Includes Maps of US and Canada, Smart Traffic, Weather Reports, and More; Unit to Be Unveiled at 2008 SEMA
Nextar™, a designer and marketer of bold and new consumer electronic products with mass appeal, is set to unveil its latest GPS navigation system featuring a host of MSN Direct (www.msndirect.com) location based services free of charge for 12 months. The unit (Q4-MD) is part of the Nextar Q4 series and includes an easy-to-see 4.3″ touch-screen display, built-in speaker, and voice-guided, turn-by-turn prompts for maps covering all 50 states as well as Canada. Nextar will feature the Q4-MD with MSN Direct at the upcoming 2008 SEMA show in Booth 10613 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The Nextar Q4-MD with MSN Direct is the perfect prescription to provide drivers with the latest traffic conditions, weather reports, and other vital information,” stated Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. “Now, users not only have access to maps and directions for the entire United States and Canada, but also a wealth of other information to make their in-car time less harried and more enjoyable.”
With the inclusion of MSN Direct, the Q4-MD not only gets users to their destination via the quickest, easiest route, but also provides a unique resource to a wide-range of information. MSN Direct expands navigation systems by offering relevant, timely, location-specific information.
With MSN Direct, the Q4-MD provides drivers with essential, up-to-the-minute traffic reports, current and three-day weather conditions for a local area or nationally, and handy gas-price comparisons for stations near the driver. It is also a conduit to news headlines, stock quotes, and a listing of local events. For instance, MSN Direct can look up box office times for current movies playing at local theaters and get you information on the latest sports events, music concerts and more.
“We are excited to be partnering with Nextar on its advanced GPS Navigation Systems,” said Patrick Kennedy, Director of Business Development, MSN Direct. “Together MSN Direct and Nextar are adding value to portable navigation devices that translates into real benefits for consumers — helping them reduce commute time, save on fuel and increase productivity.”
The unit comes with a generous 4.3″ TFT touch-screen display that provides large, clear, colorful images of maps from all 50 US states and Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories. A special automatic night mode offers additional screen lighting for even easier-on-the-eye viewing. Voice-guided directions with turn-by-turn voice prompts are clearly audible through a built-in speaker. Text-to-speech technology clearly pronounces road names. Language support is provided for the three most spoken languages in the covered area: English, French, and Spanish.
The Nextar Q4-MD provides 1.6-million points of interest, including hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, and restaurants. Instant route recalculation is provided in case a driver misses a turn. Digital map data is supplied by Tele Atlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services.
Other features include:
- Storage capability for up to 300 addresses of favorite destinations;
- 2D and 3D map-viewing modes, a SD card slot for additional memory, and a built-in antenna
- Capability to play MP3 files and display JPEG images (lightweight, built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery supplies power).
The unit measures 4.5″ x 3.1″ x .08″ and weights approximately 2.3 pounds. Accessories include a MSN Direct receiver, AC adapter, car adapter, USB cable, protection pouch, suction cup, and a stylus/touch pen.
Pricing and Availability
The Nextar Q4-MD navigation system with MSN Direct will be available at leading retailers across the U.S. in Spring 2009. It has a SRP of $329.99 and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
See Nextar at 2008 SEMA
With over 60,000 attendees and two million sq. ft. of exhibits, SEMA is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. Displays are categorized into 10 sections. 2008 dates are Tuesday, November 4 through Friday, November 7. Hours are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday. It is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is open solely to those in the automotive industry. Nextar products can be seen in the Mobile Electronics section located in the North Hall, Booth #10613.
About Nextar
Nextar, headquartered in Southern California, is a global designer and marketer of consumer electronics. From the categories it enters to the products it develops and the manner in which it goes to market, Nextar’s decisions are based on its unique “bold and new” philosophy. It currently offers products in the following categories: portable personal audio and video; digital photo frames; portable navigation devices; and Bluetooth. In addition to tried-and-true consumer electronic retail outlets, Nextar products also are boldly marketed through non-traditional avenues such as department stores, automotive, mass merchants, food and drug, and do-it-yourself.
Nextar is an affiliate of Tofasco(SM), a rapidly growing company that sells products worldwide in a variety of industries. For further information regarding Nextar, visit its website at www.nextar.com or call toll free 888-849-0846.
