Video demo after the cut

Mio are still refusing to put a definitive price tag on the new Moov, but he’s heard them discuss figures ranging from “over €400″ ($545+) to €599 ($816).  Now, despite him saying the V780 does feel very good in the hand, that seems on the high side for what you’re actually getting.

Interestingly, Mio’s unnamed 600MHz processor turns out to be the first-gen ARM11-based NVIDIA Tegra chipset, and the Windows CE OS could be seeing an Android upgrade at some point in the future.  Still, the company’s own UI overlay looks pretty decent from the demo video below, so we’re just left hoping that the Moov V780 comes in at a more realistic price.

That’s because Mio are definitely looking at MID functionality to save them; the Moov V780 has a capacitive touchscreen, WiFi b/g and optional 3.5G and WiMAX connectivity, together with a mini USB 2.0 port and MicroSD reader.  It also has an external TV antenna input, for use with the optional DVB-T, TDMB or 1-Seg tuner.

Onboard storage is between 4Gb and 8GB, and there’s a 600MHz processor (type unknown) and 512MB of RAM; apparently that’s good enough for outputting HD video.  Mio will also offer you a snap-on QWERTY keyboard accessory, along with the usual in-car mounts, and you can use their Mio Spirit route guidance system just as you would on a dedicated PND.

OS is Windows CE 6.0 with Mio’s 3D UI sitting on top, and there’s a full run-down of specs and supported media codecs in the gallery below.  No word on pricing; hopefully we’ll find that out when the Moov V780 officially launches at CeBIT 2010 this week.

[via Best Tablet Review - thanks Andy!]

The Mio MiBuddy devices are expected to use 4.7-inch touchscreens, which the company are promoting as offering a larger internet experience than smartphones.  In addition, the Android MiBuddy will have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard for easier text entry, and be bundled with a dashboard mount for regular in-car use.

There’ll also be a speaker and microphone, meaning that while the MiBuddy will – initially – lack cellular connectivity, it could be used as a VoIP handset with a WiFi or Bluetooth link to a network connection.  Mio are yet to confirm pricing or launch details, but the Android-based MiBuddy models are expected to begin shipping in 2010.

The M400 has a 4.3-inch widescreen display and the M300 has a 3.5-inch display. Both devices have the same rubberized, non-skid bezel for easy handling and touchscreens with reduced glare. Mio ships both units with maps of all 50 states and Puerto Rico preloaded.

Both of the devices have a glut of features that you expect in a PND today including text-to-speech with spoken street names, Lane Guidance, predicative keyword search, 4 million POIs, and NavPix Photo Navigation. What you don’t expect from many PNDs today is a low price. The M300 sells for $119.99, and the M400 sells for $149.99. Both of the devices are set to ship this month across the nation.

Each comes with a remote control, and can access the Freeview 7-day EPG for scheduling.  The larger V735 also gets PMP functionality, including playback of videos and MP3s, together with a photo viewer and FM transmitter.  All of the usual Spirit functionality is present, including NavPix geo-tagged photos, POIs and a pedestrian mode.

The Navman Spirit TV range will go on sale in the UK come July, priced at £299.99 ($493) for the V735 and £229 ($377) for the V505.  More hands-on images of the new 7-inch Mio Navman Spirit V735 TV here.  While Mio have not announced any plans to bring the Navman Spirit TV range to the US, the modular nature of the TV tuner would make a North America version technologically possible.

Press Release:

Mio brings Digital TV to the dashboard

Mio revolutionises sat nav with launch of first ultra-slim device with integrated Freeview tuner

