Dash: Yahooed, connected, mashup navigation system

Screenshot: Locative Media

 

Dash is “the first and only navigation system with built-in two-way connectivity. (…) With Dash Express you can:

• Know the best routes around traffic using up to the minute information provided by the Dash Driver Network
• Find virtually anything—nearby or near your destination—using Yahoo! Local search
• Send an address from any computer right to your car with Send to Car”

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

Ed Moltzen attracted my attention on ChannelWeb, hinting at the current Dash activities. Ed also pointed at the two sources quoted below:

“The device is noteworthy because, once deployed, it’s said to do a bunch of things all at once. It’s a GPS navigation device that also integrates WiFi, services from Yahoo, continually updated traffic information and two-way communication.”

http://www.crn.com/networking/204202898

Ozzie Diaz as a beta tester in his HP blog:

“I’ve been on the beta program for Dash Networks who is nearing commercialization of a GPS nav device with a built-in GPRS radio as well as WiFi that enables updated traffic information and Yahoo! Local content while on the go. The Yahoo! Local is pretty good and provides the all-important personalized content related to my location, such as where is the nearest Starbucks or pizza joint. Apart from the obvious interest in the combo of tailored Internet content and location, the as-yet unrealized potential is with the WiFi interface. Currently it’s doing firmware updates when parked in your garage at home or brought in the house. But if these devices or a common protocol for peering among such devices (Standards Bodies, how ‘bout it?) grow in numbers on the streets and highways, whether they be mobile in-vehicle or fixed roadside can be the REAL killer apps for these networks of devices!”

http://h20325.www2.hp.com/blogs/ozzie/archive/2007/11/21/5153.html

Erick Schonfeld on the mashup concept in TechCrunch:

Owners will be able to manage which mashups they receive through Dash’s Website. There, they will be able to drag feeds from sites like Platial, where they can create a Google Map of dog runs in San Francisco or yoga schools in LA. Link it to Zillow, and you will be able to get data on houses as you are driving around the neighborhood. Create a feed at Upcoming.org about all the rock concerts in your city or one of open houses from Craigslist, and you will be able to get the info in your car, along with how far away each place is. You will also be able to do a Yahoo Local search on the device for restaurants and it will return nearby results with ratings.

http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/19/dash-wants-to-bring-web-mashups-to-your-car/

Remark of the editor: It’s a “dashup concept” 😉