Oct/Nov 2007

Convergence between satellite navigation and vehicle tracking takes a step forward with the launch in Britain of the Dreevo MP4 by French supplier Mobile Devices.

The interface is an attractive 4in colour display, which makes it look like a typical satnav device, but inside it packs a punch, thanks to the inclusion of a quad-band GPRS modem with SIM card and up-to-the-minute SirfStar III GPS location chip.

Equipped with these features, the unit can also serve as an integrated remote vehicle location and tracking system. The company is describing it as 'the only open connected navigation device available on the market'.

The microprocessor at the heart of all this is an Intel PXA 270 running at 312 MHz - the same kind of chip used in thousands of Microsoft Windows CE handhelds. The company can provide a software development kit to help users create their own applications.

Add-ons envisaged by Mobile Devices include pay-as-you-drive monitoring, radar or black spot alerting, and tolling and traffic information.