Press release: EB Demonstrates Next-Generation Reference Design Innovation at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008
EB Highlights Enhanced Voice/Data Capabilities on its Satellite-Terrestrial Smartphone Reference Design
CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2008
At CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, EB (OMX: EBC1V) a developer of cutting-edge embedded technology solutions for automotive and wireless markets, announced today it will demonstrate critical applications – including Web browsing and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling – on the industry’s first-ever dual-mode satellite-terrestrial HSPA smartphone reference design. This event held September 10-12, 2008, in San Francisco, offers EB the opportunity to highlight the next-generation reference design innovation required to bring wireless solutions to market that enrich end-users’ mobile experiences.
This innovative all IP-enabled satellite-terrestrial reference design platform, similar in size to today’s PDA, will allow users to seamlessly and securely stay connected to both satellite and terrestrial networks. By demonstrating voice/data applications on its reference platform, EB is ensuring that original equipment manufacturers/original device manufacturers (OEMs/ODMs) can more rapidly and cost-effectively provide next-generation wireless technologies that deliver today’s most critical and exciting end-user features.
In Meeting Room 330, EB will highlight key attributes to the reference design including:
The world’s first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities;
The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with no external antenna; making for an ultra sleek, modernized form factor design;
The only fully IP-based satellite phone using high-speed packet data;
The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone with a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard;
The first satellite-terrestrial smartphone based on Windows Mobile operating system, with planned service offerings, including: SMS, MMS, IM, Email, Push to Talk and Location Based Services (LBS).
“Earlier this year, we unveiled our initial prototype of the satellite-terrestrial reference design platform – from a design aspect, and now we are demonstrating the critical voice/data capabilities that will transform the design into a ’working’ success,” said Jani Lyrintzis, director, EB Wireless Solutions. “We continue to deliver on our promise to bring innovative devices to market that capitalize on our industry expertise, both as a pioneer in the field – having contributed nearly 100 commercially successful mobile device portfolios during the past 20 years and as a provider of wireless solutions that best respond to end-user demands to enhance the mobile experience.”
Features of the EB reference designs will include:
Windows Mobile Professional operating system
End-user memory: 100 MB
Compact form factor: 4.7 inch x 2.5 inch x 0.8/0.6 inch / 118.8 mm x 64.8 mm x 19.25/16.25 mm
Lightweight
Integrated Bluetooth, WiFi, USB and GPS connectivity
Mass handset customization possibilities for various vertical industries
Announced in April 2008, the EB satellite-terrestrial reference design platform will be made available to TerreStar Corporation, and enables device manufacturers the opportunity to utilize existing reference design form factors – or – work directly with EB to customize mobile devices based on target market requirements. Initial commercial availability of the reference design is planned for 1H 2009.
For more information about EB’s innovative satellite-terrestrial reference design platform, please visit EB at the show, or visit EB online at: www.elektrobit.com
EB, Elektrobit Corporation
EB creates advanced technology and turns it into enriching end-user experiences. EB is specialized in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for wireless and automotive industries. The net sales for the year 2007 totalled MEUR 144.3. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Helsinki. www.elektrobit.com _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:45 pm Post subject: Traffic-Enabled Navigation Systems on the Rise
Press release: Traffic-Enabled Navigation Systems on the Rise 9th September 08
Once limited to luxury models, traffic-enabled systems becoming the norm.
Chicago,IL-- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, announced that with the new model year introductions, nearly 70 North American vehicle models now offer NAVTEQ Traffic(TM), almost doubling the number available just a year ago*. Today, 20 percent of all North American car models offer NAVTEQ Traffic, up from 10 percent last year.
When real-time traffic began to emerge in 2005, only two vehicle models offered NAVTEQ Traffic. Since then, the demand for such systems has skyrocketed, and is reflective of an industry-wide adoption of in-vehicle, real-time traffic information. Today, 24 percent of all vehicle models in North America offer real-time traffic systems. The increase in North American vehicle models offering NAVTEQ Traffic has increased 3,200 percent from 2005 to this year.
NAVTEQ Traffic is a unique data gathering, aggregation and quality-tested solution that links up-to-the minute traffic information to map data and enables wireless transmission directly to a vehicle's on-board navigation system. NAVTEQ Traffic delivers detailed information about road construction, the speed that traffic is moving and incidents such as accidents allowing navigation devices and drivers to make smart routing and re-routing decisions.
The rapid growth of traffic-enabled navigation systems is the result of two industry trends: consumers demanding real-time traffic information; and automobile manufacturers making traffic-enabled navigation systems available on an increasing number of vehicle models. What began as a luxury feature for only the most expensive cars is now available in a wider range of autos
-- from more expensive models to mini-vans, trucks and more moderately-priced vehicles.
As automobile navigation systems have become more popular, consumers have been asking for systems to include real-time traffic information. According to a NAVTEQ study conducted in November 2007, 92% of in vehicle navigation system users say they are very interested in real-time traffic for their navigation device.
The introduction of personalized, real-time traffic was a breakthrough for the North American vehicle industry in 2004, which until then had relied on broadcast traffic services, such as radio, that provided regular but not personal updates. NAVTEQ Traffic was the first to deliver real-time personalized traffic linked to the map in a navigation system.
The growth is not limited to vehicles, as the popularity of real-time traffic information for users of personal navigation devices, or PNDs, is increasing as well. In fact, NAVTEQ Traffic has become the leader in real-time traffic delivery available to over 1 million drivers via in-vehicle, portable, wireless and online navigation products and services.
"Traffic-enabled navigation is something consumers are demanding to make their daily lives easier. We're seeing an exciting level of growth by companies which are recognizing the value of making real-time traffic more broadly available to drivers, " said Howard Hayes, Vice President, Traffic for NAVTEQ. "As we can see from the increases in the number of brands and models that are introducing traffic-enabled navigation systems, this technology is becoming the norm in new vehicles."
North American Car Models Offering or Announced to Offer NAVTEQ Traffic in 2008
Acura MDX Acura RDX
Acura RL
Acura TL
Acura TSX
Buick Enclave
Buick Lucerne
Cadillac CTS
Cadillac DTS
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Cadillac Escalade EXT
Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Traverse
Chrysler 300
Chrysler Aspen
Chrysler Sebring JX
Chrysler Sebring Sedan
Chrysler Town and Country
Dodge Avenger
Dodge Caravan
Dodge Charger
Dodge Dakota
Dodge Durango
Dodge Magnum
Dodge Nitro
Ferrari 612
Ford F-Series
Ford Flex
GMC Acadia
GMC Sierra
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
Hummer H2
Hummer H2 SUT
Infiniti EX Series
Infiniti FX Series
Infinity G Series
Infinity G Series Coupe
Infiniti M45
Infiniti QX56
Jeep Commander
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler 4 Door
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes Benz S Class
Mercedes Benz CL Class
Nissan Altima
Nissan Armada
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Murano
Nissan Maxima
Lexus LS
Lexus LX
Porsche 911
Porsche Cayenne
Saturn Outlook
Saturn Vue
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Matrix
VW Tiguan
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 more than 3,800 employees located in 194 offices and in 42 countries.
NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Traffic(TM) are trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.
*Includes models planned for launch in 2008 _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject: TeleAtlas Global Database Expands to Deliver Digital Map...
Press release: Tele Atlas Global Database Expands to Deliver Digital Map of India -September 09 2008
New Navigable Map Coverage Demonstrates TeleAtlas' Commitment to Asia Pacific and Continued Regional Leadership
'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands--TeleAtlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location-based solutions, today announced the availability of Tele Atlas digital maps for India, which includes 5,463 sub-districts, 593 districts and 35 states and union territories (UTs), and includes detailed street level coverage for approximately 109,000 kilometers in eight major cities: Ahmadabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR (the National Capital Region, including Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bahadurgarh as well), Hyderabad-Secunderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (including Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and Navi Mumbai) and Pune.
The announcement marks a significant addition to Tele Atlas’ products, which deliver maps and dynamic content in more than 200 countries and territories around the world, and a significant expansion of the company’s digital map database in Asia Pacific, which now covers thirteen countries and territories in navigable map quality offered by Tele Atlas and its partners.
Tele Atlas’ new map offering of India covers the complete national highway network which includes expressways, national highways, and state highways and encompasses approximately 162,000 kilometers.
The initial product offering also includes more than 108,000 points of interest (POIs) to help deliver an enriched user experience. Tele Atlas India maps are fully aligned with Tele Atlas’ global map offering and seamlessly integrated in the Asia Pacific regional data offering; the product is available for partner application developers and device manufacturers in established and emerging market segments such as personal navigation, automotive, Internet and wireless.
“In order to be successful in India, Tele Atlas is committed to working with our industry partners to help localize applications, products, solutions and services to the Indian context to address the specifics of the country’s unique road network and road user behavior,” said Arnout Desmet, Director of Operations, Tele Atlas APAC. “Our digital map offering for India leverages innovative map production technology and approaches that fulfill these complex requirements and will help ensure that our partners can meet the rising market demand for navigation, map and location-based services and technologies, which at their core all rely on the coverage of their map for success.”
The release of Tele Atlas maps for India follows the formation of the company’s joint venture in India, Tele Atlas Kalyani India Pvt. Ltd., which was announced earlier this year. The Tele Atlas navigable map database claims highly precise geometric and positional accuracy with detailed information for an extended list of road network attributes.
Subsequent database products are planned to include additional key cities and rich POI content. Tele Atlas also will offer an extensive range of enhancement products such as 3D landmarks and detailed city maps, aligning India product offerings with the company’s global product offerings.
About Tele Atlas
Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company was founded in 1984 and has approximately 2,000 full-time staff and contract cartographers at offices in 24 countries.
Today, Tele Atlas maps are developed with the insight of a community of millions of GPS system users worldwide, who are adding to the company’s unmatched network of sources to track and validate changes in real time, and deliver the best digital maps and dynamic content. For more information, visit www.teleatlas.com. Tele Atlas is a subsidiary of TomTom N.V.
Tele Atlas and the Tele Atlas logo are registered trademarks of Tele Atlas. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 11:54 am Post subject: Auto Desk Extends Agreement with TeleAtlas for Global Digita
Press release: 10.09.08 Auto Desk Extends Agreement with TeleAtlas for Global Digital Maps and Content to Power Location-Based Application Development.
Demonstrating Joint Commitment to the Industry, Auto Desk Becomes Diamond Sponsor of TeleAtlas LBS Innovators Series.
San Francisco, CTIA IT & Entertainment, September 10, 2008 — TeleAtlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location-based solutions, and Auto Desk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader of design innovation software and technologies, have announced a multi-year license agreement whereby Auto Desk will use TeleAtlas maps and dynamic content in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Since 2003, TeleAtlas and Auto Desk have collaborated to enable powerful location-based services (LBS) and applications around the world. This extended agreement gives Auto Desk access to TeleAtlas’ global digital map content and products, including content for nearly 30 million points of interest (POIs) and additional map content products. Auto Desk will also use TeleAtlas Address Points, which are designed to provide exact street name and address, postal code, longitude and latitude, and other critical information to enhance location accuracy. Unlike traditional geocoding, TeleAtlas Address Points will allow Auto Desk developers to position addresses on maps so that their applications can direct users to specific property parcels and even buildings within the parcel.
In addition, Auto Desk is joining the TeleAtlas LBS Innovators Series as a Diamond sponsor for the ongoing program held in conjunction with TeleAtlas DeveloperLinkSM. The series fosters innovation and helps application developers increase their visibility, credibility and success.
“Accurate, global digital map data is a key element of our mobile technology offerings that developers rely on when building new applications for the wireless market,” said Rod Egdorf, head of worldwide sales and marketing, Auto Desk Location Services. “Our work with TeleAtlas helps drive these innovations and expanding our relationship helps us provide the most comprehensive, high-quality content for our developers. Furthermore, by supporting TeleAtlas’ LBS Innovators Series, we are better positioned to help developers enhance their applications with location information and help bring them to market.”
Today, Auto Desk-powered applications featuring TeleAtlas digital map data and content span the enterprise and consumer wireless arenas, including Vodafone’s Mensa-Red Localización and Jumptap’s numerous mobile search deployments.
“Increasingly, the mobile and Internet arenas are converging on LBS, and as consumers demand more sophisticated GPS-enabled services, the development community insists on quick access to location content to deliver their offerings,” said Jude McColgan, vice president of consumer markets, TeleAtlas. “Through our extended partnership with Auto Desk, we can quickly deliver more global coverage and content for these services. We are equally excited by the new opportunities to deepen our support for the Auto Desk developer community. By combining our efforts, Auto Desk and TeleAtlas will fuel innovative applications and support developers as they build diverse Web and mobile offerings, which is at the core of our joint goals.”
To learn more about Auto Desk’s participation in the 2008 TeleAtlas LBS Innovators Series Maps in Apps contest, download the TeleAtlas podcast with Chris Myers, Senior Business Development Manager, Auto Desk Location Services, available at: http://www.teleatlaspresskit.com.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About Auto Desk Location Services
Auto Desk Location Services, a division of Auto Desk, Inc., is a leading provider of location-based services for mobile and wireless customers. With a complete range of solutions including platform software, application frameworks and professional services, Auto Desk Location Services delivers market-proven technology and expertise to empower applications developers and wireless network operators with scalable and cost effective location smart services.
About Auto Desk
Auto Desk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Auto Desk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real.
Fortune 1000 companies rely on Auto Desk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Auto Desk, visit http://www.Auto Desk.com/.
About TeleAtlas
TeleAtlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power many of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, TeleAtlas offers map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The company was founded in 1984 and has approximately 2,000 full-time staff and contract cartographers at offices in 24 countries. Today, TeleAtlas maps are developed with the insight of a community of millions of GPS system users worldwide, who are adding to the company’s unmatched network of sources to track and validate changes in real time, and deliver the best digital maps and dynamic content. For more information, visit www.teleatlas.com. TeleAtlas is a subsidiary of TomTom N.V. _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject: Contigo's GPS Tracking System Makes Crab Thief Feel the...
Press release: Contigo's GPS Tracking System Makes Crab Thief Feel the Pinch of the Law.
Use of Contigo's Asset Tracking System critical in busting seafood theft ring.
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) September 9, 2008 -- Contigo is pleased to announce that the use of its asset tracking system was key in helping a Hawaii-based food distributor put an end to a seafood theft ring.
The client noticed that large amounts of seafood, specifically king crab, continued to go missing from the company's freezer.
The different varieties of Alaskan crab possess significant commercial value and the Alaskan king crab in particular is a prized dish in the culinary world. The loss prevention manager became suspicious that these thefts, totaling $50,000 in product over three months, were being made by one of the company's delivery drivers.
The trap was set - a fresh shipment of crabs was baited with a Contigo 8100 GPS tracking device. Unknowingly, the thief stole the palette containing the baited crab. When the thief left the warehouse to meet his buyers, the client was immediately alerted of the theft via an SMS message.
Contigo's web-based system was then used to monitor the location of the delivery driver, who was tracked en-route from Honolulu to Waikiki and eventually caught handing off the crab. The evidence was turned over to the Honolulu police who have issued a warrant for the arrest of the thief.
"We are proud that our system was used to help this company put an end to their significant and ongoing losses," stated John Tedesco, President and CEO of Contigo. "As we bring more location-based solutions to market we continue to see interesting applications emerge that utilize the combination of our software, GPS tracking beacons and wireless communication technologies. We look forward to continuing to help companies reduce these types of losses from theft."
This recovery was made possible by Contigo's software platform, coupled with the Contigo 8100 GPS beacon. The Contigo 8100 device is designed for asset tracking, covert investigations and personal security applications for both commercial businesses as well as family safety applications. The 8100 utilizes the world's most powerful GPS technology - gpsOneTM from Qualcomm.
This technology allows the device to be located in environments where standalone GPS fails, even indoors. This device also features the building-penetrating signal strength of wireless and provides a battery life of up to 10 days on a single charge.
About Contigo:
Contigo is a leading provider of location-based services using wireless and GPS technology for asset-tracking, fleet management and personal safety applications. Contigo's patented platform enables companies and consumers to monitor the assets, vehicles, personnel and loved ones important to them 24/7 via the internet.
Contigo's solutions are distributed across the U.S. and Canada through Contigo's network of value-added resellers. Founded in 2002, Contigo is a privately held corporation based in Vancouver, British Columbia with U.S. operations headquartered in Santa Monica, California. For more information, please visit www.contigo.com _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject: Touch Screens in Mobile Devices to Deliver $5 Billion Next Y
Press release: Touch Screens in Mobile Devices to Deliver $5 Billion Next Year
NEW YORK - September 10, 2008 -
Touch screens have been available for some time and are found in a variety of fixed and portable devices, but it was the launch of Apple’s iPhone that refocused the public’s attention on them as never before. Shipments in 2007 of touch screen-based mobile devices increased 91% over 2006, and ABI Research forecasts that revenue from the global touch screen market for mobile phones and other handheld devices such as MIDs, UMPCs, and PNDs will reach $5 billion in 2009.
“Nearly all mobile handset manufacturers are getting into touch screens to a greater or lesser extent,” says research director Kevin Burden. “The acceptance of touch screens to date has varied by geographic region, which has been a significant factor in determining the success of individual handset vendors.”
Samsung and Motorola have been the most successful, commanding 33% and 30% shares of the touch screen mobile phone market respectively. “Samsung and Motorola lead the market for touch screen phones primarily because of their scale and significant presence in the Asian markets,” says Burden. “Because it’s difficult to represent even a fraction of the common Asian characters on a QWERTY-style keyboard, touch screen devices on which characters can be written with a stylus are immensely popular. The Asia/Pacific market consumed more than 80% of the world’s touch screen-based mobile phone production over the past year.”
At 24% Sony Ericsson has the third-largest market share, while all the other handset vendors – including Apple – are essentially niche players.
A number of factors are driving further adoption of touch screen-based mobile devices. Consumers are looking for more intuitive user interfaces and personalization options as device functionality increases. Also, prices for touch components and panels continue to decrease and are falling on an average of nearly 10% per annum.
ABI Research’s new study “Touch Screens in Mobile Devices” http://www.abiresearch.com/products/market_research/touch_screens_in_mobile_devices examines the various touch screen technologies suited for the various mobile device form factors and sizes and forecasts the penetration of resistive, capacitive and other competing touch screen technologies in mobile phones, PDAs, PNDs, UMPCs, MIDs and Tablet PCs.
It forms part of two ABI Research Services, Mobile Devices and Location Aware Services.
ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. _________________ Robert Brady
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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – September 10, 2008 – Dial Directions, a leading provider of voice- entry for location-based services and mobile devices, is the first to deliver another industry milestone. Dial Directions’ new service turns any phone into a ‘remote control’ for connected GPS devices and navigation services. Whether their GPS is near or away, owners can simply call 1-DIRECTIONS (or 1-347-328-4667) on any cell phone and speak their destination. The destination appears instantly on their navigation device.
Dial Directions’ phone service is an effective service for hands-free voice entry for navigation solutions, without requiring hardware changes or additional costs. Manually entering a destination address is a distracting and cumbersome task that often requires pulling over and stopping the vehicle. Dial Directions solves this problem. Speaking saves time and frustration when trying to enter a long business name or spell an unfamiliar street via keypad. Moreover, with remote access, drivers can call ahead to tell their GPS where to go even before reaching their cars.
Dash Navigation is the first navigation partner to feature Dial Directions’ destination voice-entry. Available immediately nationwide, Dash users can call 1-DIRECTIONS (or 1-347-328-4667), speak an address or intersection, and see the destination appear on their Dash ExpressTM GPS device.
“Dial Directions’ innovative approach to address voice-entry using a phone call makes navigation even easier than before, and offers a new and exciting way to interact with the Dash Express,” said Robert Currie, president and chief operating officer of Dash Navigation. “This announcement marks an important milestone for the extension of the Dash connected navigation platform into voice services. Dash is committed to bringing creative and compelling features to the Dash community by working with companies, like Dial Directions, that are pioneering new types of GPS services while remaining committed to high standards of performance, quality and accuracy.”
To use the new service, Dash Express owners simply register their phone number with Dash Navigation at http://my.dash.net.
Dial Directions is pleased to also announce a partnership with deCarta to offer destination voice-entry as a new capability for the company’s geospatial software platform for location-based services. deCarta plans to integrate Dial Directions’ voice recognition technology in the next generation of Connected Navigation Services.
“With a wide variety of location-enabled services potentially available to the consumer through connected navigation, streamlining the user-interface for ease-of-use is exceptionally important,” said Louis Bouchard, director of marketing of deCarta. “Having Dial Directions join deCarta’s value-chain consortium of connected navigation service and technology providers is a key component to increase service usage and user-satisfaction.”
Offering consumers convenience, ease-of-use and safety are important considerations as navigation devices become mainstream. U.S. cumulative navigation device sales will reach 300M in 2013, according to Telematic Research Group.
“Our ‘remote control’ phone service bridges the gap between voice, mobile and location-based technologies,” said Adeeb Shanaa, chief executive officer of Dial Directions. “This new service is another extension of the Dial Directions platform, which illustrates how our proprietary technology to provide a location simply by speaking, enhances the performance of GPS devices. We’re pleased to support our partners in offering the next generation of navigation services.”
About Dial Directions
Dial Directions provides the leading platform for voice-activated location entry, directions, and other LBS, powered by innovation in speech recognition and voice user interface. The Dial Directions platform enables industry partners to expand their mobile services with a voice-activated interface, including 411/directory assistance providers, carriers, mobile applications and devices, and navigation solutions. Dial Directions partners include leaders in innovation such as Ask.com Mobile, Evite, Jingle Network’s 1-800-Free411, Virgin Mobile USA and Volt Delta Resources. Dial Directions also provides the first free nationwide phone service for driving directions, 1-DIRECTIONS (1-347-328-4667). In any U.S. city, mobile phone callers can say their start & destination address; and receive turn by turn directions by text message. For more information, visit: www.dialdirections.com.
About Dash Navigation, Inc.
Dash Navigation connects people to the information that empowers them in their cars. The company’s first product, the Dash Express™, is the first personal navigation system with two-way, Internet connectivity. It’s the smartest way to get from A to B --and get information about everything in between. Dash is located in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital, Skymoon Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Artis Capital and ZenShin Capital Partners. For more information, visit Dash Navigation at www.dash.net.
About deCarta
deCarta is the leading geospatial software platform that has enabled some of the industry’s most successful Location-Based Services (LBS) applications such as those deployed by Verizon, Sprint Nextel, AT&T, T-Mobile, Multimap and Hotels.com. The company's technology is ideal for high-volume LBS applications in the mobile, personal navigation, connected navigation, enterprise and Internet markets where scalability, speed and reliability are vital.
deCarta’s solutions are preferred by application developers and service providers who seek to leverage deCarta’s unique core strengths of server-side and wireless LBS expertise, and also want the flexibility to customize map styles and self-brand. Some of deCarta’s customers and technology partners include Appello, ATX, AutoTrader.com, Gearworks, Hotels.com, INRIX, Local Matters, loopt, Maps.com, Motorola, Multimap, NAVTEQ, Networks In Motion, Tele Atlas, TeleNav and WHERE. deCarta is privately held and headquartered in San Jose, California with international offices in the UK, Germany and China. www.decarta.com. _________________ Robert Brady
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Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 7:13 pm Post subject: Krusell opens up a one-stop-shop
Press release: Krusell opens up a one-stop-shop
Mölndal, Sweden – September 10, 2008 Krusell has a range which includes nearly 600 cases and fits more than 5000 various models of electronic devices.
Today Krusell expand their consumer service and global availability by opening one of the largest web shops of carrying cases available. In the shop you will find cases for any possible electronic device. The site is run by eXpansys who already host and fulfill shipment for a number of web stores including the HTC accessory store and the Parrot store.
The market of cases for electronic gadgets has grown rapidly over the past years. The Krusell assortment 2008 includes a wide mix of model specific protective cases for males and luxurious fashion products for women and youth. Mobile phones, cameras, laptops and MP3,all represent product segments which drive the sales of cases, says Ulf Sandberg, MD at Krusell International. Krusell cover all those target groups which makes us unique in our industry.
The web shop carries Krusell’s total assortment and offers immediately delivery and are able to ship to approx. 40 countries around the globe. The krusellcases.com site will be translated into Dutch, Polish, Swedish, Hungarian, Portuguese, German, Korean, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Chinese.
For more information about the store and Krusell’s total assortment, please log on to www.krusellcases.com _________________ Robert Brady
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Press release: AT&T BOLSTERS LOCATION-BASED SERVICES PORTFOLIO WITH ‘A-GPS’ NETWORK DEPLOYMENT, NEW NAVIGATION OFFERS
AT&T’s Network Assistance Allows GPS-Enabled Mobile Phones and Smartphones to Get a Faster Location Fix
New AAA Mobile Navigator and MapQuest Navigator Applications Provide Customers with Additional Choice
DALLAS, Sept. 10, 2008 — Location, location, location. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced today it has deployed assisted GPS technology (A-GPS) within its wireless network to enhance existing and planned location-based services (LBS) used with A-GPS capable devices. The company also announced it will launch two new navigation applications in the coming weeks, MapQuest Navigator and AAA Mobile navigator. The new applications add to the company’s AT&T Navigator and AT&T Navigator Global Edition offerings, underscoring its focus on providing superior navigation tools and customer choice.
The A-GPS deployment primes the network for further expansion this year in the LBS category, including planned launches of a location-enabled social networking service and a family-oriented service along with industry-leading privacy controls.
Network Deployment
A-GPS technology gives capable devices a significant jump-start on identifying the user’s initial location. GPS devices search satellites each time they are turned on to determine starting latitude and longitude, a process that previously took as long as several minutes. With A-GPS, AT&T’s network speeds up that query by identifying nearby cell sites, helping the device more quickly hone in on the appropriate satellites. Assisted in this way, A-GPS capable devices can identify a user’s initial location in fewer than 20 seconds, delivering greater convenience to customers using LBS.
More Choice in Navigation
Within weeks, AT&T will launch new downloadable applications that give its customers more ways to use compatible mobile phones as navigation devices.
“Using a mobile phone for navigation is affordable, convenient and intuitive because it eliminates the need for consumers to buy or carry yet another gadget,” said Mark Collins, vice president of Consumer Products for AT&T’s wireless unit. “And unlike traditional navigation devices, which can be hard to transport from car to car or difficult to use while walking or riding a bike, a mobile phone is always on hand or in hand.”
AAA Mobile navigator, powered by Networks In Motion (NIM), gives AT&T customers access to audible turn-by-turn directions, AAA TourBook travel guide information including Diamond Ratings for restaurants and lodgings, gas prices, movie reviews and show times, traffic alerts with alternate routes and more. AAA Mobile also allows AAA members to send their GPS location directly to a roadside assistance operator. AAA Mobile will be demonstrated in the NIM booth No. 1331 at CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment, September 10-12, 2008, in San Francisco.
MapQuest Navigator, powered by Telmap, gives AT&T customers access to turn-by-turn, voice-guided driving and walking directions, 3-D moving maps, 16 million points of interest from MapQuest’s database, quick route recalculation for missed turns, real-time traffic alerts, gas prices, gas station locations and AOL’s City’s Best restaurant and venue ratings.
AT&T Navigator, powered by TeleNav, has been highly successful since its rollout, and LBS has ranked among the fastest-growing categories of applications for AT&T. AT&T Navigator provides turn-by-turn driving directions, full-color moving maps, a fuel finder feature that lets customers identify the cheapest nearby gas and access to YELLOWPAGES.COM’s database of millions of business locations.
Poised for Future Growth in LBS and Social Networking
AT&T’s deployment of A-GPS paves the way for new offers from AT&T in the LBS space, which include plans for a family-oriented service and a location-enabled social networking service.
Future network enhancements will also allow users of non-GPS devices to enjoy location-based services such as local search tools from YELLOWPAGES.COM.
Commitment to Privacy and Parental Controls
In conjunction with new offerings in the LBS category, AT&T will continue to build out a comprehensive suite of parental and privacy controls. For example, AT&T is developing best-in-class tools to enable parents to manage how their children can share their location. For services sold by AT&T, the tools can be applied on a phone-by-phone and application-by-application basis and will launch alongside the first applications enabling users to share their location with others.
Details on future offers will be announced at a later date. For more information on AT&T Navigator, visit www.att.com/navigator.
For more information on AAA Mobile, visit www.AAA.com/AAAmobile _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
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Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 2528 Location: Chelmsford, UK
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:38 am Post subject: JUICECASTER™, AWARD-WINNING SOCIAL NETWORKING APPLICATION
Press release: JUICECASTER™, AWARD-WINNING SOCIAL NETWORKING APPLICATION, COMES TO NOKIA DOWNLOAD STORE
Nokia Consumers Can Try and Buy JuiceCaster™ in the U.S.
Los Angeles, September 8, 2008 – JuiceCaster™, a leading mobile social media service, announced the launch of JuiceCaster 6.0 to consumers through the Nokia Download store.
Embedded in millions of Nokia mobile phones worldwide, the Nokia Download! store lets consumers choose the latest in dynamic mobile content offerings and create their own personalized handset experience on their Nokia mobile device.
JuiceCaster will be available to U.S. consumers on Nokia Nseries mobile devices. JuiceCaster is available through the distinctive Download! icon appearing on the menu screen of the Nokia N76, Nokia N78, Nokia N81, Nokia N95 and Nokia N95 8GB devices.
JuiceCaster offers a number of compelling social networking features that make it a must-have application for Nokia mobile devices. Users can post an unlimited number of video and picture messages instantly to all their favorite social networks, including MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Photobucket, and more.
JuiceCaster is also a vibrant mobile community, where users can interact with new people, connect with friends, engage in video and picture blogging, and search and view any number of videos and pictures – all through their Nokia device.
To download the JuiceCaster application from the Download! Store, a Nokia user simply needs to go to the main menu on his or her Nokia device, click on the “Download!” icon and select “What’s New.” From there, JuiceCaster is easy to locate and can be downloaded for trial and purchase.
“We are very pleased to launch JuiceCaster through Nokia’s Download Store, unleashing the power of mobile social media to Nokia consumers,” said Nick Desai, CEO, JuiceCaster. “Download! will enable us to reach consumers who want to explore social networking through their Nokia phone. Consumers can use JuiceCaster to connect with friends and virtual connections, publish real-time status updates to Twitter and Facebook, and instantly post mobile video and pictures to their favorite online destinations.”
JuiceCaster joins a growing roster of pre-tested and certified world-class applications and content available to consumers through the Nokia Download! client. A one-stop personalization shop for Nokia S60 and Series 40 devices, Download! provides easy access to a multitude of popular ringtones, world-class branded entertainment content, the latest in mobile gaming and dynamic applications for personalizing mobile devices to the user’s own preferences.
About JuiceCaster™
JuiceCaster has reinvented how people share their immediate social experiences with friends, family, and virtual connections. Architected by co-founders Nick Desai and Dan Paik, the multi-award winning JuiceCaster™ service enables users to instantly broadcast mobile video, pictures, audio, and text to their favorite online destinations, social networks, blogs, and other mobile phones.
JuiceCaster is available through leading mobile operators, and accessible via wireless web and online. JuiceCaster is a global company based in Los Angeles with offices in Paris, France; London, UK; and Hyderabad, India. For more information, visit www.juicecaster.com _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
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Mac OS X application integrates WPS for reliable location awareness
WINNIPEG, CA--Centrix.ca, developers of leading Mac software, and Skyhook Wireless, providers of the Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), today announced the release of NetworkLocation 3.0, a Mac OS X application that automatically adjusts user settings. NetworkLocation allows users to customize their Mac OS X settings, such as launching an iTunes playlist, enabling Airport, or iChat message status based on location. NetworkLocation can be purchased today at networklocationapp.com/.
“We developed NetworkLocation to address an annoyance we all come across to varying degrees – the tedious routine of getting our laptops into a comfortable and productive state,” said Richard Fillion, co-founder of Centrix.ca. “Everywhere we go, we want our computers to behave a certain way - from lowering the volume at the library, to changing the default printer or mail server. With NetworkLocation, it just happens.”
Centrix.ca has integrated WPS from Skyhook Wireless to determine user location. “With Skyhook, NetworkLocation can position a user automatically indoors, where people use their Macbooks most,” said Kate Imbach, director of developer relations at Skyhook Wireless. “Network Location shows how location-aware software can optimize user experience based on environment-specific requirements.”
People who use their laptop in many places often find they need to adjust their settings to suit their environment - something that can be tedious and time consuming. Before NetworkLocation, users everyday had to reestablish their specialized settings for home, work, school, and the road. Now, NetworkLocation allows users to create new locations outside the Mac OS X system locations, and enables one-click configuration options, including scripting, display and connection settings, enabling or disabling Bluetooth, airport power, iTunes, security actions, printer settings and many more. NetworkLocation also offers an SDK that helps application developers build their own customized actions. Learn more at networklocationapp.com/.
About Centrix.ca
Located in Winnipeg, Canada, Centrix.ca Software is a privately funded company founded in 2005 by Phil Letourneau, Richard Fillion and Chris Farber. Hell-bent on creating phenomenal software, Centrix.ca advocates three core principles: sound usability, superb design and solid function. Centrix.ca' software design methodology starts and ends with the user, and strives to develop intuitive software that exceeds customers expectations. For more information visit www.centrix.ca, or send an email to support@centrix.ca.
About Skyhook Wireless
Founded in 2003, Skyhook Wireless has pioneered the development of the first hybrid positioning system to fully leverage Wi-Fi, GPS and cell towers delivering precise location data supporting the growing market for location-based services.
Skyhook's hybrid positioning system XPS requires no new hardware, works indoors and outdoors, provides an instant location and is more accurate than current technologies in congested downtown areas. Skyhook Wireless is headquartered in Boston, MA, and is privately held. Investors include RRE Ventures, Bain Capital Ventures, Intel Capital and CommonAngels. For more information visit www.skyhookwireless.com _________________ Robert Brady
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Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 2528 Location: Chelmsford, UK
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:45 pm Post subject: WaveMarket’s Veriplace Location Platform to Power AmberWatch
Press release: 11.09.08 WaveMarket’s Veriplace Location Platform to Power AmberWatch Mobile Cross-Carrier Initiative
San Francisco,CA--WaveMarket (http://www.wavemarket.com), a leader in mobile location-based search and services, today announced that its standards-based open location and privacy platform, Veriplace(TM), will power the cross-carrier AmberWatch Mobile initiative.
The AmberWatch Mobile service is an industry-wide initiative supported by Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless. Users of the AmberWatch Mobile initiative on each of these carriers will have their location information protected by Veriplace.
Veriplace, based on the same commercially-proven security and privacy solutions used in WaveMarket's industry leading Family Locator products already available on tens of millions of mobile phones, provides WAP, Web, SMS and Mobile application developers access to a user's location--as long as the user grants access.
The platform empowers the user with tools to protect his location data regardless of the technology used to locate him, while unlocking LBS opportunities for carriers and developers.
"Veriplace will protect the location information of users on the networks of all of our AmberWatch Mobile carrier partners," said Tasso Roumeliotis, WaveMarket's CEO.
Developers interested in building on Veriplace can find information and tools to sign up at developer.wavemarket.com/ or visit WaveMarket at CTIA booth #125 in the developer's pavilion.
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, Alltel, Bell Mobility, Aliant, and MTS Allstream, Vivo in Brazil, 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, visit www.wavemarket.com.
About the AmberWatch Foundation
Headquartered in Irvine, California, the AmberWatch Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization passionately dedicated to keeping kids safe from molestation and abduction through preventative education programs and tools which include "Be Safe!," a turnkey safety education program presented in elementary schools by local, active and retired law enforcement professionals.
In the next two years, the AmberWatch Foundation's goal is to educate over 25 million elementary-aged children and their parents on how to identify potential endangerment situations and to stay safe at home and in their communities. For more information, please visit www.AmberWatchFoundation.org. _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
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MapQuest 4 Mobile Beta Extends MapQuest.com Capabilities to Compatible Mobile Handsets.
Denver,CO--MapQuest today announced the beta launch of MapQuest 4 Mobile, a free, downloadable application that extends MapQuest.com capabilities to compatible BlackBerry smartphones.
MapQuest 4 Mobile offers users an easy-to-use interface and the same accurate directions and maps they rely on from the MapQuest.com site. Local search is also accessible, enabling users to search for businesses by proper name or category.
Additionally, MapQuest 4 Mobile provides hybrid imagery, traffic and incident information as well as a GPS “find me” feature which locates a user and tracks the progress to their destination. MapQuest 4 Mobile also utilizes smaller map tiles allowing for faster downloads and quicker screen refresh.
“Smartphones are growing at a record pace and this an important market segment to address as more users rely on their phones for maps and directions,” said Christian Dwyer, Senior Vice President and GM, MapQuest. “MapQuest 4 Mobile is our next-generation service that mirrors the intuitive interface and simplicity that MapQuest is known for.”
MapQuest 4 Mobile is the latest addition to MapQuest’s suite of mobile products which include voice-guided navigation from MapQuest Navigator, WAP site at www.mapquest.com, and Send To Cell, Garmin and OnStar functionality. The newest mobile product continues MapQuest’s on-going mission of providing mobile services that help consumers get to where they need to go, anytime, anywhere.
Initially, the MapQuest 4 Mobile service will be available via Sprint on the BlackBerry 8830 and AT&T on the BlackBerry 8800, 8820, and 8310. Support for many additional handsets will roll out over the coming months. MapQuest 4 Mobile can be downloaded from a mobile browser at m.mq4m.com. For additional information about MapQuest 4 Mobile please visit www.mapquest.com/mq4m.
About MapQuest, Inc.
MapQuest offers Internet, wireless and business solutions that help people find places. MapQuest.com is one of the most recognized and trusted brands on the Internet, and offers the leading consumer Web site for maps and directions, serving more than 47 million users in July 2008, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL LLC, is based in Denver, Colorado.
About AOL
AOL is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs one of the largest Internet access businesses in the U.S., and provides a full set of advertising solutions.
A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., AOL LLC and its subsidiaries have operations in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com. _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
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Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 2528 Location: Chelmsford, UK
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject: ALK Technologies Partners with uShip.com
Press release: 12.09.08 ALK Technologies Partners with uShip.com
Unique Transportation Site Integrates PC*MILER Web Services.
ALK Technologies has partnered with uShip, a unique web-based business that brings shippers and carriers together in an easy to understand, simple to use online marketplace. uShip now offers PC*MILER as an online tool for its participating carriers.
PC*MILER is the transportation industry’s standard for routing, mileage and mapping software. It’s the flagship product from ALK, the leading worldwide developer of innovative mobile navigation and transportation technology solutions.
uShip offers a straightforward, consumer-friendly interface that enables a user to enter what is being shipped, where it is and where it needs to go. Potential carriers then bid for the work.
uShip began operations in 2003 and now lists as many as 10,000 shipments at any one time. Typical shipments can be furniture, boats, motorcycles, farm equipment, horses – almost anything you can imagine. A carrier might be one person with a pickup truck or a major commercial motor carrier with a large fleet.
Carriers can quickly search available shipments for appropriate business. Notably, the uShip interface enables them to search along the route of a dispatched truck that has space available. PC*MILER enables carriers to bid for shipments which will make the most efficient use of trucks, drivers and fuel.
“We are pleased to be able to offer PC*MILER mileage and mapping to our 115,000 transportation service providers,” said uShip CEO, Matt Chasen. “PC*MILER is the industry standard, in fact, we know it is being used by many of our shippers, carriers and brokers in their everyday business. Adding PC*MILER to our suite of tools is another indication of our commitment to helping our members efficiently find and book freight.”
“We are delighted that uShip is making PC*MILER available to all of its service providers as their standard,” said Roy Schijns, Vice President, Sales for PC*MILER Solutions. “It’s exciting to work with a forward-looking enterprise like uShip, which complements our new go-to-market strategy centered around evolving our software delivery model to a hybrid between server-based installations and SaaS web services.”
PC*MILER is available on the Service Providers Tools page at www.uShip.com. PC*MILER functionality and data will be delivered through uShip over the web via PC*MILER Web Services. It offers a standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using XML (Extensible Markup Language) and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) over an Internet Protocol Backbone, all developed in Microsoft.NET.
About ALK Technologies, Inc.
Since 1979, ALK Technologies has developed innovative mobile navigation and transportation technology solutions. ALK's award-winning CoPilot Live GPS software is the navigation based services platform of choice for mobile operators, hardware OEMs and systems integrators globally.
ALK's PC*MILER routing, mileage and mapping solutions are used by over 22,000 transportation, logistics and manufacturing companies worldwide. For more information on ALK Technologies, visit www.alk.com or www.alk.eu.com _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
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Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 2528 Location: Chelmsford, UK
Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:29 pm Post subject: Ready for Lift-off! Virgin Mobile USA to launch Shuttle
Press release: Ready for Lift-off! Virgin Mobile USA to launch Shuttle
Video and web entertainment on a cell phone without the hassle of a contract just got a whole lot faster. Virgin Mobile USA and Personal Communications Devices, LLC [PCD] are launching the Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA's first EV-DO handset, designed with high performance for data and content in mind. Available exclusively at Best Buy Mobile and BestBuy.com as of September 28, the Shuttle ushers in a new era of performance for consumers who demand the flexibility of monthly plans with no contract but also feel the ‘need for speed.'
Following Virgin Mobile USA's recent acquisition of Helio, the Shuttle will be the first handset enabled to integrate several features from the Helio portfolio. This will include improved access to social networking communities and other mobile internet sites through partnerships with Accuweather, ESPN, Facebook*, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo! and more.
The Shuttle is also slated to feature Virgin Mobile's first location-based services from uLocate including:
Buddy Beacon®, the popular ‘friend-finder' solution which allows customers to find friends in a crowded city and show where they are and what they're doing; and
WhereTM, the application that delivers local information to easily discover nearby places and things of interest such as locating the lowest gas prices, finding local events, and getting restaurant recommendations.
According to Bob Stohrer, Virgin Mobile USA's Chief Marketing Officer, the time has arrived for Virgin Mobile USA to make the 3G leap. "With the Helio acquisition and the new Shuttle, we've made a strong move into 3G, satisfying our customers who want the speed and affordability, while greatly enhancing our handset line-up just in time for the holidays," Stohrer said.
Jam-packed with features such as a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2'' screen; video capture, playback and messaging, integrated media player that supports both streaming and sideloaded music, stereo Bluetooth** wireless technology, and SD card support, while sporting a stylish S-curve design in a compact slider form factor.
"Virgin Mobile USA is a natural fit for the handset, especially considering their game-changing commitment to innovation, service and value," said Philip Christopher, President, PCD. "The Shuttle is the latest in a long line of PCD offerings that deliver on that commitment, a tremendous and affordable device that will surprise and delight discerning Virgin Mobile USA consumers, just in time for the holidays."
New Virgin Mobile USA Mobile Web Offer
With the new Shuttle, Virgin Mobile USA is also introducing its first Mobile Web data packs as add-ons to calling plans, as more and more customers access the mobile web and other mobile data services. "Data is the center of growth in wireless.
This handset is a perfect fit for our new Mobile Web, heavily discounted for customers who purchase a monthly voice plan, and a big benefit for users looking to take advantage of the fast web-browsing abilities," said Stohrer.
For Monthly Plans: $ 5.00 - 20 MB Surf the Web, Unlimited VirginXL [WAP deck]
$10.00 - 50 MB and Unlimited VXL
For Pay As You Go: $ 5.00 - 5 MB Surf the Web
$10.00 - 20 MB, Unlimited VXL
$20.00 - 50 MB, Unlimited VXL
The new Shuttle adds a cost-effective and attractive product to Virgin Mobile USA's lineup, as customers have access to a host of calling and messaging plans without annual contracts, including the $79.99 Totally Unlimited voice plan that provides unlimited calling without roaming charges, activation fees or a two-year commitment. Here are highlights of the Shuttle handset:
Sleek and small, this slider measures 3.9" x 1.9" x 0.7" - all at just a shade over 3 ounces and about the size of half a candy bar, the phone fits perfectly in a pocket or the palm of a hand.
EV-DO 3G-capable data speeds for browsing mobile internet and downloading content.
Boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera, 2" screen, video capture and video messaging, a music player, stereo Bluetooth*, and SD card support.
Comes preloaded with an array of playful games, along with downloadable animated and Real Music ringtones.
More than 235 minutes of talk time and nearly 2 weeks of standby time on a single charge
Room for 500 contacts that accommodate 5 numbers, 2 email addresses, 2 IM handles and 1 website slot for each contact.
Has Virgin Mobile USA's Contact Vault, which allows customers to store, retrieve, delete and transfer their wireless phone's personal contacts list online in the event the phone is lost, stolen, damaged or upgraded.
About Personal Communications Devices
PCD (www.personalcommunicationsdevices.com [www.personalcommunicationsdevices.com] is committed to bringing you the wireless world through innovative wireless devices and rich service offerings.
Formerly UTStarcom Personal Communications Division, PCD serves as a global gateway for technology partners, providing high-quality, reliable and versatile wireless communications devices including handsets, PocketPCs, smartphones, messaging devices and wireless broadband modems to carriers throughout North and South America. Product planning and development on CDMA, GSM/GPRS and HSDPA platforms, technical testing, quality control as well as marketing and warranty support are among the offerings provided by PCD that differentiate it from other wireless industry suppliers. Based in Hauppauge, New York, PCD is a subsidiary of Personal Communications Devices Holdings, LLC, which is controlled by AIG Investments.
AIG Investments is the asset management arm of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG).
About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. [NYSE: VM], through its operating company Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers more than five million customers control, flexibility and choice through Virgin Mobile's Plans Without Annual Contracts and postpaid offerings through Helio By Virgin Mobile, with national coverage for both powered by the Sprint PCS network.
Virgin Mobile USA is known for its award-winning customer service, was recently rated the best prepaid wireless service for the third year in a row in the Annual PC Magazine Readers' Choice Survey, with 90% of its own customers reporting satisfaction with its service. Virgin Mobile USA allows customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content online through the innovative Sugar Mama program. Virgin Mobile USA's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets are available at approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at www.virginmobileusa.com, with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000 locations. Helio's advanced devices like the Ocean and unlimited All-in voice plans can be explored at www.helio.com _________________ Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
The Premier GPS / SatNav Resource for News, Reviews and Forums
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