Rand McNally's New TND(TM) 720 GPS Advances Truck Navigation
Wi-Fi connectivity, enhanced truck routing, and new hardware platform provide more durability and features than ever before
SKOKIE, Ill., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rand McNally today introduced a new 7-inch truck GPS device with two advanced features: Wi-Fi® connectivity, allowing for real-time weather information and display, and new hardware with ruggedized casing, video input, and brighter screen.
The new IntelliRoute® TND(TM) 720 joins Rand McNally's award-winning line of GPS devices for professional drivers.
One of the key new features of the TND(TM) 720 GPS device is Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables the transmission and display of weather as well as other real-time information. The Wi-Fi feature was designed so that drivers can connect by using their enabled smart phones as Wi-Fi hotspots - allowing for real-time updates while on the road.
With Rand McNally's new weather feature, drivers will be able to anticipate delays and other challenges presented by current and forecasted weather with conditions displayed on the map and along the route.
Real-time weather was among the top requests Rand McNally received from tens of thousands of "TellRand" submissions from professional drivers. Guided by driver feedback, the feature was developed to view real-time weather situations such as storms, wind speeds, and chance of precipitation that may impact the route or delivery times.
"The TND(TM) 720 is a big step forward in navigation devices designed for professional drivers with the addition of hardware upgrades and Wi-Fi enabled features," said Dave Muscatel, CEO of Rand McNally. "We understand the unique challenges unforeseen weather presents for professional drivers. Our new weather solution will enable drivers to proactively manage this issue."
The IntelliRoute® TND(TM) 720 includes the following additional new features:
-- Enhanced truck routing - Including new routing options, such as avoiding
state or province and avoiding dirt roads, for added flexibility on
reaching the destination
-- Exits Quick View - With a new button on the map screen, drivers can find
truck-friendly locations off the upcoming exits along a route
-- Fuel logging - For tracking purchases and fuel use
-- "Bread-crumb" trails - An option to record and display paths traveled -
useful on or off roads
-- Increased map customization options - allowing drivers to personalize
the way their map appears, specify icons, and import third-party POIs
into their device.
Beyond software a number of improvements to the TND 720's hardware platform were incorporated: A new ruggedized design featuring a ridged casing makes the unit easy to grip; a brighter screen that adjusts for low and strong light; and video input for third-party back up cameras.
The new IntelliRoute® TND(TM) 720 will have all of the features and functionality drivers are used to from earlier models including on-duty driving timers, state mileage recorders, Virtual Dashboard, junction view with lane assist, ability to download construction and software updates, and advanced truck-specific routing containing 35% more truck routing information than other GPS units.
*User is responsible for all third party data charges.
About Rand McNally - Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Rand McNally's products and services include: Road travel review site bestoftheroad.com; Interactive travel referral service, tripology.com; America's #1 Road Atlas; and TripMaker® RVND(TM) GPS for RVers; IntelliRoute® truck-routing software and navigation devices; TruckPC and the TND(TM) 760 Fleet Edition mobile communication solutions for the transportation industry; and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today's world. randmcnally.com
IntelliRoute and Rand McNally are registered trademarks; RVND and TND are trademarks of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally.