Sony has been one of the leaders in car audio for a number of years now. Each year they release new units, technology, software, and hardware that lead the 12-volt industry to the next level. Last year they introduced the Sony XAV-60, which was the first unit to use the SensMe feature. They also released the Sony DSX-S100, which led the industry in internal iPod docking and housing. Continuing with this tradition, Sony has introduced the XNV-660BT and the XNV-770BT for 2011.
What many readers will find interesting is that this is a Sony unit and it has GPS navigation. For the past several years, it has been noted that Sony has been one of the few car stereo manufacturers that do not have a navigation option. Even the entry-level brands that have only a few years of manufacturing experience have units that come standard with built-in GPS navigation. Sony has listened to the customers and heard the requests for a navi unit. New for 2011, the Sony XNV-660BT and the Sony XNV-770BT are released. The timing couldn’t be better either. With the exit of Eclipse in the car audio industry, a TomTom presence was removed from the industry. However, Sony worked with TomTom to incorporate the advanced TomTom navigation system into these new units. Using the TeleAtlas map database, TomTom remains a leader in the GPS navigation industry.
These two powerful companies are planning to take 2011 by storm by offering top-notch features for a price that is competitive with compatible models. Sony is focusing a lot of there advertisements on the unique features that TomTom has to offer, such as IQ routes, my TomTom, advanced lane guidance, and the Quick GPSFix. Look for more review, article, and blogs about these two units and the TomTom service, as we grow more familiar with them.
