Navman
Encyclopedia
Established in 1986 as New Zealand
-based Talon Technology, Navman (as the company became known in the 1990s) is a GPS systems company providing stand-alone GPS units, OEM GPS modules, GPS software for Palm
handhelds and Pocket PC
s, automotive navigation system
s and navigation systems for use at sea
.
Acquired by Brunswick Corporation
in June 2004, the Navman PND (Portable Navigation Device) division was subsequently sold to MiTAC
in the first half of 2007 and this business retains principal use of the Navman brand, including the navman.com website. Software development continues in New Zealand
with sales, marketing and support primarily based in Gatwick, UK.
The Navman Marine division designs and manufactures fish finders, sonar, VHF radios, autopilots and sailing instruments and was sold by Brunswick to the Norwegian company Navico
in April 2007.
The remaining Navman divisions are Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Solutions and Navman Wireless OEM. These two business were sold by Brunswick in a single management buy out transaction in mid 2007. The company is doing business as Navman Wireless.
After being purchased by Brunswick and becoming part of Brunswick New Technology, the company struggled to turn a profit and a mass exodus of senior management staff ensued . The company was sold to MiTAC International Corporation
in 2008.
Navman-branded devices are still sold in Australia, New Zealand and in key markets across Europe alongside devices from Mio
.
Navman Wireless is a global GPS-based technology and SaaS provider dedicated to developing better ways to capture and apply location, behavior and diagnostic data from assets and people in real-time to the pursuit of informed, smart and profitable decisions.
Navman Wireless OEM Solutions is a division of Navman Wireless Holdings, a privately held company owned by independent investors and Prairie Capital Partners of Chicago. A leading designer and manufacturer of GPS technology, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions provides GPS engines and sensor modules, tracking devices and messaging terminals to thousands of companies worldwide for integration into their products and solutions. for further information go to website.
Navman Wireless OEM
, the Navman SmartST application has been used by both Navman and Mio products.
SmartST v6 used version 1.40 of the low-level MapCore library, and introduced a significantly different UI to the previous versions. In particular, in replaced up/down scrollbars with "glide touch" (also called "slide touch") scrolling, similar in concept to the iPhone. This approach, combined with a resistive touch screen, resulted in a number of usability complaints . As well as the UI changes, a number of new features were introduced such as 3D junction views, 3D landmarks, and advanced lane guidance.
SmartST v6.10 was released with the MY-series, and used version 1.42 of MapCore. This version restored the option of the traditional up/down buttons in addition to the glide touch used in version 6.
SmartST v7 (with MapCore 1.50) is the latest version of SmartST. The UI has again changed significantly, with a significant simplification of the main menu, and the removal of the "dockable windows" concept. This version also added a number of features over version 6.10:
This version of SmartST is currently only used on the EZY series devices.
The EZY series was released in May 2010. All the devices run Windows CE
6.0, and SmartST 7.
The MY series was released in May 2009, with SmartST 6.10. All the devices run Windows CE 5.0.
The MY-500XT has a capacitive touchscreen, compared to the resistive touchscreen in the other models. In July 2010, Navman announced the three additional models :
The S-series was released in September 2007, with the much-changed SmartST version 6. The flagship S90i model contained a built-in 2 megapixel camera for use with NavPix, something that has not reappeared on later flagship Navman devices.
June 2008: F-Series. The F15 is an entry level slim PND sold exclusively through RadioShack
stores in the US. Key features of the F15: 3.5" Touch Screen, New UI based on the MioMaps GPS software by MiTAC owned Mio Technology
, Maps of US and Puerto Rico, SiRFInstantFixII, and preloaded POIs.
January 2007: F-Series. The F30, F40 and F50 models were added. Based on the existing F20 unit, these new models were bundled with a variety of external modules to add new features out of the box. The F30 included a T1 traffic module to offer traffic (TMC) alerts. The F40 included a B2 module to offer Bluetooth handsfree calling. The F50 included a B2+ module offering both traffic (TMC) and Bluetooth.
2006: N-Series. Replacing the previous iCN 500 and iCN 700 series, the N40i and N60i are fully touch screen with nearest fuel and parking buttons and NavPix. The N60i was the top-range unit and has a wide, 4.3” screen. N-Series also had a third member, N20—intended as a replacement to 530 it suffered as the F20 cannibalised its sales.