London, UK, 22 June 2009: Leading sat nav company Mio today becomes the first to offer a range of products combining state-of-the-art satellite navigation with a digital TV, providing users with easy-to-use, multi-channel entertainment they can enjoy during breaks in the journey or at their final destination.
The Navman Spirit TV range continues Mio’s history of ground-breaking innovation in sat nav design and functionality. They are the perfect companion for family outings, driving holidays and camping trips, providing mobile entertainment when a destination has been reached. In addition, professionals who drive as part of their work (for example taxi drivers, truckers or salespeople), can use the Navman Spirit TV’s to relax and enjoy their favourite TV programmes or catch up on the latest news while on breaks between journeys. When not travelling, the Spirit TV can also be used as an additional portable TV for the home.
The Navman Spirit TV range comprises two highly portable, ultra-slim models – the V505 with a 4.7” widescreen, and the V735 with a stunning 7” widescreen.
Huw Bush, Head of UK Marketing, Mio, said: “Our existing range of sat-navs already encompasses photos and the ability to play MP3s and video, so a digital TV tuner is the natural next step in sat-nav innovation. The V505 and V735 combine our cutting-edge navigation with the ability to watch hundreds of digital TV channels across Europe – making it the perfect companion for family outings or professional drivers.”
Digital TV wherever you are
With their wide, flat displays, watching Digital TV on the V505 or V735 is a pleasure. The auto-tuning is easy to set up, so users can be viewing their favourite Freeview channels in seconds. Both models include a seven-day EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) which lists what’s on every available channel up to a week ahead. With two antennas available to facilitate the strongest signal, the simple touchscreen menu and remote control make finding programmes a breeze, and the sharp, bright picture and powerful speaker provide a great mobile TV experience.
The V735 also includes full media device functionality, enabling users to store and view video and photos, and listen to their favourite MP3 music tracks.
Spirit software and new slidetouch™ screen
The ‘Spirit’ part of the name refers to the software that powers the V735, V505 and the other recently released sat nav devices in the Spirit range. Redesigned from the ground up, Spirit uses a simple and colourful menu system that takes users to all of the features within a couple of ‘taps’. The new slidetouch™ screen brings up windows that glide on and off to help find what you are looking for quickly and easily, without needing to go back to the main menu unless you want to.
TruMap™ Views, Junction Views and lane guidance make navigation easy
Navman Spirit TV caters for all the basic sat nav functions, such as finding your destination easily, being aware of road speeds and safety cameras and helping the driver negotiate difficult junctions, with some important additions. To improve map clarity, Mio has added new TruMap™ Views that strip away clutter for a cleaner, much easier to read map display. New Junction Views have also been added, giving drivers an accurate representation of motorway signs in 3D as they approach an exit. Intelligent text-to-speech provides spoken next turn road names and directions, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road, and both models also include built-in Traffic with a lifetime subscription, meaning drivers can easily find ways around hold-ups and traffic hot spots.
Spoken navigation is now louder and clearer on the V735 with its built-in FM transmitter, allowing users to tune the device into their car speakers via the radio.
Go further with Explore Mode, Google Local™ and Wcities Travel Books
The Navman Spirit TV range also includes Mio’s suite of innovative new features that sets it apart from other sat nav devices, and helps drivers get a lot more out of their journeys.
First up is Explore Mode, an ingenious POI (Point of Interest) feature that really comes into its own when exploring new places. From any location in Europe, touching the map makes a cluster of icons ‘grow’ from that point. Users can immediately see what’s available in or near that location, from cash machines to hotels, museums and local attractions, car parks, restaurants and more. Zooming in on the map gives more location detail, while zooming out shows a wider choice of POIs. Touching any icon brings up a name and address, then by clicking ‘Go’ Navman will navigate there. Explore Mode works on the go, or can be used before drivers set off so they can plan POIs in advance.
Mio takes the idea of exploring even further with Travel Books from Wcities. Pre-loaded into every new Navman Spirit TV is a selection of Travel Books, featuring in-depth listings of places to eat, stay and visit, combined with facts and photos. There are hundreds more to choose from which can easily be downloaded onto the new devices.
Pedestrian mode – take shortcuts that your car can’t
Featuring the world’s most accurate walking mode, Navman Spirit TV also helps users explore more on foot. With built-in 2D city maps specially designed to work out of the car at walking pace, creating a seamless navigation experience. With details of footpaths and building outlines, each device works with the user to cut travel times.
Find your way with geo-tagged NavpixTM pictures
The Navman Spirit TV range also includes the market-leading NavPixTM geo-tagged photo navigation feature, pioneered by Mio in its previous Navman devices. With the built-in photo album, users can browse through a huge variety of pictures such as tourist sites, hideaway beaches, hotels and restaurants. As geo-tagging becomes more popular, and with over a million tagged photos free on NavPix and Flickr® websites, this feature really starts to come into its own.

The Navman Spirit TV range is available in stores in July. For more information please visit www.mio.com .

