Alpine Ships Fourth Generation of In-Car Navigation Software
4 May 1999
Alpine Ships Fourth Generation of In-Car Navigation Software Version 4.0 Software Offers First Wireless Communications Link With More
Features and Options for Easier Use
TORRANCE, Calif., May 4 -- Alpine Electronics of America,
Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile
electronics, today announced the shipping of its fourth generation of
navigation software for the North American market. Alpine is the current
world leader in mobile navigation systems, with more than ten years of
experience in the Asian and European markets and more than three years in
North America.
Version 4.0 of the navigation software is an advanced upgrade for Alpine's
current line of Navigation and Information System hardware. This advanced
in-vehicle Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)/CD-ROM computer is not just a
GPS locator, but rather a door-to-door, route guidance system that is easy and
safe to operate. The newest features and functions include advanced Points of
Interest (P.O.I.) category searches, auto-dialing a destination and receiving
wireless data and text messages. Version 4.0 software is currently available
through authorized Alpine dealers or by calling toll-free (888) NAV-HELP. The
suggested retail price is U.S. $150.00.
New features of version 4.0 software includes:
-- Two car integration: Version 4.0 has the ability to learn two
different types of vehicle speed pulses for two different types of vehicles.
One navigation system can be used for the daily car and with a Navigation
installation kit, the software can be used for the recreational vehicle
(i.e., camper, truck or motor home).
-- Advanced Points of Interest (POI) search: The entire database can be
searched through a special built-in search engine. The user will be able to
search for specific categories from hundreds of new categories.
-- Phone dial function: Enables cellular phone interface to call any
number in the POI database/address book. If the user is en-route to a
destination, the number of the programmed destination can be called with a
push of a button.
-- Destination input by phone number: Entering the phone number gives the
user the options to call the destination, route the destination or both
simultaneously.
-- Mobile Mayday(TM) connection: The message board function allows the
On-Guard(R) Emergency Response Center to send text messages to the vehicle;
the Navigation system will alert the user that a message has been received and
can display it on the screen.
-- Smart key filtering: Removes unnecessary characters during input.
-- GPS clock: Time automatically adjusts to precise global positioning
satellite time.
-- Expanded detailed area coverage of new major markets: Cincinnati, OH;
Salt Lake City, UT; Oklahoma City, OK; Santa Fe, NM; Cleveland, OH; Dallas,
TX; Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; Toronto/Windsor, Canada.
"Alpine's navigation systems are not just computerized maps, but essential
tools that make drivers more productive, efficient and safer while driving,"
said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. "Version 4.0
of the Navigation software allows customers to start integrating all the
elements of the Alpine Mobile Multimedia system platform. With version 4.0, a
fully integrated navigation, Mobile Mayday, security and communications system
can be realized. The newest features and functions, such as advanced category
searches, routing, calling a destination and receiving wireless data and text
messages, allow drivers to be more efficient in managing their time while in
the car."
Alpine's Smart MAP PRO CD-ROM software has been developed to cover regions
of the entire continental U.S. and the greater Toronto, Ontario area and
incorporates the Navigation Technologies (NAVTECH(R)) map database and the
Info USA P.O.I. database. This state-of-the-art navigation software has been
designed for the mobile environment.
"Alpine's release of Version 4.0 represents a significant milestone in the
advancement of driver information and route guidance systems," said Andrew
Donchak, vice president of Consumer Marketing at Navigation Technologies.
"Alpine has taken the power of the NAVTECH database and developed a suite of
smart, easy to use features that help drivers explore with confidence and make
the most of their time behind the wheel."
Witt added, "Alpine has been developing navigation systems for the mobile
environment longer than any other company, so we're comfortable in saying that
we know what the driver is looking for when it comes to efficiency, safety and
travel information. The version 4.0 software represents Alpine's advanced
approach to safe operation in the vehicle based on our exclusive 'GUI for
drivers,' a safe and simple user interface designed for moving vehicles."
About Navigation Technologies
Navigation Technologies is a global company recognized as the premier
developer of superior quality, continuously updated route guidance map
databases for both North America and Europe. The NAVTECH database contains an
extensive and precise digital representation of the road network that provides
the depth, accuracy and coverage needed to enable turn-by-turn, door-to-door
route guidance. Navigation Technologies Corporation is headquartered in
Rosemont, Ill., with additional offices in Sunnyvale, Calif., and Best, The
Netherlands. In addition, the company has a customer support center in
Yokohama, Japan and more than 70 field offices and 950 employees worldwide.
For additional information, please point your browser at
http://www.navtech.com. Editorial contact: Michael Young, Ketchum,
Phone: (312) 228-6878, Fax: (312) 228-6868, Email: michael.young@ketchum.com.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is one of the world's leading mobile electronics
companies. Alpine is the only electronics manufacturer specializing in mobile
multimedia, an integrated system approach incorporating audio, visual,
security and navigation products for the mobile environment. With research
and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global
leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe
for the after-market and for OEM factory installations. Visit Alpine on the
Internet at http://www.alpine1.com to discover the future of mobile multimedia or
call (800) ALPINE-1 for the closest dealer.
