Real-time traffic detection was a noted feature of the recently-discontinued Dash device, which used the network of Dash devices to track traffic and plot the best routes to avoid it. Interestingly, Dash now says the company plans to be a service provider, essentially taking on the role Telenav used to play. The Shotgun updates its traffic maps every five minutes.

PC Magazine's review, however, found the Shotgun somewhat lacking. "While an excellent concept, TeleNav's connected Shotgun GPS device with its built-in cellular radio doesn't offer as many location-based services as it seemingly could," the review summed up. "While additional features are on TeleNav's development road map, we recommend waiting for the next release to see what's added."

Not surprisingly, many of the Shotgun's best features require connectivity. For that, Telenav is asking $11.99 per month, or $129 for a one year plan. Users can also opt for a two-year plan for $239, saving just over $48. Given what happened to Dash, buying a one-year or two-year plan also becomes a sort of bet that the Telenav service will actually exist two years from now.

Otherwise, the Shotgun appears to be somewhat of a standard GPS unit, with preloaded maps of the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico; the connected service plan also ensures up-to-date maps and data, as well as enhanced features, Telenav said. (Dash's first free upgrade was an update with faster GPS lockon and personalized router preferences.)

The device appears to have a built-in business POI database of 11 million addresses, including phone numbers, meaning that discontinuing the service will leave the database intact but without future updates. Telenav has also added features that tell you what the price of gas is at a particular gas station, or linking a restaurant to online reviews.

The unit measures 4.9 inches x 3.1 inches x 0.75 inches, and includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen. The Telenav Shotgun is shipping now.