Navman Spirit TV Product specifications:
Navman Spirit V505 TV
Key Features:
· Digital TV with Electronic Programme Guide
· Spirit navigation software with Slide Touch™
· 4.7” widescreen
· Slim, lightweight design
· TruMap views
· 3D Junction Views and Lane Guidance
· Local Search via MioMore Desktop 2
· Explore Mode
· Wcities Travel Books
· Walking Mode
· Smart Economical Routing
· NavPix photo navigation
· Capture Button with location and journey capture
· Pre-loaded safety camera data – free trial*
· Text to Speech (spoken next turn road names)
· High speed GPS fix with SiRFInstantFixII
· Road speed limit data
· Built-in Traffic
· Latest European Map Data with Total Refresh Guarantee

* For a limited period of 12 months

Navman Spirit V735 TV

Key Features:
· Digital TV with Electronic Programme Guide
· Spirit navigation software with Slide Touch™
· 7” widescreen
· Slim, lightweight design
· TruMap views
· 3D Junction Views and Lane Guidance
· Local Search via MioMore Desktop 2
· Explore Mode
· Wcities Travel Books
· Walking Mode
· Smart Economical Routing
· NavPix photo navigation
· Capture Button with location and journey capture
· Pre-loaded safety camera data – free trial*
· Text to Speech (spoken next turn road names)
· High speed GPS fix with SiRFInstantFixII
· Road speed limit data
· Built-in Traffic
· Latest European Map Data with Total Refresh Guarantee
· Remote Control

* For a limited period of 12 months

If you’re just such an iPhone 3G owner, then make sure to head over to our Mophie Juice Pack giveaway and get your entry in; it won’t change AT&T’s mind, but it will give you a whole lot more battery life to complain to your friends about it.  Be quick, though, as entries must be in by midday central time on Monday!

Our photography expert Daniel Lim grabbed some hands-on time with SanDisk’s ImageMate USB 2.0 card reader, and declared it an essential peripheral for dedicated shutterbugs.  Meanwhile, latest team member Steven Grady celebrated his new job (and graduation) by unboxing the FyreTV VoD system, in a video which manages to be safe for work.  Expect a whole lot of metaphors when he reviews it this week.  Finally, over at Android Community we reviewed the Vodafone HTC Magic, arguably the best Android device on the market today.

Elsewhere in mobile phones, Verizon’s Samsung Alias 2 hit the market (complete with trick E Ink keyboard); we’re still too excited about the Palm Pre, though.  Both an unboxing photoset (minus the Pre) and unboxing video (minus the Sprint branding) turned up during the week, leading us to wonder whether the much-anticipated handset would be launched in a Walt Mossberg WSJ exclusive.

In netbooks, manufacturers showed that while they might not be aiming high with specifications, the aesthetic battle is ratcheting up a notch.  ASUS have been riding high with their Eee PC 1008HA Seashell, which will arrive in the US on May 18th priced at $429, but they’re leaving nothing to chance and following it up with the similarly-styled Eee PC 1005HA-M and 1005HA-H.  They’ll have some competition from Albatron, though; you may not be familiar with the brand, but you’ll drool uncontrollably over their super-slimline entrance to the netbook market.

We also stopped by Mio for the launch of their new Navman Spirit PNDs, including a pretty impressive 7-inch touchscreen unit with integrated digital TV.  Conspicuous by its absence, though, was any sort of internet browser; for that, you’ll have to turn to the SmartQ 7 MID, which we saw specs, live photos and even an unboxing of.

In gaming, the strongest theme this week was musical controllers, and guitars in particular.  Logitech and Hofner both whipped out their own guitar-shaped controllers, but personally I’m more excited by this IR hack which turns a controller into a true “air guitar”.

Finally, the “bad news of the week” award goes to Intel, who were found guilty of harming “millions of customers” in their EC antitrust trial and fined $1.45bn.  If it makes them feel any better, that’s a new record for damages.  Well done, record breakers!

Video demos after the cut 

The Spirit S300 is the entry-level model, with a 3.5-inch 320 x 240 touchscreen, while the Spirit S500 and Flat models each have a 4.7-inch 480 x 272 screen which, in the latter’s case, has a zero-profile flat bezel.  All models support kinetic scrolling – which Mio call “Slide Touch” – and new, streamlined mapping, as well as 3D junctions and lane guidance.  They also have pedestrian modes and support Mio’s new desktop route planning software (which also allows journeys to be pulled out into Excel, which should be handy for making mileage claims).

