Dash Express with eye-spy

As pointed out by Dash Express forum member mdoar: "I wonder why Dash added support for a camera."

Upon clicking the link to the openmoko wiki page you can see several specifications you'd expect to see in a common GPS:

1.1 Processor
1.2 Flash
1.3 RAM
1.4 GSM/GPRS
1.5 SD-Card
1.6 LCD Module (LCM)
1.7 Camera
1.8 Light Sensor
1.9 Power Management
1.10 WiFi
1.11 GPS

WAIT!! 1.7 - Camera!!

We already know that DE has wifi and GPRS capability - we could only dream about the wild possibilities that a cam could bring into the mix. Here are some crazy ideas that I hope stick.

1. traffic cams - man this would be great to actually be able to log in to traffic cams along your route to confirm the info Dash is already sending to you.

2. backup cam - this way I could see you before I run you over

3. webcam - this way you could see me before I run you over

Here are the basic specs for the cam chip: Camera
The Omnivision OM7670 Camerachip Image Sensor, is a low-voltage, low-power CMOS camera chip, capable of operating at 30fps on VGA resolution.

You won't be producing any hollywood movies (unless there is another writers strike - FOX network, can you hear me!), but it will get the job done.


Anyway's the possibilities are endless - I guess now that the cat is out of the bag, we'll wait to see if Dash has anything to say about this feature.

Hey Dash, ARF, ARF - Thanks for the Bone

I really appreciate it when a company does something extra for their customers. A lot of companies get by, by barely doing what they are supposed to do. Dash Express knows that the wait has been excruciating for many of their early adopters. I've seen a few people walk away as the pain and agony of waiting just became too much. I too have felt that way, if fact, if I wasn't sure that Dash would meet its latest release date of 3/27/08, I would have possibly given up on them also. But, patience is a virtue, good things may come to those who wait as Dash Navigation has thrown a bone to some early adopters. I recently received a new car, no, wait, a new car 12v splitter - what, you don't know what that is?


Ok - now we are on the same page. I just wanted to say thanks to Dash for extending the olive branch. As I said in an earlier posting - I treat companies the way they treat me, so please know that I will be the first to complain the loudest when companies don't deliver on their promises, but I will also do everything to thank them when they do more than expected.
Thanks Dash!!

Dash Express Countdown

Well, it appears that the long awaited Dash Express GPS will finally be shipping. I've added a countdown widget so you can countdown also. As you may know, there have been several delays in getting this product out, so now that we are so near to the ship date of March 27th, I asked Dash a few specific questions concerning the shipping. I really liked their responses:

Q: Can you go into detail concerning the "launch"?
Does this mean that I can expect to have a tracking # on the 27th?

A: We will be using overnight shipping so you should have the device for the weekend. I will need to get back to you on the tracking number front... I have a question into the person who knows.

Q: what method of shipping will you be using?

A: overnight shipping

Q: Are there any mitigating issues that will delay the launch or cause us to have units that are not completely functional?

A: We are all systems go for launch, and there are no known issues that will impair your functionality.

Q: Are ALL of the pre-orders shipping on the 27th or is there a rollout?

A: We love our customers that pre-ordered for us, so we are shipping those out first.

Thanks to Mark Williamson @ Dash. I really feel like although this company did have a few hiccups in delivering information, they have really improved in getting info to their customers. If they deliver as expected on this product, and come through with stellar customer service, they will seriously shake the competition.

http://www.dash.net/index.php

Dash Express 3D view!!

Dash came through with their much awaited 3d view for their upcoming Dash Express GPS. If you don't know what the Dash Express is, check it out. I need you to buy one so you can be added to my traffic network.

Anyway's, I have posted a few pics of the 3D view from their blog:

3d view without a route set:The screen shots below shows 3d view without a route set. As you can see, there is traffic data along some of the surface streets and major arterials . As you can see, you can zoom in and out in our 3d mode with the "minus" and "plus" buttons. The compass not only shows you what direction you are driving, but touching it toggles you into 2d view

Here is the same screen in night mode:

Jump to Dash's Site for more pics and info:

www.dash.net