2006: F20. Replacing the iCN 300 series, the F20 is small, fully touch screen and includes the nearest petrol and parking buttons. The F20 was essentially Navman's volume product, selling in great quantities, especially during the Christmas 2006 period.
In 2005, Navman replaced the 600 series with the 700 Series, consisting of the iCN 720 and iCN 750. The only difference between the two models was map storage—720 relied on memory cards while 750 had a 4 Gb built-in microdrive. It had a wide screen, was fully touch screen with no stylus, and included the nearest petrol and parking buttons. It was the first Navman unit with NavPix. Upon introduction of the 700 series, support was dropped for the 600 series essentially rendering the 600 series obsolete as there would be no additional map updates or product support available.
The original top-range units were those of the 600 Series. These are larger than the 300 and 500 units, offering louder sound and a wider, automotive grade screen. They are not touch screen, but are known for being strong and easy to see. The 600 units are the 610, 620, 630, 635 and 650. The 650 came with a built-in 2GB microdrive and was also OEMed for Delphi and Sony.
The 500 Series was originally the middle of Navman’s range. It includes the iCN 510, 520, 530 and 550. They are touch-screen, and are usually operated with a stylus. The 550 introduced Navman’s unique nearest petrol and parking buttons, worldwide maps and real-time traffic updates. 530 was the last in the 500 Series introducing hardware styling later found on N-Series.
The 300 Series is Navman’s original range of basic, in-car satellite navigation units. It includes the iCN (in-car navigator) 320 and 330. The 320 introduced 2D moving maps, while the 330 had 3D moving maps.
Navman has also made a number of Pocket PC
s in the past, known as the PiN Series, running from the PiN 200/Pin 300 to 570. They were not popular, however, and have long since been discontinued.
, this is, traffic alerts & re-routing). The MY TMC is for Navman MY30. S Series Platinum TMC Accessory Kit is compatible with the latest Platinum range S100/150/200 & the Classic S45 and S35.
The MY30, MY50T, MY55T, MY500XT, S300T, S200, S150, S100, S45, S35, S90i, S80, S30 and S50 have TMC built-in.
Navman Marine
Navman introduced "NavPix
" on its iCN 700 portable navigation devices in 2006. Navman was the first company worldwide to introduce NavPix (on which they hold a patent). The NavPix technology combines a digital image with geographical data to create the NavPix image, which is a record of the exact location where that image was taken. The iCN 720 and iCN 750 were the first Navman GPS products that were NavPix-enabled, using a 1.3 MegaPixel camera to take the NavPix.
NavPix was developed to offer users an alternative way to navigate, by selecting an image rather than entering an address or post code.
The N Series - N for NavPix - products launched in September 2006, introduced two more NavPix-enabled products - the N40i and wide-screen N60i, both of which had an integrated digital camera to take the NavPix. The N20 model can use NavPix images, but not take them.
The NavPix image contains the latitude and longitude information within the EXIF
metadata. These images can be selected on the compatible Navman as an alternative way to define a destination or way-point when planning a route.
The latest Navman sat nav, the S90i offers a 2.0 MegaPixel camera for taking NavPix. Other S-Series models, the S50 and S70, are NavPix compatible meaning NavPix images can be loaded onto the device for use.
NavPix images may be freely accessed from the Navman NavPix Library as well as other sites such as Flickr.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
-based Talon Technology, Navman (as the company became known in the 1990s) is a GPS systems company providing stand-alone GPS units, OEM GPS modules, GPS software for Palm
Palm (PDA)
Palm handhelds were Personal Digital Assistants which ran the Palm OS. Palm devices have evolved from handhelds to smartphones which run Palm OS, WebOS, and Windows Mobile...
handhelds and Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
s, automotive navigation system
Automotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
s and navigation systems for use at sea
Sea
A sea generally refers to a large body of salt water, but the term is used in other contexts as well. Most commonly, it means a large expanse of saline water connected with an ocean, and is commonly used as a synonym for ocean...
.
