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Software giant Microsoft and Korea-based car company Hyundai reportedly have partnered so the former could provide music for the latter’s cars. By 2010, Hyundai cars to be distributed in North America only are expected to feature a voice-controlled system that is connected to the vehicle’s stereo and other mobile devices.

No official specs have been revealed yet but it is safe to say that Bluetooth connectivity will be present aside from the direct cable connections that we usually find in car’s audio system to play portable devices such as the MP3 players and mobile phones. SlashGear even made a prediction that text messages could be read out loud by the system. 

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One of the best and most expensive GPS’ in the industry, plus the most expensive GPS’ Magellan has to offer, the Maestro 5340, will be ready for pre-order for $1200. If you want the basic version, meaning internet will not be included, then it will only cost $1000. You’re probably thinking, who in their right mind would buy such a GPS, but really if you have the money, then it’s worth it.

Basically, it comes with a 5-inch touch screen, text-to-speech capabilities, live traffic updates, Bluetooth connectivity, better voice command options for menus and addresses, 3D landmarks and 1,400 other buildings which are also 3D. Furthermore, it acts like a PMP because it comes with a MP3 player, video playback, new and better screen and case, and OneTouch interface. Now, the most notable feature of this GPS is its GPRS technology, basically it will deliver advanced Google local search and internet access.

Like previously mentioned, it sells for $1200 if you include all above features and only $1000 if you take out the GPRS option. No word on how much exactly the GPRS services will cost, but it is set to ship in late April, so expect more details then.

Via [NaviGadget]

Taiwan based GPS manufacturer, Marbella, recently announced their new and exciting GPS, the NAV-8800. The main difference of this GPS and the others in the series is that this model comes with a little bit bigger screen at 4-inches. Also, like many other GPS units, it uses the SiRF Star III GPS receiver.

Additionally, this GPS acts a lot like a PMP in the sense that it displays photo albums - which can be cool to show off whenever you are going to a relative or a friend’s house. Also, it has an MP3 player and can play videos, however, no word on formats as of yet. What’s more is that it comes with a really nice integrated 2-megapixel camera. Lastly, it comes with a digital TV tuner, an optional DVB-t box, and support for rear view cameras. 

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Just yesterday in Europe, the Pioneer AVIC-F500BT, which is now known as the NavGate 500 was announced officially. This new GPS is a very nice one but is sure to cost you a lot of Euros, but if you’re looking for a high end model, this is definitely one to consider.

It starts off with its nice, big touch screen, which measures in at 5.8-inches. It has a 800x480 pixel WVGA resolution, which is similar to the HP iPAQ 310, and the Garmin Nuvi 5000. Other features include Bluetooth capability, RDS/TMC module for live traffic information, voice prompts, a 600 MHz processor, and a SiRF Star III GPS chip. 

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