ASUS rolls out R700 GPS with real 3D maps

ASUS has just spun out a new flagship GPS with the R700. While following the trend of 4.3-inch widescreen navigators, the addition to the line brings a live, more realistic 3D mode. In addition to pivoting the view along with the heading of the car, it also displays textured models of landmark buildings in major cities to help drivers recognize locations just by their appearance on the map. It also uses microSD rather than full SD cards to keep size down: the R700 is just over half an inch thick despite holding 1GB of built-in memory and room for 4GB more through the card slot.

The standard R700 also brings Bluetooth 2 for hands-free calling and incorporates an FM transmitter to pipe calls, audio directions, and sound from both MP3s and videos through the car stereo without needing a physical connection to the car's stereo. A premium version, the R700t, adds Traffic Message Channel support for real-time updates on road conditions that automatically re-route to avoid major slowdowns. ASUS has not listed prices or where its new GPS will ship, though a European release has already been confirmed in an earlier report.