activated to resist the rotation from occurring.
Your Digital Command Center
The Pioneer AVIC-Z1 is bound to turn your car’s dashboard into a digital command and control center. This all-in-one navigation and multimedia AV receiver with DVD uses a 30GB hard disk drive to deliver information, entertainment, and convenience.
The large 7-inch screen features touch-panel and voice-activated access to a GPS navigation system, which includes spoken street names (not “Turn left,” but “Turn left on Springdale Avenue”). Other attractive features include an XM Satellite Radio tuner with NavTraffic to hear traffic condition updates ($2,250; www.pioneerelectronics.com).
Bluetooth is Driving the Future
Today, Bluetooth wireless technology is most often used to facilitate a hands-free car phone system. It allows drivers to make voice-activated calls anywhere while keeping their hands on the wheel. But car designers are finding new places to put Bluetooth technology. For example, rearview mirrors featuring Bluetooth technology display caller identification as calls come into a mobile phone. The driver answers the call with a push of a button on the rearview mirror. For more information about this technology, visit www.bluetooth.com.
Avoiding Traffic Jams
The Garmin StreetPilot 2730 is one of the latest devices featuring the XM NavTraffic service. Powered by NAVTEQ Traffic, the service has become the industry standard for nationwide satellite-based data traffic information. Several automobile partners have adopted the XM NavTraffic service as part of their in-car GPS navigation systems to provide drivers with traffic conditions.
While the technology is already standard on the Acura RL and Cadillac CTS, new additions for 2007 include Lexus, Infiniti, and other Acura models. For the aftermarket, additional devices with XM NavTraffic are available from Pioneer and Alpine (www.xmradio.com/ xmnavtraffic).