Navigation devices Mio Spirit Series Technology was introduced to the market later this year. Even then, the producers assured the company that "Mio Spirit is a real breakthrough in the existing navigation applications." The latest proposals were to characterize the company from its predecessors intuitive and easy to use interface.

Below is a test of one of the devices, which he asserted in July this year, Samuel Wang, president of Mio Technology ', users can fully enjoy your travel in comfort, which allows the use of navigation. " Whether or not actually use the navigation is so pleasant, and we will respond to the experience of the use of model Mio Moov S555 Europe Plus * .

The first impression

After opening the box provided by the manufacturer, our eyes will be neatly packed contents. Of course, its most important element is the same device Mio Moov S555, which for the purposes of transport is extremely well protected by the protective films, both from dust, scratches and possible.

After removing the security from the display and the casing, we can admire the device quite different from those we have previously deigned Taiwanese manufacturer. Positive surprises interesting styling product - two-color design, combining plastic imitation chrome and black, shiny material, looks like it's known for Navigon devices. This composition makes the device looks dignified and elegant.

After removing the unit from the box, his attention is drawn to the small thickness. Less than 14mm means that the device is not only flat but also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around even in your pocket.

Even before the first start looking at the navigation test. Representative of the product, equipped with a touch screen display size of 4.7 inches. Unit in the lower part has a Micro SD card slot, which is placed next to the mini USB input for connecting a charger, or cable to communicate with the computer. Also draws attention to the longitudinal groove on the back of which is used to attach the handle navigation. At the rear there are also openings speaker. At the top of the unit will find the shifter is used to start navigation. Determination shifter is here intentionally, because it's probably one of the weaker points of navigation. Trudnodostępny a switch is on the file, use the nail. Worse switch mechanism makes an impression as if it was a little loose. It is impossible not to mention appearing on the front panel at the top left button Whose aim is to return to the main menu from any level of the device.

Rating:

The first impression is a plus. We positively assess the quality of materials and the overall compositions of the device. You do not hear any crackling. Everything exactly adjacent to each other. The only drawback is poor switch device.

The set

In addition to the device itself, in a small box will find the USB cable to connect to a computer navigation, 12/24V Car Charger, CD with software and mounting bracket to the windshield. Set a standard as possible. In vain to look for additional accessories such as even cover, memory card, or a stand for mounting the device in the cockpit.

Rating:

Kit contents should be viewed positively, although the manufacturer may, in our opinion and make an effort to make the device more than just what is necessary for the normal use of the navigation.

First Time

The manufacturer shall ensure that the device is characterized by simplicity of use and intuitive interface, and after the first run, we can say with certainty that such an assumption motivated by the creators of the software. With the device runs a short animated instructions, which constitutes an introduction to the principles of innovative software services. Then we'll see the main menu Mio Moov S555, which is divided into two screens with clear buttons option. The first screen allows you to take advantage of features such as "go", "find", "explore", "tourist guide", "my place", "save" and "local search". From this menu by selecting the arrow at the bottom right corner of the menu, you can also go to other options such as device "settings", "TMC", "music", "Mio More" and "Select". Select the arrow to return to the previous screen.

A cursory run any of the options from the main menu highlights the suitability of housing located on the touch button , enabling a quick return to the main menu, regardless of the level of the device in the options pits. This button has proved extremely useful during the first (quite chaotic in our case) to move the following navigation options. The location of this button, and his manner of responses (button presses do not require - that the touch screen), despite a large utility, resulted initially in the evaluation of testing it in our editorial people, great embarrassment. Keep in mind that even a gentle touch of a button with your thumb causes the automatic termination of the system to the main menu, what with frequent, two-handed method of keeping navigation, has happened in our case quite often.

Despite the clear, color and figurative sign device options, it was difficult to intuitively understand the meaning of some device options. Proved to be useful here provided by the manufacturer's instruction manual that explains each field:

Go - Display Map screen. Turn off the dock menu to enter an address for navigation.

Find - Search for places, areas and streets to help you to plan your route.

Explore - Exploring the area around the current position or destination.

Local Search - Google Search online to obtain live information on the POI.

Tourist guide - search using information and travel books POI (Points of Interest [Interesting points]) for the visited city.

