Navfusion: Smartphone Integration With a Car

1) Tell us about the technology behind NavFusion and how this new tech is enabled on cars?

NavFusion is NNG's new product that integrates the driver's smartphone with the built-in navigation system in his car. This is how it works: When a car leaves the factory the NavFusion-ready multimedia unit is either installed already or it can be installed later by the car dealer. A free iGO Navigation companion app can be downloaded by the user onto his smartphone. NavFusion is the technology that connects the smartphone navigation app to the car's navigation app. It automatically synchronizes navigation-related content between the devices, making map and content updates in the car easier than ever before.

2) How is it different from existing technology available in the market?

NavFusion is a solution for keeping the navigation maps and content of a multimedia unit up-to-date. No more getting lost with out-of-date maps! With regular map updates the navigation system knows the latest roads, exits, parking options and much more. Navfusion enhances the driving experience as the future of automotive infotainment is all about connecting the smartphone to the multimedia unit, including content updates, synchronization and access of personal data.

3) How do car users benefit from installing NavFusion on their vehicles?

Previous solutions for connecting the smartphone to the car's headunit mirrored the smartphone navigation application on the screen of the car. This means only one device had an app installed: the smartphone. This would bring several advantages such as using the larger screen of the car and having to update only one app. However, as soon as another driver with another smartphone uses the car, he does not have access to the navigation application any more. The whole system was linked to one person only, the person that uses the smartphone with the navigation app.

NNG's NavFusion solution foresees a fully functional navigation app in the car's headunit and another one on the driver's smartphone. They are linked by the NavFusion feature set; the content of both applications is synched automatically as soon as the driver sits into his car. However, this also means that another driver can use the car any time including the onboard navigation application.

Next to the easy map and content updates over the smartphone, this makes a big difference to the previous "mirror solutions": the usability, the user experience for the driver.

4) Navigation trend is catching up in India, how can these products help in averting traffic?

Navigation is an effective tool to avoid traffic jams. Online Traffic warnings tell the driver in advance where traffic jams are coming up on his route; then the iGO Navigation software calculates and suggests alternative routes. On the other hand, a turn-by-turn navigation makes sure that the driver chooses the optimal route to his destination. He avoids extra miles where he would usually go in circles and search for places, therefore, causes overall less traffic on the road. Navigation makes our lives on the road better; driving becomes stress-free and more enjoyable.

5) What sort of interface does iGO Navigation and NavFusion make use of and how easy it is to use?

A fast-to-learn and easy-to-use interface makes the navigation software usable in every situation, without having to read handbooks and long minutes of programming a route. The interface is suitable for navigation beginners, as well navigation enthusiasts with all important features just one click away.

NNG's Intelligent Quick Search (IQS) feature, for example, allows users to search for destinations across all databases without having to open different folders on the navigation device, such as Points of Interest, Favorites, address points and others. By entering only the first 3 letters of a word, the software already starts searching for possible destination matches. IQS not only makes destination entry very easy but starting a road trip real quick.

The NavFusion feature set is seamlessly integrated into the iGO Navigation interface. Synchronization of the navigation related content between the user's smartphone and car are done in the background, without requiring extra attention from the driver. The connection between the two devices is achieved through Wifi, Bluetooth or USB cable.

6) Car manufacturers offer onboard navigation devices as well. What has NavFusion to add here?

Indeed, onboard navigation solutions for the car's headunit are what NNG and other local and international companies supply.

But the problem was that previously map and content updates used to be a long and expensive and simply painful process for car owners. Visiting the car dealer, copying content onto an SD card or USB stick, and having to wait for hours... there were situations where drivers got frustrated with the difficult or non-existent processes for updating the content of their headunit.

This is where NavFusion comes into the picture. This product makes map and content updates in the car simple and effort free. Contacts, Favorites, History of destinations, current destination, and map updates can all be prepared by the user on his smartphone, wherever he is located, whenever he has time. As soon as he gets into his car, NavFusion syncs all content between his smartphone and head-unit, unobtrusively in the background. This means he can start his drive right away, no more updates or destination programming needed. Just hit the road!

7) India is a big country with many cities, roads etc. Do you offer complete data or is it under development?

Navigation devices with iGO Navigation onboard offer map and content of the whole country. Of course we are aware of the fast changing and constantly developing Indian road system. Therefore, we offer regular map and content updates through NNG's web update portal naviextras.com.

8) Enlist the price of NavFusion products that will be available in India?

NavFusion enabled navigation units will be offered at a similar price point as current onboard and aftermarket multimedia units. However, the price will depend on the car manufacturers that offer these navigation units along with their car. The companion application can be downloaded free of charge. We expect the first NavFusion-enabled cars to enter the Indian market in 2014.