Clarion Launches MAP790 PND

The latest addition to Clarion’s portable navigation devices range is the MAP790 unit, featuring 360 degree 3D mapping, text-to-speech and Bluetooth connectivity. The device is priced at RRP £279 ($462) and is available at Clarion dealers.

The new unit uses two separate programs, powered by a 400MHz CPU, to draw buildings in the foreground and background. Buildings close to the driver appear see-through as you approach them, while the one further away are textured and solid.

The new PND is pre-installed with map data for 44 European countries, and voice guidance is offered in 38 languages. The devices features both a 5-digit and 8-digit postcode search function, as well as free RDS-TMC traffic information.

Moreover, the device uses Bluetooth connectivity to display SMS messages on-screen, as well as giving seamless touch-screen access to a paired phone or PDA, whilst audio streaming (A2DP) and MP3/WMA playback is also possible via a built-in music player.

Additional entertainment features on the MAP790 feature a movie player, allowing users to download up to 8GB of MP4 video via MMC or SD card, whilst a digital photo album allows the user to upload pictures via SD card or the built-in USB port.

According to the manufacturer, the new PND is able to draw height and depth features, with hills and mountains rendered in 3D while you drive, creating a realistic view, at any level of zoom. Elevation information is also applied to the road network for rendering of shadows, to display roads and bridges at their correct height for a greater clarity of route guidance.