GPS / SatNav / Mobile / Mapping Industry Press Releases

RobBrady

Press release: TomTom and Renault announce strategic partnership to offer fully integrated navigation system for approximately 500 euros

Amsterdam, 25 September 2008: TomTom and Renault have formed a partnership to bring affordable, fully integrated navigation solutions to Renault customers on several models. The new partnership will contribute to the growth of both companies. The first application is expected to be on the market in the first half of 2009.

The consumer market for car navigation has had explosive growth in the last four years, and navigation devices continue to be the ‘must-have’ item for consumers. TomTom and Renault are set to lead the way in bringing navigation to the mass market through fully integrated in-car navigation.

“TomTom is uniquely placed to take advantage of the growth of navigation systems in the automotive industry,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO of TomTom. “We created the in-car navigation category as it’s known toda,y and have become the number one brand of choice by identifying and delivering what customers want, and look forward to, in navigation. Less than a year ago, we significantly expanded our automotive engineering team and we are thrilled to now team up with Renault. This means that a far broader audience can benefit from our easy-to-use navigation solution offering the best maps, routing and traffic.”

Renault was the first car manufacturer to offer fully integrated navigation systems in 1994, when the first press test drives in Europe with Carminat navigation on the Safrane took place. “Today, Renault is partnering with TomTom to provide an up-to-date, fully integrated navigation system for approximately 500 euros,” said Patrick Pelata, executive vice president, leader of the Europe Management Committee at Renault. “Working with a navigation provider will improve Renault’s flexibility and time to market while ensuring, through full integration in the car, good ergonomics, quality, safety and reliability. Renault’s customers will find even more added value in our future product offerings thanks to this breakthrough.”

Further details of the solution will be made available in 2009. Maps will be provided by Tele Atlas.

About TomTom

TomTom NV is the world’s leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps. TomTom NV has over 3500 employees working in four business units – TomTom, Tele Atlas, Automotive and TomTom WORK.

TomTom's products are developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use, safety and value. TomTom's products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom XL and TomTom ONE ranges and the TomTom RIDER. Additionally, independent research proves that TomTom products have a significant positive effect on driving and road safety.

Tele Atlas delivers the digital maps and dynamic content that power some of the world’s most essential navigation and location-based services (LBS). Through a combination of its own products and partnerships, Tele Atlas offers digital map coverage of more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The Automotive business unit develops and sells navigation systems and services to car manufacturers and OEMs.

TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise.

TomTom NV was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at Euronext Amsterdam in The Netherlands. For more information, go to www.tomtom.com

About Renault

The Renault Group generated global revenues of €40,682 million in 2007. It designs, engineers, manufactures and sells passenger and light commercial vehicles throughout the world. The Renault Group is present in 118 countries and sells vehicles under its three brands – Renault, Dacia and Samsung. The Renault Group employs 129,000 people worldwide.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: Whrrl extends service to the new blackberry bold

Location-aware social networking and discovery service freely available to millions of BlackBerry users

SEATTLE – September 26, 2008 – Whrrl, the location-aware social networking and discovery service from Pelago, Inc., today announced mobile support for the new BlackBerry Bold. Users of the new Bold device now join the millions of BlackBerry Pearl, Curve, and 8800 users that have free unlimited access to the Whrrl experience.

At the nexus of social networking, local discovery and user-generated content, Whrrl combines mapping and micro-blogging technology into a new mobile medium for discovering and sharing local information about people, places, events and experiences. With integrated GPS, a vivid new display and enhanced performance capabilities the Bold is perfectly suited to deliver an exceptional experience for Whrrl users.

Whrrl shows users not just where friends are and what they’re doing now, but also where they have been and what their experiences were like in the past. By highlighting the places, events, and experiences of people most interesting to users, Whrrl creates a socially charged map of the physical world.

Whrrl goes beyond social networking and real-time friend finding by harnessing the experiences and opinions of the people users know best and applying a powerful recommendation algorithm to deliver a highly personalized discovery experience for the real world.

