The Dash Express is the first automotive navigation device that connects to the Internet to bring you the most up-to-date maps, routes, traffic patterns, and even real-time traffic jam information.

 

Every Express on the road connects to the Internet using a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. When it has a Wi-Fi connection, it searches for larger downloads, such as maps. When it has a cellular connection, it performs smaller tasks such as getting traffic feeds and sending traffic reports back to the service. This all happens automatically, and the effect is that if you're cruising down the highway and you suddenly hit a traffic jam, the Express will tell you how long your delay is expected to be, based on how quickly other cars with Express are moving through it.

 

 It will also recommend alternative routes (but won't require you to take them) and will send your traffic data back to the service so that the person with an Express sitting a few hundred yards behind you can have updated information. Most other GPS devices can usually report only that an incident has occurred, not how long the delay is.

 

Last week, Dash announced a deal with Yahoo to bring search functions to the device. Users can search Yahoo Local directory for nearby businesses, products, and services-a first for the GPS industry. When Dash Express users enter a search term into the unit, the device wirelessly begins a Yahoo Local Web search. Seconds later, the listings are formatted into easy-to-read cards. With the press of a button, Dash users are routed to their destinations.

 

Dash Navigation is first deploying the Express in California and then moving to the national market in the summer of 2007. Out of the box, it will already have all the historical traffic data and points of interest, so you wouldn't have to buy the extra online service at first, which the company will price separately. The Internet service is the meat and potatoes of the device, simply because it prevents you from outgrowing the information. The prices for both the unit and the service should be announced soon. For more information on the Dash Express, visit http://www.dash.net.