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Sony Electronics has unveiled its latest personal navigation system called NV-U71T, which is the electronics giants’ second launch in its navigation series for daily commuters who want to stay away from the buzzing traffic. The new, slimmer and simpler-to-use gadget assists drivers to locate a destination, discover points of interest, find home again and avoid traffic congestion.

The Sony NV-U71T Personal Navigation System is incorporated with a RDS-TMC real-time traffic receiver that is built into a supplied cradle; through which the device notifies drivers of heavy traffic areas and automatically gives them an alternate route choice. The real-time traffic service requires a separate subscription, but drivers will receive the first 90 days free of charge. For continued traffic service, a subscription will cost $4.95 a month after the initial trial period.

“It’s safe and easy to use while driving, and it comes with everything you need to get started.” Our aim is to make navigation easy without sacrificing any of the features drivers need to get where they’re going,” said Allan Jason, vice president for mobile electronics and portable audio products at Sony Electronics .

According to Sony, on the bases of a customer feedback, it developed a sensitive user interface integrated in the new device that eliminates drilling down through multiple menu systems for common functions.

The new Gesture Command function makes frequently used commands, such as Sony’s “take me home” feature, available through simple finger movement on the 3.5 inch touch-screen. Drawing an invisible inverted “V” on the screen activates the feature.

With anti-glare coating, it’s easy to see the screen in any lighting. A new super-suction cup for the mounting bracket is made from material that safely adheres to most surfaces in the car. Some states forbid affixing devices to the windshield. However, with the new mounting device, it can be mounted on most dashboards or a surface on the center console.

The unit’s compact design makes it a breeze to transfer between vehicles. Drivers can choose from nearly seven million points of interest, four times as many as its predecessor, and destinations from U.S. and Canadian maps pre-loaded on its 2 GB Flash memory. Maps of Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and Puerto Rico also come pre-installed on the device.

A powerful speaker ensures that voice prompts are clear and audible. An embedded rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows up to six hours of operation without using the supplied car power adapter.

The Sony NV-U71T Personal Navigation System is available in dark metallic blue and silver will be available this winter for $500.

Sony will be demonstrating the NV-U71T from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) convention at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Separate accessories include a second vehicle kit with an additional mounting bracket and a car charger for about $100, as well as an external GPS antenna for about $100. A travel case will also be available for about $30.