GPS Navigators that know how to listen

Global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation systems are proliferating, rapidly replacing paper road maps as primary guides for trips in unfamiliar territory. To help keep your eyes on the road, many of the more advanced models provide audible turn-by-turn instructions.

But these new—and pricey—models from Pioneer and TomTom take cyber-human communications a step further with their ability to receive spoken commands. Now, instead of fumbling with on-screen menus, you can chart your next course by simply saying the address or name of the location, such as "L-A-X airport" or "home." Other bells and whistles include Bluetooth for hands-free communication with your cell phone, as well as interfaces for your MP3 player.

We've tested the $555 Magellan Maestro 4450, another GPS unit with voice-recognition features, and weren't quite impressed with the results. (You can watch our video review of the 4450 here if you have Flash software installed for your Web browser and have a high-speed Net connection.) You'll find less expensive—but still capable—models in our full Ratings of GPS units.

Here are more details on the units I've seen at CES:

Pioneer AVIC-F500BT. This portable navigator (click on image above for a closer look) is designed to seamlessly integrate with all factory car audio systems without costly modifications. It taps into your car stereo via the auxiliary audio input in a factory audio system or an optional module from Pioneer. In addition to accepting voice commands for navigation, the AVIC also lets you direct your Apple iPod and Bluetooth-enabled cell phone in conversational tones, such as "I want to hear the Beatles" or "call Roger." You can also control your iPod via the AVIC's 5.8-in. touch screen, which also acts as a caller ID screen for incoming calls.

The navigation skills of this system are also impressive. It comes preloaded with detailed maps of the United States Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. They appear in two perspectives: overhead and moveable 3D. The AVIC screen shows stadiums, zoos, and other points of interest, as well as traffic information, weather forecasts, gas prices and movie times for up to 100 major cities (with an optional subscription to MSN Direct). You can even add personal landmarks or modify existing points of interest via an SD card slot.

The AVIC comes with a camera input and back-up trigger. The system automatically shows images from an optional camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The AVIC-F500BT will be available in Spring 2008 for an undisclosed price.

TomTom GO 920. This $550 navigator (seen at left) has a smaller, 4.3-in touchscreen and lacks many of multimedia features of the Pioneer AVIC, but it does allow you to modify street names, street direction and other map data when they're incorrect. TomTom claims its Enhanced Positioning Technology can calculate your position even when GPS signals are unavailable. (More details about the GO 920 can be found in our Cars blog, where Jim Travers, Associate Editor for the Cars section of Consumer Reports, wrote about it during the SEMA trade show last November.)

For $100 more, the "T" version of the GO 920 adds an RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver that provides real-time traffic with a 1-year subscription. Other features found on both TomToms include a built-in FM transmitter for playing MP3s and listening to the unit's turn-by-turn instructions via your car's sound system and a USB connection for charging and updating the unit. Claimed battery life is about 5 hours on a single charge.

—Mike Gikas