Dash Navigation, an Internet-connected automotive GPS device, became the first GPS provider to wirelessly update customers’ device software over-the-air without requiring them to separately purchase and install upgrades via a PC or DVD download.

 

Later today, Dash drivers will automatically receive the software update over WiFi by simply turning on their Dash Express.

 

“Unlike existing GPS devices, the Internet-connected Dash Express, is the first system designed to keep learning and getting smarter over time,” said Paul Lego, CEO of Dash Navigation. “Today’s software update is just the beginning. We’re interacting with our customers on a daily basis, gathering their input and incorporating it into the product. With our newest features, we’re able to help our customers quickly get the answers they need during their daily commutes.”

 

The June08 Update adds several new features designed to answer customers’ everyday commuting questions, such as “Is my route the best option today,” or “Where is the closest coffee shop along my route?”

 

The June08 Update includes a new GPS fix feature called FasterFind, which dramatically decreases the time it takes for the Dash Express to find its position and start navigating. Dash subscribers receive ongoing software updates throughout the year, including historical traffic information from the Dash Driver Network, new features, software improvements and update maps.

 

The update includes a new feature called MyRoute, in which Dash learns routes automatically based on user behavior. As drivers travel from one point to another, the device automatically learns their preferred route. The next time that they drive between the same origin and destination, the first route choice will be a MyRoute, complete with traffic-based arrival time data. Drivers can compare their MyRoute with the Dash routes and decide which one is optimal.

 

By using the Search Along Route feature, drivers can now search for virtually anything they need along their selected route, shortening diversions on the way to their destination. Simply do a Yahoo! Local search for “Starbucks” and select “along route” to be presented with the stores that are most conveniently located.

 

“It’s been great to see that Yahoo! Local search is such a popular Dash feature with users, as we are always looking for ways to extend the utility of our site so that people have access to timely and relevant information whenever and wherever they may be,” said Frazier Miller, general manager of Yahoo! Local.

 

With FasterFind, powered by SiRFInstantFix technology, Dash Express uses additional over-the-air GPS satellite position information to get a fast GPS fix, so Dash drivers can be underway in seconds. FasterFind file is automatically and wirelessly downloaded at regular intervals, providing users with the most accurate GPS satellite position information available.

 

While using Performance Enhancements, continued system upgrades enable significant progress in overall device performance. For instance, the June08 Update increases the speed in which Dash Express draws its maps by more than 50 percent.

 

With User Interface Improvements, the June08 Update also includes numerous user-requested refinements to the Dash Express, making it more intuitive for daily use. The improvements include tuning the route selection screen to make it easier to select among the multiple route choices, improving the readability of road labels on the map and expanding the night mode color scheme across more menus for glare reduction.