The Avstar Navigator is Launched--Safe, New "Hands-Free" Navigation System
Updated
Jun 3, 2004 17:14:11
Rating
289 ( -40 -13.84% )
Description: A company called IVS, Inc. has launched its highly-anticipated vehicle navigation device, Avstar, this week in Los Angeles. Avstar is notable as the world's first GPS-equipped hands-free, eyes-free, and transportable interactive voice navigation device for cars and trucks. A spokesman for the company stressed that Avstar is a big leap forward in navigation systems by being safe, affordable, and transportable. The key word being 'safe.' Unlike other navigation devices, Avstar is 100% voice interactive. There have been numerous news reports concerning safety as the information age enters our vehicles-- and gadgetry increasingly distracts the driver. Avstar was designed specifically to avoid map display screens you find in competing navigation systems, that make the driver take his or her eyes off the road. Unlike other systems, Avstar is transportable to and from vehicles, or can be permanently mounted. Avstar is powered simply --it just plugs in through the cigarette lighter, and the driver is guided by a CD-ROM map. Through a small speaker/microphone, the driver tells Avstar his or her location and destination, and Avstar comes up with the best route, giving verbal instructions--turn by turn. Based on 35,000 speech samples, a professional voice-over artist recorded all the street names, landmarks, and points of interest, so it doesn't have that annoying 'synthesized' sound of some other navigation systems. To date, the Avstar system offers maps for 24 metropolitan areas in the U.S., but there are plans for more. Avstar will be offered with or without GPS. The GPS-equipped model is faster and can automatically determine the user's starting point, as well provide turn warnings for next-turns and the destination. To combat driver boredom, Avstar also safely entertains drivers with the game Blackjack. Plans for the future at IVS include more games, educational activities, access to the Internet and stock exchange, and top news headlines. Avstar will initially be marketed to rental car, car dealer, and fleet markets. For more information on the Avstar Navigator, visit... This new product will enter the marketplace in early June, and it's another sign of the future of driving.
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289 ( -40 -13.84% )