Garmin integrates MSN Direct on to new satnavs

5 January 2007 12:55 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Garmin has introduced several new products ahead of CES to enhance its range of satnavs.

The first is a vehicle integration box, the VIB 10, designed to hid your StreetPilot C550 and plug it into the vehicle's stereo system to make it seem like a factory-integrated system.

With the device, you can get navigational voice prompts, phone calls, and MP3 audio all through your stereo. It does not, however support traffic services.

The VIB 10 kit, which include connectors and adaptors, will be available early this year for $150.

Garmin has also struck a deal with Microsoft to put information from its MSN Direct network on to two new satnavs, the nuvi 680 and StreetPilot c580.

Users can access real-time traffic reports, gas prices, weather forecasts, and movie times from the network. However, access to this kind of technology comes at a steep price; the nuvi 680 will cost around $1000, while the StreetPilot C580 will be on sale for around $800.

Garmin has also updated its motorcycle navigator, the zumo. The zumo 450 has glove-friendly controls and oversized touchscreen buttons, and comes with full North American mapping.

In addition to being weather-proof, the zumo 450 has incorporated security features like a locking motorcycle mount, waterproof power and data cable connections, and a locking system with PIN.