Sony Electronics, yesterday, unveiled its latest nav-u™ personal navigation devices (models NV-U73T and NV-U83T).  In keeping with the evolving industry standards, these in-car portable systems include text-to-speech voice commands and real-time-traffic capability.  In additon, however, they add several new safety features.  We all see and ignore the splash screen on GPS devices which says do not operate while driving.  These features are directly aimed at those users.  From the Sony press release:

• Sony’s new super suction cup comes with both models. It is easy to mount on the windshield or dashboard, providing a tight, virtually unmovable attachment. Made with a flexible non-adhesive
  gel, it grips the rugged surface of the dashboard so the touch screen can be mounted closer for an easier reach. Designed to stay put even in the most extreme temperatures, the super suction cup can also be easily removed and transferred to another vehicle.
• The high-end NV-U83T model adds another safety feature-Bluetooth technology-for making hands-free phone calls. With a built-in microphone, drivers can use voice commands to initiate calls via compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The nav-u system connects automatically so drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.
        

Additionally, the large, 4.8-inch,16 x 9 aspect ratio touch-screen display and ultra-thin footprint, give these new models a design similar to Sony’s BRAVIA® LCD TV.  The anti-glare coating also makes it easy to see the screen in any lighting conditions. 

The new Sony nav-u devices also offer a unique dual view feature, which "helps drivers navigate visually
so they don’t have to rely solely on street signs.  It zooms in and shows certain landmarks to help drivers make the correct turns at the right time.  On the freeway, dual view shows a 3D rendition of the approaching intersection with lane guide information."

Another unique feature introduced by Sony, POSITION Plus™, provides constant, more accurate positioning and assured interruption-free guidance. In addition to the SiRF Star III GPS chip, POSITION Plus includes a pressure sensor, gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor. The nav-u device uses these additional sensors to calibrate the driver’s location, so they can safely plan ahead and won’t miss turns coming out of tunnels or from in-between tall buildings.

Other new features introduced by Sony include:

• Touch Screen Shortcuts
• Branded Points of Interest
• Text to Speech
• Nearly 5 Million Points of Interest,
• U.S. and Canadian M, stored on a 2GB flash memory card
• Memory Stick Pro Duo slot for future expansion capabilities.

You can check out all of the details of these latest nav-u offerings and even place a pre-orders at www.sonystyle.com/navu.  The devices are expected to be available in February.  The NV-U73T and NV-U83T models are expected to sell for about $350 and $500, respectively.