This summer you can be tooling around with an Internet-connected GPS device--for free. Starting Monday morning, Dash Navigation will sign up 2000 volunteer drivers across the United States to test its Dash Express, the first in-car GPS that collects real-time traffic data and integrates it into its route planning. Go here to sign up.
The Dash National Road Test is the precursor to the service's nationwide rollout this fall. Dash executive Eric Klein says the company has been testing the service since last fall with about 200 units roaming the San Francisco area. Dash will begin shipping the units for the nationwide test on May 1 and will have up to 2000 units in the field by the end of May, according to Klein. When the testing ends in late summer, Dash will ask participants to return the units, although Klein expects the company will give testers the opportunity to purchase the test devices or replacement models. Here's what the units look like:
Testers will also be asked to report any problems they encounter to their personal page on the company's site. In addition, the units report back anonymous data to the company for its real-time traffic analysis, which it transmits via cell-phone networks and Wi-Fi for use in calculating travel times and to suggest alternate routes.
The ideal road-test participant will be a heavy commuter and mobile gadget enthusiast, according to the company. Would-be testers are asked to complete a short survey on the Dash site to determine their suitability for the program. The company will notify the people chosen for the test via e-mail.
The promise of real-time traffic information at your fingertips is appealing for anyone who spends much time behind the wheel, but commuters usually know their alternate routes as well as any GPS, so do they really need the on -screen maps at all? I'm looking forward to an audio-only version of the real-time traffic information that I can get on my cell phone, or even a text-only list of each alternate route's drive time. I'll save the map for when I'm navigating unfamiliar territory.
They should let the testers keep the GPS
Hi scoutconnor, this is Mark from Dash. While testers won't be able to keep the device, we WILL be doing something very nice for them at the end of the test period. I hope you will consider applying for the Road Test.
Thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark,
I'm signed up hoping to get an email and try it out.
I've really been researching a lot or navigation systems recently. I hope to chosen as a tester. I've already signed up.
Valerie M.
Looking forward to testing this unit (If I am chosen).
JK
Though I have alredy signed up, GPS is not for regular commuters who have fixed routes(or two) to go to office. It then addresses the want of commuters who have to travel a lot going to clients ...sales people. However I am a heavy GPS user who TRAVEL a LOT. Unfortunately, from their application survey, it does not appear to address those users, and I doubt if I would be selcted though I use my current GPS almost daily
Are maps available for other countries and particularly Europe? Is this available in the UK? If so I'll sign up.
I suspect however that it's not. :-/
This looks like a fantastic tool! We just moved to Lexington, so we still are unfamiliar with the city. We use an old MS Streets & Trips map now, but its no gps - takes time to find yourself. Been wanting to try a Blue Logger, but this looks like more what my wife would like. Bring on the test!!!!!!
I started using a GPS puck, then a Garmin Quest, then a Magellan 3000T, TomTom and now a JVC GPS. I use them in law enforcement and need to get places quickly and accurately. This one seems like a great upgrade to what I've been using. Didn't read a bluetooth connection, but I've got a headset for taking phone calls. Signed up to test it, hope I get the chance! My local downtown area is all hooked up wth wireless. Sounds like fun!