Navman will launch its most advanced dash cam to date, built on an Android platform for the first time, offering premium dash cam functions with the latest GPS technology.

The MiCam GPS dash cam spent more than 12 months in development and responds to road safety experts, user groups and industry trends. Although smartphones are a convenient way to navigate, they are often a distraction for drivers with many road safety experts recommending that dash cams be mainstream for all drivers and provide information to determine cause and fault in road accidents.

The MiCam GPS dash cam complements the mobile phone by providing up-to-the-moment traffic and ETA information, as well as verbal and visual navigation not found on a phone, in addition to safety information to protect from fines and accidents.

It records in full HD 1080p and has a STARVIS low light sensor to capture details in all lighting conditions, as well as critical information on speed and direction of impact in an accident.

The 5-inch capacitive ‘pinch and zoom’ screen fits neatly on any windscreen and provides a clear view of the road ahead. Drivers can choose what they see on the screen from video and maps to other ‘at-a-glance’ navigation and safety features including speed and safety camera alerts, premium alerts like upcoming bends in the road, merging lanes or changes in road conditions.

Even without a route entered in the MiCam GPS, the screen will still show speed, red light and safety camera alerts, warnings about upcoming school zones and changes in the road ahead, as well as the precise speed against the sign-posted speed limits. A new widget on screen counts down the distance to the next speed or red-light camera, all while recording the journey.

Drivers can plan a trip via the MiVUE Pro app on their phone and send it to the MiCam mounted to the windscreen before getting in the car, as well as make and take calls via Bluetooth and have incoming phone messages read aloud to drivers.  

Maps, safety camera and speed alert notifications can be easily updated each month via Wi-Fi for free with no lock in subscriptions required.

In addition to the MiCam GPS dash cam, Navman has introduced the MiCam Explore designed for drivers of 4WD and larger vehicles who like to take the roads less travelled. This dash cam has a large 7-inch ‘pinch and zoom’ screen and similar features to the regular MiCam including multi-stop route planning and free map updates each month.

The MiCam Explore provides guidance to over 140,000 kms of popular 4WD tracks and points of interest including campsites, lookouts, BBQ spots and more, as recommended by Hardie Grant from Explore Australia, blended with Hema map by Here maps pre-installed. Large Vehicle Mode allows drivers to enter the size of the SUV and/or trailer or caravan if they are towing and are then given routes that are suitable for vehicles up to 9 tonnes, avoiding narrow streets, lanes, and overpasses.

The Navman MiCam range will be available from leading retailers from late August 2020. The MiCam will retail for $369 and the MiCam Explore for $499.

Navman sales bounce back after initial drop

At the previous height of Covid-19 there was about a 40% reduction in sales for Navman, but the moment the market opened up, sales came back to normal very quickly, according to general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Wendy Hammond.

“I think we will see a similar bounce in sales in Victoria once the lockdown is lifted, and even now we are getting a lot of enquiries from existing customers in Victoria who are at home but wanting to find out about map updates and new products as they plan for getting away on a driving holiday or weekend away when they can,” she said.

“Right now, in cities other than Melbourne, there are more vehicles on the road as people shun public transport and prefer being in their own cars, as well as increased numbers of delivery drivers from restaurants to groceries, as well as more trucks on the road.

“Interestingly, with people at home often they are parking their cars on the street – as car parks are closed – and we have seen an increase in people buying and installing SmartBox so that their MiVue will record any incident in Parking Mode even when the engine is switched off.”