June 25, 2004

By: Ashton Mollina
Website: http://www.booming-car-audio.com

Alpine releases New DVD Navigation Software for its Award-Winning Powernav System

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics and the global-leader in mobile navigation systems, announced the availability of its new Smart Map Pro version 1.3 DVD software (NVD-A131) for its award-winning NVE-N852A and NVE-N851A PowerNav™ systems. Version 1.3 features expanded routing coverage of the Continental U.S. and Canada, as well as a new split-screen display and exit information, delivering the most accurate route guidance available. Version 1.3 is available now with new purchases of Alpine's PowerNav system and can be purchased as an upgrade from Alpine-authorized dealers.

Alpine has developed its own proprietary operating system for in-vehicle navigation that focuses on ease-of-use and safe operation in a moving vehicle. Version 1.3's 8.5 GB dual-layer DVD-ROM utilizes an expanded version of the NavTech® navigable mapping database, merged with the InfoUSA.com® database and Zenrin’s Exit Info database, providing the largest in-vehicle database of information with more than 6 million points of interest nationwide, including restaurants, hotels, ATMs, RV facilities, truck stops and over 200 million consumer destinations. Version 1.3 has mapped data for over 9,900 North American cities.

Alpine's GUI for Drivers™ graphic design principle provides drivers with the most intuitive system that uses at a glance recognition guidelines for all visual displays and graphics. With version 1.3, drivers can utilize a new split-screen display feature that shows both the map with a moving vehicle icon and arrow/intersection zoo screens simultaneously. Another new feature is the latitude/longitude input screen, which allows outdoor enthusiasts to input their destination via latitude/longitude coordinates.

Highway drivers will find version 1.3's new exit information feature particularly useful for discovering a comprehensive list of services and points of interest (POI) at any interstate exit in America. The Smart Map Pro POI database – the industry’s most comprehensive – makes it easier for users to find their way, featuring the ability to input destinations via place name, category, phone number or address book.

With Version 1.3, Alpine has made substantial improvements in both our mapping coverage and our human machine interface, a key element of our ongoing commitment to promoting safe operation in a moving vehicle, said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. Smart Map Pro version 1.3 reaffirms Alpine’s leadership position in navigation, while continuing to set the industry benchmark for mobile information databases and ease of use.

Alpine’s award-winning PowerNav system features a mobile DVD-ROM drive, designed specifically for the automotive environment, and a parallel 12-channel GPS receiver with the most accurate map-matching technology available. In 2002, Alpine had expanded its range of monitor options for its PowerNav system, allowing consumers to build the industry's most accurate and easiest-to-use navigation system. Alpine is the global leader in mobile navigation systems, with more than eight generations and 11 years experience in the Asian, European and North American markets.

About The Author:

Ashton Mollina is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.booming-car-audio.com.  Get the car audio system you want plus accessories and valuable advice.