Rear-view mirror sports Windows CE-based GPS

U.S. motorists can now put a Windows CE-based navigation, safety, and entertainment system in their car's rear-view mirror. Azentek has announced the SmartMirror, featuring a 4-inch touchscreen monitor, rear-view camera, Bluetooth, built-in speakers, 3D maps, and an SD expansion slot.

 However, Michigan-based Azentek has adapted it with U.S.-specific maps from The SmartMirror is apparently based on hardware from Chinese automotive electronics maker Shenzhen Dsus, which first announced the device as the DS-400GB (right) in March.Navigon. Navigon's maps display 3D images that are said to include buildings, hills, visualizations of complex freeway interchanges, and even actual roadsign text, as shown below.

Navigon-supplied maps display freeway interchanges and even roadsign text

The SmartMirror is designed to replace a car's standard rear-view mirror. It features its own mirror plus, at the right, a 4-inch touchscreen with 480 x 272 pixel resolution. By default, this display shows GPS information, but the SmartMirror also has two external video inputs, which can display a vehicle's surroundings via optional rear- or side-mounted cameras.

Like a multitude of traditionally housed automotive navigation devices, the SmartMirror packs the SiRF starIII chipset. The device is based on Windows CE 4.2, has a Samsung S3C2440A processor clocked at 400MHz, and 64MB of RAM. An integral SD expansion slot accepts a 2GB card that is bundled with the unit.

According to Azentek, the SmartMirror also includes Bluetooth, through which it is capable of pairing with a mobile phone. The device offers hands-free calling, speakerphone functionality, and displays caller ID information. While Azentek does not tout multimedia playback, Shenzen Dsus said its DS-400GB is capable of playing MP3 files through its dual built-in speakers, and that functionality is likely to be available on the SmartMirror as well.

Features and specifications cited by Azentek for the SmartMirror include:

• Processor -- Samsung S3C2440A clocked at 400MHz
  
• Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 2GB of flash (via SD slot)
  
• Operating system -- Windows CE 4.2
  
• Display -- 4-inch touchscreen with 480 x 272 resolution
  
• I/O:
  • Video inputs for side and rear-view cameras
    
  • Connector for external antenna
    
  • Speakers (2 x 1W amplification)
• Expansion -- SD card
  
• Dimensions -- not listed
  
• Operating temperature -- not listed
  
• Storage temperature -- -65 to 150 deg. C

The SmartMirror is available now for a list price of approximately $800. More information may be available from the company's website, here.