Acquired by Brunswick Corporation
Brunswick Corporation
The Brunswick Corporation , formerly known as the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, is a United States-based corporation that has been involved in manufacturing a wide variety of products since 1845. Brunswick's global headquarters is in the northern Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois...
in June 2004, the Navman PND (Portable Navigation Device) division was subsequently sold to MiTAC
MiTAC
MiTAC International Corp. is a Taiwan electronics company established December 8, 1982. It is a subsidiary of MiTAC Inc. ....
in the first half of 2007 and this business retains principal use of the Navman brand, including the navman.com website. Software development continues in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
with sales, marketing and support primarily based in Gatwick, UK.
The Navman Marine division designs and manufactures fish finders, sonar, VHF radios, autopilots and sailing instruments and was sold by Brunswick to the Norwegian company Navico
Navico
Navico is the world’s largest developer, manufacturer and distributor of marine electronics for the recreational market, supplying over 100 countries around the world. The company was created in March 2006 through the merger of Simrad Yachting and Lowrance Electronics by their common owners, Altor...
in April 2007.
The remaining Navman divisions are Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Solutions and Navman Wireless OEM. These two business were sold by Brunswick in a single management buy out transaction in mid 2007. The company is doing business as Navman Wireless.
After being purchased by Brunswick and becoming part of Brunswick New Technology, the company struggled to turn a profit and a mass exodus of senior management staff ensued . The company was sold to MiTAC International Corporation
MiTAC
MiTAC International Corp. is a Taiwan electronics company established December 8, 1982. It is a subsidiary of MiTAC Inc. ....
in 2008.
Navman-branded devices are still sold in Australia, New Zealand and in key markets across Europe alongside devices from Mio
Mio Technology
Mio Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitac Int'l Corp., is a Taiwanese electronics maker that manufactures and markets Pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistants , smartphones and Personal Navigation Devices...
.
Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Solutions
Navman WirelessNavman Wireless is a global GPS-based technology and SaaS provider dedicated to developing better ways to capture and apply location, behavior and diagnostic data from assets and people in real-time to the pursuit of informed, smart and profitable decisions.
Navman Wireless OEM Solutions
Navman Wireless OEM
Software
Since the merging of Navman and Mio under MiTACMiTAC
MiTAC International Corp. is a Taiwan electronics company established December 8, 1982. It is a subsidiary of MiTAC Inc. ....
, the Navman SmartST application has been used by both Navman and Mio products.
SmartST v6 used version 1.40 of the low-level MapCore library, and introduced a significantly different UI to the previous versions. In particular, in replaced up/down scrollbars with "glide touch" (also called "slide touch") scrolling, similar in concept to the iPhone. This approach, combined with a resistive touch screen, resulted in a number of usability complaints . As well as the UI changes, a number of new features were introduced such as 3D junction views, 3D landmarks, and advanced lane guidance.
SmartST v6.10 was released with the MY-series, and used version 1.42 of MapCore. This version restored the option of the traditional up/down buttons in addition to the glide touch used in version 6.
SmartST v7 (with MapCore 1.50) is the latest version of SmartST. The UI has again changed significantly, with a significant simplification of the main menu, and the removal of the "dockable windows" concept. This version also added a number of features over version 6.10:
- Time-sensitive routing, similar to TomTom's IQ Routes.
- Correct handling of Australian school zones, only alerting the driver when the zone is actually active.
- Landmark guidance ("In 200 metres at the petrol station turn right into Jones Street" ).
This version of SmartST is currently only used on the EZY series devices.
All-in-one devices
Currently, Navman devices are primarily marketed in Australia and New Zealand. Elsewhere, the devices are sold under the Mio label (though sometimes also sold as "Mio Navman" devices).The EZY series was released in May 2010. All the devices run Windows CE
Windows CE
Microsoft Windows CE is an operating system developed by Microsoft for embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinct operating system and kernel, rather than a trimmed-down version of desktop Windows...
