Skyhook Wireless Named A NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(TM) Winner: "Skyhook Wireless Named A NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(TM) Winner"
location based services
BOSTON-- April 13, 2006 -- Skyhook Wireless' Loki, the industry-first mass consumer LBS application that automatically incorporates a user's exact location into Internet search through the use of WiFi access points, has been selected by NAVTEQ as a category winner in the Navigation Applications Category of the Global LBS Challenge. Executives from wireless carriers, hardware and device manufacturers, and other influential players in the wireless industry served as the official judges and based their final decisions on three criteria: usability, applicability and ease of use. Skyhook Wireless' Loki took highest honors and was named the official winner in its category.
Ted Morgan, founder and CEO, Skyhook Wireless, said, "We're honored to be named the winner of the NAVTEQ Global Challenge in the Navigation Applications Category. Location-based Internet search and navigation creates a world of personalization opportunities for Internet users and businesses alike. For the first time, Internet users can leverage their physical location from their browser toolbar to tailor their view of the digital world. For businesses, they can finally present targeted ads based on the detailed demographic profiles that an exact physical location can deliver. As WiFi continues to proliferate, in the near-future our phones and any hand-held device will easily be turned into a GPS device helping us leverage our physical location for an endless variety of services."
"More importantly," continued Morgan, "this recognition has validated Skyhook's underlying WiFi positioning system as an effective platform for enabling LBS applications and services. This could open up the addressable market for those application and service developers who have traditionally had to rely on GPS and cell tower triangulation to location-enable their offerings."
The NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge is a developer contest created to catalyze growth in the location-based services industry by bringing together the key players in the LBS/wireless value chain. From wireless business applications to sports, travel and security, integrating the accuracy and richness of NAVTEQ digital map data facilitates the timely evolution of the next wave of location-based innovations using wireless technology.
"NAVTEQ was highly impressed with the quality level of applications showcased in this year's Global LBS Challenge, including Skyhook Wireless' Loki application," commented Winston Guillory, senior vice president, consumer and business sales, NAVTEQ. "We were happy to partner on the Loki application that exemplifies the innovation that the Challenge seeks in developers and their applications, as it offers a creative and useful manner of delivering location-relevant information to consumers. We congratulate Skyhook Wireless and look forward to its future success."
This award, the database licenses and monies given by NAVTEQ, will afford the Loki application additional exposure to both consumers and industry audiences, aiding in its commercial success.
Loki is a location-based Internet search, content navigation and location-sharing browser toolbar. The Loki functionality is based on Skyhook Wireless WiFi Positioning System (WPS) which uses WiFi access points to triangulate a user's location. With WPS operating to determine and publish the user's latitude/longitude, street, address, zip code, city, state or general geographic area, the Loki users can efficiently and effectively use that location to quickly find the most accurate information.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 1,900 employees located in 131 offices in 23 countries. NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. (C) 2006 NAVTEQ. All rights reserved.
About Skyhook Wireless
Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first-ever metro-area positioning system that leverages Wi-Fi rather than satellites or cell towers to deliver precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services. The Skyhook Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. WPS is currently available in the top 100 US metro areas and is on target to serve 70% of the US population by the end of 2006. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA and is privately held. Investors include Bain Capital, Intel Capital and Nokia Innovent. For more information visit www.skyhookwireless.com, send email to info@skyhookwireless.com or call 617-314-9802.
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