It's DemoFall 2006 time, and here are two cool product launches happening at this week's show in San Diego. More cool products online at www.networkworld.com.

Dash Navigation

Dash is a GPS device that includes an always-on network connection (through a combination of GSM/GPRS cellular and Wi-Fi) to provide up-to-date and relevant information to users in their cars. The network connectivity will offer better real-time traffic data, and allow for on-the-fly searches and automatic map update downloads.

Dash aims to address several problems with existing GPS devices - traffic information is often inaccurate; mapping updates are often never downloaded or too difficult to configure; and businesses and services often move or change. While most GPS devices can give turn-by-turn directions, most users want more than that - they want the best route given traffic conditions, the best services on the route, and realistic estimates on how long it will take to get to a destination.

While the system relies on traffic sensors to detect conditions, the network connection means one driver's Dash unit can become a traffic probe for others. If the system detects that a user is going slower than normal on a road (as defined by usage patterns), the system will alert other Dash units of possible slowdowns and provide for re-routing. The company says about 1,000 units within a metropolitan area would provide enough data for real-time updates, but even the "first person in the city" with a unit will be able to receive information from traffic sensors and other databases.

Dash is in beta testing in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a first-quarter 2007 launch scheduled for California, then a national consumer launch for next summer. Pricing has not been announced, but the company says it will be competitive with other high-end GPS devices. In addition to the base unit, a monthly service fee will be assessed to support database updates and real-time network connectivity.