The Spirit S500 and Flat add Bluetooth, for hands-free speakerphone use, as well as Google Local Search via your cellphone’s data connection.  They also include Wcities travel books, which offer guidance on landmarks and activities.  To make accessing POIs easier on all three models, Mio have developed “Explore Mode”, which allows you to tap anywhere on the map and see what POIs – such as ATMs, petrol stations and restaurants – are nearby, with phone numbers and, in some cases, reviews.

As for the larger, 7-inch PND, that – and a 4.7-inch version – will launch in June or July, with integrated digital TV tuners for the UK market.  US versions are unconfirmed, but since the TV tuner is modular there’s no reason to suspect that it couldn’t be swapped out for a US alternative.  Mio expect the 7-inch model to retail for under £350 ($534) while the 4.7-inch would come in closer to £200-£250 ($305-$382).

As for the Mio Navman Spirit S300, S500 and Flat, they’ll land this month priced at £129.99, £179.99 and roughly £200 respectively ($198, $275 and $305).

Press Release:

Mio injects Spirit into new Navman sat nav range

Three new Navman Spirit products launch with break-through technology and Google partnership to transform the driving experience

London, 12 May 2009: Leading sat nav maker Mio today announces the availability of its new Navman Spirit range. The range, the first one launched following Mio’s merger with Navman, offers ground-breaking sat nav functionality and fantastic content from Google and wCities to enable drivers to explore more on the road.

The Navman Spirit range takes a fresh, exciting approach to navigation, with three models across two design options – the palm-sized 3.5-inch screen to the sharp, bright 4.7-inch widescreen and a stunning 4.7-inch super flat widescreen. Ergonomically designed with soft-curve edges and a stylish, compact exterior, the Navman Spirit range represents some of the slimmest, most lightweight sat nav devices ever seen.

Spirit software and new slidetouch™ screen

The ‘Spirit’ part of the name refers to the new software that powers the range. Redesigned from the ground up, Spirit uses a simple and colourful menu system that takes users to all of the features within a couple of ‘taps’. The new slidetouch™ screen brings up windows that glide on and off to help find what you are looking for quickly and easily, without needing to go back to the main menu unless you want to.

TruMap™ Views, Junction Views and lane guidance make navigation easy

Basic sat nav functions, such as finding your destination easily, avoiding traffic, being aware of road speeds and safety cameras and helping the driver negotiate difficult junctions are all catered for, with some important additions. To improve map clarity, Mio has added new TruMap™ Views that strip away clutter for a cleaner, much easier to read map display. New Junction Views have also been added, giving drivers an accurate representation of motorway signs in 3D as they approach an exit. Intelligent text-to-speech provides spoken next turn road names and directions, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road, and spoken navigation is now louder and clearer with Navman Spirit’s built-in FM transmitter, allowing users to tune the device into their car speakers via the radio.

Go further with Explore Mode, Google Local™ and Wcities Travel Books

The Navman Spirit range also includes a suite of innovative new features that sets it apart from other sat nav devices, and helps drivers get a lot more out of their journeys.

First up is Explore Mode, an ingenious POI (Point of Interest) feature that really comes into its own when exploring new places. From any location in Europe, touching the map makes a cluster of icons ‘grow’ from that point. Users can immediately see what’s available in or near that location, from cash machines to hotels, museums and local attractions, car parks, restaurants and more. Zooming in on the map gives more location detail, while zooming out shows a wider choice of POIs. Touching any icon brings up a name and address, then by clicking ‘Go’ Navman will navigate there. Explore Mode works on the go, or can be used before drivers set off so they can plan POIs in advance.

Navman Spirit also debuts an improved version of Mio’s Local Search. Mio has partnered with Google™ for local directory information at your fingertips, via a Bluetooth® connection to a mobile phone while on the go. Whatever the location, simply typing in a generic request such as ‘coffee’, ‘pizza’ or ‘pharmacy’ brings up a list of local options. It can also find specific businesses if they are located nearby. Mio’s Local Search and Explore Mode make a powerful combination, taking Sat Nav into exciting new territory.

