Mio intros four PNDs with new Spirit interface at CES

Mio introduced four new Moov portable navigation devices in its booth at the recently-concluded CES, each sporting new Spirit software interface that is meant to be both simpler and more intuitive to use. Hinted at near the start of this year, the interface borrowed from the Navman line will offer more POIs, at 12 million, along with faster access, less cluttered map views and text-to-speech functionality. A 3D Junction View feature is added in the new flagship model, the S556, which has a 4.7-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth support that allows for hands-free calling.

The S556 will also share basic features with the new entry-level S300, which has a smaller 3.5-inch screen and maps of the US and Canada. The text-to-speech voice directions are available in English, Spanish and French. The new S500 model has identical features packed into a larger body with a 4.7-inch touchscreen. Finally, the largest Moov S700 is meant for use in RVs, buses and campers with its 7-inch display, and, apart from the bump in size and features shared with the S300 and S500, has MAD Maps content that includes scenic route content for drivers who aren't necessarily looking for the fastest route.

The new Spirit software also has a slide-screen feature that lets users slide it out of view by dragging it off-screen to look at other POIs or maps. There is also a capture button that records favorite routes, locations or voice memos.

The Mio Moov S300 will be priced at $200, while the larger S500 will cost $250. The S556 and S700 will cost $300. All four are destined to hit stores in April.
Mio will continue to provide map updates for its current Moov devices which use the MioMap 2008 software.

At the same time, the company has also shown off a concept Mobile Internet Device at CES, though the prototype was locked behind glass and given few details.

Mio Moov S300