Sony switches to TomTom to power new in-dash GPS
updated 10:00 am EDT, Thu September 30, 2010
Sony 660BT and 770BT GPS goes with TomTom
Sony today made a sharp break from its past insistence on in-house GPS and revealed two AV and navigation units that use TomTom for GPS. The six-inch XNV-660BT and seven-inch XNV-770BT take advantage of TomTom's mapping to bring in IQ Routes, which picks the quickest route based on historical traffic rather than just distance, as well as community-sourced points of interest through MapShare and lane guidance. Either unit gets a full set of maps for North America along with a year's worth of map upgrades.
Although separated by screen sizes, both have an 800x480 resolution, Bluetooth calling support, a rear wire USB port for an iPhone or iPod connection and virtual 5.1-channel surround audio. The 660BT is relatively simple with a fixed display and hard buttons beneath the touchscreen; the 770BT has touch-sensitive physical buttons and a motorized display to keep it hidden.
Both still have media playback functions for music and video, including a picture-in-picture music control system.
Sony anticipates delivering both mapping systems in November, starting at $1,000 for the 660BT and moving to $1,300 for the 770BT.
XNV-660BT
