Mio Technology Gives Navigation a New 'Spirit'

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Mio Technology announced that its "Mio Spirit" navigation software will be the new software platform for Mio's North American product line. Being shown at CES 2009, the software is fast and easy to use, and enables users to get the most out of their GPS devices. The interface features uncluttered map views, simple point of interest searches and fewer clicks to reach information vital to the navigation experience.

"Mio Spirit is a breakthrough in current navigation software design," said Samuel Wang, president, Mio Technology. "By simplifying the navigation device's interface, users can save time and effort during their travel."

Mio Spirit is the latest evolution of Mio's software development capabilities. Devices using the Mio Spirit navigation software will have Text-to-Speech, a more intuitive POI menu - called "Explore Mode" - and optional real-time traffic capabilities. Customer feedback demanded more flexibility when searching for POIs near their current location, destination or along a planned route, and Mio Spirit software delivers all these capabilities. It also makes more information available with fewer clicks on the navigation menu - Mio has increased the navigation options and POI data that can be viewed without clicking through multiple layers of menus.

"Mobile phone and MP3 industry players have already launched products that maximize the latest in touch screen interfaces for an intuitive experience, and the Mio Spirit introduction moves the portable navigation device into the most progressive class of technology and usability," said Jerry Barbera, vice president of sales and marketing, Mio Technology USA. "Mio Spirit navigation software has been in development for more than two years, using insight from consumer electronics users of all ages. Many said that GPS devices focus only on going from place-to-place - this software incorporates more functions, more simply, and helps users capitalize on what's possible along the way."

Mio Spirit offers a user-friendly keyword search function that makes it easier to find a POI. Instead of having to spell out the exact name of a restaurant, a user can enter a portion of a name, such as "cafe," and access all nearby POIs with "cafe" in the name. Mio Spirit software also includes an easy-to-use "slide-screen" function - users can pull up a POI screen, for example, and simply slide it out of view while looking at additional POI screens or a map. A capture button lets users record favorite routes, locations and voice memos during a trip.

Mio Spirit has already been introduced on Mio/Navman devices in various locations inAsia andEurope, and now, all new Mio products launched inNorth America will ship with the software. Mio will continue to support the MioMap 2008 software that is on the Moov family of devices and provide map data updates for its Moov products.

About Mio Technology

Mio Technology develops and markets products that enable users to take advantage of the latest developments in mobile services. The company was established in May 2002 and now has operations inTaiwan, mainlandChina,Europe,North America,Australia,Japan andSouth Korea. Mio Technology has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and sells and markets its products in over 47 countries and territories. Globally, the company offers a wide array of mobile navigation products, which today includes car navigation systems, handheld navigation systems, GPS PDA phones and GPS PDAs, all designed to enable people to explore and discover the world around them. Mio Technology is among the world's top three vendors of mobile devices with integrated GPS. The company is online at www.mio.com.

SOURCE Mio Technology

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