Accessories

Harman Kardon expands navigation family

Harman Kardon announced the introduction of the Guide + Play(TM) GPS-310, GPS-510 and GPS-810, the newest products in the company’s Guide + Play line of portable GPS navigation units. The new models feature the same clean lines, slim profile, crisp WQVGA LCD screen and intuitive touchscreen operation of the successful Guide + Play GPS-300 and GPS-500 models, but provide added functionality, with some or all of the models incorporating text-to-speech and real-time-traffic features, Windows Media(R) digital-rights management (WM-DRM10), a picture viewer, Bluetooth(R) hands-free calling and a breakthrough rotary wireless controller.

"For the consumer, the possibility of upgrading from an aging OEM head unit to one that offers connectivity to the growing range of popular portable devices is diminishing. Meanwhile, the use of portable devices to deliver content and connectivity in the car is exploding in popularity. As this phenomenon evolves, the average dashboard is getting overcrowded with multiple devices, a rat’s nest of wires, and a distracting array of different user interfaces," said Mike Giffin, president of the Mobile, Portable and Companion Products Division of Harman Consumer Group. "Our Guide + Play personal GPS product line solves this problem. We start with the most accurate, intuitive, easy-to-use GPS navigation products available. Then we incorporate unsurpassed multimedia and connectivity functionality and versatility for a seamless, integrated mobile-infotainment experience."

All three Harman Kardon(R) Guide + Play units offer a superior navigation and multimedia experience; below is a breakdown of each model’s features.

The Harman Kardon GPS-310 (suggested retail price of $349.99; Rs 14,000) includes the following:

• Tightly integrated navigation and digital-music-player applications for simultaneous use. Both applications work together, ensuring that important navigation information is audible and displayed, even when digital-music playback is in use. Users may also set volume priority between the two functions.

• Integrated Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, which provides spoken identification of road and highway names. By incorporating the latest in GPS technology, drivers are able to concentrate on the road as the system provides turn-by-turn directions.

• An easy-to-use, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets users find key features, and toggle between device menus with ease. Also included is a "Points of Interest" search that lets users find directions, with a simple touch of a button, to nearby popular points of interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and much

• A 4-inch widescreen WQVGA LCD (4 inches on the GPS-510; 4.3 inches on the GPS-810) for high-quality viewing of maps. The widescreen aspect ratio allows users to see a larger map view when in GPS mode than do most GPS devices currently on the market. Additionally, a 480-pixel x 272-pixel screen resolution ensures a clear and crisp viewing experience for enjoying the digital- music-player menus and detailed maps. The display incorporates alpha blending, which enables prompts and icons to be rendered transparent, allowing the map to remain in full view. Users can access music loaded onto SD/SDHC cards. The devices support MP3 and WMA music formats.

• A pocket-sized, virtually invisible portable mount that secures the slim (19.6mm in depth) unit for automotive use. The mount features a ball-and-socket joint that allows users to position the screen so that it can be seen from anywhere in the vehicle.

• A USB 2.0 interface that’s compatible with both PC’s and Macintosh(R) computers, a carrying case that’s perfect for travel, and an in-car cigarette-lighter cable (the GPS-510 and GPS-810 also include an AC adapter.

The Harman Kardon GPS-510 (suggested retail price of $449.99; Rs 18,000 approx) includes all of the above features, and adds the following:

• Real-time-traffic-information service that displays current traffic incidents and freeway speeds (where available) through a built-in receiver and included antenna. A free 90-day-trial subscription from the Clear Channel Total Traffic Network is included with the unit.

• A video player with WM-DRM10 decoding for compatibility with music and video downloads, and subscription services.

• Compatibility with SD/SDHC cards, and support for MP3, AAC, WMA, WMV9, and MPEG4 file formats.

• A USB 2.0 high-speed interface with MTP support automatically transcodes videos on the fly, and supports the creation of playlists with popular programs such as Windows Media Player.

The Harman Kardon GPS-810 (suggested retail price of $599.99; Rs 24,000 approx.) completes the lineup. It has all the features of the GPS-310 and GPS-510, and adds the following:

• An intuitive, wireless rotary controller for in-car operation. A breakthrough rotary wireless controller can be easily mounted in a location that provides convenient and comfortable access while driving.

• Bluetooth(R) technology, which allows simultaneous navigation and hands-free calling. Included are dual built-in microphones and an advanced noise-cancellation system to enhance intelligibility. Call information and phone book, for most popular mobile phone models, are displayed on the touchscreen.

• A picture viewer that’s compatible with JPEG file formats. Search through thumbnail previews or watch a slide show.

• A wireless FM transmitter that allows sound to be played through any car audio system.

GPS» GPS 310» GPS 510» GPS 810» Guide + Play» Harman Kardon» Navigation»

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