Pronounced Technologies Launches AudioNav Voice-Interactive Navigation Device
3 June 1999
Pronounced Technologies Launches AudioNav Voice-Interactive Navigation Device/Music Disc Player
RESEDA, Calif.--June 2, 1999--Navigation and CD Player Control
Pronounced Technologies LLC introduced the AudioNav(tm), a voice-interactive navigation system and music disc player.
The AudioNav is the world's first compact, portable, and low-cost ($299 SRP) navigation system which operates completely by voice command, without the need for complex displays or keyboards. AudioNav is designed to get drivers to and from locations quickly without forcing them to take their eyes off the road.
The AudioNav is the same size as a typical portable CD player and connects to a car's cigarette lighter. AudioNav utilizes state-of-the-art voice recognition technology and sophisticated mapping software to direct drivers, by voice, to their destination safely.
Operation is easy; users simply state their current location and destination, and the AudioNav will determine the fastest route and provide verbal turn-by-turn instructions.
Users are able to choose an address, intersection, point of interest, or customized location as a destination or starting point for navigation. Music disc player functions (play, stop, pause) can also be controlled by voice commands and used interchangeably with route guidance.
"Using the AudioNav is like having a conversation with your own personal guide in the passenger's seat," said Zaya Younan, president and chief executive officer of Pronounced Technologies.
"It talks back to you and gives simple and accurate directions to wherever you are going in the United States. The AudioNav will even direct you to the nearest gas station, ATM, restaurant or hotel, without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road."
The AudioNav features quick installation and simple operating procedures. An easy-to-follow tutorial CD-ROM and a detailed manual describe step-by-step installation and operating instructions and the "basic operating" mode option speeds the learning process.
"No other navigation system in the marketplace is as easy to use and precise as the AudioNav," added Younan. "AudioNav's speech recognition technology and navigating capability are more advanced than most products priced at a thousand dollars or more."
AudioNav users can customize up to ten favorite addresses and store them in the unit for immediate access and quick directions retrieval. Drivers can also obtain alternate directions in the event of traffic congestion or road construction.
Mapping software for the AudioNav is available on nine different CD-ROM discs, each corresponding to a different US region. For example, California and Nevada represent one region and are located on a single CD-ROM. The AudioNav comes complete with all nine CDs, which can be individually activated by the user at a cost per disc.
Activation phone numbers are located on the discs and the company plans to offer software activation via the Pronounced Technologies Web site eventually.
The AudioNav system comes equipped with the portable AudioNav, navigation software CDs, headphones, microphone, cigarette lighter adapter with built-in amplified speaker, AC adapter, audio connecting cable, tutorial CD-ROM and operating manual.
The AudioNav hardware carries a suggested retail price of $299 (mapping software activation is an additional cost) and will be available June at car audio and consumer electronics specialty retailers nationwide. An in-dash version with a GPS (Global Positioning System) option will be available later this year.
Pronounced Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer of speaker-independent voice-interactive products and software, designing the world's first easy-to-use and low-cost voice-interactive mobile navigation system and a software solution enabling in-vehicle hands-free audio control and telephone use, enhancing the safety and convenience of consumers.
The company's management and engineering team focuses on the development of consumer applications for their patented voice-interactive technology. Pronounced Technologies is located in Reseda.
Note to Editors: Evaluation units available upon request.
