More on the Magellan Maestro Elite 5340 + GPRS

More on the Magellan Maestro Elite 5340 + GPRS

Magellan let a press release drop on the Maestro Elite 5340 + GPRS and it includes some detail that was lacking in the mainstream previously. The big ideas at work here are the fact that the Maestro 5340 and 5430+GPRS are big-screened (5-inch), have a new interface that includes a ‘One-Touch’ command to make for simpler interactions, integrated Historical Average Speeds for more intelligent routing when traffic slows speeds on the roadways, and in some areas 3-D buildings to offer a better view of what’s around you. When you add the GPRS connectivity over the mobile phone network you also add connected search and a way to get traffic alerts to complement your historical average speed database. The connected search will get you things like weather, and hopefully a gas price search around you, as I found that service on the Nuvi 680 a very helpful capability.

I am definitely looking forward to the next generation of connected units with the Historical Average speeds.

Press Release after the jump...
Magellan’s new large-screen 5-inch Maestro Elite 5340 and Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS auto navigation devices feature OneTouch, a revolutionary and patent-pending new user interface that puts the user’s favorite routes, searches and applications such as an MP3 player just one click away. After users identify and store favorite restaurant chains and other destinations in the device, the OneTouch feature lets them instantly access directions to the nearest locations with one quick menu click. The OneTouch menu also enables instant access to the most-used features that the driver defines.

‘The new OneTouch interface represents the next generation of navigation, enabling instant access to the device’s features and the ability to search for points of interest right from the main display,’ said Christian Bubenheim, vice president of product marketing, Magellan. ‘OneTouch delivers revolutionary new screen flow and ease of use that is designed to maximize functionality while reducing driver distraction. For the frequent traveler, an example of one benefit of the OneTouch interface is the ability to pre-program the unit to find a specific brand of business, wherever they are, with a simple click. When a traveler is ready to find their favorite cup of coffee, they click on the OneTouch button they created and the GPS unit immediately finds the closest location and can route them to it with one touch of the screen.’

OneTouch Gives Easy Access to Travel Experience Drivers Want

Magellan’s new Maestro Elite solutions with OneTouch give drivers a personalized travel experience with all of their favorites close at hand:

Instant access to favorite businesses, restaurants, services and more, so drivers can find the things they care about in a click wherever they are.

Instant access to specific address destinations so drivers can quickly route to the same address when needed.

Instant access to applications so users can quickly play music, make a call, find an address, or use the trip planner for multiple destinations.

Instant access to all Points of Interest (POI) from a single source so drivers can perform one search and get results from both the standard POI database and Magellan-exclusive AAA TourBook® guide travel information database. Results are organized in a tabbed format.

When the Maestro Elite 5340 is connected to live services via the optional GPRS cradle, OneTouch offers a complete and detailed Local Info screen that includes multiple views of location-specific data like weather, local events and a growing list of services so users can see it all at a glance.

Two Ways to Get Around Traffic

Integrated live traffic receiver and subscription service is paired with a new live traffic user interface that gives drivers easy access to all traffic information and offers alternative routes so drivers can choose.

All routing is enhanced to give more accurate route calculation based on historic traffic data including traffic patterns during specific times of day.

Intuitive and Clutter Free

3-D landmarks and texture-mapped 3-D buildings to give drivers visual cues for maneuvers and destinations.

Map information is built as layers, with the most-often-used information given prominent position for easy access.

Larger readable fonts.

Intuitive, context-driven touch zones for a completely interactive map screen.

New address book makes address entry a snap with smart address summary that lets users save complete itineraries.

Simple data entry enabled by one of the largest keyboards in its class and unique QuickSpell® functionality that allows quick single-address entry or convenient multi-destination trip planning, including route optimization.

The new Maestro Elite 5340 and Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS with their large, high-resolution 5-inch wide-screens have 35 percent more viewable area than previous generations. Users get the most powerful vehicle navigation solution on the market, including fast route calculation and robust database, due to the SiRFstarIII chipset, powerful 533 MHz processor ARM 9, and high-performance dedicated graphics CPU. It also includes a dual microphone for Bluetooth®-enabled hands-free calling with superior sound quality.

Both Maestro Elite 5340 and Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS also add a digital media player and FM transmitter to broadcast a user’s MP3 files through the car speakers. The advanced SayWhere™ voice command allows the driver to control the unit’s key functions by voice, including entering an address by voice, and shortcuts to nearest points of interest like gas stations, coffee shops, and restaurants by food type (‘Nearest Italian Restaurant’).

The Maestro Elite 5340 and Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS will be compatible with Magellan VantagePointTM, the only desktop application on the market that helps people manage their GPS maps, information, and other content and easily sync it to their devices. Through VantagePoint, which is a free download from http://www.magellangps.com, Magellan customers can personalize and expand their GPS experience.

Maestro Elite 5340 – Top-of-the-line, big-screen navigation model

Featuring a 5-inch, WQVGA full-color display and Magellan’s ultra-thin industrial design, the Maestro Elite 5340 includes 6 million searchable points of interest (POIs); exclusive AAA TourBook® guide travel information and member Roadside Assistance details; preloaded maps of the 50 United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; advanced voice command and control; proprietary SayWhere™ text-to-speech technology that announces street names; integrated live traffic with free 3-month subscription to Magellan’s real-time traffic service; Bluetooth compatibility; rendered 3-D landmarks and buildings; digital media player and FM transmitter.

Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS featuring Real-Time Google Local Search – Top-of-the-line, connected navigation model

The Magellan Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS, announced separately today, is the company’s premiere GPS model, featuring a Google local search function that enables users to get deep, location-specific information on the go. It provides the industry’s first seamless, flat touch screen; 3-D landmarks and buildings; 6 million POIs; a USB port; exclusive AAA TourBook® guide travel information and member Roadside Assistance details; and advanced voice command functionality. The Maestro Elite 5340+GPRS also features a 5-inch WQVGA widescreen; a 533 MHz S-Media 3362 processor; and the ability to perform deep searches on local areas and receive information sent from a PC for on-the-fly changes.

Both of the new Maestro Elite products ship in Q1 2008 with a windshield mount and cradle, a cigarette lighter adapter, protective pouch, A/C power adapter, USB data cable and an adhesive disk for dash mounting.

(Via GPS Lodge.)