6.0, and SmartST 7.
| Model | Screen size | TMC | Bluetooth | FM transmitter | Hardware model | RAM | Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EZY-30 | 3.5" | Add-on | No | No | ? | 64 MB | 2 GB |
| EZY-40 | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | No | No | ? | 64 MB | 2 GB |
The MY series was released in May 2009, with SmartST 6.10. All the devices run Windows CE 5.0.
| Model | Screen size | TMC | Bluetooth | FM transmitter | Hardware model | RAM | Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MY-30 | 3.5" | Add-on | No | No | Seeker 300 | 64 MB | 1 GB |
| MY-50 (New Zealand only) | 4.7" widescreen | Add-on | DUN | No | Seeker 510 | 128 MB | 1 GB |
| MY-50T (Australia only) | 4.7" widescreen | Built in | DUN | No | Seeker T510 | 128 MB | 1 GB |
| MY-55 (New Zealand only) | 4.7" widescreen | Add-on | DUN + handsfree | Yes | Seeker T525 | 128 MB | 2 GB |
| MY-55T (Australia only) | 4.7" widescreen | Built in | DUN + handsfree | Yes | Seeker T525 | 128 MB | 2 GB |
| MY-500XT | 4.7" widescreen | Built in | DUN + handsfree | Yes | SeekerF T525 | 128 MB | 2 GB |
The MY-500XT has a capacitive touchscreen, compared to the resistive touchscreen in the other models. In July 2010, Navman announced the three additional models :
| Model | Screen size | TMC | Bluetooth | FM transmitter | Hardware model | RAM | Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MY-60T | 4.7" widescreen | Built in | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| MY-65T | 4.7" widescreen | Built in | Yes | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| MY-75T | 5.0" widescreen | Built in | Yes | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Previous models
The Platinum S-series was primarily a hardware update of the normal S-series. The same version of SmartST is used on both the Platinum and original S-series.| Model | Screen size | TMC | Bluetooth | FM transmitter | Hardware model | RAM | Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S100 | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | No | No | ? | 128 MB | 1 GB |
| S150 | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | DUN + handsfree | No | ? | 128 MB | 1 GB |
| S200 | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | DUN + handsfree | Yes | ? | 128 MB | 1 GB |
| S300T (Australia only) | 4.3" widescreen | Built in | DUN + handsfree | Yes | ? | 128 MB | 1 GB |
The S-series was released in September 2007, with the much-changed SmartST version 6. The flagship S90i model contained a built-in 2 megapixel camera for use with NavPix, something that has not reappeared on later flagship Navman devices.
| Model | Screen size | TMC | Bluetooth | FM transmitter | Hardware model | RAM | Flash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S30 | 3.5" | Add-on | No | No | ? | 32 MB | 256 MB |
| S35 | 3.5" | Add-on | No | No | ? | 64 MB | 1 GB |
| S45 (Australia only) | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | No | No | ? | 64 MB | 1 GB |
| S50 | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | DUN + handsfree | No | ? | 64 MB | 512 MB |
| S80 (Australia only) | 4.3" widescreen | Add-on | DUN + handsfree | No | ? | 96 MB | 512 MB |
| S90i | 4.3" widescreen | Built in | DUN + handsfree | No | ? | 96 MB | 2 GB |
June 2008: F-Series. The F15 is an entry level slim PND sold exclusively through RadioShack
RadioShack
RadioShack Corporation is an American franchise of electronics retail stores in the United States, as well as parts of Europe, South America and Africa. As of 2008, RadioShack reported net sales and operating revenues of $4.81 billion. The headquarters of RadioShack is located in Downtown...
stores in the US. Key features of the F15: 3.5" Touch Screen, New UI based on the MioMaps GPS software by MiTAC owned Mio Technology
Mio Technology
Mio Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitac Int'l Corp., is a Taiwanese electronics maker that manufactures and markets Pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistants , smartphones and Personal Navigation Devices...
, Maps of US and Puerto Rico, SiRFInstantFixII, and preloaded POIs.
January 2007: F-Series. The F30, F40 and F50 models were added. Based on the existing F20 unit, these new models were bundled with a variety of external modules to add new features out of the box. The F30 included a T1 traffic module to offer traffic (TMC) alerts. The F40 included a B2 module to offer Bluetooth handsfree calling. The F50 included a B2+ module offering both traffic (TMC) and Bluetooth.
2006: N-Series. Replacing the previous iCN 500 and iCN 700 series, the N40i and N60i are fully touch screen with nearest fuel and parking buttons and NavPix. The N60i was the top-range unit and has a wide, 4.3” screen. N-Series also had a third member, N20—intended as a replacement to 530 it suffered as the F20 cannibalised its sales.
