Microsoft Improves MSN Direct for GPS Devices

Microsoft today announced a new update to its MSN Direct personal navigation device software.  MSN Direct provides information like traffic, gas prices, weather, movie times, and more to navigation devices like the Garmin nuvi 880 and Mio Moov S556M, but the new enhancements add more features that will make the driver seat feel more like a cockpit.

Doppler Weather Maps
The enhancements include full doppler weather maps which provide up to date weather conditions, which you can view as text or in full weather radar images and map overlays. You’ll be able to view whether the rain storm up ahead is light, medium, or heavy, which will let you make the decision as to whether you should pull over and wait out the storm miles before you ever have to risk driving through it. More impressive, it will notify tell you whether the ice conditions or snowstorm ahead are light, heavy mix, ice and light, or heavy snow. We’re particularly impressed by these updates, which are taking more consideration into driver safety than ever before.

Flight Status Updates
The system will also let you check flight status updates. This is great for when you have to pick up a friend at the airport and have to choose between running through McDonald’s, or attempting to show up on-time just to find out your buddies’ flight is delayed. You can check flights by their departure or arrival time, city, or flight number, and the system will tell you whether the plane is on time, delayed, or if the flight has been cancelled or redirected to another airport.

Microsoft also announced that its MSN Direct service is available in 134 markets across 26 personal navigation devices, and that its traffic service is now available in twice the metropolitan areas as before.