GPS Navigation With A Difference

Navman’s latest portable satellite navigation devices now include a 1.3 megapixel camera. Sounds gimmicky, you say. Well how about if you could use the camera to take photos of a location, then simply click on the photo to get directions there from wherever you are, next time you wish to go there?

That’s essentially the idea behind NavPix technology which features in the top-of-the-line N40i and N60i models. With NavPix you select your point of destination by means of an image, rather than by typing in an address (though you do have that option also). Navman together with traveller’s bible Lonely Planet has put together an image library consisting of thousands of images supported with information for users of NavPix to download on to their devices. These images range from public buildings and stations to cafes and restaurants.

The integrated camera allows you to add your own images. So once you arrive at a destination, say a friend’s place, take a photo of it with the camera and the unit will automatically download and embed the geographical details and address in the image. This is actually more useful than it sounds – as though you may now know the way to your friend’s place from home, next time, you may be coming from work, or somewhere else. So by having the photo saved under your favourites folder in your unit, you can click on the photo from wherever you are starting from, to get directions there – smart!

Navman has also developed a little NavPix community online – allowing you to share your image library with other users. This is a handy feature for travellers as it means before you set off on your trip, you can go online and download Navman’s database of Lonely Planet tourist attraction images and guidebook information. Then you can also see where other travellers have been – and get the precise map data of an off-the-beaten-track restaurant someone has found in Paris or a boutique vineyard someone else has found in Tuscany. All this content is free to download – and it will work on the older iCN 720 model as well.

In terms of specs, the N40i and N60i are quite similar, though the latter offers a wider 4.3 inch touch-screen as well as a 2GB hard drive. Both feature a spare SD slot for additional mapping. They use the SiRF Star III GPS Receiver which the company says allows for a clearer signal and more precise directions. The units also feature quick-find “fuel” and “parking” buttons as well as speed and red light camera warnings via (free) download from the Navman website.

There is also a new entry-level model – the F20 gives you basic search by address, place of interest and recent trips, but no add-ons such as an integrated camera or safety camera warnings. Navman’s Marcus Fry predicts that this Christmas will see the first wave of mass market GPS system buyers. “More and more people are turning to GPS devices to have a stress free journey. It is important for first time users to have a satellite navigation product they can trust. The F20 gives drivers all the features they need, in a simple product and at an affordable price.”

Fry said Navman currently holds the dominant position in the Australian market with 38 percent market share, followed by TomTom and then Garmin.

RRPs:

F20: $699

N40i: $849

See: www.navman.com.au