Singing the Praises of the iNavi G1 GPS Navigation Device

Every once in a while, a device emerges which does something absolutely nobody was expecting. For the majority of people, a satellite navigation system which gets them to their destination on time is enough to make them happy. Others like a bit more functionality in their devices, and choose to opt for an all-in-once device, providing PDA and perhaps mobile phone capabilities. Such all in-one-solutions can prove handy for technophiles, who would otherwise require a suitcase to lug around their 27 bleeping gadgets.

Korean manufacturer iNavi have clearly spotted a niche in the market with the new iNavi G1 satellite navigation device, boasting features which would leave gadget junkies frothing at the mouth. Firstly, the device addresses the issue of the drab, atlas style maps found in most sat nav devices today. Instead, the G1 renders 3D maps, including 3D buildings, and the night sky along with stars and mountains, no less! The GPS functionality of the G1 is also bolstered with a geomagnetic sensor, which helps it to navigate where signals are weak or non existent.

In addition to its unique GPS features, the G1 also boasts a media player, capable of supporting various audio and video formats, such as MP3, AC3, AVI, ASF, WMV, MPG, MPEQ, WMA, and OGG. It also features a photo album, several games, and a ‘Car Diary’, which lets you keep track of your car related expenses.

So far, you may be wondering why the G1 is so special? After all, any standard all-in-one solution is capable of most, if not all of these functions. Well, not if you like to watch TV while you drive! Is this dangerous? Yes! One can imagine that the likelihood of meeting an untimely demise increases several-fold if you like to watch TV instead of the road. However, this seems to be something Koreans enjoy, so who are we to deny them of the pleasure.

Still not impressed? Then how about singing your favourite song whilst your sat nav guides you to your destination? With the G1’s karaoke function, this dream can now become a reality. In a bold move, iNavi are the first (and will perhaps be the only) manufacturer to combine a karaoke machine with satellite navigation device. Singing along to “Highway to Hell” whilst traveling along the M1, is a feature sorely lacking from most GPS solutions on the market today.

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that this GPS/PDA/Karaoke machine will ever hit Western shores, as it caters solely for Korean tastes. However, if, like me, you can’t stand karaoke, this may not be entirely unpleasant news.