GeoVector Announces New Patent for Innovative Local Search Solution Using Wireless Phones

location based services

SAN FRANCISCO -- GeoVector Corporation:Further solidifies GeoVector's Leadership in Pointing-Based Search Solutions,Service will soon become de facto worldwide standard for Local Search GeoVector Corporation, the world leader in pointing-based local search solutions for wireless devices, today announced the issuance of its latest patent for a unique location-based service (LBS) system which allows users to search the internet or query databases merely by pointing a wireless phone or other mobile device at a location or object.
Users can point their phones at retailers, restaurants, billboards, banks or historical sites to instantly retrieve information on what they are looking at, or find what they are looking for. Utilizing GPS technology and a digital compass built into wireless phones, GeoVector allows users to "Click on the Real World(R)" similar to how computer users point and click with a mouse to access information, conduct transactions or play games.
This service has already been deployed in Japan over the KDDI network via GeoVector's partnerships with NEC Magnus Communications, Ltd., a subsidiary of NEC Corporation (NASDAQ:NIPNY) and Mapion, Japan's number one mapping search service. The solution currently utilizes Qualcomm SnapTrak(R) positioning technology and their BREW(R) solution.
"When GeoVector and its partners launched the world's first pointing-based local search service, we revolutionized the way people use a wireless phone to interact with the world around them," said Peter Ellenby, GeoVector's Director of New Media. "This new patent really solidifies our ownership of this space. Now, when you point your phone to retrieve information, you'll need GeoVector. It also reaffirms our leadership in enabling wireless operators and content providers to offer innovative local search solutions for mobile phones."
In addition to KDDI, two other carriers in Japan will soon release handsets combining GPS with a digital compass, compatible for use with GeoVector. These include a W-CDMA World Phone from Sharp.
GeoVector is not limiting its focus to Japan and is already in discussions with carriers, handset manufacturers and content providers in the US and Europe. The new patent has also been filed internationally. "GeoVector's pointing solutions will soon become the de facto world standard for local search," added Ellenby. On April 3, 2006, a leading industry journal, RCR Wireless News, reported, "This technology may well turn out to be the tail that wags the dog of nascent location-based services."
In addition to phones connected to a wireless network, GeoVector's new patent also covers search capabilities for stand alone devices.
US Patent 7,031,875 can be viewed in full at http://www.geovector.com/pdf/US07031875.pdf. This, together with GeoVector's other 18 patents, clearly defines the company as the leader in pointing-based local search solutions.
About GeoVector Corporation Based in San Francisco, CA, GeoVector develops solutions for location-based services and tools for wireless communications manufacturers, wireless service providers, and mobile content developers. Supported by significant intellectual property, GeoVector's search engine technologies provide the foundation for new community, gaming, advertising and other location sensitive applications. GeoVector allows mobile web services to be attached to any object, launched just by pointing at them, including "Point to Call(R)" one click mobile calling, and "Point to Buy(R)" M-commerce transactions. For more information on GeoVector, please visit http://www.geovector.com. For additional GeoVector news, please visit our Press Room at http://www.geovector.com/press.