal GPRS modem) makes the device somewhat less portable than other flat GPS devices. Also, Dash's screenshots only seem to show a 2D view, so it's possible there's no 3D driving view available -- we'll have to wait and see.
Dash says the device will officially go on sale in Q1 2008. No word yet on pricing.
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