| Windows CE-based GPS docks with car stereo |
Oct. 17, 2007
 Alpine Electronics has released a Windows CE-based GPS system that can be used as a portable, with a windshield cradle, or docked in one of the company's A/V head units. The Blackbird PMD-B200 includes built-in Bluetooth and a tuner for receiving traffic information, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Alpine Blackbird)
According to Alpine, the Blackbird is based on SiRF's Atlas-II navigation processor. An updated version of the Atlas, this highly integrated SoC (system-on-chip) includes an ARM926EJ core, 200 MHz DSP, hardware GPS accelerators, and support for displays up to 800 x 480 pixels.
Atlas-II SoC block diagram
Alpine's implementation offers a 320 x 240 QVGA display and what the company terms an exclusive graphical user interface. The device includes embedded 16-channel GPS, with a built-in antenna and external antenna connector.
Based on the original Atlas SoC's ability to run Windows CE 4.2 on its ARM9 applications processor, it appears that the Blackbird's Windows CE software stack runs directly on the Atlas-II navigation processor. Alpine did not disclose what version of Windows CE runs in the device, however.
The Blackbird's flash memory (amount unspecified) is said to come preloaded with Navteq map data of the United States and Canada (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) and 6 million Navteq points of interest (POIs). The maps can be viewed four different ways: 3D mapping; 2D full map; split map; and turn-by-turn arrow view.
The Blackbird also includes a built-in FM RDS (radio data system) tuner that, when used with a Navteq Traffic RDS service subscription, will keep drivers updated with changes in traffic flow and incident information, according to Alpine. This traffic service is said to be available in 50 major U.S. markets plus Toronto, Canada.
An unusual feature on the Blackbird is what Alpine terms its "Dock 'n' Roll" system. This refers to its ability to be docked inside of Alpine's IVA-W205 in-dash FM/CD/DVD head unit. Once docked, says the company, the Blackbird becomes "a dedicated navigation system that does not take processing power away from the IVA-W205." In this mode, GPS information is sent to the IVA-W205’s 6.5-inch QVGA touchscreen monitor.
The Blackbird also includes Bluetooth, for pairing with a phone, plus an SD slot the company says can store up to 4 GB of data. When used in a windshield cradle instead of the head unit, the device can broadcast music and traffic information to a car radio via its integral FM transmitter.
Key Blackbird specifications and features listed by Alpine include:- Processor -- SiRF Atlas-II
- Display -- 3.6-inch touchscreen LCD with 320 x 240 pixel resolution
- Wireless:
- 16-channel GPS
- Bluetooth
- FM RDS receiver
- FM transmitter
- I/O:
- 3.5 mm stereo audio jack
- USB 2.0
- Expansion -- SD/MMC slot
- Power -- 1,200 mAh lithium polymer battery
- Dimensions -- 6.1 x 2.9 x 1.2 inches
- Weight -- 8.6 oz
Availability
Alpine says the Blackbird PMD-B200 is available now, with a suggested US retail price of $750. The IVA-W205 head unit costs $1000. As for the Navteq Traffic RDS service, this is available for an annual subscription fee of $60. The Blackbird comes with a free 90-day subscription, Alpine says.
In related news, Nokia earlier this month announced a definite agreement to purchase Chicago-based Navteq for approximately $8.1 billion, saying it would remain operationally independent. Ratifying the latter, the company subsequently announced a "multi-year extension" of its agreement to provide real-time and historic information to Microsoft.
Navteq traffic data is used by Microsoft's MSN Direct service, Streets & Trips desktop applications, Windows Live Local, Microsoft Automotive and Live Search for Windows Mobile.
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