2006: F20. Replacing the iCN 300 series, the F20 is small, fully touch screen and includes the nearest petrol and parking buttons. The F20 was essentially Navman's volume product, selling in great quantities, especially during the Christmas 2006 period.
In 2005, Navman replaced the 600 series with the 700 Series, consisting of the iCN 720 and iCN 750. The only difference between the two models was map storage—720 relied on memory cards while 750 had a 4 Gb built-in microdrive. It had a wide screen, was fully touch screen with no stylus, and included the nearest petrol and parking buttons. It was the first Navman unit with NavPix. Upon introduction of the 700 series, support was dropped for the 600 series essentially rendering the 600 series obsolete as there would be no additional map updates or product support available.
The original top-range units were those of the 600 Series. These are larger than the 300 and 500 units, offering louder sound and a wider, automotive grade screen. They are not touch screen, but are known for being strong and easy to see. The 600 units are the 610, 620, 630, 635 and 650. The 650 came with a built-in 2GB microdrive and was also OEMed for Delphi and Sony.
The 500 Series was originally the middle of Navman’s range. It includes the iCN 510, 520, 530 and 550. They are touch-screen, and are usually operated with a stylus. The 550 introduced Navman’s unique nearest petrol and parking buttons, worldwide maps and real-time traffic updates. 530 was the last in the 500 Series introducing hardware styling later found on N-Series.
The 300 Series is Navman’s original range of basic, in-car satellite navigation units. It includes the iCN (in-car navigator) 320 and 330. The 320 introduced 2D moving maps, while the 330 had 3D moving maps.
Navman has also made a number of Pocket PC
Pocket PC
A Pocket PC is also known by Microsoft as a 'Windows Mobile Classic device'. It is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer, personal digital assistant , that runs the Microsoft 'Windows Mobile Classic' operating system...
s in the past, known as the PiN Series, running from the PiN 200/Pin 300 to 570. They were not popular, however, and have long since been discontinued.
TMC
The TMC Accessory Kit equips the Navman S30 3D with TMC (Traffic Message ChannelTraffic Message Channel
Traffic Message Channel is a technology for delivering traffic and travel information to drivers. It is typically digitally coded using the FM-RDS system on conventional FM radio broadcasts...
, this is, traffic alerts & re-routing). The MY TMC is for Navman MY30. S Series Platinum TMC Accessory Kit is compatible with the latest Platinum range S100/150/200 & the Classic S45 and S35.
The MY30, MY50T, MY55T, MY500XT, S300T, S200, S150, S100, S45, S35, S90i, S80, S30 and S50 have TMC built-in.
Navman Marine
Navman Marine products are now sold under the Northstar brand.Navman Marine
NavPix
Navman introduced "NavPix
NavPix
NavPix is the proprietary name applied by Navman to its technology that combines an image with geographical data.The "NavPix" name is used for both the software and the geo-referenced image that results from that software.-NavPix software:...
" on its iCN 700 portable navigation devices in 2006. Navman was the first company worldwide to introduce NavPix (on which they hold a patent). The NavPix technology combines a digital image with geographical data to create the NavPix image, which is a record of the exact location where that image was taken. The iCN 720 and iCN 750 were the first Navman GPS products that were NavPix-enabled, using a 1.3 MegaPixel camera to take the NavPix.
NavPix was developed to offer users an alternative way to navigate, by selecting an image rather than entering an address or post code.
The N Series - N for NavPix - products launched in September 2006, introduced two more NavPix-enabled products - the N40i and wide-screen N60i, both of which had an integrated digital camera to take the NavPix. The N20 model can use NavPix images, but not take them.
The NavPix image contains the latitude and longitude information within the EXIF
Exchangeable image file format
Exchangeable image file format is a standard that specifies the formats for images, sound, and ancillary tags used by digital cameras , scanners and other systems handling image and sound files recorded by digital cameras...
metadata. These images can be selected on the compatible Navman as an alternative way to define a destination or way-point when planning a route.
The latest Navman sat nav, the S90i offers a 2.0 MegaPixel camera for taking NavPix. Other S-Series models, the S50 and S70, are NavPix compatible meaning NavPix images can be loaded onto the device for use.
NavPix images may be freely accessed from the Navman NavPix Library as well as other sites such as Flickr.