Dash Express

The Dash Express is a GPS device that collects driving habits of users, utilizing their commuting routes during real commute times. Each Dash Express anonymously and automatically sends its position and speed back to servers at the Dash Network Operations Center, which then updates all other Dash devices in the area with current road speeds. This helps members of the Dash Driver Network by providing them with the most up-to-date traffic information available. Dash devices receive traffic info from road sensors, commercial fleets and other sources through their partnership with NAVTEQ ®, a traffic data provider in the U.S. Starting with the first devices in each market, Dash uses these initial cars to calibrate the sensor data and assigns it a high (straight line) or medium (dotted line) confidence rating. In addition, Dash also updates each Dash device with the comprehensive historical traffic database in the industry – a combination of third party and Dash driver data. The Dash Driver Network allows users to provide coverage on nearly 2 million miles of US road, and provides a source of live traffic flow data for surface streets in addition to highways. The Dash Driver Network data tracks approximately ten times more road segments comparatively. It features TruTraffic that provides traffic data to users that are timely, and accurately estimate and track arrival time once a route has been selected. The Dash also present users with up to three different routes to a destination, and uses its traffic information to calculate Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) for each route. The traffic-based arrival times one gets from Dash helps decide which route is best. Even when a route has been selected, the Dash automatically alerts users when traffic conditions change significantly. Dash can also take snapshots of traffic in the area. The map views let users visualize current traffic conditions around their location on major and secondary roads. Additionally, traffic conditions on route are identifiable by color. Dash uses accepted conventions to convey traffic at a glance: stop-and-go traffic is red, moderate congestion is yellow, relatively unobstructed is orange, and free-flowing roads are green. If the lines are solid, they represent live traffic derived from the Dash Driver Network; if they are dashed, the traffic data is either 3rd party sensor or historical data. The Dash Express also features MyRoute that helps the device learn routes automatically based on user behavior and provide them with the preferred route. The next time that they drive between the same origin and destination, the first route choice will be a “MyRoute,” complete with traffic-based arrival time data. Drivers can compare their “MyRoute” to the computed Dash routes, including traffic detours, and decide which one is optimal; Internet connectivity which gives Dash Express current and relevant data about almost anything, anywhere; and connect to Yahoo!® Local search and find unlimited, up-to-date information about businesses, products and services. Users can access everything from the cheapest gas station (and sort by price) to the latest concerts, restaurants, the closest yoga studios, dog-friendly parks or nearby apartments for rent via save searches from a single, keyboard-based interface. The Dash provides users with a simple interface without the folder/category structures and lets users search for content the same way one would on a PC — by typing a word in for results. Other features on the Dash Express includes AutoUpdates which utilizes both cellular radio and Wi-Fi networks to automatically and wirelessly update its maps, traffic and software, giving the Dash the ability to update and improve device without requiring users to connect it to a computer or take it back to the dealer. Dash can automatically and wirelessly update software, maps, and historical traffic information in the background while maintaining full functionality as a GPS (some extremely large map updates may require a USB connection); gas prices and movie times update; MyDash to customize and manage the information on the Dash Express; Send2Car that lets users send any address from a computer straight to the car and Saved Search that takes advantage of user-generated content.

Specifications
GPS System and form factor
The Dash Express is a GPS device designed in a 4.8 in x 2.8 in x 4.1 in form factor that weighs 13.3 oz. It is powered by the SiRFstarIII processor and supports Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS Functions / Services TruTraffic, Traffic alerts/detours, Alternate routes and provides users with audible voice signal. The unit features a built-in antenna, keyboard, built-in speaker and comes with the SiRF Star III software. It displays information on a 4.3 inch TFT colored touch screen display with 480 x 272 pixel resolution with anti-glare technology.

Miscellaneous
The Dash Express comes with a mounting arm and cradle, mounting arm extension and wrench, dashboard mounting disk, car power adapter, wall charger, USB cable and alcohol wipe.

Manufacturer Warranty
The device is covered by a one year service & support warranty.

Reviews:

“The two-way connectivity of the Dash Express portable navigation system offers powerful search and traffic capabilities to drivers and increases the value of GPS to the next level, but the system needs some refinements before we’re willing to invest in it.” – (CNET, 2008)

“The Dash Express is best-in-class at what it does, but that monthly fee is going to be a deal-breaker for a lot of people. If $600 bought you the Express and lifetime service, we’d be all over this thing; for now, we’re going to say that it’s revolutionary enough for road warriors and golden-pocketed early adopters to buy immediately, but we’ll eagerly await the day when the power of the Dash community makes us willingly pay to join the club.”- (Engadget, 2008)

“If I’m going to be spending some time trying to get around a larger, unfamiliar city, the Dash Express isn’t going to be my first pick to take with me. The inability of the GPS to auto-zoom as you approach intersections, and map that is sometimes difficult to scan quickly makes for it to be not the best choice when you are in tight unfamiliar areas.” – (GPSReview, 2008)