What makes Dash's traffic data better than everyone else's? In theory, combining data from actual Dash drivers along with various traffic probes and historical traffic data, Dash's Driver Network is able to produce a superior traffic picture of the planned route and avoid tie-ups. Dash says that traffic date is sent anonymously to the central service, and that no private information is shared with Dash or other Dash drivers.

Unlike traditional GPS devices that ship pre-loaded with a few million Points of Interest (POIs), and require costly annual map updates, Dash's Internet-connected GPS uses WiFi and GPRS to keep the device and its mapping date always up-to-date.

WiFi and GPRS connectivity also makes it possible to send an address, POI, or search query to the Dash Express from any web browser or email client, as well as perform Yahoo! Local searches, effectively creating a devices with an unlimited number of POIs that's always up-to-date.

MyDash is the webpage that allows customers to personalize their device, send addresses and POIs to the GPS, manage their account, and more. MyDash will be included as part of the Dash service, and is accessible via any Internet browser.

New features and firmware updates will be automatically downloaded and installed via Dash's Autoupdate feature.

Dash is currently taking pre-orders via their website, and plans to start shipping devices within the next few months. Dash Express will sell for $599.99 and will include three free months of Dash Service. The unit can function as a stand-alone GPS and doesn't require Dash's service, but if you want to leverage the real-time traffic data, Yahoo! Local lookups, and all other Internet connected features, you'll need to subscribe to Dash's service for $12.99/per month, or $9.99 per month if you sign up for 2 years. A 1 year plan is also available for $10.99 per month.

If Dash's Express GPS ends up as good as it looks, it will be a truly groundbreaking product that will bring a level of intelligence to GPS devices not yet seen. GPSmagazine is already on the list and will be reviewing the Express as soon as it's ready to ship. Stay tuned...