Press Releases

Bypass traffic jams thanks to the new Mio DigiWalker™ range of GPS units

Live in one of Australia’s major cities and most people will have a story about being struck in traffic due to a road accident, road works or other unforseen circumstances.

But reducing time in traffic is now a real possibility for users of Mio’s new mobile in-car GPS units – the C320 and the C720t.

To be launched onto the Australian market in early December, the Mio units are one of the first to offer a constant stream of live traffic updates which alerts the driver to upcoming road accidents, detours and road closures.

Mio GPS units will display to the driver the additional amount of time it will take to get to their destination on their current route or it will offer an alternative to bypass the trouble.  Users simply need to choose which route they would like to take. For those who don’t have a route programmed into their Mio device, information pertaining to the nearest traffic incident(s) is shown on the screen so the driver is equipped to make an informed decision on the route they will take.

“For individuals who spend a lot of time on the road for work such as truck drivers, taxi drivers or couriers, Mio will enable them to save considerable time, money and stress,” said Peter Ferrigno, Sales Director, Mio Technology Australia. “Furthermore, for thousands of drivers who turn their car on in the morning and just don’t know what traffic to expect, they can simply turn on their Mio device, see what traffic lies ahead and make the appropriate adjustments to their route.”

Mr Ferrigno said the live traffic update was broadcasting in Melbourne and would be extended to Sydney and Brisbane next year.

The Mio Digiwalker™ C320 (RRP $399) and C720t (RRP $649) completes Mio’s C series of units in Australia fitting between the base model C220 (RRP $349) and the highly popular C520 (RRP $469). The live traffic update hardware and software is an optional extra for the C320 and the C520, although the C720t only requires activation of the software through the purchase a 3-year software license.

The Mio DigiWalker™ C320, C520 and C720t all feature bright 4.3” touch screen displays. Navigation to destinations is supported in all units by split screen technology (70:30), the latest WhereIs ® mapping (R14) and provides specific instructions such as ‘turn left in 500 metres into Smith Street’. The split screen accommodates the navigational map for 70 per cent of the screen while the other portion of the screen can be used to list upcoming directions or relevant points of interest. The slimline design also means that the units are compact enough to slip into a pocket or handbag – ready to be used in walk-mode, ideal for tourists or people moving to a new suburb or town.

Currently aspiring film-makers have the opportunity to win a Mio DigiWalker™ C720t in conjunction with Ritchie’s Room (www.ritchiesroom.com) by making a short film on why they need a GPS device. The competition, called ‘Why I Need a Mio’, aims to find out what the driving factors are for the consumer in wanting and using a Mio DigiWalker™ GPS product.

Mio DigiWalker™ C series comparative table

Mio DigiWalker™ C220 (RRP $349) – for the GPS beginner

The Mio DigiWalker™ is ideal for people who want to try a well priced, quality, entry-level unit GPS unit. The C220 is ready to be used straight from the box after charging. When in the car, drivers receive turn-by-turn voice and text navigation instructions.

Mio DigiWalker™ C320 (RRP $399) – for the style-savvy beginner

Forget paper-based maps, you will never look back after taking this first step into a widescreen personal navigation system. The C320 features a large 4.3” widescreen display making navigation clear and simple.

Mio DigiWalker™ C520 (RRP $469) – for the intermediate user

The C520 offers first-class navigational GPS as well as hands-free calling capabilities synchronised through your Bluetooth® enabled mobile phone. Rich in features and available at a low price has made the C520 the highest selling Mio DigiWalker™ device in Australia this year.

Mio DigiWalker™ C720t (RRP $649) – for the advanced user

The Mio DigiWalker™ C720t is the ultimate GPS unit with all the bells-and-whistles including a two mega pixel camera and video camera. The C720t allows for navigation via photos or makes organising your contacts easy through an intuitive business card scanner; simply take a photo and the C720t reads and stores the information directly into your Mio GPS unit.

Live traffic updates

To activate the TMC feature on the Mio DigiWalker™ C320 and C520, a TMC cradle kit (including hardware, software and lifetime subscription service) is required (RRP $149). Available at Harvey Norman or JB Hi Fi.

The Mio DigiWalker™ C720t includes the TMC hardware and software and only requires subscription for lifetime activation – RRP $129. This can only be purchased online at http://www.mio-tech.com.au/ from December.

NOTE – TMC service will be only available in Melbourne metro from December. Sydney and Brisbane services are due for launch early-mid 2008. Perth and Adelaide will launch late 2008, early 2009. TMC service is provided by SUNA Traffic Channel.

Mio DigiWalker™ C220 Product Specifications

Mio DigiWalker™ C320 Product Specifications

Mio DigiWalker™ C520 Product Specifications

Mio DigiWalker™ C720 Product Specifications

Availability

Harvey Norman, JB HiFi and other national consumer electronics retailers.

Stockist information

Website: http://www.mio-tech.com.au/.  T: 1300 MIO GPS (1300 646 477)

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About Mio

Founded in 2002, Mio Technology Ltd. is a world-leading PND (personal navigation device) provider with the most advanced design capability for satellite and in-car navigation systems. Foreseeing that the mobile lifestyle and mobile commerce will be mainstays of life in the near future, Mio Technology Ltd. is dedicated to the development of mobile communication-enabling devices. Its main business is the design, development and sales of Mio DigiWalker™, branded mobile communications products.

About GPS

GPS is operated by the United States Government, which is solely responsible for the performance of GPS. There are 24 satellites that orbit the Earth. A minimum of 4 GPS satellite signals are needed to determine a GPS position. Signal reception can be affected by situations such as bad weather or dense overhead obstacles (e.g. trees and tall buildings).

Media enquiries

Red Agency |  Roberto Pace, Robyn Brown

T: +61 3 9670 8350 | E: roberto.pace@redagency.com.au,  robyn.brown@redagency.com.au