(Credit: CBS interactive)After recently revamping its NAV-U line of portable GPS devices, Sony dropped by to give us a first look at their top of the line NAV-U94T model that should be hitting store shelves soon. We’ve already covered many of the new features offered by this device, but hands-on time with the device gives us a little more insight. In order of importance, here are the features we liked most:
Navigation enabled units display traffic issues in order of proximity.
(Credit: CBS Interactive)
The first feature demonstrated was the Position Plus technology which uses a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and (interestingly) a barometer to keep track of vehicle position to continue navigation when satellite reception is lost. We chose San Francisco’s Stockton Street Tunnel as our destination, which is approximately three blocks long, and set off. Partway through the tunnel, we lost satellite reception, indicated by the display’s position triangle turning orange, but the U94T seemed to keep track of our position.
Applying the brakes, we began to slow, then briskly sped back up. The speed readout on the display kept track of these changes as well. Emerging from the other end of the tunnel, the device quickly locked on to satellite reception and we moved on to the next part of testing.
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The Travolution system suggests an optimal speed based on info from smart traffic lights.
(Credit: Audi)
Waiting at traffic lights is one of the primary reasons why city mpg is so much lower than highway mpg. Automakers have attempted to address this issue with start-stop technology, but what if you …
Continue reading about Travolution enables traffic lights to talk to cars