Philips, the company which was a true navigational pioneer with the Carin system in the nineties, will soon enter the world of personal navigation as well. This September, they plan on introducing a complete PND series of their own. The new series will exist out of three models: the PNS 100, the PNS 120 and the PNS 150. All three will have a touch screen and are strikingly small (only 10 cm wide and 2 cm deep) and very light (only 160 grams).
The PND's will ship standard with NAVTEQ maps and the shipped area depends on the version that is bought. The PNS 100 has one regional map plus the major roads of Europe installed; the 120 has the same maps installed but a DVD containing the other regions is also shipped with the unit, and finally the PNS 150 comes with all the maps of Western Europe pre-installed.
Smart
Something that is remarkable about the new Philips PND's is the mount that is shipped with it. The so-called 'Smart Cradle' is much more than an ordinary holder: not only does it contain a few buttons for volume, zoom and menu, but also a built-in amplifier and speaker for louder and clearer sound.The PNS 120 and 150 are standard equipped with an integrated TMC receiver which enables the unit to receive traffic info. The high-end version, the 150, also comes with a remote control.
Connected Planet
These new Philips products have to be positioned as part of the 'Connected Planet' strategy, which was launched last year in February. This strategy dictates that the company should continuously develop products and technologies which enable the consumer to have digital content available to them everywhere and at any time.The entry-level model, the PNS 100, will become available this September. The 120 and 150 will follow one month later. Philips hasn't made any announcements on prices yet.
