Let's talk about the future. 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.

The units measure 8 x 4 x 1.9 inches (204 x 104 x 49 mm), and weigh 25.4 ounces (720 grams). They are based on a MIPS-based processor of some kind, and boot a distribution based mainly on MontaVista Hard-Hat Linux (HHL) from a cramfs filesystem on Flash memory. They include a 6.5-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) touchscreen LCD display running at WVGA (800 x 480) resolution.

More info can be found here (http://linuxdevices.com/news/NS6146656870.html). The Linux Source-Code is already available (http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/notice.html).

Prices range: $1400 - 1900

I guess the next big thing we are waiting for is a HUD display with the buildings perfectly matching what you see outside... ;)

Wow!!!! I want to have that, but for navigating European streets!

Wired Magazine now also runs a story on Sony's new GPS, which looks like a handheld console version of Grand Theft Auto: http://wired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,63842,00.html

According to the article, it is not expected that the XYZ hits the American (or the European) market any time soon.