The Bold is the first BlackBerry smartphone to support tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world and comes with integrated GPS and Wi-Fi®, as well as a rich set of multimedia capabilities.

“The device’s superior performance, stunning display, rich multimedia and powerful Wi-Fi and GPS make the new BlackBerry Bold an ideal match for the Whrrl service,” said Jeff Holden, CEO and co-founder of Pelago. “We’re extremely excited to introduce the Whrrl service to a new set of BlackBerry users, so many of whom are power users not just during the work day, but after hours, too.”

Currently, the Whrrl service is available nationally in the U.S. with an information database detailing millions of businesses and events across the country. Get Whrrl by visiting http://m.whrrl.com from your phone’s browser.

About Pelago

Pelago, Inc. is an early-stage company based in Seattle developing a new generation of consumer experiences based on breakthrough technology, including Whrrl, a new mobile and web-based service at the intersection of social networking and local discovery. Pelago was founded by former senior executives from Amazon.com and is backed by leading venture capital firms from the U.S., Europe and India.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 3DVU Release Navi2Go in TomTom’s homeland, offering Holland the First and Only Mobile Navigation with 3D Aerial Photography 3DVU release mobile navigation over 3D aerial photography of entire Netherlands, paving the future of Connected PNDs

Netherlands’ 20 million mobile subscribers and tourists can now benefit from the most intuitive navigation solution, presenting 3D photography on Mobile Phones for the cost of TomTom’s added “LIVE” service subscriptions.

3D photography mobile navigation – the most intuitive way to travel
Full high-resolution aerial photography of entire Netherlands
Multilanguage voice and text guidance (English, Dutch and German)
Multiple route preferences for Vehicle and Pedestrian navigation
3D waypoints to never miss an exit
Search Points of Interests by radius or along the route with navigation features taking you through
the location as a stopover along the route
Flyover the entire Netherlands (like Google Earth but on your mobile)
Cross platform solution running on hundreds of mobile device models including Windows Mobile, Symbian and BlackBerry

Tel Aviv Israel – September 26, 2008 – 3DVU the premier global provider of 3D Photography Navigation, announce release of multi-language Navi2Go Netherlands for Windows Mobile, Symbian and BlackBerry Smartphones. Navi2Go is the only offboard 3D image navigation solution in the world and is the most intuitive and efficient navigation.

Navi2Go is available on hundreds of mobile device models at attractive price of standard line-based map solutions, bringing rich media to the masses. Similar to previously released Navi2Go US, Navi2Go UK and Navi2Go Germany, Navi2Go Netherlands is being sold by Mobile Operators and shops such as Mobile2Day, MobiHand, PocketGear, Pocketland, Handango and more.

Navi2Go is a patented mobile application, providing 3D photography for navigation on mobile handsets. Users can travel the entire UK, US, Germany and Netherlands at high resolution aerial photography with full 3D landscape. Navi2Go is making it easier for consumers to navigate giving instant orientation that prevents them from getting lost. Accurate multi-language voice guidance and 3D route guidance over 3D virtual world makes Navi2Go the most intuitive, friendly and easy to use navigation solution.

Navi2Go Netherlands includes newly released features including navigation preferences that let users select the Fastest Way, Easiest Way, Pedestrian mode as well as an advanced Search menu that helps you locate and navigate to Restaurants, Parks, Banks and more.

“Navi2Go makes Holland look better than any other navigation device, including the native TomTom devices. For the first time, mobile users can benefit from an intuitive navigation of entire Netherlands with full 3D photography.” noted Isaac Levanon 3DVU’s Chairman and CEO. “Navi2Go is showing what the future Connected PND will offer beyond Traffic and Internet Search” noted Levanon.

3DVU will expand distribution covering all of France, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark and the rest of Western Europe in high resolution aerial imagery and high definition terrain elevation. Navi2Go will soon release its product with an added navigation mode providing 3D line-based map with 3D terrain elevation for users who want the choice to navigate between a map and picture. 3DVU will commercially release Navi2Go for iPhone, Linux and JAVA devices shortly.

About 3DVU

3DVU is the world’s leading provider of 3D Image Navigation and Location Services. Satellite and aerial imagery, as well as mapping data, such as route information can now be streamed over limited-bandwidth communications with realistic 3D views and smooth maneuverability. 3DVU is the winner of Frost & Sullivan’s Europe Telematics and Infotainment Technology of the Year Award in 2007.

The company is strategically partnered with carmakers, navigation systems, mobile device and handset developers, major satellite and aerial image-sensing entities, mapping and GIS data providers. The company has multiple software patents. For more information, visit www.3dvu.com.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady · Last edited by RobBrady on Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:24 pm; edited 1 time in total

Press release: Webraska Navigation by masternaut selected for pre-installation on the new Treo Pro smartphone by Palm

Paris, France masternaut is pleased to announce that Webraska Navigation, its patented hybrid navigation software, is pre-installed on the new Treo™ Pro smartphone by Palm in the Netherlands and Italy, as well as on the unlocked version across Europe.

Palm selected Webraska Navigation by masternaut for the quality of its navigation and its capability to support both on-board and off-board navigation.

"Palm is a world renowned innovator in mobile computing, and we are extremely pleased to be associated with Palm’s exciting new Treo Pro”, explained Jean-Michel Durocher, Executive Vice-President of masternaut. “Webraska by masternaut, with its unique support of on-board and off-board navigation, allows mobile professionals to get the best turn by turn GPS navigation experience directly on their Treo Pro, saving time, reducing stress, limiting their gas consumptions and co2 emissions. From music to Internet to email to agenda to full GPS, professional users can now have it all on a great device with a comfortable keyboard.”

Treo Pro comes pre-installed with Webraska Navigation by masternaut in the Netherlands and Italy, as well as on the unlocked version across Europe. Webraska Navigation offers navigation across Europe and North America for a trial period of 14 days. Users can then purchase the latest version and on-board maps directly at nav.webraska.com. Webraska Navigation by masternaut’s unique features include:

Hybrid on-board and off-board navigation

Thanks to masternaut’s unique hybrid navigation, on-board and off-board modes are finally joined together in the same product, offering the advantages of both modes with none of their drawbacks. On-board maps are stored on the internal memory or a microSD card (sold separately) for ease of navigation and fast recalculation, and are locally accessible at all times without network connection. Off-board (on-line) maps are kept on our secure internet servers, instantly giving access to the complete coverage and the most up to date maps, points of interests and speed camera locations, as well as offering live traffic information .

Thanks to hybrid navigation, it becomes possible to save memory by installing only a few cities or countries, for example France, London and Madrid, while keeping the possibility to calculate pan European itineraries, (e.g. Evian - Geneva, Helsinki - Oslo, or London to Paris) and to get immediate navigation even if maps have not been pre-installed, for example when you arrive in Los Angeles or in Moscow for a business trip.

Up to date maps

We include free map updates for the duration of the software license. Automatically access the latest maps in off-board mode, or easily download them on your smartphone for use in on-board mode.

Speed camera alerts with AlertGPS®

We include free speed camera updates for the duration of the software license (in selected countries). Webraska Navigation by masternaut uses AlertGPS speed camera data.

Traffic information and optimized routes

Select optional live traffic information to automatically compute the fastest route taking into account the current road congestion and benefit (in selected countries).

Share your addresses and maps by SMS with your friends and colleagues

Send your selected address or point of interest to anyone in a text SMS, or display a map around any location and send the viewed map to your friends as a web link in a SMS. Your friends and colleagues can easily view the map by simply opening it in their phones' standard mobile internet browsers.

Predictive address search

Webraska Navigation by masternaut provides two powerful address searches: Wizard predictive address search and Free Form address entry. With Wizard mode, start typing the name of your country, city or street and see the matching results automatically listed. With Free Form search, type the part of the address, or type the name of an airport, a monument or a railway station and get the results.

