Garmin® International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced the next-generation maps + more portable infotainment device for Volkswagen up! vehicles. maps + more provides a comprehensive infotainment package, including navigation, a media player, vehicle information and Bluetooth hands-free capabilities. The next-generation maps + more live device from Garmin adds connected services, such as real-time traffic and weather information, local search provided by Yelp as well as safety camera warnings. Users simply connect their smartphone to the device via Bluetooth to enable the services[1], utilizing their existing data plan. The portable device features a five-inch touchscreen and is fully integrated into the vehicle. maps + more live is available now as a factory-installed option for Volkswagen up! vehicles in Australia and Europe.
“maps + more live packs the features of a fully integrated infotainment system into a portable device that is connected, can easily be updated and provides excellent value,” said Peter Schubert, vice president automotive OEM at Garmin Würzburg GmbH. “We’re thrilled to partner with Volkswagen on such an innovative project and look forward to delivering our leading infotainment technology to Volkswagen up! customers.”
Navigation and Connected Services
Garmin provides Volkswagen up! drivers a comprehensive navigation feature set with spoken turn-by-turn directions and an intuitive map interface with crisp graphics and 3D landmarks for clear orientation. Additional navigation functions include lane assistance, speed limit warnings, route tracking, parking and TMC traffic information. Users can easily control the system via voice command. One-shot address entry, for example, allows users to simply speak an address without taking the hands off the wheel or the eyes off the road.
Utilizing the user’s existing smartphone data plan, maps + more live provides crucial real-time information, such as traffic, weather, local search provided by Yelp as well as safety camera warnings. All users need to do is connect their smartphone to the device via Bluetooth. Garmin’s live services are available free for the first four weeks and available for a one-time fee of 29.95 Euros afterwards. Since the device is portable, updating the maps is easier than with conventional in-dash navigation systems. Users simply install a dedicated software program on their computer and connect their device to download the latest maps. Lifetime[2] map updates are available for a onetime fee of 99 Euros (19.95 within the first 30 days of use).
Media Integration
maps + more live lets users easily control crucial radio functions on its 5-inch touchscreen screen. It also integrates an MP3 player and an SD card slot to easily transfer songs. Bluetooth hands-free provides an intuitive and safe solution for making phone calls in the car without touching the phone or looking at its display, thus helping reduce driver distraction. The integrated Bluetooth hand-free functionality also enables drivers to listen to their favorite music from their smartphone through the car’s speakers. Whenever the device gives turn-by-turn directions, music will automatically fade out.
Vehicle Information
The portable device has access to the CAN bus of the car to provide information on average fuel-consumption, driving time and the number of revolutions per minute (RPM). The system also warns the driver if the car is low on fuel, so he can navigate to the closest gas station. The integrated Think Blue. Trainer analyzes driving behavior and provides feedback on fuel consumption to help drive more eco friendly and save money on gas.
Furthermore, the Garmin system supports other crucial vehicle functions. A parking assistant uses sensors to provide audio signals as well as visual guidance on the device screen to help drivers get into a parking spot. The integrated door warner informs drivers when vehicle doors aren’t entirely closed.
maps + more live is available now as a factory-installed option for Volkswagen up! vehicles at 390 euros.
Garmin’s automotive OEM group utilizes the company’s long-standing experience in user interface and hardware design from its automotive, avionics and marine segments to develop innovative in-car navigation, telematics and infotainment systems. Garmin’s broad range of in-vehicle electronics for the automotive industry includes full infotainment and telematics systems, navigation software, location-based services, and integrated portable navigation systems. Garmin has dedicated automotive OEM offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