My Places - Access to the stored location, travel, NavPix ^™, etc.

Save - Save the GPS coordinates of the location, the location of the recorded voice or travel.

Settings - Setting up your Mio to improve the use of navigation.

TMC - Receive live information about the route.

Music - Playing in Mio recorded audio files.

Mio More - Search online for live information on the POI.

Select - Use the Mio as a car kit.

Description of the various system options a little brighter destiny for us S555 each feature, however, and so initially navigate the device's menu was going quite slow to us, therefore in our opinion, fizzled out a plan to create the device simple and intuitive to use. Perhaps this is because the universal habit to use devices based on automap, or even the earlier models of Mio Technology. Hence the necessity of learning to use the machine from scratch.

Despite the presence of nice equipment, and the clarity of the icons in the menu interesting promising functionality of the device, the image of innovative navigation spoils unfortunately poorly responsive touch screen. Sometimes, despite the repeated selections on the screen, it has remained impervious to our efforts. Sometimes, despite the fact that emit a sound, attesting to choose one of the options - the device does not respond and remained motionless.

Rating:

First impression, unfortunately, negative. Quite chaotic menu, which, combined with poorly responsive touch screen meant that we had a fear of what is present in the navigation area. Not wishing, however, that the negative first impression, cast a shadow over further evaluate the device, we decided to quite indulgent treat that part of the assessment.

Installation on vehicle

Our fears that the small size grip provided by the manufacturer can handle the maintenance of the device on the glass proved to be unfounded. A small 2 inch rip a perfect replacement, known from other devices latches and hooks. Lack of a broad shoulder, makes the same grip on the glass looks nicely and does not restrict the driver's view of the situation when the device is not installed. This method of attachment is however also a disadvantage because it requires precise navigation to guide the insertion from the top. This may cause some problems in vehicles where the front is inclined at a greater slant. In our case, before removing and inserting the navigation in the handle, it was necessary to mount the deviation in the direction of the vehicle.

Positive impression of the connection broke down the charger to the device. Unfortunately, the charger plug is bent at right angles, and the place it is directly connected Perched near the lower base of the bracket. This solution effectively prevents removal / insertion of the device in the handle, without first disconnecting the charger. So if you like two-handed navigation support, we will have to get used to having to make additional movements associated with detaching and attaching the charger, which, incidentally, is not simple.

Rating:

Positive impression of the quality of performance grip and method of mounting the device erased at the time of mounting the device in the car. Unfortunately, a power supply and the trouble of manipulating the handle, combined with very sensitive to touch a button on the case contributed to the negative evaluation of functionality Mio Moov s555.

Operation

When you start the device by default it is set in the menu to access all the features of navigation. After selecting one of the previously described feature, the machine opens a window with something kind of interesting information provided to us. This way of presenting data in the card is probably the most innovative element of the product.

These cards can at any time up to minimize the side of your screen when you click the arrow on the side of the card. At any time we can also expand the minimized window and return to its service, so that for example, modify the route.

A similar solution was used to handle several items on the menu. And so when you select 'go' we preview the active route. From there, we also have the option to cancel the current and add new routes. We can also minimize a window, so that the free time to deal with possible editing the route.

In a similar way, we can minimize and maximize the "tourist guide", which has been created to bring relevant information to travelers about the visited places. For our country, unfortunately, this guide does not contain too much valuable information, because its content is limited to our capital.

Next to the "ride" on the main menu, the most commonly used by us during the test was a key access "find" and until the completion of the test did not find a simple explanation of why separated from the main menu item "go" and "find".

When you select "Find" system allows you to search the correct location in 4 different ways: by keyword, that is, for example, by typing the word "disco" - the software will indicate locations discos. The same is true when you search for locations by type - here you can browse the database system in the search for the category location, such as bars, bus stations, etc.

The system also provides the ability to search by specifying the location of road crossings - in this case the system after one of the streets shows the road crossing the street with that. The most used, however, is the search option at the address location. In this case the system a little differently than commercially available devices, imposes the need for the entire address at once, and so should be in order to enter the city, street and number. Mention this function, we can not refer to the action a touch screen, which unfortunately is not the strongest side of this device. Low sensitivity of the screen, combined with a relatively small-screen keyboard, resulted in our case, the programming route was not the nicest.

