Navman Intros Image-Based GPS

By Amy Gilroy On Apr 24 2006 - 6:00am

Navman introduced the first portable GPS to allow users to input destinations via picture images, said the company.

The new model iCN 750 has a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera that lets users take a picture of a site — home, restaurant, dentist's office, etc. — that is then automatically stored. To navigate to the site in the future, users select the image from the library without needing to key in an address.

The iCN 750 is a battery-operated portable that can be removed from its vehicle mount to take photos. In addition, users can link the 750 to their PC to download images from a Navman Web site.

The 750 also includes one of the first high-resolution, 4-inch WQVGA (480 by 272) widescreen displays in a GPS unit, Navman said. It comes with 4MB of internal memory and can store thousands of photos, said the company. Other features include SD card slot, dedicated hard buttons to access fuel and parking points of interest (POI) and an optional remote with a steering-wheel clip. Shipping is expected in May at $799.95.

Also new from Navman is the iCN 530, an upgrade to the iCN 520 and 510, which now adds preloaded maps and a new pocket-sized portable form factor, plus remote, dedicated fuel and parking POI buttons. It is shipping now at $599.95. This is joined by a new low-cost iCN 330 available this month with preloaded maps at $499.95.

Also new is the iCN 330 with preloaded maps at $499.