Mio takes the idea of exploring even further with Travel Books from Wcities. Pre-loaded into every new Navman Spirit is a selection of Travel Books, featuring in-depth listings of places to eat, stay and visit, combined with facts and photos. There are hundreds more to choose from which can easily be downloaded onto the new devices.

Pedestrian mode – take shortcuts that your car can’t

Featuring the world’s most accurate walking mode, Navman Spirit also helps users explore more on foot. With built-in 2D city maps specially designed to work out of the car at walking pace, creating a seamless navigation experience. With details of footpaths and building outlines, Navman Spirit works with the user to cut travel times.

Find your way with geo-tagged NavpixTM pictures

The Navman Spirit range also includes the market-leading NavPixTM geo-tagged photo navigation feature, pioneered by Mio in its previous Navman devices. With the built-in photo album, users can browse through a huge variety of pictures such as tourist sites, hideaway beaches, hotels and restaurants. As geo-tagging becomes more popular, and with over a million tagged photos free on NavPix and Flickr® websites, this feature really starts to come into its own.

“The Navman Spirit range represents a major shift in Sat Nav evolution,” said Huw Bush, Head of UK Marketing, Mio. “Each model performs its navigational tasks with ease and accuracy and also creates a far richer, safer and more enjoyable travel experience, wherever you choose to explore. We’re confident that with Navman Spirit, Mio has broken new ground in both navigational technology and additional features that really benefit drivers.”

The Navman Spirit range is available in UK stores in May. For more information please visit www.mio.com.

Mio Navman Spirit Product specifications:

Navman Spirit 300 Traffic

3.5” screen
Pioneering ‘Spirit’ software with Slide Touch
TruMap views
3D Junction views and lane guidance
Local Search via MioMore™ desktop 2
Explore mode
Wcities Travel Books
Walking mode
Smart economical routing
NavPix photo navigation
Pre-loaded safety camera data – free trial*
Text to Speech
High speed GPS fix with SiRFInstantFixII™
Road speed limit data
Built-in Traffic information**
Latest regional / European map data

* For a limited period of 12 months. A subscription is available separately.
** Subscription may be required, see www.mio.com for details.

Navman Spirit 500 Traffic
Also available with Western European maps and Hands-free options.

4.7” widescreen
Ultra slim, lightweight design (less than 14mm thin)
Pioneering ‘Spirit’ software with Slide Touch
TruMap™ views
3D Junction views and lane guidance
Google Local Search via Bluetooth*
Explore mode
Wcities Travel Books
Walking mode
Smart economical routing
NavPix™ photo navigation
Capture button
Bluetooth Hands-free calling*
Roadside assistance*
AccuWeather® weather info*
Pre-loaded safety camera data – free trial**
Text to Speech
High speed GPS fix with SiRFInstantFixII™
Road speed limit data
Built-in Traffic information†
Latest regional / European map data

* Navman Spirit 500 Hands-free only. A compatible Bluetooth mobile phone is required

for Bluetooth Local Search, network charges may vary.
** For a limited period of 12 months.
† Subscription may be required, see www.mio.com for details.

Navman Spirit Flat.

4.7” super-flat widescreen
Ultra slim, lightweight design (14.5mm thin)
Pioneering ‘Spirit’ software with Slide Touch
TruMap views with 3D landmarks
3D Junction views and lane guidance
Google Local Search via Bluetooth®*
Explore mode
Wcities Travel Books
Walking mode with 2D city maps
Smart economical routing
NavPix™ photo navigation
Capture button
Hands-free calling
Roadside assistance
AccuWeather® weather info
FM Transmitter
MP3 player / Video player
Pre-loaded safety camera data – free trial**
Text to Speech
High speed GPS fix with SiRFInstantFixII™
Road speed limit data
Built-in Traffic information with lifetime subscription
Latest Western and Eastern European map data

* A compatible mobile Bluetooth mobile phone is required, network charges may vary.
** For a limited period of 12 months.

MiTAC are the parent company of subsidiaries Mio and GETAC, both known for their GPS products.  It’s possible that the Magellan product range could be integrated with the Mio range, or it could continue until end-of-life under the Magellan brand which would then be retired.

Earlier this month, Panasonic announced it would be withdrawing from the European satnav market, faced with dramatically falling prices.  The standalone GPS market has suffered from the rise in mobile handsets with integrated GPS and data connectivity, with the market becoming saturated and buyers unwilling to spend on premium devices.

