"Route Exclusion / Detour - The GPS would use Magellan's route exclusion feature, but it would actually work."

Glad you acknowledged that it doesn't work. If I'm not mistaken, this wasn't mentioned in your review and I thought you hadn't actually tried it.

"Exit POI with Split Screen - The GPS would have Magellan's excellent Exit POI feature..."

In theory the exit POI is a nice idea, but NOT the way its utilized on the Maestro series. In fact it's a drawback since you can ONLY access exit POI's once on a route, be it a short one or on the highway. Otherwise, to have access to all POI's included AAA, you have to exit out of an existing route. How limited is that?

Do we ONLY want or need to see what POI's are "ahead" of us? It would be nice if exit POI's are included with all POI's but that's not the case. You are restricted to only exit POI's. If on a route and you want access a AAA POI you can't. Can we say "dumb?"

On paper the Maestro is a winner. Unfortunately Magellan and their engineers, programmers, designers and support are not.

So if I were to build the perfect gps it would include some of Magellan's ideas and fit it on a Garmin, where we know it'll work correctly.

I forgot to mention that the old Garmin SP, 2720, 30, 2820, 7200 and 7500 had/have "route exclusion" and it works perfectly. Roads, highways, etc. that you want to exclude are actually deleted. Isn't that novel?!

Not only that, but you could do multiple excludes on the Garmin before it does its recalculation. Perfect.

Fletch

I will give you my impression of why some of these features is not practical or possible.

1. Hardware Design - The physical hardware would look like a TomTom (perhaps ONE XL'ish), but would also incorporate the ruggedness of Magellan's Roadmate 2000/2200T/CrossoverGPS units. Oh, and it would be waterproof to IPX7 (could be completely submerged in water). The unit would also be light weight, so as not to vibrate when driving at highway speeds.
Reply: For a GPS to have the form factor of the TomTom yet be IPX7 rated like the Zumo 550 is not practical, why, cost and you run into the issue with the external speaker, the reason why the MRM 2xxx and CrossoverGPS is only IPX4 rated is due to the internal speaker. So one can have an FM transmitter, Bluetooth and also an external speaker on the cradle or on the DC power plug, but the cost will be unreasonable. But I think it is possible.
2. Mounting Hardware - The windshield mount would use a Garmin-style ball and socket mount, but would use higher grade rubber that doesn't melt to the windshield in the hot sun.
Reply: That is totally possible but maybe there is patens or something to be concern with, not sure.
3. Display - The GPS would have a 4.3" wide, aircraft-grade super bright touch screen display

