Harman Kardon adds text-to-speech, real-time-traffic, and wireless-control
features to popular line of portable GPS navigation and multimedia devices
WOODBURY, N.Y., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Harman Kardon, Inc., today
announced the introduction of the Guide + Play(TM) GPS-310, GPS-510 and
GPS-810, the newest products in the company's Guide + Play line of portable
GPS navigation units. The new models feature the same clean lines, slim
profile, crisp WQVGA LCD screen and intuitive touchscreen operation of the
successful Guide + Play GPS-300 and GPS-500 models, but provide added
functionality, with some or all of the models incorporating text-to-speech
and real-time-traffic features, Windows Media(R) digital-rights management
(WM-DRM10), a picture viewer, Bluetooth(R) hands-free calling and a
breakthrough rotary wireless controller.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/AQTU115)
"For the consumer, the possibility of upgrading from an aging OEM head
unit to one that offers connectivity to the growing range of popular
portable devices is diminishing. Meanwhile, the use of portable devices to
deliver content and connectivity in the car is exploding in popularity. As
this phenomenon evolves, the average dashboard is getting overcrowded with
multiple devices, a rat's nest of wires, and a distracting array of
different user interfaces," said Mike Giffin, president of the Mobile,
Portable and Companion Products Division of Harman Consumer Group. "Our
Guide + Play personal GPS product line solves this problem. We start with
the most accurate, intuitive, easy-to-use GPS navigation products
available. Then we incorporate unsurpassed multimedia and connectivity
functionality and versatility for a seamless, integrated
mobile-infotainment experience."
All three Harman Kardon(R) Guide + Play units offer a superior
navigation and multimedia experience; below is a breakdown of each model's
features.
The Harman Kardon GPS-310 (suggested retail price of $349.99) includes
the following:
1. Tightly integrated navigation and digital-music-player applications
for simultaneous use. Both applications work together, ensuring that
important navigation information is audible and displayed, even when
digital-music playback is in use. Users may also set volume priority
between the two functions.
2. Integrated Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, which provides spoken
identification of road and highway names. By incorporating the
latest in GPS technology, drivers are able to concentrate on the
road as the system provides turn-by-turn directions.
3. An easy-to-use, intuitive touchscreen interface that lets users
find key features, and toggle between device menus with ease. Also
included is a "Points of Interest" search that lets users find
directions, with a simple touch of a button, to nearby popular
points of interest, such as restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and much
4. A 4-inch widescreen WQVGA LCD (4 inches on the GPS-510; 4.3 inches
on the GPS-810) for high-quality viewing of maps. The widescreen
aspect ratio allows users to see a larger map view when in GPS
mode than do most GPS devices currently on the market. Additionally,
a 480-pixel x 272-pixel screen resolution ensures a clear and crisp
viewing experience for enjoying the digital- music-player menus and
detailed maps. The display incorporates alpha blending, which
enables prompts and icons to be rendered transparent, allowing the
map to remain in full view. Users can access music loaded onto
SD/SDHC cards. The devices support MP3 and WMA music formats.
5. A pocket-sized, virtually invisible portable mount that secures the
slim (19.6mm in depth) unit for automotive use. The mount features a
ball-and-socket joint that allows users to position the screen so
that it can be seen from anywhere in the vehicle.
6. 2GB of internal flash memory that stores maps of the United States
and Canada, and more than 10 million points of interest.
7. A USB 2.0 interface that's compatible with both PC's and
Macintosh(R) computers, a carrying case that's perfect for travel,
and an in-car cigarette-lighter cable (the GPS-510 and GPS-810
also include an AC adapter.
The Harman Kardon GPS-510 (suggested retail price of $449.99) includes
all of the above features, and adds the following:
1. Real-time-traffic-information service that displays current traffic
incidents and freeway speeds (where available) through a built-in
receiver and included antenna. A free 90-day-trial subscription from
the Clear Channel Total Traffic Network is included with the unit.
2. A video player with WM-DRM10 decoding for compatibility with music
and video downloads, and subscription services.
3. Compatibility with SD/SDHC cards, and support for MP3, AAC, WMA,
WMV9, and MPEG4 file formats.
4. A USB 2.0 high-speed interface with MTP support automatically
transcodes videos on the fly, and supports the creation of playlists
with popular programs such as Windows Media Player.
The Harman Kardon GPS-810 (suggested retail price of $599.99) completes
the lineup. It has all the features of the GPS-310 and GPS-510, and adds
the following:
1. An intuitive, wireless rotary controller for in-car operation. A
breakthrough rotary wireless controller can be easily mounted in a
location that provides convenient and comfortable access while
driving.
2. Bluetooth(R) technology, which allows simultaneous navigation and
hands-free calling. Included are dual built-in microphones and an
advanced noise-cancellation system to enhance intelligibility. Call
information and phone book, for most popular mobile phone models,
are displayed on the touchscreen.
3. A picture viewer that's compatible with JPEG file formats. Search
through thumbnail previews or watch a slide show.
4. A wireless FM transmitter that allows sound to be played through any
car audio system.
Pricing and Availability
The Harman Kardon Guide + Play GPS-310, GPS-510 and GPS-810 are
compatible with all automobiles; additional information is available at
http://www.guideandplay.com.
The GPS-310 will be available beginning November 2007 at Best Buy and
quality retailers nationwide. The unit has a suggested retail price of
$349.99.
The GPS-510 will be available beginning November 2007 and will be
available at quality retailers nationwide. The unit has a suggested retail
price of $449.99
The GPS-810 will be available beginning November 2007 at Best Buy and
quality retailers nationwide. The unit has a suggested retail price of
$599.99.
About the Harman Consumer Group, Inc.
The Harman Consumer Group (HCG), Inc., is a leading designer,
manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers,
audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and
automobiles, and with computers. The group's brands include JBL(R),
Infinity(R), Harman Kardon(R), Mark Levinson(R), Revel(R), Audioaccess(R)
and Lexicon(R).
HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Harman International (http://www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of
high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the
automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company's stock is
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "HAR."
Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and
Lexicon are registered trademarks, and Guide + Play is a trademark, of
Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Windows Media is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
The Bluetooth(R) word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Harman International
Industries, Incorporated, is under license. Other trademarks and trade
names are those of their respective owners.
About Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network
Clear Channel Radio is the first broadcaster to launch a
ground-breaking programming and technology service delivering real-time
traffic data directly to vehicles, using its own network of reporters,
traffic cameras, helicopters and airplanes -- Total Traffic Network. Clear
Channel's Total Traffic Network now serves more than 125 metropolitan
markets in three countries, including the United States, Mexico and New
Zealand. Total Traffic Network delivers realtime traffic data via in-car or
portable navigation systems, broadcast media, wireless and Internet-based
services. For more information, please log on to
http://www.realtimetraffic.net.
About Clear Channel Radio
Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local
communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing
Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company's content can be
heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via
iPods, through Sprint Wireless, and via portable and in-vehicle navigation
devices. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, syndication
and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU), a leading global media and
entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at
http://www.clearchannel.com.
Contact: Angie Ayala
A&R Edelman
201 Baldwin Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
650-762-2952 phone/650-762-2801 fax
angie.ayala@edelman.com
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