NaviGadget

prototype of Dash Wi-Fi connected smart GPS navigation

Sep 27, 2006 gps navigation, misc news

The Dash Network which launched back in August now just demoed their prototype device. Called the Dash Express this device will be the only thing on the market that provides two way connectivity. This is a fundemental change from your regular GPS navigation device which only receives location info from satellites and marks your point on a locally stored map.

The Dash Express will have Wi-Fi connection that will enable you to get real-time information from Dash servers. This information will be collected from fellow Dash Express users who anonymously report their traffic conditions to other devices in the area. Using this information plust the historical data stored on the network, you’ll be given the option to take three different routes to save you the most amount of time.

If a driver selects a route and traffic slows, Dash will recommend a faster alternative, if one is available. A car with Dash approaching heavy traffic on a freeway will know whether it would be faster to exit or continue on the current route. While other personal navigation devices can report traffic incidents, the Dash Express is the only device that gives commuters the up-to-date traffic flow information they need to make smart route choices.

The Dash Express will be available in California in early 2007, and will be available all over US next summer. Company claims the Dash Express will be priced comparably to other GPS products on the market but they do not say just yet how much the price will be. Since there’ll be some data going from your hardware to the Dash Network, we’re pretty sure there has to be some sort of monthly fee. Somebody has to pay for that bandwidth!

Keep reading Navigadget – we’ll let you know as soon as its out.