New Navigation Units to Watch For

By Stephen Markley
March 5, 2015
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Maybe companies haven’t quite figured out that dream device yet, but some gadgets at the show did pique our interest. Here are some of the highlights.

  • Pioneer debuted two new navigations systems: the AVIC Z130BT (above) and AVIC X930BT. Smartphone compatible and featuring Pioneer’s free Aha Radio Mobile, the systems will broadcast audio versions of Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets. Drivers will also be able to watch YouTube, Hulu or other web videos, but only when the vehicle is parked. Debuting in the spring, the pricey units will start at $1,000 to $1,500.
  • Garmin will roll out a new line of nav systems called the nuvi 2400 series. It’s the typical 5-inch screen, with trafficTrends and myTrends features powered by nuRoute. The high-end 2460 model also has hands-free calling and voice activation.
  • Garmin is launching a new iPhone navigation app for $39.99. Now available on iTunes, StreetPilot is different from its competitors only in that it doesn’t store a massive database of apps but rather downloads them as needed. The downside? You need a cell signal, and anyone who owns an iPhone can attest that AT&T does not always come through in the clutch. Let’s hope it works better on Verizon.
  • If you like your movies in 3-D, why not have your nav system in 3-D? Tesla’s 2012 models will include Nvidia’s Tegra 2 system, which includes 3-D navigation. While it doesn’t exactly look like “Avatar,” that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The images include high-resolution graphics, engine diagnostics and road sign detection.
  • For those with a lead foot, the Escort’s Passport IQ is the first nav system that will also offer built-in radar detection. Audio and visual cues can alert drivers to speed traps and red-light cameras. How is it that no one has thought of this before?
  • If you have a long drive to work, you may want to check out Magellan’s RoadMate 3065 Commuter, which won the Innovations Design and Engineering Award for its commuter-friendly features, including free lifetime traffic alerts, Highway Lane Assist and AAA TourBook.
  • Electronics company JVC teamed up with Fullpower to produce the KW-AVX series of receivers. When hooked up to an iPhone, you’ll get the standard nav system but can add Bluetooth connectivity for an extra $150.
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