Today NNG announced NavFusion™, its latest innovation in navigation, at Telematics Detroit 2013, the annual conference and exhibition. NavFusion is the newest feature set of iGO Navigation, developed by the global navigation software provider for its automotive OEM and aftermarket partners. It takes the onboard navigation experience to a new level by merging the advantages of the reliable and deeply integrated in-vehicle navigation and the smartphone’s personal nature, Internet connection, and flexibility.
NavFusion Essentials:
The car’s NavFusion-supported infotainment system is fully functional as the vehicle leaves the production line. By downloading the free NavFusion application from iTunes App Store or Google Play, and then linking the smartphone to the head-unit, all navigation-related content is synchronized in the background. The process makes map and content updates in the head-unit simple and effort free. Contacts, favorites, navigation history, planned routes, and maps are synced between smartphone and head-unit.
The connection between the smartphone and the infotainment system is achieved through future proof, globally standardized protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB cable, thus enabling live and connected services such as online local search, weather, traffic and fuel prices – all available through the main interface of the vehicle.
“As the smartphone is automatically updated via the well known ecosystems of the iTunes Store or Google Play, updating the maps in the car becomes a background operation when the phone connects to the car, and that can actually be accomplished without user interaction,” said Jim Nardulli, NNG’s Senior VP, Automotive OEM Sales. “The NavFusion feature set addresses completely the number 1 complaint of consumers regarding in-car navigation systems.”
Why NavFusion?
“We just solved the biggest headache of car makers: the ultimate solution for keeping the navigation maps and content of a multimedia unit up-to-date. With NavFusion, we’re not only enhancing the driving experience with map updates and the integration of personal smartphone content, but we’re also increasing customer satisfaction and reducing customer-support related costs,” said Péter Balogh, CEO of NNG.
“We strongly believe that the future of automotive infotainment is all about smartphone connectivity, content updates and synchronization. NavFusion offers all this, integrated into the reliable, globally localized iGO Navigation software, while maintaining the automotive quality of the car systems. Using the NavFusion feature set enables the use of a fully approved and certified navigation system with the user experience of a smartphone,” added Balogh.
NavFusion to Market:
NNG already has several OEM partners lined up to deliver NavFusion into their future cars around the globe. The individual product solutions are currently being customized for the partners’ projects. The first iGO Navigation software with the NavFusion feature set is expected to launch in Q1 2014.
