Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Garmin® Offers Text-to-Speech and Optional Traffic Capability in the New StreetPilot® 2720
OLATHE, Kan., July 15 -- Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today introduced the StreetPilot 2720, a premium GPS automotive navigator that offers text-to-speech and traffic interface capabilities.
"The StreetPilot 2720 continues the legacy of our full-featured line of portable GPS automotive navigation units," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "With enhancements like text-to-speech and optional traffic information, the StreetPilot 2720 is a navigation unit that puts drivers in total control on the road."
In addition to the turn-by-turn voice prompted navigation available in earlier StreetPilot models, the 2720's text-to-speech functionality allows the unit to audibly announce the name of an upcoming street -- which lets drivers keep their eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and convoluted roadways.
For drivers in congested metropolitan areas, Garmin is offering the GTM 10, an optional FM RDS-TMC traffic receiver that receives digital information (where available) on traffic, road construction, and weather-related tie-ups. The GTM10 receives data from selected FM broadcast stations in select cities throughout the United States and Europe through Clear Channel. This optional feature lets drivers see congested areas via a color-coded map. When connected to the GTM 10, the StreetPilot 2720 uses this data to automatically calculate and suggest time-saving and fuel-saving routes.
The StreetPilot 2720 also boasts a new automotive-grade, sunlight- readable, high color touchscreen display that automatically adjusts the unit's backlight for optimum viewability in any amount of light. Drivers can view the map in either a three-dimensional perspective or a more traditional "bird's eye" view.
The StreetPilot 2720 comes preprogrammed with City Navigator(TM) North America v7 NT maps -- containing detailed road maps throughout the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This map database features an industry-leading six million points of interest -- including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions.
Garmin has also added the ability for customers to augment the pre-loaded maps with Custom POI's from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. In addition, a proximity alert feature is included to optionally notify the driver of upcoming Custom POI's. This feature is predicted to be popular in Europe and Asia because of the increasing use of safety cameras on roadways. This safety feature is designed to help reinforce the importance of traveling at appropriate and legal speeds.
In addition to point-to-point navigation, the StreetPilot 2720 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations -- a real timesaver for realtors, sales forces, and errand-runners. Drivers can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route.
Product specifications:o WAAS enabled, 12-parallel channel GPS patch antenna, with MCX-type connector for optional external antennao Unit dimensions: 5.6" W x 3.2" H x 2.0" Do Display: 3.8" WQVGA, 454 x 240 pixels, touchscreen with automatically dimming backlighto Weight: .96 lbs.o Power: 12-volt adapter cable with external speaker
The StreetPilot 2720 is expected to be available in July 2005 for estimated retail price of $1099. The unit ships standard with City Navigator NT North America maps pre-loaded, a 12-volt power cable with external speaker, alphanumeric remote control, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, beanbag mount, dash mount, owner's manual and quick reference setup guide.
Garmin recommends that customers visit an aftermarket automotive electronics dealer to install the GTM 10. Additionally, premium traffic management databases may require a subscription from a third-party data provider.
Garmin International Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN) group of companies, which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and information devices -- most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.
Source: Garmin International Inc.
CONTACT: Ted Gartner or Jessica Myers,Garmin International Inc.,
+1-913-397-8200, media.relations@garmin.com
Web site: http://www.garmin.com/
