Sony Launches Three Linux-based In-car Navigation Devices

An anonymous reader writes "Sony has introduced three Linux-based in-car navigation and entertainment devices in Japan today. The NV-XYZ 33, 55, and 77 feature 3D map navigation technology, media players, hard drives, GPS, and PC connectivity. They are based on MIPS processors and a Linux 2.4-series kernel. They also appear to use a GateKeeper copy protection scheme, which may prevent them from being used with Linux desktops and normal media files." Still, the 3-D representations of actual buildings on the maps is pretty impressive.

GPL my car!

[Anonymous Coward]

Now all we need is to get Honda to GPL their engineering specifications.

"Other media files"???

[Eric(b0mb)Dennis]

What does "other media files" mean? An in-car entertainment device with DRM or what?

There are other alternatives, the last thing I need is a 3d representation of the buildings...

"Hey honey check out that building on the screen about 50 feet away..."

*crash*

windows...

[Ronin_19]

They first tried using windows but it crashed.

Resemblance?

[nukey56]

Does this remind anyone else of Crazy Taxi?

Re:"Other media files"???

[bigben7187]

"obstacles in linux may be closer than they appear, obstacles in windows may be even closer"

GTA?

[jals]

Looks like the maps for the first Grand Theft Auto. Does the thing also identify where Spray and Bomb shops are?

Well, now we know...

[inode_buddha]

who SCO's next "victim" will be...

win ce would be better

[oldgeezer1954]

At least that way I could constantly reboot the thing while I'm tied up in traffic and fool myself into thinking I was being productive.

This isn't a sig... The weekend is almost here and heck yeah I'm posting from a win xp box today. Lighten up, life is too short:)

Re:GPL my car!

[Anonymous Coward]

I am. Its neat where you can get Internet access these days.

banners

[zlel]

Will Sony also be selling ad-space on the buildings in their 3D maps? No pop-ups please!

Re:Hmm GG slash dot

[vegetablespork]

oh look my penis has linux installed! *big front page post*

Must be a small distribution. Maybe you mean Minix?

w00t

[javert]

Carmaggedon, here we come!

Re:Good linux mapping software

[kfg]

I couldn't find any good mapping programs for linux that covered the USA, and also gave driving directions. Are there any?

The blessing of Open Source is that you can write it yourself.

Start, ummmmm, compiling.

KFG

I hope

[daishin]

That they have it so as youre driving you can pick up power ups, and when you get a hitchhiker you have to take them to their destination on time, this reminds me of something

Rehearsal

[r_j_prahad]

Personally, I remember directions much better if I've been there just once, and a quick virtual drive might just be all I need to avoid having to look at the map while actually driving.

Now there's a worthwhile idea... you could practice your getaway drive after knockin' over the local 7-Eleven. That could maybe help cut down on those pointless pursuits down dead-end alleys that always seem to befall the thugs on "Cops".