Reply: Well, how’s about a 5” touch screen color display in HD? ;)
4. Traffic - Real-Time traffic is perhaps the most important feature of all, yet most companies treat it as an afterthought. The ability to intelligently navigate around traffic is an awesome capability that has a significant impact on the driver and on local municipalities. Given the importance of traffic awareness, I'd use two systems for the most complete coverage: TMC (Traffic Message Channel) from ClearChannel, and WiFi internet connectivity for grabbing live traffic conditions via Google Maps. The GPS would then use whichever traffic data is most current in the area you're driving in. Moreover, the GPS would support an open data format for exchanging real-time traffic information with other GPS devices (XML?), and would upload current traffic conditions so other connected drivers could download them (similar to Dash Navigation's solution, but would be available to all GPS users, not just Dash drivers)
Reply: I think when Dash have enough units out on the road, they will be selling this data to everyone else, meanwhile, it is what it is, much like the weather, you can probably stick your head out the window and do a better job, but is getting better.
5. WiFi - Speaking of WiFi, this imaginary GPS would be able to use its built-in WiFi for not only traffic data, but POI lookups, map updates, firmware updates, vehicle tracking via the web, movie listing, gas prices, and more.
Reply: WiFi, WiMax, GPRS, BT, FM will all be part of our PNAV future, AVL and buddy systems will all be possible. Stay tune, it’s coming.
6. Support - This GPS would automatically receive new, updated maps every 6 months. The fictitious company that makes this uber-GPS would continue to support it, releasing updated maps and firmware on time and for free.
Reply: The system will download real time server base map daily when you get home and have it load the new POI’s and map software / firmware via WiFi home connection. Don’t have to wait for 6 months and don’t need a computer to download, just the PNAV unit.
7. Route Recording - This wunderGPS would allow me to record a specific way to get between two points (almost like a breadcrumb trail), and then use that same path on future trips. This would be a great feature if someone familiar with an area shows you a shortcut, or if you're following another car. This way, you could simply record the turns you made, and have the GPS know your preferred route (unless of course there's traffic or other problems along the route).
Reply: I think TomTom is already working on something like this and all others to follow.
8. Learning GPS - Speaking of saving a particular route, the GPS would "learn" certain preferences about me. For example, if it detects that I always ignore the suggested route and take an alternate turn instead, it should learn that I prefer to go that way instead, and incorporate my own preferences into its routing logic.
Reply: I think Dash is already doing something with this.
9. AAA TourGuide - This GPS would incorporate AAA TourGuide data, as the Magellan Maestro units do, but would merge that data into a single POI database.
Reply: Not very likely since Magellan have a contract with AAA and for everyone else to get it for not be possible for now anyway.
10. Zagat Restaurant Guide - The GPS would also have nation-wide Zagat restaurant guide information pre-loaded
Reply: You forgot about the Fodor travel guide also, Zagat is way behind in their ratings, I think AAA does a better job in my area, don’t forget to put in the show your card and SAVE for AAA members along with Saver guides for Garmin. Every manufacturers have a unique offering that makes them different.
11. Input/Output Jacks - The GPS would have a headphone jack and microphone input plug
Reply: Actually, Input and out put jacks for more than just audio, mic but video which Pronounce is coming out with, for what? Rear view camera!
12. FM Transmitter - The GPS would have a built-in FM Transmitter for piping the GPS' audio over your car's stereo system - like the Garmin nuvi 660/680, but it wouldn't suck (like Garmin's does)
Reply: If they can boost the signal strength like the ones in the Alpine Black Bird, it will be great, Alpine have the best FM transmitter so far and in area such as San Francisco, it is difficult to find a channel that the FM transmitter will function properly without bleed through by a near by radio channel.
13. Text-to-Speech - The GPS would use TomTom's Text-to-Speech (which is actually licensed via Nuance, the industry leader in text-to-speech technology) to speak actual street names.
Reply: I am thinking the Dash unit sound a bit better but there again, it really depends I guess, over all text to speech will be getting better, but with about Voice recognition capabilities like the in dash Alpine, V-command, Pronounce and oh yes, Magellan 4050 which has only limited VR feature.
14. Hot Parked Car Compatible - You'd be able to leave the GPS in the car without fear of cooking the LCD panel in hot sunlight
Reply: I think the unit will be stolen before that happens Fletch! Take the unit down and make sure it is out of sight.
15. Improved Map Screen - The GPS map screen would be a mash-up between Garmin and Magellan's map page: it would use Garmin's overall map, but would include Magellan's feature of displaying an arrow in the lower left corner that displays the next turn. It would also allow you to toggle between displaying the arrival time, remaining drive time, and distance. This improved map screen would also display the GPS signal strength.
Reply: Yeah, O.K, and they will both be paying TomTom for the paten TomTom just purchased from Laura White of Horizon Navigation formally with Visteon, you will see a bunch of paten enforcement in the near future from TomTom since they spend a few bucks securing the patens from Horizon navigation formally Visteon. If I was Garmin, I would start thinking about yet another paten law sue.
16. Routing Engine - The GPS would use Garmin's routing engine.
Reply: Garmin routing engine is o.k, but like VR, it is far from perfect.
17. Route Exclusion / Detour - The GPS would use Magellan's route exclusion feature, but it would actually work.
Reply: Sure, I am sure Magellan will share this with Garmin and TomTom for a fee.
18. Routing Methods - The GPS would include Magellan's four routing methods: shortest time, shortest distance, least use of freeway, and most use of freeway. It would also include the additional "user preference" route that would incorporate the learned driver preferences. More importantly, the GPS would display the estimated drive times next to each of the available routing methods so that you could actually know what the difference between the choices will be.
Reply: I can hear the paten revenue coming in for Magellan already.
19. Global Maps - The GPS would ship pre-loaded with world-wide maps.
Reply: This is also coming, it is called international mapping and stay tune.
20. Fast and Responsive - This GPS should have a fast CPU so that ALL operations are zippy, including address input, route calculation, and map panning/zooming.
Reply: yeah, it’s funny that the difference between a 200 mhz and a 400 mhz processor chip is only $0.25 cents, why would anyone use a 200 mhz processor, the guys that will be selling the units for $199 or less I guess and we all know what models those are. I think a 500 mhz will soon be the standard with a 4-8 GB internal flash memory.
21. Longitude/Latitude Support - This GPS would be able to route to coordinates, and would support basic Geocaching features.
Reply: I think most units are able to perform this task, just have to have the manufacturers turn the feature on.
22. Multi-Stop Routing with Optimization - This GPS would support multi-destination routing with route optimization (the ability to sort a list of addresses by distance, so you are visiting each address in the most logical order and not driving back and forth).
Reply: Magellan has this and will offer it on most of the Maestro and RoadMate line, and the Garmin Street pilot such as 27xx, 28xx, 7xxx, GVN52 etc all have this feature. I think it is only smart to offer this feature for weekend worriers that goes garage shopping, soccer moms that picks up kids or realtor / delivery personal that needs this feature for business.
23. HUD - The GPS would project the next turn onto the windshield, creating a Heads-Up-Display (HUD) so you could see the next turn without taking your eyes off the road.
Reply: They have this technology but they are not going to offer it for $499 I can tell you right now! ;) I would recommend a HUD unit with VR so you don’t waste time trying to program the unit. What do you think Fletch?
24. Census Demographic Database - The GPS would include U.S. Census Bureau data that could be used both for exploring new areas (finding out interesting demographic information) as well as configuring routing preferences (avoid driving through high-crime areas).
Reply: Zenrin mapping software already have this crime statistics, the problem is city such as East Palo Alto, Oakland, East San Jose, San Francisco etc will probably sue the GPS manufacturers for routing potential customers away from their city. This has been available for some time now. I have the software since the late 90’s.
25. Voice Recognition - The GPS would have voice recognition, like Magellan's Maestro 4050, but would support a full range of commands and would actually work when driving at highway speeds or listening to music in the car.
Reply: We are not there yet, but who knows, maybe 5-10 years from now?
26. QuickSpell - The GPS would use Magellan's QuickSpell text-entry system, and would pre-populate address fields with recently used locations, as TomTom's GPS units do.
Reply: This is something worth paying for and the manufacturers should look into.
27. Exit POI with Split Screen - The GPS would have Magellan's excellent Exit POI feature (a great feature that allows you to see what POIs are located at each approaching highway exit), but would allow you to operate in split-screen mode, with the map shown on the left and the exit POI's shown as a scrolling list on the right side of the screen.
Reply: Well, Exit authority is owned by Zenrin, and I think Magellan came up with their own information or from NavTeq, problem is you cannot route anywhere except the exit POI’s when you are on the freeway, I would recommend giving options such as the Dash unit using the internet as a POI reference and this will offer much more POI than any unit can store in it’s memory.
I would add a few other recommendations, but it will not be fair to the manufacturers that already have these future features on the drawing board. All I can say is we only touch on what will be available.
One think we can look forward to is TV, Videos, games, HD, tracking, using the unit GPRS capabilities as a back up or 2nd in car cell phone much like onstar, and virtual building images or landscape instead of street map on the displays, POI advertisements on side of virtual buildings images as we are routing to our destination on our PNAV display. The ability to know POI that is in a high rise buildings and not only route to the address. There is so much more to come and we only have to look to Japan to see what neat features may soon be available to us in NA.

