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Joined: 20/08/2002 11:51:57 Posts: 3859 Location: Essex, UK
Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:03 pm Post subject: Nokia get serious about navigation by acquiring Gate5
I suppose it was only a matter of time until one of the big mobile service providers started to get really serious about Location Based Services. A lot of service providers have dabbled by bundling navigation applications with their new phones, but this has seemed to be a bit of half hearted value add to the product.
Nokia now has proven its dedication and commitment to LBS and navigation by acquiring Gate5 a navigation and LBS software developer based in Berlin Germany. Most people will not have heard of Gate5 as the company provides software to Personal Navigation Device manufacturers such as GlobalSat. They are a reputable company producing sound GPS and Navigation systems. This can only be a good sign for the future of SatNav with the major market leading brands recognising the requirement for LBS in an ever converging market place of Technology, Navigation, Communication, and Content Services.
Nokia Press release wrote:
NOKIA PRESS RELEASE August 31, 2006
Nokia acquires gate5 to add robust mapping and navigation to its devices
Espoo, Finland/Berlin, Germany - Nokia and gate5 AG today announced that an agreement has been signed for Nokia to acquire gate5. gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. By acquiring gate5, Nokia will offer consumers maps, routing, navigation and other location based applications on its mobile devices.
"Maps and navigation are natural elements to be offered in mobile devices but this area hasn't developed as fast as expected by the market. Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such as maps, routing and navigation at an accelerated speed." said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Multimedia, Nokia. "The Personal Navigation Device market is in a rapid growth phase with the global market size expected to reach 15 million units in 2006 compared with 8 million units in 2005. By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities into our devices, Nokia will participate in this growth. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers offer people new ways to explore their world - navigation and maps enhance this journey and add to the overall experience."
gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. gate5 was founded in 1999, is privately owned, has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany and has approximately 70 employees. gate5 provides software to leading personal navigation device manufacturers around the world. gate5 solution enables people to enjoy a highly sophisticated mapping and navigation experience offering seamless navigation with breathtaking features such as house polygons, earth browsing and dynamic route guidance. All applications are extendable with more than 5,000 city guides, travel guides or services.
"Our combined expertise means that mobile device owners will enjoy a wide range of location based services," said Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO, gate5. "Based on maps and routing functionality, there are countless useful features for mobile users; e.g. travel guides, search what is around you including restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. anything you need in your surroundings. We are excited to become part of Nokia and to be able to take the gate5 technologies and products to even wider audiences."
Nokia will continue to support gate5's PND (personal navigation device) customers and remains fully committed keeping them satisfied with enhanced software solutions. It will also continue to support gate5's multi-platform strategy for mobile devices, including Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm and Java platforms. Large display personal devices such as the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet are perfect for maps and navigation purposes and by integrating the gate5 platform into these devices, Nokia can build the industry leading location experience for consumers.
The acquisition of gate5 is an important step in developing the new product category of multimedia computers that offer people multiple ways to connect to information, entertainment and other people. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers represent the next leap forward in personal computing. The multimedia computer offers the functionality of a PC and many portable single purpose devices in a connected mobile device that is always with you and always connected. Because multimedia computers have a programmable operating system, people can download and install software applications. Unlike most mobile devices, this means people can add features and applications to their multimedia computers without having to purchase a new device.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.
I hope they make a good effort as the way I see it, if TomTom had some reasonable competition, they may improve customer service. _________________ -------------------------------------------------------
Nokia N95
McGuider V7
Latest Maps
(Internal GPS)
Location based services are only a matter of time. They give mobile operators extra bunce for offering "in house" services. GPRS tarrif are coming down all the time so of board services are a real posibility too. tomtom will eventually get too comfortable, things will change.
Joined: 20/08/2002 11:51:57 Posts: 3859 Location: Essex, UK
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:31 pm Post subject:
The two main barriers to Dynamic LBS solutions at the moment are both in the hands of the Telco Operators. These are the lack of a flat rate for data, and roaming costs.
Once these two issues have been successfully addressed then I expect that a large number of LBS value add systems will come into existence. There is a big SatNav conference in Geneva next week, and this is one of the issues that I will be championing. _________________ Mike Barrett
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