One-click Park and Walk

Park your car and get pedestrians directions to walk to your destination.

Navtone® Application Programming Interface (API)

Webraska Navigation by masternaut includes a powerful API that allows third-party developers to launch and control Webraska Navigation directly from within their business applications.

Availability
Treo Pro will be available across Europe starting in September 2008 (see www.palm.com/europe/en/products/smartphones/treopro/ for more information). Webraska Navigation by masternaut is available immediately at nav.webraska.com for a price of 59€ for one year of navigation and map updates in any European or North American country.

About the Treo Pro smartphone by Palm
With its streamlined design and Palm® shortcuts layered on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Treo™ Pro smartphone is a unique combination of sleek simplicity and robust productivity -- including email, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities -- that meets the needs of businesses and end users alike. With high-speed UMTS/HSDPA network capabilities, Treo Pro is a sleek world phone that’s ideal for companies with an international work force. Users can quickly respond to business and personal email, access the web, stay on top of appointments and contacts, and use Wi-Fi or GPS on the go. Treo Pro has a full QWERTY keyboard and one-touch shortcut buttons for

Within wireless coverage area only. Wi-Fi within range of 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network. Some Wi-Fi hotspots require fee for usage. Email, web, and GPS require an account and data services at additional cost. GPS application not available from all carriers. Third-party software may be required. GPS coverage not available in all areas at all times.

More than 860 GSM networks provide coverage in 220 regions worldwide. Within UMTS/HSDPA data coverage area only. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design. Requires data services at additional cost.

About masternaut

masternaut is the European leader in LBS and Telematics Services and in Mobile Resource Management, with more than 90 000 vehicles equipped and 300 000 smartphones users. masternaut and its distributors operate directly in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and also serve customers in Australia, Brazil, Russia and across Europe and North America. Webraska® is a registered trademarks of masternaut. masternaut is a member of Palm's Select Partner Program, Nokia Pro Forum programs, Sony Ericsson Developer World and BlackBerry® ISV Alliance Program.

For more information please visit: www.masternaut.com and www.webraska.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: MetaCarta Introduces New Geographic Search and Referencing Platform that Geo-enables Content for Location-Based Applications

New platform can identify 190 million place names in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Arabic

Cambridge, MA – September 29, 2008 – MetaCarta, Inc., the leading provider of geographic search solutions, today announced the MetaCarta Geographic Search and Referencing Platform (MetaCarta GSRP). MetaCarta GSRP identifies places and points-of-interest in text documents, news feeds, email, reports, web pages and blogs, and assigns latitude and longitude coordinates so that the content can be searched, retrieved, and visually displayed on a map. Today, not all geographic references can be identified by traditional search engines.

The MetaCarta GSRP can identify more than 190 million place names. For the first time, enterprise organizations and public sector agencies are now able to geo-enable all of their content in English, Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic, or mixed-language documents so it can be used in location-based applications to help visualize trends, generate new revenue, drive premium services, and enhance intelligence analysis.

Seventy percent of all content on the Web and in corporate repositories contains some type of geographic reference that cannot be found using traditional search engines or in location-based applications. For example, if a user were to search on the term “Manhattan”, a text search engine would return results for the cocktail named Manhattan as well as Manhattan, Kansas, Manhattan, Illinois, and Manhattan, New York. It would not return references to “New York City” or the “Big Apple” unless the term Manhattan was specifically stated in the text.

“Location has always been an important factor in government, energy exploration, and environmental management applications; however the mobile internet has introduced new possibilities of combining consumer location with other applications such as social networking, digital news delivery, and revenue-generating premium publisher services,” said Claudine Bianchi, vice president of marketing at MetaCarta. “MetaCarta’s unique technology integrates content, search, and maps and is playing a pivotal role in building out the GeoWeb -- an effort to organize information around geography on the .Internet.”

