By James Wells
SYDNEY: Pioneer Electronics Australia today announced the release of two navigation products – the AVIC HD3 hard drive integrated model (RRP $3,799) and the AVIC S2 portable model (RRP $799) which will be available from June.
The AVIC HD3 integrated model features a seven-inch LCD and a 30GB hard drive which features 10GB isolated for a CD library which can contain up to 160 hours of music. The unit also features iPod compatibility and control, dual zone experience for separate content in the front and back of the vehicle, an optional rear view camera as well as the capability to wirelessly conduct phone calls. Installation cost for the HD3 – the first hard drive navigation model on the Australian market – was estimated by Pioneer for between $100 and $150.
The AVIC S2 portable navigation unit is designed for the entry level user and features large on screen buttons.
Weighing just 180 grams, it is focused on delivering a cost-effective solution by offering a navigation unit with an audio player and Bluetooth wireless communication.
At today’s launch, Sensis Interactive general manager, Chris Smith, discussed the benefits his business offers the navigation products through mapping and database services via its Whereis.com subsidiary.
Smith said Whereis covers 97 per cent of Australia and his business has recently accumulated over 15,000 hours driving 320,000 kilometres to update the database which now boasts 380,000 points of interest.
Sensis research conducted from November 2006 to January 2007 discovered that 26 per cent of consumers are currently using a GPS portable device or an in car navigation system.
Smith said the use of navigation products stretched across all age groups and the research found that 35 per cent of consumers are considering a purchase over the next 12 months and 44 per cent of consumers are keen to try navigation products and services in the near future.