Sony Japan took the wrapper off a new navigation unit named NV-U3DV – or what we would like to call the Bravia Nav. Why do I call it that? Well, the new update to the nav-u series offers a 4GB of internal storage, and a 6.1 inch WQVGA LCD screen at 480×272, currently larger than most on the market. A larger screen means more map space, and also bigger buttons. Apparently Sony has refreshed most of the user interface for the NV-U3DV and has included gesture control. Japanese versions of this product will have an antenna for television broadcasts, and users can also play their own movies, music, and pictures (MPEG-4/AVC+H.264 with restrictions, MP3/AAC up to 320kbps, JPEG).

Another new feature that Sony is touting is the addition of Position+ G, which detects changes in the direction of the vehicle using an accelerometer, gyro-sensor, and pressure sensors that will more easily detect changes in position in questionable environments such as an underpass, tunnels, and high inclines. Other interesting offerings include the ability to get live traffic updates via a (NVA-VB7) beacon unit that you can observe and plan around. Sony has also thrown in guides for food, golf, hot springs, parks, and access to PetaMap:

Sony is reporting that it has 2.5 times the data compared to its predecessor, and offers a robust database that also includes phone number search. It saddens me to write about this device as Sony doesn’t sell navigation/GPS devices in the United States anymore. The NV-U3DV is to arrive on August 11th for Y65,000.

Here are some more pictures courtesy of AV Watch:

NV-U3DV, NV-U3V, NV-U3C

(television image blurred by original photographer)