Harman Kardon Expands Portable Navigation Family with Introduction of Guide + Play(TM) GPS-310, GPS-510 and GPS-810
31 October 2007 - 12:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
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
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071030/AQTU115
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Harman Kardon, Inc.
CONTACT: Angie Ayala of A&R Edelman, +1-650-762-2952, fax,
+1-650-762-2801, , for Harman Kardon, Inc. Web site:
http://www.guideandplay.com/ http://www.harman.com/
http://www.realtimetraffic.net/ http://www.clearchannel.com/
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