Pioneer has released a new concept product "NP1". In short, it is a product that combines a "drive recorder," a "car navigation system," and a "smart speaker." The feature is that the operation and car navigation directions are carried out by "voice".
Pioneer "NP1"
The main body size is 118 x 36 x 93 mm, which is a rather large drive recorder. It is equipped with a total of two cameras with approximately 2 million pixels, one in the front and one in the front, a speaker and a microphone, LTE / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth communication functions, GPS, a 6-axis motion sensor, and a microSD card. The power supply is connected to the in-vehicle battery using a cigar lighter power supply or an optional cable.
There are four main functions. The first is the "smart voice navigation" function, which provides operation and guidance using only voice. The second is a two-camera drive recorder, one for the front and one for the rear. Moreover, it also has a "cloud drive recorder" function that can be saved in the cloud when the shock is detected or when the user operates it. The third is the "car Wi-Fi" function that uses the built-in communication function. By using the separate service "docomo in Car Connect", you can use up to 5 terminals for a fixed amount by LTE data communication. The compatible bands are 1, 3, and 19, and Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz only. Price plans are available for 1, 30, and 365 days.
Car navigation system that is operated by voice and does not look at the screen
Save recorded data via cloud
And the last function is "more car life ++ (plus plus)". This is a general term for various services that use communication functions, and new functions will be added one after another through updates. At the time of release, a "drive call" function that communicates with the smartphone app of a person outside the car and a "drive topic" function that actively provides information according to the driving situation will be prepared. Information on partner companies such as "Letti", which handles gourmet information, and "Times" and "Mitsui's Repark" in the parking lot is also available. In addition, voice assistant "Amazon Alexa" is scheduled to be added this spring.
The price is 65,780 yen (tax included) for the basic plan that includes the main unit and 1-year communication service charges. The value plan including the main unit and communication service charges for 3 years will be 93,500 yen. The renewal after the contract period ends will be 15,840 yen for one year. At the official Pioneer online shop, a business trip installation service is also available for 13,750 to 24,200 yen. It will be released on March 2nd. It will also be sold at car accessory stores nationwide.
With the announcement of "NP1" this time, I was able to participate in a test drive event for the media. Let me introduce what I felt there.
Seen from the inside of the car, the "NP1" looks like a slightly larger drive recorder. There are cameras on the front and back of the body, a microphone on the indoor side, and a physical switch on the horizontal side.
A view of "NP1" from the front side. The front and rear cameras have about 2 million pixels. 1920 x 1080 dots (Full HD image quality). It has an angle of view of 130 degrees horizontally at the front and 124 degrees horizontally at the rear. Uses CMOS sensor with STAVIS technology
"NP1" while driving.Driving while displaying the map on the smartphone with the dedicated application "My NP1"
First, it starts when you say "NP1" like a smart speaker. It is said that the edge side (that is, the unit itself) performs voice operations such as starting up and shooting the drive recorder at any time. If you say "I want to go to ..." while it is running, the route will be calculated on the cloud using the communication function. At this time, if you want to use the highway or down the road, or if you want to add a stopover point on the way, say so and the route will be recalculated.
By the way, it is not possible to confirm what kind of route it is because it is only voice. If you feel uneasy, you can use the smartphone app "My NP1". Since the map is displayed on the app, it can be used like a car navigation app on a smartphone. Before you get used to it, it's a good idea to use the app together.
Dedicated app "My NP1" for smartphones. Not only can you view the map while driving, but you can also watch the recorded video uploaded to the cloud.It is also possible to set the destination on the map in advance.
A "drive call" function that sends images from a moving vehicle to a human smartphone outside the vehicle.Not only information sharing but also calling is possible
When I started running, I was a little surprised at how to guide. In the past car navigation systems and navigation apps, it was announced that "~~ meters ahead, ~~ turn left at the intersection". However, "NP1" will guide you from the inside of the car, such as "Two traffic lights on the left" or "Please stay in the rightmost lane". If you ask for the time and distance to your destination, it will answer, and it will also answer if the road is wrong. I felt that the guidance was a little detailed, but in this case, it seems that the voice guidance is enough to run. Even if you can confirm this, it will be well worth the test drive.
The good thing about this product is that you don't need a monitor for your car navigation system. Good news for car owners who can't equip a monitor. The drive recorder integrated type is also smart. Considering purchasing both a car navigation system and a drive recorder, the initial cost is low with the "NP1" because this is all you need. Also, because it has communication functions, the map is always up-to-date, and it is attractive that new services are added regularly. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that once purchased, it always costs money while using it. There are advantages, but there are also disadvantages.
The side of the main body is equipped with physical switches such as volume adjustment. Store the SD card on the other side
By the way, as a pioneer, we are considering not only Japan but also global expansion. It is also under development for motorcycles. The target is 1.5 billion cars and 700 million motorcycles in the world. I have a big dream because I am aiming to grow into a business of 30 billion yen in 2025 and 100 billion yen in 2030. It's unclear how successful it will be, but it's definitely a groundbreaking product that will make a difference in the world of car navigation.
Born September 15, 1966. Born in Ibaraki prefecture. Graduated from Kokugakuin University. After graduating from college, she worked in an editorial production that produces general magazines / women's magazines / PR magazines / books. She became independent at the age of 28. She gradually moved to the automobile-related field. She participated in the JAF official one-make race (Mazda Roadster Party Race) in 2003. We support a wide range of activities, from new car introductions to personal interviews and mechanical reports. Her motto is to explain "intelligibly" and "deeply" about engineering, concepts, and charms that are difficult to see.
She has recently focused on new technologies and environmental issues. She conducts overseas motor show coverage three to four times a year. She has been interviewing SA / PA once a month for about 10 years. She is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Japan (AJAJ) and a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan.