Windows Mobile phone leverages integrated GPS

location based services
portable navigation devices


Sep. 13, 2007Mio Technology has announced a Windows Mobile 6-based phone with built-in GPS. The company's DigiWalker A702 also includes a 3.2-megapixel camera, photo geotagging, and business card scanning, the company says.(Click here for a larger view of the DigiWalker A702)The A702 is based on a 200 MHz TI OMAP 850 processor and provides GSM quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900), GPRS, and EDGE wireless capabilities. It features typical Windows Mobile 6 Professional applications, including mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus Windows Live for Windows Mobile.According to Mio, it is the A702's GPS capabilities that set it apart. The device has a 20-channel SiRF starIII GPS receiver, with both an internal GPS antenna and a connector for an external antenna, as might be required in a car. Further, the A702 is said to have quick positioning technology, improving GPS startup times by downloading ephemeris data via GPRS or WiFi.Thanks to GPS, says Mio, the phone can append location information to photos taken via its 3.2-megapixel camera. It also comes with Geodesic Information Systems's Mundu instant messenger client, which connects to AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, and Jabber, and allows users to share their location if desired.The device's WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities are said to be provided, respectively, by CSR's UniFi1-Portable and BlueCore4-ROM silicon. These components are claimed by CSR to provide a standby current draw of less than 10 mW, and result in a standby battery life greater than 200 hours.Specifications listed by Mio for the A702 include:
Processor -- TI OMAP 850, clocked at 850 MHz
Memory -- 64 MB DRAM; 256 MB to 2 GB flash (depending on region)
Display -- 2.7-inch anti-glare touchscreen TFT
Camera -- 3.2 megapixel with autofocus and LED flash, incorporating business card scanning function
Wireless:
GSM quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900), GPRS, EDGE
GPS receiver -- 20-channel SiRF starIII
802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0
I/O ports -- mini-USB
Expansion -- microSD slot
Dimensions -- 4.3 x 2.3 x 0.7 inches (110 x 57.5 x 16.5 mm)
Weight -- 5.2 ounces (148 g)
Battery type -- 1130 mAh lithium-ion battery
Battery life -- 4 hours talk time; standby time greater than 200 hoursThe A702's camera is said to be more advanced than that in most mobile phones, because it incorporates both auto-focus and an LED flash. Macro capabilities are employed by the A702's business card scanning feature.The A702 appears to be available now. Mio says pricing, plus the A702's GPS maps and other software, will vary according to region.
Related stories:

SYWARE's Visual CE® Tightly Integrates Google Maps Mobile with Easy-to-Use Database Software


location based services
portable navigation devices

CAMBRIDGE, MA, U.S.A. - September 12, 2007 - SYWARE, Inc., a leading developer of mobile database tools for business and personal productivity, today announced that Visual CE, the award-winning rapid application development software for database and forms development on Microsoft® Windows Mobile Pocket PCs, now support Google Maps Mobile. Applications built with Visual CE can launch Google Maps Mobile and display the map or satellite view of the area related to a specific record.To display the area relating to the current record, users simply click a button on the Visual CE form. Visual CE will retrieve the location from the current record, launch Google Maps Mobile, and display the area in map view or satellite view. The record may contain an absolute address (for example, "1600 Pennsylvania Ave Washington D.C.") or a description (for example, "Statue of Liberty").The integration of Google Maps Mobile with Visual CE means developers can create information-rich, mobile database applications for end users in just a few hours or days. For example, an inspection company can create a database application that allows inspectors to find directions to the site they are to inspect.Pricing & DeliveryVisual CE is available in Personal and Professional editions, and as part of SYWARE's cost saving Mobile360 bundles. It can be purchased through SYWARE's online store at http://www.syware.com. Visual CE Personal (US$129) is licensed for single device applications. Visual CE Professional (US$399) includes a royalty-free license to distribute created applications. SYWARE's related products, Report CE®, sqlceEnable, and mEnable® are sold both separately and as part of the Mobile360 bundles.About SYWARESYWARE empowers over 100,000 mobile users to collect data and create feature-rich database applications that can be deployed on any Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Windows CE device, wherever they work. Industry and user specific data can be downloaded, collected, displayed, modified, and synchronized, without programming. SYWARE provides low cost of ownership, rapid deployment, and high ROI, without requiring users to expand IT departments. SYWARE removes obstacles to commerce and enables users to share data seamlessly over wireless, LAN, WAN, or Internet connections in a wide variety of market sectors, including municipalities, healthcare, transportation, government, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace, and others.

Nokia Revamps its Location-Based Experiences


location based services
portable navigation devices

Do you receive our FREE 3G Newsletter ? If not click here
12th September , 2007
Europe : Speaking at the Canalys Navigation forum in Barcelona, Michael Halbherr shared insights about the current state of navigation and plans for updates and improvements for Nokia Maps. Launched in February of this year, the Nokia Maps mobile application and the Nokia Map Loader for PC's have each been downloaded over 1 million times.

A key point highlighted by Halbherr, head of the location-based experience team in Nokia Multimedia was the evolution of Nokia Maps from the first version, announced in February, to the next phase, which is available for download today. "We have taken a lot of the consumer feedback that we received when we launched Nokia Maps and are feeding that into the next versions of the product," said Mr. Halbherr.

The updated Nokia Maps application has a new streamlined user interface with improved nearby search and detailed categories. "Many people were saying that they didn't know how much data they were using, so we have added a data download counter in the map view. We also added a GPS status indicator so that you know when your device is connected to the satellites."
The updated version also comes with a bonus three-day trial Navigation license free of charge*. "With this trial users can try out the service over a weekend holiday or a short business trip and discover the convenience of having a personal navigation device integrated into their mobile."

"Speaking of streamlining things," added Halbherr, "We are happy to report that we have a new and improved PC Map Loader available for users to download." The Nokia Map Loader is used to conveniently side load maps on to the device before you need them. "The improved Map Loader transfers the maps up to 10 times faster than the first version and enables downloading the voice guidance files."

Both new versions of Nokia Maps and the Nokia Map Loader are freely available to download* for selected devices at http://maps.nokia.com

Nokia is also updating the map coverage during the second half of 2007 to bring the total number of countries covered to over 150, with more than 50 of them navigable. "Our goal is to have the world covered," exclaimed Mr. Halbherr, "We want our navigation customers to feel assured that when they travel abroad, their Nokia device has the relevant maps for them. A map is like an insurance policy against getting lost, you need it most when you are lost, and when that happens, it is invaluable."

Nokia Maps is being integrated into Ovi. Ovi is the door to Nokia's Internet services, including the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps and N-Gage games. It will also be an open door to web communities, enabling people to access their content, communities and contacts from a single place, either directly from a compatible Nokia device or from a PC.

*Download terms and conditions apply. See websites for information. 3-Day Navigation trial limited to selected S60 3rd edition devices. Service provider may charge for data transmission. The availability of particular products, services and map coverage may vary by region. The availability of GPS and related services are dependent, among other things, on wireless networks and satellite systems. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Nokia Maps: Are We There Yet? A closer look at Nokia Maps for Symbian S60

location based services
portable navigation devices


Written by Richard Bloor
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Nokia's release of Maps 1.x should mark a milestone in the migration of personal navigation to the smartphone. However, Maps may leave some S60 users a little lost.

');
document.write('document.write('');
document.write('');
// -->

Maps is the result of Nokia's take over of Smart2Go developer Gate5. Initially released as a beta application for S60 3rd Edition and "generic" Windows Mobile devices - as well as being preloaded on the N95, E90 and 6110 Navigator - Maps offers users extensive worldwide map coverage, searching, and add-on real-time navigation.
For some users who installed the beta application, Maps 1.x will disappoint. While the beta version of Maps loaded quite happily onto an N93, the final version (even though the sis file naming suggests otherwise) appears not to be available for "generic" S60 3rd Edition devices. A limited range of more recent devices are supported and Maps 1.x refuses to load on N93s. Support is provided for the more recent N93i, which theoretically runs the same version of the S60 platform. Users of "generic" Windows Mobile 5 Phone Edition devices are able to get Maps, while some owners of S60 3rd Edition devices seem to have been left out.
A recent discovery while exploring north of Wellington, New Zealand, highlights another potential issue with Maps. Traveling north from Wellington on State Highway 1 the first water crossing motorists encounter is Paramata Bridge. However, in Maps this bridge appears to be missing. Its "loss" is confirmed by an attempt to navigate across the bridge open: Maps takes the hapless motorist on an 11km diversion around Porirua Harbour.

While New Zealand may not have the highest density of Map users in the world, the omission of a bridge on the North Island's main truck road is not a minor.
Maps (beta) allows users to plan and simulate (with full voice guidance) a route within New Zealand. However, there is no option to buy the real-time navigation for New Zealand, unless this is bundled with Australian coverage. This issue is certainly not unique to New Zealand, as the list of territories with full navigation is limited. However, the fact that routes can be planned and simulated but can not then be used, will cause undoubted frustration.
In general Maps, even in the beta version, is an excellent application: The map details and points of interest coverage looks good, while the search feature seems powerful. It certainly outdoes the coverage of most other native Symbian navigation applications, most of which do not provide coverage for New Zealand.
The fact that Nokia seems to have chosen to limit availability of the final version to a subset of possible handsets is disappointing. It makes no sense to limit an emerging technology in this way, particularly given the "platform promise" of S60. The lack of full navigation within New Zealand also strikes as odd, given that Maps clearly has all the information to achieve this. There appear to be no obvious barriers to implemtation; given options for purchasing the add-on services include credit card payment. The error in mapping information is somewhat inevitable, a consequence of dealing with the large and complex datasets involved.
Nokia Maps: getting there, but still some way to go.
Coincidentally Nokia made a press released today regarding Maps; read it here.
Richard Bloor is co-founder and featrues Editor at the popular SymbianOne.com

GPS/GIS gadget includes PDA features

location based services
portable navigation devices


Sep. 11, 2007Magellan has introduced a new handheld GPS receiver for GIS (geographic information system) users, claimed to provide sub-meter accuracy in real time and to be priced "significantly lower than competitive receivers." The MobileMapper CX runs Windows CE 5.0 and features Bluetooth wireless networking.(Click here for a larger view of the MobileMapper CX)According to the company, the MobileMapper CX's Mobile Mapping software offers GIS feature libraries for logging feature descriptions; support for logging point, line, and area features; an offset function for logging hard to reach features; and more.In addition, a "nesting function" lets customers log features without closing other features already being logged. For example, a utility worker could insert a telephone pole while mapping a road, without time-intensive screen opening and closing.Magellan says customers can purchase the MobileMapper CX as a standalone open platform unit, "ready for use with any of a wide variety of custom and third-party software applications." In addition to its own Mobile Mapping software, the company offers ESRI's ArcPad field software.The company claims the MobileMapper CX is unusual in its use of a cellphone-style keypad that's said to permit convenient, one-handed operation.According to Magellan, the MobileMapper CX delivers sub-meter accuracy in real-time using many different Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) modes, such as SBAS, Beacon, NTRIP, and Direct IP. Additionally, with the help of an external precision antenna, the MobileMapper CX can achieve sub-foot accuracy in post-processing, the company says.As listed by Magellan, the MobileMapper CX's GPS characteristics include the following:
14 parallel channels
Integrated SBAS (WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS)
L1 C/A code and carrier
Update rate -- 1 Hz
Protocol -- NMEA 0183 v 3.0
RTCM SC-104 version 2.3 (9.2 & 1.2)In addition to the GPS functionality, the unit acts as a PDA, featuring Microsoft file viewers, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and other typical facilities. Other key features and specifications are said to include:
Processor -- ARM920T-based processor (clock speed not stated)
Memory -- 128 MB DRAM; 128 MB flash
Storage -- up to 4 GB via removable SD card
Video -- 320 x 240 pixel, daylight-readable touchscreen display (size not specified)
Audio -- built-in loudspeaker
Wireless -- Bluetooth
Other I/O ports:
USB host and slave connectors
1 x RS-232
Coaxial connector for external antenna
Expansion -- SD card slot
Power -- 3900 mAh lithium-ion battery; 8-hour run time with GPS operative
Dimensions -- 7.6 x 3.5 x 1.8 inches (19.5 x 9.0 x 4.6 cm)
Operating temperature -- -10 to 60 degrees CThe MobileMapper CX appears to be available now, though pricing was not disclosed.

Nokia Maps Its Future; Says Service Has Been Downloaded More Than 1 Million Times


location based services
portable navigation devices

By Ingrid Lunden - Tue 11 Sep 2007 08:40 AM PST
The handset maker puts another iron into its service fire: today it released the newest version of its mapping software, Nokia Maps, which it is planning to incorporate into its Ovi mobile Internet platform. In addition to a new user interface, the latest version offers more detailed nearby and category searches, including full city guides, improved GPS, as well as a data counter to chart how many megabytes of traffic you are chomping in your quest to find the nearest Starbucks or ATM. release
Plans call for the map data to cover some 150 countries by the end of the year, with 50 of them navigable. The basic route-planning service is free, but other services are offered for a fee (presumably one that doesn’t get shared with the mobile operators). At the same time, Nokia also released a version of its Map Loader software for PCs, for sideloading maps rather than using the mobile networks to do the heavy lifting.
Nokia claims that the mobile maps apps each have been downloaded one million times since its mapping service since it first went live in February. If that’s true, it would make it potentially the most popular service on Ovi to date.

Get a Deep Insight into Mobile Maps and Navigation Markets

location based services
portable navigation devices



( )LYON, France, Sep 10, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report related to the worldwide telecommunication industry is now available to its catalogue.
Mobile Maps and Navigation
http://www.reportlinker.com/p058464/Mobile-Maps-Navigation.html
Mobile Maps and Navigation gives first-hand insights into the development of online maps and turn-by-turn navigation services for mobile handsets.
This report provides you with 100+ pages of unique business intelligence including 5-year industry forecasts and expert commentary on which to base your business decisions.
This report will allow you to:
-- Understand how the experience of online maps and turn-by-turn navigation can be transferred to mobile devices.
-- Learn about the latest mobile propositions from leading map and navigation providers.
-- Identify new business opportunities and revenue models for mobile location based services.
-- Realize the true commercial potential of local search, mobile maps and handset navigation.
-- Profit from valuable insights about the most successful technology propositions on the market.
This report answers the following questions:
-- Can the success for portable navigation devices be repeated with mobile devices?
-- What are the business models and revenue opportunities for local search and navigation?
-- What are the main differences and similarities of the European and North American markets?
-- Who are the leading suppliers of digital maps and geo-content for mobile applications?
-- How are industry leaders such as Nokia, TomTom, Google and Yahoo! positioning themselves on the emerging market?
-- Will it be on-board or off-board turn-by-turn navigation solutions that prevail in the mobile space?
-- What are the future prospects for mobile local search and mapping applications?
Executive Summary
While the PND segment continues to dominate the personal navigation market in Europe as well as in North America, handset-based mapping and turn-by-turn navigation services are being discovered by an increasing number of handset owners. Whereas handset-based local search, mapping and full turn-by-turn navigation services are largely separate services today, these are increasingly being integrated into one service with a common user interface. Today, navigation services are mostly available as onboard solutions with map data stored in the memory of the handset, or off-board services that rely on maps stored on a server. Many of these solutions may well converge into hybrid services that leverage the handset connectivity to allow access to new maps, dynamic content and new services such as location messaging and sharing of geo-coded content.
In the future, handset navigation services are likely to complement other personal navigation solutions, for instance for use outside the car. Pedestrian navigation features that are about to be launched include improved map material and enhanced 3D views to facilitate orientation.
Multimodal navigation will enable the user to plan routes that take into account all available modes of transportation, including trains, busses, trams and even ferries and airplanes. New functionality that enhances everyday usefulness of navigation services that are being launched includes better traffic information and improved local search.
Although advertisement funded services are already being launched in several markets by various actors, such as mapping and directory providers, it will likely take several years before partnerships are established that will lead to significant revenues. Premium services that dominate the market today will most likely coexist with ad-funded services in the future.
However, most premium services will be provided by network operators to stimulate ARPU by bundling navigation with service plans, or by handset vendors to encourage handset sales.
In 2006, sales of onboard navigation software for smartphones increased to nearly 0.6 million units, with the European market accounting for the majority of shipments. The year marked a breakthrough for off-board navigation services in North America. Following increased marketing by large network operators, subscriber additions increased to an estimated 1.5 million and the total subscriber base reached about 1.9 million. In Europe, where the market is more fragmented and the installed base of GPS-equipped handsets is much smaller, subscriber additions nonetheless increased to over 300,000 and the number of subscribers grew to 650,000. However, the publisher forecasts that the European market will overtake the North American market in 2010 when mass-market GPS-equipped GSM/UMTS handsets are likely to become widely available. By 2012, an estimated 28 million subscribers in Europe and 15 million subscribers in North America will use their handset for navigation at least once per year.
Table of content
1 Mobile navigation solutions
1.1 Portable navigation solutions
1.1.1 PNDs, PDAs, smartphones and mobile phones
1.1.2 Usability aspects
1.2 Digital maps and content
1.2.1 Digital map data
1.2.2 POI data
1.2.3 Rich and dynamic content
1.3 Navigation software platforms
1.3.1 Functionality
1.3.2 Onboard and off-board navigation platforms
1.3.3 Mapping and navigation server platforms
1.4 Enabling technologies
1.4.1 Handset performance
1.4.2 Positioning technologies
1.5 Handset-based mapping and navigation services
1.5.1 Mobile local search
1.5.2 Mapping and routing
1.5.3 Turn-by-turn navigation software and services
1.5.4 Operator navigation offerings
2 Map data and content providers
2.1 Digital map data suppliers
2.1.1 NAVTEQ
2.1.2 Tele Atlas
2.1.3 AND
2.2 Directory publishers
2.2.1 DasOrtliche
2.2.2 Eniro
2.2.3 Pages Jaunes Groupe
2.2.4 Seat Pagine Gialle
2.2.5 The Yell Group
2.3 Travel guide, POI data and weather information providers
2.3.1 CustomWeather
2.3.2 Falk Marco Polo Interactive
2.3.3 Fodor's
2.3.4 ViaMichelin
2.3.5 Wcities
2.4 Traffic information providers
2.4.1 Inrix
2.4.2 ITIS Holdings
2.4.3 Mediamobile
2.4.4 SmartRoute Systems
2.4.5 Trafficmaster
2.4.6 T-Systems Traffic
3 Mapping and local search providers
3.1 Cityneo
3.2 Google
3.3 Mappy
3.4 MapQuest
3.5 Microsoft
3.6 m-spatial
3.7 NAVITIME
3.8 Novasys
3.9 Rand McNally
3.10 Yahoo!
3.11 YellowMap
4 Onboard navigation software vendors
4.1 ALK
4.2 Augmentra
4.3 Destinator Technologies
4.4 Garmin
4.5 InfoPortugal
4.6 Navicore
4.7 NAVIGON
4.8 NavNGo
4.9 ROUTE 66
4.10 TomTom
5 Server-based navigation solution vendors
5.1 Appello Systems
5.2 Jentro Technologies
5.3 LocatioNet Systems
5.4 Nav4All
5.5 Networks In Motion
5.6 PTV
5.7 TeleCommunication Systems
5.8 TeleNav
5.9 Telmap
5.10 Trimble
5.11 WaveMarket
5.12 Wayfinder Systems
5.13 Webraska
6 Case studies: Mobile maps and navigation applications
6.1 Handset manufacturers
6.1.1 Nokia
6.1.2 Motorola
6.1.3 HTC
6.1.4 Research In Motion
6.2 Mobile operator navigation services
6.2.1 A1 Navi from Mobilkom Austria
6.2.2 VZ Navigator from Verizon Wireless
6.3 Mobile Web 2.0 applications
6.3.1 Google Maps for mobile
6.3.2 Yahoo! Go
7 Market forecasts and trends
7.1 Vendor market shares
7.2 Smartphone and GPS handsets sales
7.3 Onboard navigation solutions
7.4 European off-board navigation and mapping services
7.4.1 Off-board navigation subscribers
7.4.2 Off-board navigation service revenues
7.5 North American off-board navigation and mapping services
7.5.1 Off-board navigation subscribers
7.5.2 Off-board navigation service revenues
Glossary

World’s Smallest GPS RF Antenna Module with SiRFstarIII

location based services
portable navigation devices


Do you receive our FREE 3G Newsletter ? If not click here
10th September , 2007
Europe UK : Antenova announced the general availability of GPS RADIONOVA M10214-A RF Antenna Module – the world’s smallest RF antenna module incorporating a complete SiRFstarIII GPS chipset targeting mobile handset, portable navigation device (PND) and portable media player (PMP) applications.
Antenova’s GPS RADIONOVA M10214-A is a full GPS hardware implementation combining the high performance SiRFstarIII GPS architecture with Antenova’s high efficiency complementary antenna technology. “GPS RADIONOVA M10214-A RF Antenna Module is the result of significant customer demand for a small form factor module that integrates both a complete SiRFstarIII architecture based GPS receiver and Antenova’s leading GPS antenna architecture,” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova. “Antenova’s RF Antenna Modules have been designed from inception to deliver a high performing drop-in system solution that will work with a range of GPS receiver chips. This flexibility enables us to provide customers with an RF antenna module with the GPS receiver option of their choice and one that is best suited for their mobile applications. “ Antenova’s GPS RADIONOVA M10214-A RF Antenna Module is the world’s smallest single package system solution to combine SiRF’s GSC3LTf GPS receiver IC with Antenova’s high efficiency patented GPS antenna technology. The M10214-A is an optimized and integrated GPS RF antenna module consisting a high performance and low power receiver IC with Antenova’s single feed two-part complementary antenna and all the front-end components (e.g. low noise amplifier, SAW filters and TCXO), that provides a dropped-in system solution for mobile devices with no customization required. The low profile connector and optional PCB cut-out allow the small 43x9x4mm3 single package module to be vertically mounted with a low 6mm height requirement. GPS RADIONOVA M10214-A operates on a single 3.6V positive bias supply with low power consumption and available low power modes for further power savings. M10214-A is supported by SiRF’s GPS software suite and uses a UART/SPI host processor interface. McCray added, “SiRF is a recognized leader in the GPS semiconductor market. Our active engagements with leading chip partners demonstrates our commitment to providing customers the broadest range of high performing, lowest cost complete GPS RF antenna module system solutions for the GPS enabled handheld and mobile device markets.”

NAVTEQ to present at China location based services summit



Presentation to Highlight Mapping's Contribution to LBS Enhancement(Full text of a statement. Contact details below.)Chicago, Illinois (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - NAVTEQ (NYSE:NVT), a leading global provider of digital map data for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions (LBS), will present at this year's China Location Based Services Summit in Beijing on September 5-6, 2007. The presentation, "Mapping's Role and Value to Enhancing LBS," will be delivered by Marc Naddell, Vice President, Partner and Developer Programs, and focus on the future of map data content and the impact it will have on the LBS applications of tomorrow."We are currently in the midst of an LBS revolution in which an endless array of data can provide us with customized information about our surroundings based on time, location and personal preference," said Naddell. "As such, the availability of rich, high-quality map content such as NAVTEQ's is going to play a key role in shaping the future of LBS applications."Traffic, gas prices, enhanced points of interest, satellite imagery and a variety of user-generated content are just a few examples of the type of data being utilized to create new and noteworthy LBS applications. This growing movement is evident in the Asia-Pacific region, where interest in location-based services continues to surge as digital map coverage expands throughout the area. NAVTEQ's map coverage of Asia-Pacific is quickly expanding and already extends to Australia, China (through our joint venture with NAV2) including Hong Kong and Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.Also fueling the growing interest of LBS development in Asia-Pacific is the vast number of wireless developers in the region. According to a 2006 Evans Data Corporation study, nearly 40 per cent of the world's wireless developers reside in the Asia-Pacific area. The richness of developer talent was one reason NAVTEQ decided to extend this year's NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(R) to include the Asia-Pacific region. This global program challenges application developers around the world to build innovative location-based services that work with mobile phones and/or wireless handheld devices using dynamic positioning technology and NAVTEQ(R) maps. Registration for Asia-Pacific participants officially begins October 29, 2007, and an awards ceremony announcing Asia-Pacific winners will be held at CommunicAsia in June 2008 in Singapore. "'Location' is really about finding value across a variety of markets in parallel with a movement towards wider wireless enablement," said Naddell. "The Asia-Pacific region's increased enthusiasm for location-based development reflects the trulyglobal nature of the LBS movement, and NAVTEQ is pleased to contribute to its expansion."For more information about the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge,visit: http://www.LBSChallenge.comAbout NAVTEQNAVTEQ 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 over 3,000 employees located in 168 offices in 30 countries. NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. (C) 2007 NAVTEQ. All rights reserved. This document may include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates,""intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. The statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in each of the Company's most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors. NAVTEQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document.CONTACT: Jennifer Schuh of NAVTEQ,+1-312-894-3913,jennifer.schuh@navteq.com; orBob Richter,+1-212-802-8588,bob@richtermedia.com,for NAVTEQPhoto: NewsCom:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060313/NAVTEQLOGOAP Archive:http://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk:photodesk@prnewswire.comWeb site: http://www.navteq.comhttp://www.LBSChallenge.comSOURCE: NAVTEQ

Berg Insight Says Handset Navigation Users Will Reach 43 million in 2012

location based services


Gothenburg, Sweden 7 September 2007: According to a new research report by Berg Insight the number of mobile subscribers accessing maps and downloading routes using their mobile handsets in Europe and the USA is expected to grow from 4 million users in 2007 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 60.8 percent to reach 43 million users in 2012. Revenue from subscriptions and advertisement is expected to reach €512 million by 2012 from €96 million in 2007, a CAGR of 39.8 percent.The growing adoption will be driven mainly by the introduction of GPS-technology in smartphone handsets and bundling of navigation and map content with mobile devices as well as service plans.This year the successful launch of the GPS-enabled Nokia N95 has opened up the market for handset based navigation in Europe. The US market has evolved further with GPS already being a standard feature in all CDMA-handsets. Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless have attracted millions of subscribers to navigation services, a feat which European network operators now hope to repeat. Meanwhile, Nokia is putting its full weight behind a handset-centric map and navigation platform, whereas Google and Yahoo! are extending their existing local search and map propositions with Mobile Web 2.0 applications.André Malm, telecom analyst, Berg Insight says, “Record shipments of PND devices in Europe and the US have introduced the benefits of GPS for motorists. Now the major players in the mobile industry are in hot pursuit of delivering the same experience for pedestrians, commuters and travellers on the handset display.”Berg Insight expects that ad-funded services will account for an increasing share of the mobile navigation market. Navigation fits perfectly with local search applications that offer completely new opportunities for advertisers to target consumers in novel ways. Mr Malm urged the mobile industry players to embrace the ad-funded service model in order to stay competitive on the emerging market. “Maps are already available free of charge from a host of sources on the Internet. Soon navigation will reach that stage too pulling away the very foundation for premium rate mobile propositions,” said Mr Malm.About Berg InsightBerg Insight offers premier business intelligence to the telecom industry. We produce concise reports providing key facts and strategic insights about pivotal developments in our focus areas. Our vision is to be the most valuable source of intelligence for our customers.

RouteBuddy 1.4 Released

location based services


RouteBuddy Ltd are pleased to announce the release of RouteBuddy 1.4, a major update to their powerful GPS mapping program for Mac OS X.RouteBuddy provides native Mac OS X support for Garmin and NMEA GPS devices, and allows users to manage and display their GPS data using high-precision vector-based road maps.This release adds support for Garmin nüvi and z?mo devices, as well as beta support for several TomTom devices (including the popular "Go" and "Rider" models).Data can now be imported or exported in a wide range of formats, including CSV or KML for use with Microsoft Excel or Google Earth.Several crashing bugs have also been addressed, and an improved welcome screen has been added for first-time users. RouteBuddy 1.4 is available immediately, and a free demo can be downloaded from:http://www.routebuddy.com/download/The RouteBuddy Application costs US$99.50, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. Maps are available for a number of different countries, priced from US$39.50.About RouteBuddy LtdFounded in 2005, RouteBuddy Ltd have pioneered development of native GPS mapping software for Mac OS X.By bringing high-precision vector map data to Apple's unique platform, RouteBuddy aim to take full advantage of native Mac OS X technologies such as Quartz graphics and multi-processing to develop powerful new GPS and Mapping solutions for Mac users.

NAVTEQ Traffic RDS(TM) Announced as a Standard Lifetime Service in all '08 Mercedes-Benz S&L-Class


location based services


Printer Friendly
>CHICAGO,IL -- NAVTEQ Corporation , a leading global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based solutions, has announced with Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) that NAVTEQ Traffic RDS (Radio Data System) is now available as a standard, lifetime traffic service in all 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class automobiles. This marks the first lifetime traffic service offering by an automotive manufacturer delivered via NAVTEQ Traffic RDS, and included as a standard feature with navigation. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class are now available for sale at U.S. dealers.NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) provides automotive manufacturers, in-vehicle service providers, Web and wireless application developers with real-time flow, incident and construction data for 79 U.S. and Canadian DMAs (Designated Market Areas). NAVTEQ Traffic RDS service is currently available in 50 North American DMAs, including Toronto, Canada. The service gives drivers notice of scheduled roadwork and real-time incidents, along with local weather-related issues. In addition, up-to-the-minute traffic flow, including average speed, delays, and drive time information for the nation's busiest roadways, gives drivers an edge in planning their initial route and rerouting in advance of unexpected congestion."Mercedes-Benz is pleased to offer NAVTEQ Traffic RDS as a standard navigation feature on the 2008 S-Class and CL-Class," said Bernhard Glaser, general manager, Product Management for MBUSA. "NAVTEQ's accurate, timely, and personally relevant traffic information will give our customers a distinct navigation advantage and a greater sense of control in selecting the most efficient routes based on traffic conditions.""Mercedes-Benz's selection of our Traffic RDS service marks another milestone for NAVTEQ Traffic, which leads the market in real-time traffic information delivery to in-vehicle navigation systems via satellite and RDS communication technologies," says Howard Hayes, NAVTEQ Vice President of Dynamic Content Services. "NAVTEQ has a long-standing business relationship with Mercedes-Benz, and we are proud to extend our services to include this valuable offering to their customers."NAVTEQ Traffic is the leading supplier of traffic information to in-vehicle navigation systems in North America, available in nineteen (19) vehicle models.About Mercedes-Benz USAMercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2006, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 248,080 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 13 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com.About NAVTEQNAVTEQ 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 over 3,000 employees located in 168 offices in 30 countries. NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. (C) 2007 NAVTEQ. All rights reserved.
Search WirelessDevNet for Related Items Search Google for Related Stories

Google Earth Flight Simulator Tips

location based services

The big news over the weekend was the easter egg Google planted in the Google Earth 4.2 beta: a flight simulator mode (more details here). Here are a few flight simulator tips to make your flying better:

• Getting started - If you haven't tried the hidden flight simulator mode, you need to hit one of several key sequences. If you are on Windows (and not from the UK), just hit CTRL-ALT-A and you should get the window giving you a choice of either an F-16 or a Cirrus SR-22 aircraft. On the Mac, the sequence is Command+Option+A. If you are in the UK, or you are just impatient and immediately want to jump into the jet, then simply hit CTRL-A (there appears to be a bug if you have language setting set to "English (UK)"). Once you have started the flight simulator mode, you will permanently have a menu choice under the Tools menu called Enter Flight Simulator.... Hit the Exit Flight Simuator button, or the ESC key on the keyboard, to leave the simulator mode.

  If you've entered the flight simulator mode normally, you will see this requester window:

  

  [UPDATE] Here's a video showing what you can do with the tips found below the video.

  NOTE: The first video clip is flying the SR22 - a slower plane. You won't be able to take off with the F-16 until you are going much faster (about 300).

  Keep reading for more tips:

  • Tips for beginners - You should first read the Help on the startup window, or simply go to this web page to learn the controls for flying.

    1. Start up the flight simulator as described above. I recommend you choose the SR-22 plane to start (it is a much slower plane than the F-16, and will help you learn the controls). Choose any airport, or just the default "Katmandu". If you don't have a joystick, you can't select one. Next hit Start flight.
    2. You will see the HUD (Head Up Display) in green (click here for a guide to the HUD indicators). Make your window dimension roughly proportional to your monitor (otherwise you may not see all of the HUD display elements).
    3. To get started, hold down the Page Up key briefly (this will add power to your plane). The throttle indicator is on the lower left (triangle should be at the top for full throttle).
    4. To control your direction on the ground, use the comma and period keys on your keyboard to apply left and right brakes. Just touch them briefly to change direction left and right.
    5. Important tip - mouse control - it's best to use the mouse to control the plane (unless you have a joy stick). I wouldn't bother with trying to fly with the keyboard. Simply click the mouse once in the center of the view and you should see your cursor change to a "+" sign. Don't move your cursor outside the window or you will lose control! The mouse will only control your plane in the air, and if the cursor is inside the Google Earth window.
    6. Taking off - Once your plane is going faster down the runway, try moving the mouse back slightly from center. If you're going fast enough you should take off. Remember: just make small motions with the mouse close to the center of the screen. Once you have the wings level, put the mouse in the center. A lot of first time fliers have a tendency to over correct.
    7. To make a turn - move the mouse slightly to the right or left and when your plane is tilted, pull back slightly. When you've made the turn you want, push the mouse back to the center then the other direction to tilt the plane back to level.
    8. Pausing - If you want to stop for a moment, simply hit the space key on the keyboard and it will pause the simulator. Hit space again to resume.
    9. Start higher - Position your view in Google Earth in the normal mode so you are at least 30,000 feet above ground. Tilt your view so you are looking at the horizon. Then restart the flight simulator mode (use Tools->Enter Flight Simulator..., or the keyboard shortcut CTRL-ALT-A) so you can choose what plane to use, and other options. Choose Select your start position->Current view in the window, and then choose Start flight. You should add power by hitting the Page Up key after starting it up. Now you can practice flying a while before you hit the ground!
    10. Landing - it is possible to land the plane. But, I'll leave that for advanced tutorials.

  Get out there and try flying around! You'll be amazed to find out how smooth Google Earth can be for exploring the world. I recommend you try areas like the Swiss Alps, the Rocky Mountains of the US, or the New Zealand mountains for some really nice terrain. All of these areas have high resolution terrain available in Google Earth. Don't forget you can also buy a SpaceNavigator 3D mouse for even better viewing control in Google Earth. The skies are always clear in Google Earth - have fun!

  Posted by FrankTaylor at September 3, 2007 09:15 AM

• Google Earth Blog © 2005, 2006, 2007 Copyright by Frank Taylor. All Rights Reserved.
• All image screenshots from Google Earth are Copyright by Google



---

Microsoft And Siemens To Partner On Vehicle Systems

location based services
portable navigation devices

Microsoft and Siemens VDO Automotive will work jointly to develop in-vehicle information, communications, navigational, and entertainment systems.

By Paul McDougall
InformationWeek
September 7, 2007 10:40 AM

Microsoft and German engineering giant Siemens are teaming up to build computer systems for cars and trucks.

Under an agreement disclosed Friday, Microsoft and Siemens VDO Automotive will work jointly to develop in-vehicle information, communications, navigational, and entertainment systems.

The companies intend to develop the applications on a base of Microsoft's Windows Automotive and Microsoft Auto software platforms, with the first products expected to roll out in 2009. Among other things, Microsoft and Siemens plan to build interfaces that will allow consumers to connect their portable entertainment devices to automobile video and audio systems.

A number of automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Volvo are already using Microsoft software to power in-vehicle systems. Microsoft also recently teamed up with Ford to develop Ford Sync, an in-car, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that will debut this fall. Ford Sync will allow drivers to access their mobile phones through voice commands and plug MP3 players into their car stereo.

Systems developed through Microsoft's collaboration with Siemens will be marketed by Siemens VDO, which counts most of the world's major auto manufacturers among its customers.

The deal represents a key victory for Microsoft in the embedded systems market, which has become increasingly penetrated by Linux developers. Siemens executives say the company decided to partner with Microsoft because of the software maker's experience in the consumer entertainment market.

"We will make both current and future multimedia and infotainment solutions, some of which are still under development, available to current generation vehicles," said Siemens board member Helmut Matschi, in a statement.

Where do you want to fly today?

Where do you want to fly today?

location based services

Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 11:08 AM

Posted by Gerhard Wesp, Software Engineer, Google Earth

Word is out that the new version of Google Earth includes a hidden Flight Simulator. Good sleuthing!

You might be wondering why we hid it in the first place. Well, we know that discovery is what Google Earth is all about, and you've proven yourselves quite adept at finding the unexpected. We knew it would only be a matter of time before you happened upon this new, enjoyable way to appreciate the spectacular scenery in Google Earth.

Check out the Swiss Alps from this vantage point:



And the Grand Canyon:



If you haven't tried it yet, we encourage you to give it a go. The two plane models featured in the simulator are intended to be easy to fly, even for non-pilots. There are no complicated engine-start or takeoff procedures — simply add power and off you go.

Frank Taylor, author of the Google Earth Blog, has compiled some flying tips, which you can use to get started. I'd say the most important thing to know is that flying is much easier with mouse controls (or a joystick if you have one) instead of the keyboard.

Another tip: If you don't yet have the "Enter Flight Simulator" item in your tools menu, you can activate the simulator by entering "Lilienthal" in the "Fly To" box. It just so happens that this magic little word works in the same way that the key combination Ctrl+Alt+A does.

Once you've found a nice vantage point, just use the space bar to pause the simulator and enjoy the view for a moment. Then, you can calmly look around using the control and cursor keys.

Safe travels!

KML 2.2

KML 2.2

lo0cation based services

Friday, September 7, 2007 at 5:02 PM

Posted by Mano Marks, Google Geo API Team

On May 31, at Developer Day, Google previewed early beta documentation for KML 2.2, the latest update to our geographic data presentation language. That preview introduced a number of important features to KML, including:

• PhotoOverlay
• Camera
• Atom attribution elements
• Limiting session length in NetworkLinks
• Linking between features

When Google Earth 4.2 was released on August 22, KML 2.2 Beta was officially released, with some additions to what was previewed in May. Here's what's new:

• ExtendedData, which allows sophisticated balloon templating and gives you the ability to embed your own custom-typed data in KML files. For more information, see the Adding Custom Data page.
  
• Linking between features. There was a syntax change for this feature. For more information, see the KML 2.2 Reference.
• Sky Data. For more information, see the Sky Data in KML page.

Very soon now, KML 2.2 will be exiting beta. I've started a discussion in the KML Developer Support group, so please give us your feedback on the new features of KML 2.2 as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Berg Insight Sees Future of Mobile Maps

location based services
portable navigation devices

Posted by John Kullman

Berg Insight, a company that provides analytical services and business intelligence to the telecom industry, predicts growth in mobile navigation services. These services are to be driven by GPS-technology in smartphone handsets and the bundling of navigation and map content with mobile devices and service plans. Revenue from subscriptions and advertisement is expected to grow at nearly 40% over the next ten years.

The number of mobile subscribers accessing maps and downloading routs using their mobile handsets in Europe and the U.S.A. is around 4 million. Over the next ten years the number of map subscribers is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 61% to reach 43 million users in 2012.

Big names in the mobile industry are gearing up for mobile phone navigation. Nokia launched its GPS-enabled N95 for the European market this year. The U.S. has evolved further with GPS being a standard in all CDMA-handsets. Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless have attracted millions of subscribers to navigation services. Google and Yahoo! are extending their existing search and map propositions with Mobile Web 2.0 applications.

Andre Malm, telecom analyst, Berg Insight says, “Record shipments of PND devices in Europe and the US have introduced the benefits of GPS for motorists. Now the major players in the mobile industry are in hot pursuit of delivering the same experience for pedestrians, commuters and travelers on the handset display.”

Berg Insight predicts that ad-funded services will account for an increasing share of the mobile navigation market. Local search applications can open the door to new ways for businesses to target consumers. MobileCrunch reported last month that more Americans are taking their mobile devices along on vacation to access map technology. See: Unexpected Surge in Google Mobile this Summer. Advertisements for restaurants or other attractions could be sent to users who access a local map area.

Having access to GPS service or other map applications is appealing. If you ever get lost or need the quickest rout somewhere while on foot, you can find your way with the press of a few keys.

Berg Insight

Windows CE powers Porsche-designed GPS

location based services
portable navigation devices


Sep. 04, 2007

Think your sports car would be let down by a mass-market GPS system? Then Navigon has announced the unit for you, styled by Porsche Design. The "extremely slim" P9611 features a 4.3-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and reportedly runs Windows CE.

Navigon is showing the unit at the Internationale Funkaustellung in Berlin, though the Porsche Design Web site still offers up only a picture. Specifications of the unit, according to various bloggers, include:

• 4.3-inch display with 480 x 272 pixel resolution
  
• 520 MHz XScale processor
  
• 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of RAM
  
• SD/MMC slot
  
• Text-to-speech technology
  
• A receiver for real-time traffic information
  
• Bluetooth hands-free kit

With the exception of a faster processor, these specifications match those of Navigon's previous top model, the Windows CE-powered 7100. That unit includes all the above, and is based on the SiRFstarIII GPS chipset.

Navigon's Porsche Design-styled P9611
Navigon says its GPS systems include automatic speed warnings, photorealistic junction views, and more than 5 million stored points of interest (POI). These are said to include Zagat-rated hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. If the bloggers are believed, the P9611 even adds the location of every Porsche dealer!

Availability of the P9611 is set for "fall 2007," and if rumors are true, there's a price to be paid for style: more than $900.

---

NY taxi strike over 'spy in cab'

location based services
portable navigtion devices

A cab driver heckles taxis arriving at Pennsylvania StationNew Yorkers are facing the second day of a 48-hour strike by taxi drivers protesting over the introduction of new technology in their cabs.
Authorities want new credit card systems and satellite tracking, which they say will help with lost luggage.
Some drivers say the devices could be used to track their movements.
Organisers said the first day was a "resounding success" but Mayor Michael Bloomberg said 75% of the fleet cabs were working.
The strike comes during New York Fashion Week and the US Open tennis championship.
Flat rates
The city has about 44,000 licensed drivers and 13,000 registered yellow cabs.
At inspections from 1 October, the cabs are required to have GPS satellite tracking systems and video screens to allow passengers to see their location, plus credit card payment facilities.

They're charging a flat rate of $10 to anywhere in Manhattan, but if you find a cab, you're happy to pay it
Mark Yaffe, businessman
The City Taxi & Limousine Commission said the credit card system could create bigger fares and the GPS would help with lost luggage.
Strike organisers, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, fear the GPS will spy on drivers, whom it says will also have to pay credit card transaction fees.
The alliance's leader, Bhairavi Desai, told AFP news agency: "Taxi drivers sometimes use the cars in their private time. Why should they tell the [commission] where they are going on a Sunday with their family? This is an invasion of privacy."
Takings 'up'
The impact of the strike on Wednesday was disputed.
Mr Desai said only 10% of the 13,000 registered cabs were working.
But city officials put the number of taxis working at 75-80%.
Mayor Bloomberg said: "The city has not come to a stop and people are getting where they need to go."
The city allowed drivers who were working to offer group rides to separate passengers and let them pay flat rates rather than metered fares.
British businessman Mark Yaffe, who arrived in New York on Wednesday, told the BBC News website: "People are spending a lot longer trying to hail what few cabs there are.
"If one stops for you, it's likely to already have two or three people in it. They're charging a flat rate of $10 (£4.95) to anywhere in Manhattan, but if you find a cab, you're happy to pay it."
Some reports said there were more cabs about on Thursday.
Michael Woloz, of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, which represents 3,200 taxis, told the New York Post: "The drivers were hearing how much everyone was making out there and decided to go to work."
The paper said some drivers had quadrupled their takings.
Driver Taj Dass told the Post: "I did not work yesterday, but how can I afford to stay out a second day?"

ThinkGeo Announces Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0

location based services
portable navigation device


inter Friendly
ThinkGeo LLC is pleased to announce the release of Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0, a GIS mapping control for the .NET Compact Framework that enables .NET developers to build full-featured mapping presentations for portable devices. Built on the latest .NET Compact Framework 2.0, Map Suite Pocket PC enables non-GIS developers to author mapping applications for portable computing devices such as Pocket PCs and PDAs. Some of the features included with Map Suite Pocket PC Edition 2.0 are the following: shapefile (.shp) data support, MrSID raster imagery support, spatial and distance querying, custom rendering, direct map drawing, comprehensive library of geographic and decimal degree functions, and a large set of sample applications in the C# and VB.NET languages. When asked about Map Suite Pocket PC, Map Suite lead developer Val Guillou had this to say: “Map Suite Pocket PC includes many enhancements over our BETA version and rewards its users with professional, high-quality mapping presentations for their GIS applications. Some of the enhancements featured in Map Suite Pocket PC 2.0 Edition are increased performance, easier installation, and improved sample applications. We are really excited to offer this powerful mapping toolset to the .NET community.” ThinkGeo LLC is an industry leader in mapping and asset tracking technologies and services. ThinkGeo LLC offers a wide variety of high-quality products for GPS tracking and for software developers who are authoring mapping and geospatial applications. To learn more about Map Suite Pocket PC 2.0, its free evaluation download, and the Map Suite line of .NET mapping controls, please visit our website at www.thinkgeo.com or contact one of our sales representatives at sales@thinkgeo.com or (866)847-7510.

Nokia 6110 Navigator Essentials

location based services

portable navigation devices

Introduction
The Nokia 6110 Navigator offers instant and easy-to-use maps, routing and voice guided navigation available with the click of the phone's one-touch Navigator key. You can quickly and easily view their current location on the map, search for destinations, find specific routes, or locate services such as restaurants, hotels or shops that are nearby.
Featuring full turn-by-turn 3D navigation, the Nokia 6110 Navigator suggests the best route to follow to reach a location by car or on foot. The Nokia 6110 Navigator also features AGPS (Assisted Global Positioning System) to ensure greater performance and faster positioning.
The Nokia 6110 Navigator comes with a local map pre-installed on the memory card ready for immediate navigation. Additional maps and content - such as traffic information, weather services and travel guides - can be purchased online and transferred to the phone. The maps also show thousands of points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, shops or other services nearby the location.
Key Features
The Nokia 6110 Navigator has a built-in voice-guided 3D GPS navigation system and local maps pre-installed on the memory card
Use turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation directly from your Nokia 6110 Navigator
Access maps and location information quickly and easily with the dedicated Navigator key
Download maps quickly and surf the web via high-speed 3.5G
View maps, navigation guidance, and location information on the 2.2" QVGA TFT color screen
Take snapshots of places you've been using the 2-megapixel camera with panoramic mode
3G HSDPA up to 3.6 Mbps for fast web browsing and downloading
Built-in Navigation
Just start navigating! The Nokia 6110 Navigator is a ready-to-use navigation solution complete with built-in voice-guided 3D GPS navigation, the Nokia Navigator application, and local maps pre-installed on the included memory card
Find your way with voice-guided navigation and turn arrows showing you the way on the map display
Use the Nokia Navigator application to view digital maps with POIs (points of interest) stored on the included microSD card
Search the provided maps for interesting places and€“ then call, browse, or message locations straight from the Nokia Navigator application
Get faster, more accurate position data with AGPS (assisted GPS). Supports OMA SUPL and 3GPP assistance standards
Access location information, maps, and routes quickly with the Navigator key
Understand where you are going with the integrated stereo speakers optimized for voice navigation guidance
Use Nokia Map Manager (included with Nokia PC Suite) to manage and transfer maps to and from your PC
Enhance your navigation experience with an extensive range of optional location-based services and content available for purchase, such as: traffic, weather, travel guides, and map updates at the city, regional, and country level*
Transfer more maps from the sales pack DVD. Just purchase a usage license key online using your phone and you can access even more maps and location-based information on your Nokia 6110 Navigator
Display
Large, bright 2.2" QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) colour display with an active area of 33.48 x 44.64 mm and support for up to 16 million colours
Light sensor for optimising display and keypad brightness and power consumption
User Interface
S60 software on Symbian OS
Dedicated keys for quick and easy access to your favorite features: Navigator key, camera key, and Symbian application launcher key
Customisable My Own key gives you quick access to your favorite device feature. At purchase, the My Own key is configured to access Message Reader
Camera
2-megapixel camera (image resolution 1600 x 1200) with 4x digital zoom, integrated camera flash, horizontal camera mode, panoramic mode, and lens-protecting sliding cover
Secondary CIF+ (common intermediate format) camera for video calls
Image and video editor
Adobe Photoshop Album 3.0 for more advanced photo editing
Nokia 6110 3G Navigator Guides Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
The Nokia 6110 Navigator has proven its capabilities in one of the toughest environments possible -- with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman as they took the 'Long Way Down' from Scotland to the southern most tip of Africa on motorcycle. The journey lasted three months and saw the pair ride 24 000km and cross two continents. With the Nokia 6110 Navigator routing the path, best friends Ewan and Charley defied the elements atop customized BMW motorcycles, crossing the finishing line today in Cape Town. Read more
Availability

Discover popular user-created Google Maps

location based services

portable navigation devices

Google launched My Maps on April 5th/07 and since that time Google Maps users have been busy building and sharing Google Maps mashups with this easy-to-use service (found within the My Maps tab on Google Maps). Google is now making it easy for you to discover these user-created maps which are relevant to where you are exploring on Google Maps. The Browse Popular Maps mapplet is available for you to add to your own My Maps tab in Google Maps. Once added you will be given a list of maps that will appear in the left margin as you move the map around to different places all around the world. Zoom into London to discover maps like the Low-budget guide to London or London 4 Kids. Zoom to San Francisco and an interesting movie map showing real locations of the famous car chase from the movie "Bullitt" are revealed. Maps that you find via this method can also be added to your own collection of My Maps or embedded into your blog or website to share with others! I've also been having fun using this mapplet to view maps for the place I live now and where I grew up. It's amazing just how many folks out there have been making maps! :)[Via Doug Ricket @ The Google LatLong Blog]

NYC cabbies strike over technology push


location based services
personal navigation devices

Posted 2 hours 17 minutes ago

New York City officials want to keep track of the 13,000 taxi cabs by making them all install global positioning devices. (File photo) (AFP: Tannen Maury)
Cab drivers in New York City have announced a two-day strike to protest against being forced to install new equipment.
City officials want to keep track of the 13,000 taxi cabs by making them all install global positioning devices.
They also want all cabs to have credit card facilities.
The technology costs nearly $1,500 a year per cab, and drivers say it is too expensive.

WaveMarket Launches Location Based Services With Aliant

portable navigation device

Fourth International Deployment Increases WaveMarket's Family Locator Market Share
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- WaveMarket (www.wavemarket.com), a leader in mobile location-based search and services, today announced that the company's Family Finder and Asset Tracker has officially launched with Aliant, Atlantic Canada's leading information and communications technology provider. WaveMarket's Family Finder technology, branded Seek & Find, offers parents the peace of mind to locate their children from any Internet connection. The WaveMarket Asset Tracker, branded GoTrax(tm) on the Aliant network, enables employers to manage their fleet more efficiently and identify the location of employees.
"WaveMarket is pleased to partner with Aliant to offer its customers our Family Finder and Asset Tracker services," said Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO of WaveMarket. "Aliant is a leader in wireless and Internet technologies. WaveMarket is excited to partner with them in providing innovative family location and asset tracking technologies for the first time in Atlantic Canada."
The Seek & Find service marks WaveMarket's fourth commercial deployment of its industry-leading family location solution, having previously launched with Bell Mobility, Sprint Nextel, and Vivo, Latin America's largest mobile carrier. Using the WaveMarket service, Aliant customers are able to locate their children on-demand and set up regular location checks, so parents may be notified that a child has arrived to school safely or is home by curfew.
WaveMarket's Asset Tracker, which powers GoTrax(tm), gives employers the ability to locate their employees. The tool makes dispatching employees to appropriate customer locations more efficient, saving both time and money. Additionally, employers can set up 'zones' on a map so that they will receive notifications whenever an asset enters or leaves the zone.
"Demand for our Family Location service continues to grow globally at a rapid pace. Parents are becoming more aware and excited about the value of GPS technology which is already integrated into a huge number of mobile handsets," said Roumeliotis. "We believe that this market has enormous potential and are thrilled to continue to work with carrier partners, like Aliant, to deliver this valuable service to their customers."
About WaveMarket
WaveMarket Inc., headquartered in Emeryville, Calif., is a world leader in mobile location-based search and services, offering a software product suite that includes both white-label solutions and mobile platform components. White-label solutions include WaveMarket's industry-leading family finder, search, and asset tracker services, with more than a half-dozen commercial deployments in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. WaveMarket's mobile platform components include turn-by-turn navigation, mobile social networking and dynamic tiled mapping, all designed to be commercially deployed with partner brands such as the WaveMarket-designed and engineered Ask Mobile GPS. Marketing to brands and mobile carriers in the United States, Europe and Asia, WaveMarket's customers include top tier North American carriers Sprint Nextel, Cingular, Bell Mobility of Canada, and SK Telecom, South Korea's leading wireless carrier. Founded in 2000, the company is financed by a group that includes Draper Fisher Jurvetson, QUALCOMM Ventures, BlueRun Ventures (formerly Nokia Venture Partners), Intel Capital, and Mitsui Ventures. For more information, please visit http://www.wavemarket.com.
The WaveMarket logo is available at

Who Will Create the "Conference in a Pocket" Phone?

location based services

portable navigation device

The rumored Google Phone will have to carve out a niche beyond "smart phone" or "feature phone" to get any serious traction. Perhaps it can create a new dual-mode position, since nobody really has that one nailed down yet. It might be a stretch to create a position based on "location based services," since it is doubtful most people will understand that.But some new developments elsewhere suggest it might ultimately be possible for somebody to capture a new "conference in my pocket" position. Webex now has created an iPhone compatible PCNow capability, opening a bit of a wedge for conferencing. And iotum says it will develop a conference app running on BlackBerry and Facebook.The point is not simply the size of the niche, but the ability to create a buyer reason to use one service or terminal instead of others. There are lots of devices that handle email. But BlackBerry created and "owns" the "email in your pocket" mental niche. That doesn't mean only the BlackBerry can do this, but that the mental position creates a compelling reason to buy and use a BlackBerry even though other smart phones can do so. The iPhone's position still is developing, though the initial positioning is as a fashionista device.The point is that the creation of a compelling mental positioning allows a device or service to stand out in a crowd of alternatives that arguably can provide the same basic functionality. A "conference in your pocket" device can provide the same sorts of marketing value.
Posted

Rumor: Google Phone Will Be Linux-Powered, GPS-Loaded and Cheap


location based services
portable navigation device

By Michael Calore August 27, 2007 5:24:47 PMCategories: Google, Linux, Mobile, maps
If the murmurs are true, the GPhone cometh in September.
Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins has uncovered some details about the long-rumored (and apparently all but confirmed) Google Phone.
According to Rizzn's source at Google, the device runs a modified version of the Linux kernel and has GPS built in. The positioning system will be used to power a Google Maps application, and the phone will also have tight integration with other Google apps like Gmail, Calendar and Docs. The source for Rizzn's post notes that the company will announce the device in two weeks, and that a North American version will be available soon, possibly by the end of the year.
Rizzn also notes that Google's mobile device "is less about beating the iPhone and more about beating the $100 Laptop" made by the OLPC project. He speculates that Google will sell the phones for cheap and then reap ad revenue from targeted, text-based ads served to the phone. This isn't entirely new information, but it's interesting to hear the comparison with the OLPC -- at the least, we'll see an inexpensive, accessible device that uses open-source software.
Whether any of this is true is open to debate. The search and services behemoth has certainly made its intentions to go after the 700MHz wireless spectrum clear, and has even pushed the FCC to adopt some new regulations which ease the use and adoption of device-and-carrier-agnostic open standards and services. This would not only benefit Google, but also any other manufacturer building gear for the spectrum.
Rizzn will be outlining his chat with the Google mystery man on his podcast Monday night. Meanwhile, what's your take? Fact or sweet, sweet fiction?
Reddit It Digg This Add to del.icio.us

Compact GPS runs Windows CE

portable navigation device
location based services

Aug. 28, 2007

Horizon Melody Ltd. has introduced a compact automotive GPS system with a 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Windows CE 4.2-based GPS-3505 comes with a car bracket and power adapter, and includes both a built-in speaker and stereo output, the company says.

(Click here for larger a image of the GPS-3505)

The GPS-3505 is powered by a Samsung 2440 SoC (system-on-chip) with an ARM9v4 processor, and is equipped with 64 MB internal RAM and flash memory. It sports a 320 x 240 pixel display that can be used both for navigation and for playing still photos in JPG and BMP file formats. The company cites support for JPG resolution up to 1280 by 960 pixels, presumably achieved by panning around the image.

The device's GPS capabilities are derived from the very popular SiRFstarIII architecture, claimed capable of tracking more than 20 satellites and acquiring signals down to -159 dBm. According to SiRF, this makes real-time navigation practical in challenging environments such as "urban canyons" and dense foliage.

Horizon Melody says it has paired this chipset with a highly sensitive antenna. Also included are maps that cover either all European countries (such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain,Portugal, Italy, Netherlands,Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Finland, and Denmark), single countries such as Australia or Russia, or combination packs that include North America and Mexico.

Key features and specifications, as listed by Horizon Melody, include:

• Processor -- Samsung 2440 (ARM9v4-based)
  
• Memory -- 64 MB DRAM; 64 MB flash
  
• Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen, 320 x 240 pixel resolution
  
• Wireless -- SiRF StarIII GPS chipset
  
• Audio -- supports WMA9, MP3, and WAV formats
  
• Video -- supports WMV, ASF, and MP4 at sizes up to 320 x 240
  
• I/O ports:
  • USB host (version not stated)
    
  • 3.5 mm jack for audio output
• Expansion -- SD/MMC, supports up to 2 GB
  

The GPS-3505 appears to be available now, though pricing was not stated.