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Sony Launches Three Linux-based In-car Navigation Devices
An anonymous reader writes "Sony has introduced three Linux-based in-car navigation and entertainment devices in Japan today. The NV-XYZ 33, 55, and 77 feature 3D map navigation technology, media players, hard drives, GPS, and PC connectivity. They are based on MIPS processors and a Linux 2.4-series kernel. They also appear to use a GateKeeper copy protection scheme, which may prevent them from being used with Linux desktops and normal media files." Still, the 3-D representations of actual buildings on the maps is pretty impressive.
Now all we need is to get Honda to GPL their engineering specifications.
In the board room:
"We can put in a really cool way to navigate in this 3d rendered navigator.. we will call them.. STREET SIGNS.. so people can look at the buildings and then check the street signs for their current course"
Uh, what is the point of a 3d rendered navigation system? Unless it's doing a better job than my eyes, I don't see the use at all.
Excuse me, I don't mean to impose, but I am the ocean
"obstacles in linux may be closer than they appear, obstacles in windows may be even closer"
He say 1 and 1 and 1 is 3, got to be good lookin' cause hes so hard to see...
According to the article's image, this 3D approach has two advantages - advertising and landmark spotting.
Since human is good at recognizing patterns and objects, a 3D image of a building/landmark will greatly improve your chance of making that critical turn.
Rock that crushes, Paper & Scissors that don't matter.
Looks like the maps for the first Grand Theft Auto. Does the thing also identify where Spray and Bomb shops are?
I wouldn't say that's the last thing one would need. If you're looking for a place you've never been to before, and the building happens to be distinctive (but you don't know it yet), then seeing it identified on the 3D map can help you find it in real life. It can also help you make a quick decision to take the empty parking space just before you get close enough to read the door number.
Alternatively, the realistic display can be used to rehearse your route on a quick virtual drive. Personally, I remember directions much better if I've been there just once, and a quick virtual drive might just be all I need to avoid having to look at the map while actually driving.
There are other alternatives
Of course there are. You can take a taxi.
VICS supplies real-time traffic congestion, accident and time-to-destination information through roadside or overhead radio beacons dotted all over major roads. VICS-aware navigation systems can then automatically re-route around problem areas.
Apart from the very cute display, Sony is playing catch-up here, though the home cradle is nice: maps can be updated via an internet service that starts in July.
Some systems receive traffic updates via PHS and cellphones in addition to, or instead of, radio. Subscription services provide frequently updated information on speed cameras, mobile speed traps and other inconveniences.
VICS.
Will Sony also be selling ad-space on the buildings in their 3D maps? No pop-ups please!
Must be a small distribution. Maybe you mean Minix?
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I don't mean to start bashing with you, but I do have a few comments. First off, I have used linux for a long time, and I still like using command lines more that graphics, even though I have been able to configure a system and leave the client alone for a year or more and they never have problems... hey, they don't even have to touch the command line.
:-)
The software compiling... well... it looks to me like the software is already with the unit, much like a differant OS in some computers. It seems to be preconfigured with everything needed, so the software is taken care of.
The interface is part of the software. I use blackbox, because I like it. They are probably just using a simple interface that doesn't do much except show their software... hey, it is there software.
THe maps are part of the software as well... Looks like the reasons to complain are dieing off...
The 'uptime' is a good thing... I don't want to worry about my navigation system dieing on me while traveling. I have lived out in the boonies most of my life and being in a large city might make things a bit more difficult for me. I'm sure if it can handle being on longer, it can also handle being restarted more gracefully, especially since the OS won't change... its part of the system. The uptime is equally as important. If I can't use the system because it isn't functioning is a lot differant than if I can't use the system due to a lack of features... One I can learn to get around, the other will stop me one hundered percent.
The system is linux, it will work. Not because it isn't windows, but because linux can be built to do the job a lot better than windows can be added to. One would be a custom fit, the other would be a jury rigged solution.
I don't know if you were being humorous or not... but I figured I would throw in my opinion.
Sorry to disapoint you but we already have :)
here