Press Release:

Magellan Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell the Magellan Consumer Products Division to MiTAC International Corporation

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 15 — Magellan Navigation, Inc. today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Magellan consumer products division to MiTAC International Corp. Closing of the transaction is anticipated in January of 2009. Financial terms are not disclosed.

Recognized as an industry innovator, the Magellan consumer products division is the creator of the award-winning Magellan(R) RoadMate(R) and Maestro(TM) series portable car navigation systems, and the Magellan Triton(R) outdoor handheld navigation devices. The company is recognized worldwide through its Magellan brand.

About Magellan

Magellan allows people to travel, work and play their way with leading portable navigation and positioning solutions across multiple consumer markets. Recognized as an industry innovator, the company is the creator of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate, and Maestro series portable car navigation systems, as well as the CrossoverGPS(TM) and Magellan Triton outdoor handheld navigation devices. Magellan is privately held and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information on Magellan, visit http://www.magellangps.com.

About MiTAC International Corp.

MiTAC International is a global ITC (information technology & consumer electronics) company headquartered in Taiwan and publicly listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Its business spans three major areas — mobile communications (personal navigation devices, GPS smart phones and mobile Internet devices), enterprise systems (workstations, servers, and storage equipment) and client systems (personal computers and digital home entertainment products). MiTAC International has large vertically integrated manufacturing sites in China, as well as extensive R&D facilities in US, China, Taiwan and New Zealand. MiTAC International also has marketing operations in the U.S., West Europe, Central East Europe, APAC, China, Japan, Australia and rest of the world. The company is recognized by the industry for its innovative product design capability as well as its integrated design-and-delivery system. For more information about Mitac, please go to: http://www.mitac.com 

[via GPSTracklog; thanks Rich!]

As well as navigation and internet duties, the as-yet unnamed smartphone will have a 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus.  According to industry sources, Mio’s production schedule will likely see the handset hit the market before the nuvifone, which is expected in “early 2009″.

Mio are apparently also working on a Mobile Internet Device (MID) with integrated GPS, that should hit the market by the end of Q1 2009.  It’s believed to have a 7- or 8-inch display, support 3G connectivity and run Windows CE (though likely with a custom interface on top).

First impressions are mixed. The Knight Rider GPS looks good, perhaps the one time we can say that about glossy black plastic, as it’s modeled after the original Trans Am coupe K.I.T.T. masqueraded as. The initial eye-catcher is the 4.3-inch 480 x 272 touchscreen, but that’s soon forgotten when the flashing red chaser LEDs get going. Mio have worked with Universal Studios to get William Daniels, original voice actor for K.I.T.T., to provide the navigation directions, and as he talks the lights flash in synchrony.

Moving around the PND, there’s the power button and an SD card slot on the top, together with a mini-USB port on the bottom. Mio include a car mount (suitable both for dashboard and windshield use), a USB cable and car charger, together with instruction guides and a CD containing other voice guides.

Replacement voice guides are necessary because, while K.I.T.T. will tell you which exit to take and when to turn, there’s no Text-to-Speech (TTS) support. The Mio supports TTS, but Daniels didn’t record the necessary road names; instead, you have to delete one of the pre-installed voices (K.I.T.T., French or Spanish) and replace it with a new voice profile from the CD. It’s a relatively straightforward process using a PC and the supplied USB cable, but it does detract from the Knight Rider theme.

If you can live without TTS, you can instead have the joy of being greeted by name. That is, assuming your name is one of the 300 (equally split between men and women) pre-programmed into the PND. Once set, you’re greeted with a random phrase, such as “I’ll power up all systems” every time you turn the Mio on.

Address entry is via an onscreen keyboard (in either ABC or QWERTY layouts) with no provision for speech recognition as we’ve seen in other recent PNDs. The Mio has predictive text, which suffers a few pregnant pauses but generally works well, and routes are calculated quickly. Multi-stop journeys can be set, with stops programmed at the start or added by tapping the map, and there’s both a favorites list and a history of recent destinations. The Mio can handle street addresses, zip codes, city centers or intersections, and route prioritizing distance, freeway or toll-road avoidance, or journey speed.

