Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the addition of Google Maps (Japan), an innovative online mapping service, to its CARWINGS navigation system. Users can now send locations found on Google Maps directly to their vehicle's onboard navigation.
CARWINGS synchronizes data with Google Maps
Combining the two user-friendly services allows users the versatility of planning travels on their home computers in addition to their onboard Nissan CARWINGS navigation system. Saving time by doing away with the hassle of scribbling down directions, users can just search and save locations with just a couple of clicks.
The process is relatively quick and easy. Users begin by searching Google Maps for a specific address or category and the results will appear on a map. The desired location can then be saved directly to Nissan's CARWINGS navigation device through the Send-to function*1 after inputting a CARWINGS ID. This reduces delays so that users can resume their search for more places or get in their car and go.
On the road, the telematics agent*2 in CARWINGS, will convert the data received from Google Maps into the navigation system's information channel and sets the destination based on the received map data. Together with the system's HDD database, this user-generated content provides added convenience to drivers.
Nissan will continue to add progressive features, such as Google Maps and collaborate with online content providers to give customers compelling and convenient services in today's increasingly mobile world.
*1. The service will make use of Google maps' new feature "car navigation link" which will become available in Japan on Oct. 29 to assist with navigation systems. This allows for the forwarding of searched geographic information to navigation systems as easily as it does for Email addresses via computers and cellphones. (http://maps.google.co.jp)
*2. The CARWINGS telematics agent, announced on September 29, 2006, plays a key role in onboard information systems by converting various types of content into a format compatible with the navigation system. It does the necessary conversions for the information channel to make Internet content, such as RSS feeds and the original Nissan extension "CARWINGS casting" usable by the navigation system. The agent converts data sent to the information channel from Google Maps using the navigation-link feature, adding convenience for drivers by making location information available in the car.
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