Blaupunkt, the car electronics division of Robert Bosch corporation, is one of the best known names in this particular segment of the consumer electronics industry, as its various products, from audio systems to GPS devices, equip a very large number of vehicles around the world. And the company's latest announcement refers to the latter category of products, since the TravelPilot Lucca 5.3 GPS personal navigation device provides both advanced navigation features and other interesting extras as well.

Thus, the PND works in a very simple manner, as it features intuitive touch-screen menus, while the destinations can be found using a full seven digit postcode search or by street name. Furthermore, for even faster and more convenient input, users can choose to enter the destination address via voice control, rather than entering it manually.

In addition, the 'text to speech' feature allows the Lucca to include the actual road name in the spoken instruction, which ensures the driver takes the correct route when there are several turnings close together. In order to make things even easier, Blaupunkt has integrated navigation data for 40 countries in Europe into the system, so there is no need to download this information to the unit. Furthermore, route calculation is now twice as fast as previous TravelPilot Lucca models.

In order to avoid traffic congestion or road blocks, the TravelPilot Lucca 5.3 incorporates a TMC (Traffic Message Channel) receiver, providing dynamic route recommendations in 14 countries. The user also has the option to see traffic reports on the display, even when route guidance feature is not activated. Phone operation is also safer and easier with the use of Lucca's built-in Bluetooth interface. The device allows hands-free mobile phone use, as well as direct phone number selection. The Bluetooth connection also enables playback of MP3 files from the phone via audio streaming.

Furthermore, the unit can play back MP3/WMA music files, digital photos and WMV video files from an SD or MMC card and also connect to a variety of auxiliary equipment with the optional Active Cradle - such as iPods, DVD players, TV tuners, gaming consoles or a reversing camera. Audio can be played back either via the integrated speakers, or connected to the car speakers or through earphones.

The device from Blaupunkt is available for around 730 US dollars, which is by no means a small price, but it's quite worth it, taking into consideration the features it has to offer.

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