iRiver intros NV hybrid GPS, camera, media player

iRiver this morning took the wraps off the NV, an all-in-one device meant equally for in-car use and on foot. Mounted on a dash, the NV provides GPS navigation with 3D views and picture-in-picture for using media functions without disrupting navigation. The GPS receiver is also used in tandem with a 1.3-megapixel camera for geotagging images. Music, video, and photos are playable from SD cards, including DVD-quality clips in MPEG-4 or XviD formats; the NV includes dual SD slots so these clips won't interrupt map functions. When this isn't available, DMB mobile TV tuning lets users watch digital broadcasts in iRiver's native Korea on a large 7-inch screen.

Battery life when untethered from a car is unavailable, but the device is meant to be truly independent and includes its own 4W stereo speaker setup for listening without the need for a car audio system and includes its own FM tuner for radio. iRiver is offering the NV today in Korea for $536; a North American release is doubtful without the removal of the DMB receiver and the addition of localized maps.