GPS4Me, you wrote:

"17. Route Exclusion / Detour - The GPS would use Magellan's route exclusion feature, but it would actually work.
Reply: Sure, I am sure Magellan will share this with Garmin and TomTom for a fee."

Garmin and TomTom already have/had the route exclusion feature. The only difference between the Garmin/TomTom and Magellan is that the Garmin/TomTom route exclusions actually work. :)

A system to add to the preloaded POI's like Restaurants so I don't have to create a new POI file

" A system to add to the preloaded POI's like Restaurants so I don't have to create a new POI file"

Using WiFi and GPRS, the future GPS units can perform an infinite search of just about any POI you wish to find via MSN, Yahoo or Google search engine.
It also shows Gas prices, movie time, stocks, sports and you can read your email if you wish.
Worrying about a POI not being in the data base will be a thing of the past, if they have a business lic, they will be in the data base.

Brave new world we live in.

I would love to see a "Mileage log" feature for all of us self-emplyed folks who use a GPS for multiple appointments every day. At the end of each trip, a dialogue box would come up asking if the trip miles were a.) commuter miles, b.) business miles or c.) personal miles. It would then keep running totals for each category and display the accumulated miles when they are needed at tax time. How about it GPS manufacturers??

Wilfong

There is a milage log for the Magellan units, you just have to look for it. It does not split it from business and personal, but you can log each trip and save it and document it later what it was for.

I would like to see "Search for POI along a route". This feature would be available either for route planning or while driving. This is different than POI near exit as it would allow you to search for a particular POI name or category along your planned route (e.g, search for all the starbucks within .25 miles of my route)

Seems like it would be possible to make such a GPS, but how many people would be willing to spend the $2,000 that it would likely cost? :)

Hi Larry,

Garmin offers that ("Search for a POI along a route") by name or category.

I agree with the "POI along route feature". Any GPS unit without this option drops it of my recommended list. POI reference options should also include: Near Here, Near Destination, Near Address, Near History, Near Map Cursor. Also, the reference point should be selectable on any POI screen, without having to back out all the way to the main POI screen and then re-entering the POI data. Garmin screwed this up on the NUVI line versus the StreetPilot line: Garmin what were you thinking?

Another HUGE feature is announcing if the POI is on the left or right (and being correct!).

I have both the 2730 and nuvi350. Again, GArmin does offer "POI along route" on all units. Before you search on your POI's, just tap "Near" and that option comes up.

You can search POI's by your current location as well as "A Different City" "My Current Route" (when on a route) and "My Destination" (also when on a route).

Yes, it's more intuitive on the Streetpilot, but it still exists.

Yes, I realize the NUVIs have the ability to change the POI reference. However, to change the reference you must do it BEFORE you select the POI. If you need to change the reference AFTER you've already chosen the POI, then you must back out all the way to the main POI menu, change the reference, and then RETYPE all the POI information you entered previously. It's a real pain.

On the StreetPilot you could change the reference even AFTER the POI is chosen, so there was no need to re-enter the info. A much, much more efficient method.

While I'm traveling and looking for a particular POI (like a Subway Restaurant), I usually check "Along the Route" first, then "Near Current Location" then as a last resort "Near Destination". On my Nuvi 360 I have to back out, change reference and retype the POI info twice. On my Garmin 2650 or 2820, I don't have to do all this extra typing.

Again, what was Garmin thinking?

Also, How do you like what Garmin did to the Detour "feature" on the NUVIs versus the StreetPilot? No way to choose the amount of detour distance? Almost useless!

Hey Fletch,

Nice wishlist, and ALL of it is doable at reasonable cost, regardless of what GPS4ME would like us to believe. it is, of course, the nature of technology ... smaller and cheaper to produce every day. Waterproof units with reasonable speakers are about the biggest challenge I think he mentioned, but his solution (to put an external speaker in the windshield mount) certainly addresses the problem adequately and at only a minor cost increase.

I, of course, disagree with you on routing engine preference, since my experience has always been that the Magellan system blows the doors off the Garmin Nuvi system, but I think we can agree that the "perfect" GPS should have a consistently good and fast responding routing engine that doesn't insist on trying to shove it's own route down your throat many miles after it's become irrelevant.

I'll throw in that a "military grade" resistance to heat would be a good thing, and the use of high end plastics and metals ought to prevent melting in the sun on those days when theft isn't a serious risk (though I agree with GPS4ME that in general you should always pull the unit off the windshield when not in use).

Regarding the licensing or sharing of all the great features, I have no doubt that any manufacturer can find legal, reasonable, workarounds to provide a version of a features their counterparts may already market.

As time goes by, I expect that GPS's, like computers, will become more universal in operation. In fact, the "perfect" GPS may eventually be one that allows us to install the operating system of our own choosing onto a "blank canvas" which simply supports all the items on your wishlist.

THAT would be the ideal unit ... one that allows us to choose whoever happens to be offering the best and most reliable operating system and support.

Regards,
Steve

What do you think the cost would be to integrate the XM navtraffic antenna into these pnds? I'm sure XM would help pay for it just for the subscription base.