Support for Sony NVX P1 (disguised Naman 650)

GPSinC3

I raised a query with Sony as this is now discontinued and Sony have new PNDs using different software, re maps etc, not an encouraging answer

Thank you for your recent enquiry.

We are currently within negations with the company who creates our maps for the NVX-P1 for future upgrades; unfortunately at this point I cannot confirm any mapping updates. I would suggest contacting Sony United Kingdom Limited at a later date to find out the final conclusion. In regard to accessories, again I cannot confirm anything at this stage, as we do not have details about products until a few days before the products are release. If you like to obtain spare parts you will be able to contact Seme Ltd for these (details posted below).

The NVX-P1 has not been tested with any Navman products; therefore there is a possibility these will not work. I would suggest contacting a mobile electronics specialist to see if they have tried this form of compatibility in the past. I do however advise against using any non-Sony software as it will not have been tested by our engineers.

Seme Ltd
Hudson Road
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire
LE13 1BS

Telephone: 0870-240-6354
Fax: 01664-563976
Email: sony@seme.co.uk

I apologise for any disappointment my reply may cause.

Sony takes navman pois so maybe would take Navman maops upgrades, anyone tried ? Don't need it yet as the maps are Teleatlas fairly recent.

May have to just but a new PND in 12 months Crying or Very sad

Ant3000 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 03, 2006 Posts: 17

Hi, I agree a bit of a poor response from Sony. I called them a week or so ago with similar questions and their "Helpline" wasn't, particularly! They were unsure as to the software version that the device was running or which map versions were on the machines still being sold. It seems that they do not want to admit that the devices is basically a Navman and likewise Navman appear to be reluctant to say it has anything to do with them. Despite this, if you look at the software version screen on the Sony device it says quite clearly "Navman"

Sony suggested there may be new maps in August, but I got the impression they were guessing. By coincidence on the day I called Sony they issued an update to the NVXP1 software for both the PC software/POI loader prog and the actual Sat Nav unit - the helpline seemed totally unaware of this!

Still, I bought one of these units as I borrowed an icn650 last year and found it to be a really good, particularly for the price I paid. I assumed that Sony would have some responsibility to purchasers of these units and if they do not then I assume that Navman software would work just as well. The device I borrowed cost £800 so I guess Navman may feel obliged to produce updated maps and software or the owners may feel a little let down to say the least!

GPSinC3 · Posted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 2:02 am Post subject:

Usueful info, I have downloaded and installed, took three gos for some reason but OK, though nothing obviously different. Hope the maps are released and at a sensible price

anderson24 · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 19, 2006 Posts: 9

Anyone know if the latest Navman map updates on CD will work with the NVX-P1?

robertn · Frequent Visitor Joined: Feb 06, 2005 Posts: 564

They won't - you need the correct keys for the maps and I don't think the Navman software runs on the NVX anyway.

TheM · Frequent Visitor Joined: Mar 21, 2005 Posts: 277

Navman recently released map upgrades for all their old devices (5xx and 6xx) so Sony should have upgrade available for NVX as well.

Although NVX is similar to 650, running similar software and identical maps, Navman map upgrade will not work on a Sony unit due to different keys. However, since map formats are the same -- if you see map upgrade available for Navman 6xx series than Sony should have the same upgrade available for NVX.

robertn · Frequent Visitor Joined: Feb 06, 2005 Posts: 564

All that a Navman update indicates is that is technicly possible. It's a long road from that to public avaliblity in this multi national consumeristic world.

anderson24 · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 19, 2006 Posts: 9

After a couple of unsuccessful calls to Sony on my third attempt I got through to someone higher up the food chain. (persistence does pay of).

It seems there will be some good news near the end of the year but I'm waiting for a phone call (probably early April) to confirm things.

Ant3000 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 03, 2006 Posts: 17

I too will be interested to see if Sony are going to provide updates for this device.

It would be nice to think that a company would provide updates for a reasonable amount of time after purchase/production end as these devices are not particularly cheap and need updates to keep them useable. As I understand it, a product must be supported for several years after maunfacture with regard to spare parts but I would imagine software is not included in this - despite it being a major part of the device.

I hear Navman have stopped providing updates for the ICN650 - a friend of mine is not too happy having spent around £800 on his device not that long ago! What a great way to build brand loyalty!

robertn · Frequent Visitor Joined: Feb 06, 2005 Posts: 564

Until now the manufacturers have been on a fast track where? they just don't know themselves. The margins have been phenomonal, the growth of the market unprecedented. They have spend all their time working out how to improve market share and scope up the pots of gold without the slightest consideration to the full product life cycle or customers.

As far as they, and the product reviewers (Pocket GPS World included) and consumers have been concerned, the important thing has been NOW. So they have put out millions of devices without thinking about what the end user is wanting or expecting from them in the medium to long term.
- Consider the amount of crash testing done with windsheild mounts todate as proof of this - the manufactures have known, and ignored, this issue and to my knowledge, still do.

The manufacturers have a responsibilty to consider the products throught to NORMAL and EXPECTED end of life - how many 20 year old VCR's are still in use today, quite a number. They get off by saying the product is only good for about 2 years. Thats how long they care about it.

Some people out there disagree with this. They believe that the manufacturers have no reposibilty beyond fixing or replacing broken hardware, that the software and maps are what they were when yopu bought them and tahts OK. We have had that discussion and have agreed to disagree.

Therefore what to do about it. If enough people use there power as consumers then maybe the manufacturers will listen. Boycot Sony. OK, one person who cares will be ignored - 10, 100, 1000, 1 million - at some stage they will take notice. You have to start - write them (Forget email and phones, writing is much more powerful), telling them you will never buy a Sony product again. One small step..........

Ant3000 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 03, 2006 Posts: 17

Having written to Sony I have just received a reply from them. They say "I can confirm that the NVXP1 is supported, however, map updates regrettably will be available no later than September."

They go on to say that the software is provided by a company not controlled by Sony. Presumably Navman.

This would indicate that there is hope and the wording does say "no later than September" although I will believe this when I see it - the slight distancing of Sony from the software supplier make me think that there is room for them to get out of this.

Watch this space!

anderson24 · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 19, 2006 Posts: 9

Ant3000 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 03, 2006 Posts: 17

Was any idea of price mentioned by Sony? I am unsure as to how long sony will keep bringing out updates for an "obsolete" model and wonder if they are charging a relatively large amount for new maps it may be better to jump ship to a company like Garmin who are a big player in this area and liable to keep a device supported for longer as they control a large part of the software development - although not the basic map data.

anderson24 · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 19, 2006 Posts: 9

As the May/June update time has been and gone I telephoned Sony again last week. They now say the update will be on disk possibly in early September but that date could slip.

If there's any further delay I'll be purchasing a new sat nav and it WONT be a Sony!

gambitgander · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject:

This is probably not what you want to hear, but having spoken to Sony AND to Navman, I get the impression that there isn't going to be a release for the Sony. Navman have stopped providing updates for their OWN iCN6xx, so I doubt very much they'll be releasing anything for Sony! Can anyone spell M-U-G-G-E-D?? Mad

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