Cobra SKYNAV 3000 Wins 2004 CES Best of Innovations Award

Cobra Electronics won the 2004 CES Best of Innovations Award for its breakthrough portable mobile navigation system, the Cobra SKYNAV 3000. The device uses industry-first features to save time while navigating anywhere in North America.

The Cobra SKYNAV 2000 and 3000 models eliminate the need to download maps from computers, making them easy to use, easy to read and easy to transport from car to car.

"Cobra's breakthrough line is distinguished by its advanced features and ease of use," said Tony Mirabelli, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra Electronics. "Our 'Plug and Go' functionality allows users to forget about downloading maps and simply beam in an address and be on their way. The devices also feature a large crystal-clear, full-color screen, combined with a sophisticated look that takes cues from today's vehicle interiors."

The systems provide turn-by-turn directions and clear voice guidance to a specific address or almost two million points of interest including banks, hotels, restaurants and gas stations. The Cobra SKYNAV 3000 allows users to beam an address directly to the unit from a Palm(R) or Pocket PC(R) PDA with an infrared port, eliminating the need to key in an address -- an industry first.

Powered by Cobra's proprietary iASAP (Accelerated Satellite Acquisition Protocol) technology, the units provide faster acquisition and uninterrupted navigation, even in urban canyons or dense foliage. In addition, the Cobra SKYNAV 3000 uses a built-in gyroscope that continues to track the driver's position on the map even if satellite signals are lost in tunnels, underpasses or other obstructions.

While many competing systems require the user to spend time installing CDs, on a computer or downloading maps, Cobra's units come conveniently loaded with North American street-level maps. The SKYNAV 3000 model includes a North American street-level detail map of the entire 48 contiguous states and selected Canadian cities on board the system's 20GB disk drive. The SKYNAV 2000 model comes with major U.S. interstates and one detailed street level regional map (consumers can select from 20 regions) and additional detailed regional maps can be easily purchased by phone or online and instantly accessed on the unit without the need of a computer.

Both units feature a large 5.2-inch high-resolution, ultra-bright color display, which is easy to see during the day or night. Drivers can easily select navigation modes or access the systems' other features by using backlit soft keys. The systems are also lightweight, making them easy to transfer from car to car or to take along on business or personal travel.

"Cobra has a rich heritage in automotive applications and more recently, GPS," said Tony Mirabelli, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra Electronics. "Our entry into mobile navigation is powered by leading technology and features that will position us in the marketplace as a company that will set the pace for future navigation systems."

The products will be available at consumer electronics retailers in the second quarter of 2004.

Key Features

-- Cobra SKYNAV 3000 Mobile Navigation System - Portable "plug and go" system featuring turn-by-turn directions and clear voice guidance to an address or almost two million points of interest. Features iASAP technology for faster satellite acquisition and exceptional signal reception, automatic rerouting and a gyroscope to track position even if satellite navigation signals are lost. Includes North American street-level detail map of the entire 48 contiguous states and selected Canadian cities on board the system's 20GB disk drive (no downloading required). Users can beam addresses to the unit from a Palm or Pocket PC PDA. Features a high-resolution 5.2-inch diagonal 320x240 pixel color display with automatic brightness control (day or night) and backlit, intuitive function soft keys for easy access to system functions. The SKYNAV 3000 supports English, Spanish and French languages, features automatic power off when the ignition is turned off and includes an odometer, speedometer, trip timers, a GPS compass and displays elevation readings. The SKYNAV 3000 will be sold at major retail outlets at a suggested price of $1499.95.

-- Cobra SKYNAV 2000 Mobile Navigation System - Portable "plug and go" system featuring turn-by-turn directions and clear voice guidance to an address or almost two million points of interest. Features iASAP technology for faster satellite acquisition and uninterrupted signal reception and automatic re-routing if steered off course or detouring. The SKYNAV 2000 model comes with major U.S. interstates and one detailed street level regional map (consumers can select from 20 regions) and additional detailed regional maps can be easily purchased by phone or online and instantly accessed on the unit without the need of a computer (no downloading required). Features a high-resolution 5.2-inch diagonal 320x240 pixel color display with automatic brightness control for easy night viewing and backlit, intuitive function soft keys for easy access to system functions. The SKYNAV 2000 supports English, Spanish and French languages, features automatic power off when the ignition is turned off and includes an odometer, speedometer, trip timers, and GPS compass. The SKYNAV 2000 will be sold at major retail outlets at a suggested price of $999.95.

Via

Fabrizio Pilato