There’s also a database of around four-million Points of Interest (POIs), organized into the usual categories. Since the Mio Knight Rider is not a “connected” GPS such as the Dash Express or new Telenav Shotgun, there’s no automatic update of POIs. Also missing is traffic updates or a pedestrian mode; obviously David Hasselhoff never had to walk anywhere.

In use, the Knight Rider GPS lacks much of the visual glamor of other recent PNDs, but it does mark your position with a tiny picture of K.I.T.T.; whether that’s enough to make up for the absence of photo-realistic intersections, signs and 3D cityscape is up to you. There is the option to switch between 2D and 3D mapping, together with the usual panning and zooming, with the current road indicated at the bottom of the screen and the upcoming turn at the top. Pull-up menus show ETA, distance and time left, current speed and a clock, together with direction, GPS signal strength, battery and volume status, and you can select one icon from each group to remain on-screen at all times.

Unfortunately, we found the touchscreen to be less responsive than other PNDs we’ve tried, and it’s particularly susceptible to glare. The included mount does offer a fair degree of repositioning, but we’d prefer the screen itself to have a more-effective anti-glare coating. During the day the flashing, pulsing lights are great. At night, however, they become a serious distraction. You’re able to turn them off in the preferences menu, but it’s a chore; we’d prefer a physical switch somewhere, or, even better, an option to turn them off when the GPS flips into night mode (which changes the maps and menus into a darker color scheme).

We found GPS signal acquisition times to be good, aided no doubt by the Knight Rider GPS’ use of SiRFInstantFixII technology. Initial lock was obtained in a little less than two minutes, with future ‘warm’ locks found in seconds. It also proved tenacious at keeping a signal while in urban, built-up areas. Less successful were the re-routing options, being slower than rival PNDs.

The Mio Knight Rider GPS is a reasonable, entry-level PND, at least when it comes to the spec sheet. The obvious draw here is the Knight Rider theme, and fans of the original series will likely find it appealing. You’re paying no small amount for it, however, which makes it a less reasonable proposition for anyone less enchanted by 80s cult television. One for the fans, yes, but everyone else will get more for their money elsewhere.

Unboxing Video

Photo Gallery

Of course, it wouldn’t be much fun after that if it were a rubbish GPS, so Mio have slotted in a 4.3-inch touchscreen with anti-glare coating, preloaded maps of the US and Canada, and over four million Points of Interest.  In the box you get the GPS itself, a car mount, in-car charger, USB cable and documentation kit.

Menus are Knight Rider themed, and the car icon has been replaced with a miniature K.I.T.T. If you get bored of William Daniels there are also generic English, French and Spanish voice-prompts. The Mio Knight Rider GPS is available from Radio Shack, with a MRSP of $269.99.

Press Release:

RadioShack Announced as Exclusive Retail Destination for Knight Rider GPS by Mio, Featuring Distinctive Voice of K.I.T.T.

GPS device offers look, sound of K.I.T.T. from classic crime-fighting television series

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, and FREMONT, CALIF. – (Sept. 26, 2008) – RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) and Mio Technology today announced the retail launch of the Knight Rider GPS by Mio at RadioShack. Exclusively, until October 31, 2008, customers may purchase the Knight Rider GPS online through www.RadioShack.com or at more than 2,500 select RadioShack stores nationwide.

To create an authentic Knight Rider experience, Mio partnered with Universal Studios Digital Platforms Group to become a Knight Rider licensee and Navtones® to include exclusive voice guidance and turn-by-turn directions featuring the original voice of K.I.T.T., (Knight Industries Two Thousand). K.I.T.T. is a talking car with artificial intelligence featured in the Knight Rider television series that is being revived this fall on NBC television.

With a sleek, jet-black design inspired by the original K.I.T.T., the Knight Rider GPS by Mio brings the magic of the original television series to your daily commute. Through collaboration with Navtones®, a Los Angeles-based provider of celebrity voice sets for GPS devices, users will ride with the original voice of K.I.T.T providing turn-by-turn guidance. Users can also pick from a menu of more than 300 common names, which are then paired with randomized voice greetings, giving a personalized experience every time the device is turned on. Also included are red LED lights flanking both sides of the screen that flash in sync with K.I.T.T.’s voice – much like the original K.I.T.T.’s hood-mounted illuminating lights – providing the ultimate Knight Rider experience.

