Mio brings GPS with 2MP camera, more to US
updated 10:50 am EDT, Thu September 27, 2007
Mio C720t and C230
Mio Technology on Thursday contributed its share to the DigitalLife show by releasing two of its GPS mapping units within the US. The 4.3-inch C720t enhances one of the company's most advanced units. Like the original C720, the C720t includes a 2-megapixel camera and not only snaps photos but marks their position to remind users of where a photo was taken or for geotagging expeditions. The new variant adds Traffic Message Channel support that overlays road congestion info and optionally reroutes the trip to avoid significant traffic jams. A three-month subscription comes in the box, according to Mio.
The C720t also has some of the richest map information available in its class, the company says. Although built-in information is stored on just 2GB of flash, this is enough to provide 12 million points of interest in Canada, Mexico, and the US. This can be augmented through the SD card slot with more points, including unique photo-based points of interest pulled from Flickr or Google Earth. Mio also promises Bluetooth hands-free calling and a media player program, and ships the C720t today for $600.
A second model, the C230, is designed for first-time GPS users or those who need only the basics. With a smaller 3.5-inch screen, it also goes without Bluetooth or most other advanced features but stores more than 1 million points of interest on its 1GB of flash memory and has room for more through SD cards. It provides voice directions and should be available by October for $250.
C720t
C230
