GPS Weds Local Search

Dash Navigation will work with Yahoo to add a local search capability to its forthcoming Internet-connected in-car satellite navigation terminal, Dash announced Wednesday.

Drivers will be able to enter search requests into the Dash Express terminal, which will use the Yahoo Local search tool to find the addresses of local businesses and services relevant to the search, according to Dash. The device uses Global Positioning Service (GPS) technology to provide its location to Yahoo, enabling the search engine to determine the nearest results.

In addition to business addresses, Yahoo Local will also deliver ratings and reviews of the businesses to the device, and allow drivers to provide instant feedback.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of their deal, or provide details of the cost of the device or service.

Traffic Reports, Too

The Dash devices will also use their two-way Internet connectivity to provide information about their movements to a central server. The Mountain View, California, company will then combine this information with traffic data from Inrix, which operates a fleet of 625,000 in-vehicle GPS probes, to provide Dash users with real-time information about traffic conditions.

The Dash Express will go on sale in California in the first half of this year, and throughout the U.S. in the second half, Dash said. It did not say whether the device will be offered outside the U.S.

Dash plans to demonstrate the device at the CES consumer electronics show in Las Vegas next week.