It is worth mentioning the "explore" feature to find the nearest location specific location of interest to us, points. This is useful for example when traveling to a place which is not completely known, and where we are looking for even accommodation.

Mio also offers in its product feature NavPix, which allows navigation based on photos. This function is considered by us a little in addition to the whole, it may be interesting for people who like to read before you travel even a photograph of the place you are going to choose. And so, to get to Bald Mountain in Sopot are for example the service www.navpix.net , download a photo from the stored GPS coordinates, upload this image to the device with Mio More Desktop software and enjoy a more precise location.

In addition to the previously mentioned functions, the navigation also able to write some places where if necessary we may at any time in a fast way to calculate your route.

Rating:

By joining the test of this device does not fully know what to expect even pro-innovative menu. Initially, for people who come into contact previously with other navigation systems, maintenance and distribution of certain features may seem cumbersome. But after several days of use operation S555, is no longer a problem. A positive rating.

Presenting maps and driving experience ...

Mio Technology has applied a series of navigation Mio Moov Spirit, an innovative way of presenting map data and presentation of the route. Technology specified by the manufacturer as TruMap ^TM, in its assumption is based on the greatest possible simplification of the presented data in order to maintain transparency maps. View is modeled on the printed maps, and certainly for users already using the other devices in its maps contain a lot of data and detail, the ascetic image maps in the Mio Moov S555 will be put in a surprise.

However, minimizing the number of displayed information, is aware of the procedure of the manufacturer, is designed to facilitate the reading of information. Map view in our opinion, the use of spoiled little too monotonous and bland colors. Pervasive greenish color, over time makes the reading of the route is difficult. This situation is particularly highlights when we drive through wooded areas, and the presentation of greenish trees blend with the line designating the route.

The navigation screen will not find information on current speed, time, time to get to the place of the planned etc. Although you can select the device options, showing one of the three information - namely, arrival time, travel time, or distance to be traveled, however, due precisely to minimize the number of simultaneously transmitted information, simultaneously displays them is not possible.

While driving on the screen only displays the map data, one of the aforementioned information, we can declare that in the settings, and information about the next maneuver.

In the test, it is a way of presenting information on the next maneuver aroused our biggest disappointment. The machine with too much in advance talks about a second maneuver, and so for example, following the Tri-ring from Gdynia to Gdansk Pruszcz, is 30 km before the maneuver, we were informed of the need to exit the ring road, or turning right. It is difficult to confront a line indicating the route that determines to what the announcer says. This solution is extremely impractical in urban centers with high density streets. By using such conditions Mio Moov S555 had never sure if we choose the right turn at intersections, given that the navigation does not repeat the information just before the maneuver.

Unfortunately, be assessed negatively the performance of 400 MHz processor, which, despite the simplification of view maps, had clear problems with their refreshing when you try to zoom in while driving. This resulted in suspension of the device and a clear slowing down his work.

Rating:

With interest expected to be presented as a map on the navigation screen test, but in our view, although the maps are indeed transparent - just look poorly. However, it should be noted that persons who previously have had no contact with the navigation devices, we asked for an opinion on the appearance of maps were satisfied and expressed the most flattering of the new solution Mio. This may result from the fact that the maps on the device resemble a traditional folded cards automobile, while being much more practical.

Bluetooth, TMC and other ...

The device has been retrofitted by the authors include Bluetooth technology, enabling wireless synchronization with your phone and use Moov S555 as a speakerphone. In practice it turned out that indeed the device can be a fairly simple way to sync with your phone, but the effect of the connection is rather meager. The best effect was obtained in conjunction with a decent Sony Ericsson k750i, but in this case, the attempt to use the machine ended in a fiasco. While the caller was still audible, it led to attempt a conversation of mutual jamming.

Opportunity to test TMC, because of the lack of adequate infrastructure in our country, unfortunately we did not have. Yet, because of the availability of this feature in the device, we perceive this as a good omen and believe that a system for reporting difficulties in traffic really works, even if not with us.

