Venerated mapmaker Rand McNally took to the stage at the Chicago Auto Show to introduce a connected-car, tablet device that brings navigation to any vehicle on the road. They call it OverDryve.
With a starting cost of $399 for a tablet and mounting device and no monthly fee from Rand McNally, OverDryve offers comprehensive navigation including congestion alerts, hands-free calling and texting, collision warnings and music from multiple sources. With advanced features include back-up and forward cameras to alert danger or record a collision, and links with roadside assistance.
In the ongoing distracted driver debate, some OverDryve features are disabled while the device is on the mount and the vehicle in driver mode. Off the mount – for passengers in the car or after the drive – OverDryve is a fully loaded entertainment tablet that can be used to watch movies, access social media and check email.
Rand McNally, a 160-year old maker of maps and travel information, underwent a transformation into a technology provider thanks to contracts with commercial transportation companies. The company used its telematics and fleet management expertise along with onboard navigation to create a what they say is a competitive connected-car device.
OverDryve will compete with Garmin and TomTom, two long established companies in personal navigation systems. It will be sold in retail stores this spring. For more information, visit www.myoverdryve.com.