The Knight Rider GPS features a 4.3-inch color LCD touch screen with an anti-glare coating that makes it easy to operate in bright lighting conditions. In addition to the voice of K.I.T.T., directions and guidance are offered in the user’s choice of English, French and Spanish in standard voice. Even the special graphic user interface simulates the overall K.I.T.T. experience, with jet-black menus and a miniature black car to indicate your location on the map display. The device comes preloaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada, including more than 4-million points of interest, along with a car mount, in-car charger, USB cable and documentation kit. Mio Technology’s enhanced software ensures touch screen responsiveness and smooth transitions between menu screens. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $269.99.

“The original K.I.T.T. inspired us to combine unstoppable navigation power with a design that looks cool on your dashboard, and as a result navigation across the country or to the local grocery store will never be more fun,” said Kiyoshi Hamai, senior director of sales and product management, Mio Technology USA. “This exclusive launch with RadioShack is ideal, because their knowledgeable associates are uniquely qualified to present this one-of-a-kind device in a fun and accessible way.”

To order this unique GPS device, visit www.radioshack.com. To locate a store participating in the exclusive launch, visit radioshack.com, type “Knight Rider” in the search bar, click on the “available at most stores” link and enter a ZIP code. The product is also available through RadioShack’s Ship-to-Store ordering system offering secured delivery to any participating RadioShack retail location.

Of course, the moment is spoilt slightly because your name likely isn’t Michael, and even if it is, it’s exceptionally unlikely that you’re actually David Hasselhoff.  Still, you can revel in pretending, especially with the flashing LEDs that mimic those on KITT’s nose.

Although not available yet, price is expected to come in at a reasonable $270.  Mio are yet to release any actual hard details on the GPS’ capabilities – mapping, media playback, that sort of thing – since they know that all we care about is Daniels’ voice and a tiny icon of a Trans-Am telling us where to go.

[via Gear Live]

Mio is smart enough to see into the not so distant future where large POI libraries and basic navigation isn’t going to cut it any more. Instead companies’ PND devices are going to be judges on the types of real-time info they can offer up, convenience at its best.

Thusly they are making a preemptive move in that direction. They have prototypes of these devices at CTIA this week, but the final product will be up for sale later this year, so keep your eyes open.

[via Mio]

Then they are targeted at general customers as well as the tech geeks that are looking for a navigation solution. The Moov 300 and 310 both have a 4.3-inch screen, text to speech, and over 3.5 million POI’s.

The Moov 200 and 210 have 3.5-inch screens, text to speech, and over 3.5 POI’s. the Moov 310 and 210 have TMC built in to navigate you around bad traffic and they both come with one year of service from ClearChannel’s network affiliates. All of these Moov devices have the SiRFInstantFixII GPS receivers inside which offers some of the fastest signal locks around, meaning you can start getting directions as soon as you are ready to drive instead of having to drive around until you get a signal. They’ll all be dropping on April 1st, that’s the 200, 210, 300, and 310 all priced respectively at $179.95, $199.95, $229.95, and $249.95.

[via Mio]

The first thing that cries out is the incredible 4.3-inch widescreen monitor. You can take advantage of the space by splitting the screen into two separate areas, one for the map and another that provides details about your trip. You also have the option of viewing the map in full-screen.

They have updated the text-to-speech capabilities so that it gives more descriptive directions by actually telling you the street names to be watching for, rather than just “a right-turn in 500 yards.” They have also included Bluetooth options for pairing it with cell phones to make hands-free calls or with headphones for listening to music and video.

The Mio DigiWalker C520 is available for purchase immediately in the US for $399.95.

I find myself more than a little embarrassed on Mio’s behalf.  How they ever thought this was a good idea is beyond me; I can only assume they looked at the fad for aftermarket cellphone shells back in the days of the Nokia 3360 and thought they could cash in six years later.

Mio [via Pocket-lint]

Uber Gizmo have one of these lovelies in their dexterous little hands and have given it a gosh darned good reviewing.  There’s a photo gallery and a video and words and everything – it’s like review Christmas has come early!  They decide that while the hardware is great, the software could do with some tweaking – overly busy and cluttered icons get a mention, although they’re also quick to point out that their unit isn’t running the final software version.  Generally, however, they’re in love with it.  Go give it a read and find out exactly why.

Mio H610 full review [Uber Gizmo]