Information extracted from a post on www.acuramdx.org:

First off, I must say that the news I'm about to give you is based on the new Navi for the 2003 Honda Accord. Of course, as far as the MDX goes, it's my assumption that the '03 MDX's Nav will be the identical improved Navi.

"Touch by Voice" Honda Satellite-Linked DVD Navigation SystemThe "Touch by Voice" Honda Navigation Systems, a new generation of Honda navigation systems, debuts on the 2003 Accord with new features and greatly enhanced capabilities. New features include a newly-developed voice recognition system, a larger touch screen display, and an expanded database that covers virtually all U.S. roads and 7 million points of interest (compared to one million for most systems currently on the market).

Honda navigation systems have long been recognized for their simple, intuitive operation and extensive on-board database. Now available on 4-cylinder EX models equipped with leather and on all V6 EX models, this is the first time the Honda Navigation System has been offered on any Accord.

A new split screen design enhances on-screen information with a "map view" and "3-D" route visualization of freeways simultaneously-a major step forward in making navigation information easier to understand. The system is integrated into the car's audio system, so driving instructions can be heard over the speaker system, and the voice recognition feature adds a new realm of control to the navigation system.

The Accord's Honda Satellite-Linked DVD Navigation System uses Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) in combination with detailed information from the vehicle's DVD-based mapping system to pinpoint the vehicle's location and to provide a host of useful mapping and route guidance features. The antenna can utilize up to 12 satellites from a network of 24 global positioning satellites. If the antenna is obstructed by a tunnel, a parking garage or a tall building, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle so that the map information remains current and reliable.

Honda Satellite-Linked DVD Navigation System Features Summary
New features and significant advancements include (when compared to the 2002 Honda Odyssey's navigation system):

7-inch screen (1-inch larger);
Faster route calculation and search speed (up to 3 times faster);
Touch by Voice human voice recognition system minimizes need for keyboard entry (new feature);
A more comprehensive destination guide with seven million points of interest (previously 3.7 million). As before, it provides a business and recreation directory of virtually the entire continental United States complete with local addresses and business phone numbers. Categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more;
3-D turn-by-turn graphics for freeways (previously 2-D);
Enhanced split screen mode for additional route information (new feature);
Touch by Voice linked to audio and HVAC systems (new feature);
Day/Night visualization modes with user-selectable screen appearance; and
Enhanced menus and improved surface street mapping (new layout).
Additional general features include:

Turn by turn voice guidance in either male or female voice (and can be turned off at any time);
Destination memory recalls current trip addresses and previous destinations; and
Trip Computer, calendar and calculator with English to metric number converter.
Voice Recognition and Navigation System Controls
The navigation system can be controlled by the driver through either the voice recognition system called Touch by Voice, the touch screen display, or by the joystick on the instrument panel. The voice recognition system works when the "talk" button, located on the steering wheel, is depressed. When spoken to, the system recognizes commands such as "find nearest gas station," "find nearest ATM," or "find nearest Italian restaurant."

The Touch by Voice system is powered by IBM's Embedded Via Voice technology and uses software developed jointly by IBM and Honda R&D. It has a vocabulary of approximately 150 commands and can recognize virtually any English-spoken accent.

The 7-inch LCD display is a touch screen that allows the driver or passenger to choose menu options or spell out a word (i.e. address, business name, place, etc.) through a touch-sensitive keypad. (The keypad can be set to alphabetical or a common typewriter style layout.) Alternatively, the joystick can be used to highlight menu options or to highlight specific letters on the keypad to complete a word. A matte finish is used on the display to reduce glare and smudging.

For data storage, the system uses a single DVD that contains information for the entire United States. Navigation systems from some manufacturers require multiple CDs (CDs hold much less data than a DVD) and must be changed depending on the region of the country. Future updates to the navigation system can be made by installing an updated DVD (available on-line or by calling a toll free number.)

VERY NICE IF YOU ASK ME

 

Sucks for us

sidemarker

 

WOW….

So I guess Ernie is SOOOO impressed that he’s changed his mind on his next car purchase yet AGAIN.
He’s gone from a CL-S to a M3 to a Mercedes and now he’s in love with the new Accord.

Spread the rumor

Shawn S

 

yeah whenever ernie talks about something it seems like he's already working towards acquiring it.

"oh yeah i forgot to mention I already put down payments on the first two Accords to come off the boat..."

 

Feel bad for me I am in car limbo right now LOL.

I am soo undecided I have decided to do nothing for the moment.

What is happening is the launch of my own business full time hopefully in a 6 month or less window. One who starts their own business does not floss in 60K cars but a nice 42K SUV might be what the doctor ordered. I'll keep you posted. I think the BMW experience was a blessing in disguise.

 

wow...I was a developer for a voice recognition hardware/software company a couple of years ago in Redmond, WA. They had demonstrations of this "Touch by Voice" technology but I was skeptical of auto manufatures using it because of price and at that time the inaccuracy.

Four years later...here it is...in an Accord. I'm very impressed. I would contemplate purchasing this car just for the Navi...

 

I want the new Navi system. Can we get most of the feature by upgrading the software? I don't care about the voice activation crap, just interested in the pimp GUI!

 

yer a fast learner, young jedi!!!

if my car wasn't keyed...1, i would never have met my detailer who has given me so much help on how to personally detail my car, 2, i would never have gotton my car professionally detailed for a great price, and 3, i would never have gotton to see as many exotic sports cars in the past few weeks as i have

 

Has anyone forgetten how our DVD-based Navi blew away the previous one...do you always have to be "on top"?

 

There ain't nothing wrong with always wanting the best, but ya got to realize the times they always are a changing.

 

Kind'a like having an "open account"/"open order" with Intel....

 

I don't always have to be on top Ken lol. In fact the Mercedes command system is probably one of the worst but I was considering their system. I do appreciate new technology and how great things are becoming. I am competitive in nature but not for the price of some of these toys lol.

 

We can't wait for our MDX. We put an order in a while ago, but the dealer is saying the Navigation equipped ones are delayed. They think they are working the bugs out still. Not sure what that means yet.

 

since u kno so much about the new nav system?? can the older version be upgraded to the same one?? since theya re both dvd based?

 

Whatever, you should look at aftermarket alternatives.

 

If I could upgrade for less than $500, I would as long as I can do it soon (next 12 months) and if you get a new version of the Navi DVD and it will still work with my DVD player.

That $500 would be the difference between a new Navi and selling my current one.

Aftermarket Navis are COMPLETELY out of the question...at least for me.

 

im sorry, im not understanding u ....what about 12 months? and $500??? do u mean that there is a possiblity that the voice activation and 3D GUI will work with the current system?? what about the buttons?? does ACURA have something u can purchase to upgrade?? NO AFTERMARKET STUFF PLZ

 

For me within the next year I would have to have this upgrade available to me cause after that I'm probably only going to keep the car 2-3 more years from today so next summer would be the latest I would bother doing this. But that's just me....

If I could buy only the parts for the new Navi that would enable my 01 CLS to work with just like the new Navi in the 03 Accord and then turn around and sell my old 01 CLS Navi parts and do this net $500, I would go for it.

The new DVD is worth $100 alone. Also I don't there there is a santioned Acura trade-up program, you would have to do this on your own which I think would be pretty easy IF it is capable and compatible.