InfoGation launches Odyssey 2000
16 October 2000
InfoGation offers motorists advanced navigation with real-time traffic updates ~ first software to deliver dynamic navigation with road and traffic information to save time, increase driver safety and reduce frustration ~ San Diego, CA - October 16, 2000 - InfoGation Corp., a leading developer of telematics software and services connecting cars to the Internet, has announced the immediate availability of Odyssey 2000, the first in-vehicle navigation product offering real-time traffic updates to U.S. drivers. Odyssey 2000 integrates navigation capabilities with instant traffic updates to allow motorists to receive alerts about traffic incidents through its moving map display and text-to-speech announcements. Drivers view color-coded icons that denote the severity of incidents and traffic conditions, and may issue the voice command "traffic" for the computer to read details about incidents. The real-time traffic alerts are available in more than 60 cities in the United States and Canada. "Instant traffic updating is the single-most requested feature motorists ask for in intelligent transportation systems today," said Howard Case, vice president of marketing at InfoGation. "Odyssey 2000 is the first to deliver this next wave of automotive navigation. Motorists receive advance knowledge about incidents enabling them to be more cautious about upcoming traffic and to seek alternate routes. These messages increase safety and decrease driver anxiety." A recent report from Strategy Analytics predicts that 20% of all large/high-end cars will be factory-equipped with these dynamic navigation systems by 2006. "The only true car navigation system is one that is aware of obstructions on my route," said Tim Lavoie, president of Tim's Car Electronics in Indian Orchard, MA. "Real-time incident information has been the missing piece in navigation up until now. The integration of real-time traffic in Odyssey 2000 offers real value for my customers." Odyssey 2000 offers full-featured turn-by-turn navigation, GPS satellite tracking, voice recognition and an automatic night mode to reduce screen brightness. A speech interface even reads the details of the destination address back to the motorist. It also uses the latest version of Navigation Technologies' map database, incorporating more map coverage and updated point-of-interest data. InfoGation developed Odyssey 2000 in partnership with CUE Corporation, which provides the wireless data network and services. Gordon Kaiser, chairman and chief executive officer of CUE Corporation, stated, "We are pleased to provide real-time traffic information in over 60 markets for the Odyssey 2000 product launch. This is the first time real-time, route-specific information has been integrated into a full-featured, dynamic navigation system." Odyssey 2000 operates on the Clarion AutoPC and is available immediately as an upgrade to existing Odyssey users for $69.99. The real-time traffic feature requires the installation of the CUE receiver and subscription to the CUE service. CUE delivers data transmission services nation-wide and currently transmits traffic information in more than 60 markets. Odyssey 2000 is also available from Clarion Corporation bundled with new purchases of the AutoPC or from InfoGation for $200 (suggested retail price). To find out more about Odyssey 2000, please visit www.infogation.com, or call 858 535 9870, or stop-by booth 793 at Convergence 2000, Detroit's Cobo Hall, October 16-18, 2000.