This powerful GPS from Garmin is an innovative and new type of navigation device that has a really funky name. They actually called it the nüvi 1490TV, but I will simply refer to it as the 1490TV because I am a numbers person and I don't speak Egyptian.

It doesn't have any ancient or treasure maps, but it does come with road maps of Europe that are very detailed in the way that Garmin does detail. The premium traffic updates will be free on this one, as well as info about webcam surveillance. You will be able to see all the details and about two millions POI on its 5-inch touch screen.

"The nüvi 1490TV is the answer for those who want to keep in touch with the latest sporting events, soaps or even cookery shows while following TV recipes in the kitchen." said Colin Lee, Garmin's Automotive Product Manager. "The nüvi's 5 inch screen and mount is just the right size to place anywhere in the home, caravan or car and is ideal for people from parents waiting to pick up the kids from school to taxi drivers waiting for fares."

Garmin thinks the introduction of DVB-TV capabilities on this GPS system is a good idea because of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup. I for one would rather enjoy the games on a big screen TV, or a on huge wall projection, but maybe I'm being too picky. The digital terrestrial TV and Radio networks are very popular and in larger numbers in the UK, while for other European countries, this extra option may not be completely useful.

It also has Bluetooth for pairing it with your mobile phone and will be available starting with April 2010. The price hasn't been officially announced yet.


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .