It’s not the first such unit we’ve seen, but car stereos with SD card slots instead of CD players are still rare enough to get our attention, which is exactly what Blaupunkt has managed to do with its new Melbourne SD27 system. If that’s a bit too limiting for you, you can also make use of Blaupunkt’s optional iPod and USB/Bluetooth adapters, which will let you grab music off any suitably equipped MP3 player or cellphone. You’ll also, of course, get an AM/FM radio with 25 preset station options, and a plain old 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input to plug in the audio device of your choice. If that’s not too much change for you to handle, you should be able to pick up a Melbourne SD27 now for a suggest retail price of $160.

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Panasonic’s just announced a new mid-range, Strada-brand, in-dash GPS unit for the hometown crowd, the CN-HDS710TD. Following the European-spec’ed CN-GP50N we just spotted at IFA, this rolling entertainment center offers almost all of the functionality you could ask for, with a 40GB HDD, DVD / CD player, SD slot, MiniDisc deck, and digital TV tuner all feeding a 480 x 234 pixel 7-inch LCD. In fact, the only things really missing here (besides a cassette player for your old mix tapes) are Bluetooth support and iPod connectivity, which can both be added on for an extra fee. The double-DIN 710TD will retail for 270,900 yen ($2,358) when it hits Japan a month from today, with two other models also available minus MD slots (700TD) and / or TV tuners (700D) for 249,900 yen ($2,176) and 189,000 yen ($1,645), respectively.

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Some German drivers can already send data straight from Google Maps to their BMW’s GPS unit, but it looks like certain Mercedes owners can now get in on the act as well, and be able to do the same with Yahoo Local Maps to boot. That oft-desired feature is the centerpiece of Mercedes-Benz’s new Search & Send service, which’ll work with ’07 S-Class, CL-Class, and ’08 C-Class vehicles equipped with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System. Apparently, you’ll also be able to give friends and family access to the system as well, which will let them send directions straight to you while you’re on the road. While the service itself is available at no added charge, you’ll first need a subscription to Mercedes’ Tele Aid System, a complimentary first year one of which is available to those opting for the Security and Care package with their vehicle.

[Via Navigadget]
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For the handful of audiophiles who simply cover their ears with their uber-expensive cans when the rational crowd invites them to stop hoping for SACD to take off, here’s to you. Sony has launched the “world’s first” (we believe it, actually) in-car head unit that supports 5.1 SACD. The double-DIN XAV-W1 touts a seven-inch WVGA LCD, SACD / CD / DVD playback, Dolby / DTS support, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port, seven-band equalizer, 52-watt x 4 internal amplifier, a trio of AV inputs, an image viewer, MP3 / WMA compatibility, and comes ready to play nice with your iPod and satellite / HD radio receiver. Granted, this thing will run you more than some in-dash navigation systems, but paying $800 for this sure beats retrofitting a traditional universal player into your glove compartment.

[Image courtesy of Krunker]
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Earlier this year, Toyota was reportedly mulling the idea of crafting its own in-car OS, but now the firm — along with nine other Japanese companies — will be collaborating with the Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry to develop “an operating system for automotive electronics.” The initiative is supposedly in reaction to similar joint developments going on with a number of European car outfits, and will aim to “create a global standard in the field.” Dubbed JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture), the venture will include big shots such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Denso, and Toshiba, and you can look for a prototype version to reach completion in 2009.

[Via The Raw Feed]
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We can imagine that quite a few of you sea-dwellers out there would love to just escape reality and cross the Atlantic on a solar-powered vessel, but for those who can’t withstand a full ten minutes at sea without heading for the railing, Seakeeper feels your pain. Busting out a pair of advanced stability systems, the firm is hoping to give boaters a much smoother ride whilst crashing the waves. The 7000 Gyro system is designed for boats 35-feet and up, and quells rolling by tilting at angles determined by a connected motion sensing computer, while the simpler Stability Control system operates by replacing traditional trim tabs and controlling pitch, roll, and yaw. Unfortunately, each setup comes at a lofty price, with the Gyro 7000 ringing up at $55,000 (plus installation), and the latter costing a stiff $21,500.

[Via Gizmag]
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Shortly after launching its first US in-car navigation system, Panasonic is doing it big yet again across the seas with its “highest-end” F-Class lineup. This well-spec’d trifecta sports a seven-inch VGA touchscreen, a PEAKS processor, an integrated TV tuner, boosted sensitivity compared to prior models, a built-in graphics processor, hard drive, SD card slot, and the ability to map your route online via the Odekake Strada website and transfer the guidance via SD. Additionally, you’ll find an SD Link function that nicely interfaces with your iPod, CD / DVD playback abilities, and the flagship CN-HDS965TD can even handle the ill-fated MD format. Users interested in adding Bluetooth streaming abilities can snap up the CY-BT200D module for a stiff Â¥21,000 ($175), which actually pales in comparison to the Â¥344,400 ($2,861) to Â¥354,900 ($2,949) pricetags that you’ll find on these luxurious devices.

[Via Nikkei]
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