Cingular Unveils PDA-Based Wireless GPS Navigation System With 3D Moving Maps

location based services

Newest Version of TeleNav GPS Navigator Now Available on Nokia E62; Provides Realistic 'Bird's Eye View' Moving Map, 'Fuzzy Search'
ATLANTA, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Cingular Wireless today became the first wireless carrier in the U.S. to introduce a wireless navigation system with 3D maps and "fuzzy search" when it launched an enhanced version of TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device.
Using TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device, customers will receive turn-by-turn directions while driving and view colorful 3D moving maps on the device's large, high-resolution screen, which measures 320 x 240 pixels. Just like an in-car navigation system, the 3D maps turn, move and stop as the driver does the same, while also displaying a realistic image of the streets the driver is approaching and streets they are passing. Users can also pan and zoom the map to view surrounding streets.
"The availability of the enhanced version of TeleNav GPS Navigator initially on the Nokia E62 device adds even more value to what is already an outstanding business device," said Jeff Bradley, vice president, business data services, for Cingular Wireless. "Not only do Cingular's E62 customers have a great wireless e-mail and Web browsing experience, they can now use the latest in wireless navigational technology for handhelds to boost productivity by more easily and quickly getting to job sites, business meetings and the like."
"Mobile GPS navigation is rapidly becoming a defining capability in the U.S. and now customers using converged mobile devices for data applications can also realize the benefit of having navigation on their device," said Sean Ryan, a research analyst at IDC focusing on mobile enterprise devices.
Other features provided with TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device include searching "along-the-route" (ATR), allowing users to look up a business, place of interest, and even the lowest gas prices along their predetermined routes. In addition, TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device includes "fuzzy search," also known as predictive address entry, which detects and automatically fills in addresses based on current or commonly-used locations, as well as corrective entry, which automatically revises information the user may have misspelled.
"Nokia developed the E62 to meet customers' business and personal needs," said Antti Vasara, senior vice president, Mobile Devices, Enterprise Solutions, Nokia. "TeleNav GPS Navigator is a solution which adds value while on business travel or simply getting directions to a friend's house on the weekend. This easy-to-use service can have a dramatic impact on our customers' daily lives and it's yet another reason for people to fall in love with the Nokia E62 device."
Other features of TeleNav GPS Navigator include:
Voice and onscreen turn-by-turn directions - Users may enter or call in a destination and TeleNav GPS Navigator computes the route. During the drive, users get up-to-the minute guidance and will automatically be re-routed if you miss a turn. Users can also preview their routes before they begin driving and specify preferences including highways and streets.
Biz Finder - Allows users to find businesses and services, including Wi-Fi hotspots, ATMs, restaurants, hotels, gas stations and easily navigate to them with the click of a button. Biz Finder also allows users to quickly look up and call the phone number for a business.
Fuel Finder - Allows users to save money by finding the lowest gas prices within a five-mile or wider radius.
Spot Marker - Helps users easily find their car wherever it is parked it, such as in a large parking lot or on an unfamiliar downtown street.
Pedestrian Mode - Allows users to use TeleNav GPS Navigator while they are walking to help guide them on long walks or through crowded downtown streets.
My Favorites - Allows users to save addresses for easy access later.
"As Cingular continues to add TeleNav GPS Navigator capability on devices, it is enabling more and more customers the ability to enjoy navigation solutions directly from their wireless phones and PDAs," said H.P. Jin, president, CEO and co-founder of TeleNav, Inc. "Now, with 3D wireless navigation on a PDA a reality, TeleNav GPS Navigator has advanced even more in usability, features, content and price - challenging any need for customers to invest in separate, expensive personal navigation devices or in-car navigation systems."
In addition to the Nokia E62 device, the TeleNav GPS Navigator service is available to Cingular business customers on the GPS-enabled HP iPAQ hw6920 Series Mobile Communicator, the Cingular 8525 and 8125 Pocket PCs, and the Palm Treo 650. A Bluetooth GPS receiver is required for non-GPS enabled wireless phones.
Cingular is currently offering a free month trial of TeleNav GPS Navigator. Ongoing subscription to the service ranges from $5.99 per month for up to 10 trips or $9.99 a month for unlimited trips (Cingular data plan also required). The TeleNav GPS Navigator subscription includes free, automatic and ongoing map and Point of Interest (POI) content updates.
Cingular Wireless business and government customers can sign up for the service and also purchase the Bluetooth GPS receiver by calling (866) 4CWS-B2B. The monthly service fee will be billed directly through Cingular and will appear on the subscriber's monthly statement. For more information regarding TeleNav GPS Navigator on Cingular please visit http://www.mobileburn.com/g.jsp?d=http://www.cingular.com/LBS.
The Nokia E62 is currently available for as low as $99 in Cingular Wireless retail stores nationwide, select national retailers, on http://www.mobileburn.com/g.jsp?d=http://www.cingular.com/ and through Cingular's B2B direct sales organization.