Kenwood's Smart Interface simplifies navigation

It's an argument we've all probably had: you prefer the nav, pops prefers the bedraggled Atlas. Thankfully, Kenwood is stepping in to mediate by creating the Smart Interface, which enables those less comfortable with modern day GPS systems to simply point a pen at a map and let the technology handle the rest. The location seen by the pen is wirelessly transmitted to the coordinating navigator, enabling map-lovers to more easily input destinations and coexist with their tech-savvy offspring. Unfortunately, there's no word as to when this setup will be available to purchase, but feel free to click on through for a couple more in-action snapshots.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

[Paul @ Nov 5th 2007 8:36AM]

The linked article is a little sparse and I am left wondering how exactly it knows where you are pointing to on the map.

Do you need to buy special maps? Can you trace a route on the map and then save it on the GPS? Is the pen wireless, wired, or do you need to dock it to transfer the location?

So many questions... so few answers....

[Paul @ Nov 5th 2007 8:36AM]

Of course a second reading of the engadget article clears up that the pen is indeed wireless

[Razvan Dragomirescu @ Nov 5th 2007 9:03AM]

That's a Hitachi Maxell DP-201 pen, based on Anoto technology (www.anoto.com). This map to GPS navigator interaction is something I've been dreaming to do for a few years now but never got around to actually implement it. But it's nice to see someone has finally done it.

Razvan

[Jack @ Nov 5th 2007 9:20AM]

GPS or no GPS, i luv u DAD !

[Wwhat @ Nov 5th 2007 10:15AM]

"point to a map"? why would you have a map when you have a GPS system in the car and internet in the home? map? is this a joke?
Oh wait it's for pirates that have treasure maps, duh.

[iomatic @ Nov 5th 2007 11:08AM]

Wait a sec.


You can't read a map on a GPS device, so… you use a map to input map coordinates into the GPS map?

Huh?