Maps

Along with the device manufacturer Mio Moov S555 also provides maps of 44 countries, m.in: Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Spain, Holland, Ireland, Germany, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, Great Britain, Italy and of course Polish. The main map supplier Tele Atlas is the company, but in some regional areas, Mio Technology, uses the services of local suppliers. In the case of the Polish territory map is provided by Emapa, already known to be working with Mio, which resulted in even earlier mapping software moov series.

The device was tested only on Polish territory, so no way in this test, refer to the accuracy of the maps of the rest of Europe. In the province of Pomerania, where he mainly tested the device, you can not have major reservations about the accuracy of the maps. Sometimes the unit led by a different route than suggested the logic, but in most cases this was due to preferences for route selection.

Maps include most of the currently constructed road, the only objection you might have to address data accuracy and smaller residential roads roads.

Battery and chipset

The test device was equipped with a SiRFstarIII with InstantFixII function, through which as provided by the manufacturer, continuously and rapidly determine the items up to 5 times faster. And as to this issue, actually you can not have major reservations. During testing, the device łapało signal even in adverse weather conditions, high haze and cloud. It happened also that the signal unit in the building caught on fairly solid architectural design. In use, the device does not have major problems in determining the position and the ideal radziło also in urban centers between tall buildings.

Small claims can only have an integrated lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 720 mAh. When fully charged, at low load ściemnionym graphics and display, the unit has stood without an external power source less than 2 hours. Small size of the device and a small battery in practice means that navigation under normal use almost all the time must be connected to power.

Rating:

The device deserves a big plus for ease of finding a signal. The effect, however, breaks down quite frequently need recharging Mio Moov s555, what a terrible location for the charger, it is not nice.

Summary

The last two weeks were a time of intense testing and exploring pros and cons of the Mio Moov S555. Some of the solutions proposed by Mio Technology, as announced in fact, were innovative. But not always for the benefit of future users.

Many of the solutions proposed by the authors, will cause (as in our case) need to learn a car navigation almost from scratch. Certainly a lot easier to people who previously did not have to deal with this kind of automotive equipment.

In our opinion, deserves to be praised by the manufacturer desire to create a new trend, a new line of navigation, which will be more user-friendly. It should be noted, however, with many solutions, unfortunately, has not been well defined, resulting in intuitive and simple operation are sometimes the last words that fit into this unit.

Authors should be commended for the use of higher quality materials, so that navigation presents a more attractive and elegant.

In conclusion, in our opinion, Mio Moov S550, can aspire to devices with mid-range car navigation. Certainly, users looking for navigation, which presents in a simple and transparent route, while keeping equipment solutions with much higher priced (TMC, Bluetooth, NavPix, etc..) - Will be happy.

Pros

- The device quickly grabs the signal during the test once it happened that for nearly five minutes the device still waiting for the signal. After a hardware reset - the situation returned to normal,

- Graphic and audio information on exceedances of speed (for some it can be a disadvantage - We comfort - the option can be disabled)

- Button on the housing enabling a quick return to the main menu (to the location you have to get used to, which results in the fact that after a week of service rather accidental clicks are no longer there),

- Aesthetic and robust (despite the use of plastic) case - in the use and storage devices in the cover from the camera - not noticed scratches on the casing or on the display,

- Advanced search options POI / address.

Cons

- Colorist map is too bland. Greenish hue, certainly not unnecessarily distracted attention, but it seems clear enough,

- The minimum amount of information contained on the map screen, had to increase its readability, but in our opinion, certain information could "smuggle" without compromising the same transparency maps,

- Tragic charging solution with cigarette lighter socket (to use the factory charger makes it impossible to remove the device from the cradle without disconnecting.)

- Poor quality handsfree (with resistance negatively evaluate the item, but despite her attempts, we found no benefits of this solution, but we think the device is to navigate, not replace, other devices - so this is clearly negative small),

- Resistant to the touch display, frequent crashes and lack of response to clicks,

- Imprecise information about the maneuvers.

The crew GPSblog.pl

* Review sites can be subjective. Some are dictated by the assessment of a matter of taste and are an expression of our own feelings, and therefore our estimates are accompanied by an appropriate comment, because as you know de gustibus non est disputandum.

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