About MetaCarta

MetaCarta, Inc., is the leading provider of geographic search and referencing solutions. MetaCarta products make data and unstructured content “location-aware” making that information geographically relevant. Using a map interface, these innovative solutions make it possible for customers to discover, visualize, and act on important location-based information. Founded by a team of MIT researchers in 2001, MetaCarta is privately held, with US headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts and offices in Vienna, Virginia; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Houston, Texas and resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.metacarta.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 29.09.08 Loopt Adds ’Loopt Mix’ Feature to Application on Apple App Store

New Feature Makes It Easy To Find And Connect With New People Nearby

Loopt, a social-mapping and communication service, today announced its new "Loopt Mix" feature is in the 1.1 version of Loopt now available via the Apple App Store. This new opt-in feature uses location-based services to enable iPhone users to find and meet new people nearby. The Loopt Mix feature also makes it easy for online communities to facilitate real-world interaction among their members. Loopt's featured community partners include TechCrunch, imeem, Rock the Vote and NRDC's It'sYourNature.

"We hear from our users all the time that they want to use Loopt to meet new people in addition to keeping up with their current circle of friends," said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of Loopt. "With the introduction of Loopt Mix, iPhone users can quickly search for interesting people around them and then easily contact them to meet up in person. Currently, it's very easy to connect with people and groups with similar interests and hobbies online, but now Loopt is leveraging the power of location to bring that experience mobile and into the real world."

Loopt helps users connect with other people and places in the real world, but until now it's been limited to people that a user already knows. Loopt Mix is for users who want to meet new people near them -- at a conference, in a club, or in their neighborhood. With Loopt Mix, users can create a customized public profile, browse nearby profiles, and even search by shared interest and community membership. Messages are sent via email and do not reveal the user's full name, exact location, email address or phone number. The user is always in control and can easily turn off the feature, report abuse or block other users at any time.

Loopt Mix is also a powerful way for online communities and organizations to help their users connect in the real world. Some of Loopt's community launch partners include TechCrunch ( www.techcrunch.com), imeem ( www.imeem.com), Rock the Vote ( www.rockthevote.com) and NRDC's It'sYourNature.org ( www.itsyournature.org).

Users can easily add these brand badges to their profiles to find and connect with other like-minded community members. With Loopt Mix, TechCrunch readers can meet up at conferences, coffee shops or Silicon Valley parties; imeem users can connect at local concerts and music festivals; Rock the Vote members can more easily coordinate voter registration activities; and NRDC's It'sYourNature.org members can meet up to participate in local environmental events. Loopt Mix users can also use the "tags" section of their profile to indicate other interests, hobbies and organizations from sports clubs to alma maters to favorite bands and presidential candidate preferences. For example, it's easy to search for all nearby users that have entered the tag "Obama/Biden" or "McCain/Palin" to help organize campaigning activities.

Loopt is available free for use in the United States from Apple's App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. For more information about Loopt Mix, please visit www.loopt.com/mix

About Loopt
Loopt, based in Silicon-Valley and backed by leading venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and New Enterprise Associates, has created a truly interoperable and accessible social-mapping service that is available across multiple carrier networks and supported on over 100 mobile devices. Leveraging the latest location technology, Loopt changes the way people connect, share and explore in the real world. Loopt was designed with privacy considerations at its core and offers a variety of effective and easy-to-use privacy controls for subscribers. Loopt works with leading mobile, social networking, and online privacy and security organizations such as The Family Online Safety Institute, Cyber Safe California, ConnectSafely.org, Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, Progress & Freedom Foundation's Center for Digital Media Freedom, and the Internet Safety Task Force. Loopt is also TRUSTe certified.

For more information, please visit www.loopt.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: ATP Announces the GPS Photo Finder mini

An Easy to Use Geotagging Device, No PC and Complicated Software Required

ATP, a leading manufacturer of DRAM and flash memory solutions, today introduced the new GPS Photo Finder mini -- a portable photo accessory that takes 'geotagging' to a new level. Geotagging is a new cutting edge feature in digital photography which allows users to associate images with the locations where their pictures were taken.

Rotterdam, The Netherlands -- ATP, a leading manufacturer of DRAM and flash memory solutions, today introduced the new GPS Photo Finder mini -- a portable photo accessory that takes 'geotagging' to a new level. Geotagging is a new cutting edge feature in digital photography which allows users to associate images with the locations where their pictures were taken.

"The ATP GPS Photo Finder mini can record the locations at which the pictures were taken and easily geotag photos with GPS coordinate," said Neil Hall, ATP Europe Managing Director. "How many times do you ask yourself: where did I take that picture? With the ATP GPS PhotoFinder mini you'll never have to ask that question again. The PhotoFinder mini allows you to geotag all of your photos, no complicated software required. Take the ATP GPS PhotoFinder mini with you on your next trip!"

The ATP GPS Photo Finder mini, unlike other geotagging solutions available now on the market, is universally compatible with any digital camera using jpeg image files, allowing users the convenience of a single device to geotag pictures from multiple camera brands and models. The ATP GPS Photo Finder mini is a compact GPS data logger when activated will record GPS coordinates when it is activated. The multiple card reader recharges Photo Finder mini and geotagg photos in the memory cards with the built-in card slots.

The ATP GPS Photo Finder mini performs geotagging function without the need for a computer and complicated software. All the users have to do is simply active the Photo Finder mini while they're taking pictures, then insert their camera's memory card into the corresponding slot on the docking station, attach the PhotoFinder mini as well and then the geo-tagging process will be carried out automatically. Geotagged photos can be viewed using websites such as Panoramio, locr and Google Maps which support geotagging. ATP GPS Photo Finder mini can also produce and export route data into a "KML" log file that can be opened in Google Earth to display the path user took while Photo Finder mini was activated.

ATP GPS Photo Finder mini is scheduled for mass production immediately and will be available with an MSRP of $149.99. The Photo Finder mini will be available at select regions. For more information on the ATP GPS Photo Finder mini and other ATP products, please visit www.atpinc.com/ or email flash @ atpinc.com.

ATP and the ATP logo are registered trademarks of ATP Electronics, Inc. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

About ATP:
Founded in 1991, ATP is a leading manufacturer of high performance and durable flash memory solutions as well as DRAM memory module products. With strictly regulated ISO 9001 certified facilities and advanced technologies in memory packaging, testing and qualification, ATP offers a broad range of the highest quality DRAM memory products for mission critical applications such as server blade, workstation, network communication, and embedded systems. ATP flash media products offer protection from water/moisture, dust, static discharge, and extreme temperatures.

For more information on ATP memory products, visit www.atpinc.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 29.09.08 CE Vendors Offering Internet Connectivity Must Get the Usage Model Right

NEW YORK - September 29, 2008 -
The trend towards cramming ever more functions into mobile phones is forcing consumer electronics vendors to explore new capabilities in their devices in order to stay relevant to consumers in a “connected age.” Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) combining specialized functions (camera, media player, navigation etc.) with wireless Internet access seem likely to succeed and consumers increasingly expect their electronics to connect to the Internet. But makers of these products have only a window in which to build devices and business models that users will adopt.

“CE manufacturers try to stay relevant in the face of phones that perform multiple functions ‘well enough’,” says ABI Research director Kevin Burden. “Mobile Internet Devices promise to deliver that relevance, but consumers aren’t clamoring for these new devices yet. That means CE vendors must get the user experience and the economic model right from the start. If consumers are not hooked by a compelling experience right away, they’ll stick with what they’ve got.”

Creating a functional product with an intuitive interface may be the easy part. Internet access means service delivery, and the user’s ongoing relationships with the vendor and service provider are equally important. “CE manufacturers realize the importance of a service infrastructure to the long-term use of mobile devices,” says Burden. “The lessons of Apple’s iPod/iPhone/iTunes integration and the RIM’s back-end infrastructure are not lost on them. What’s the best model for multiple device ownership? Consumers want one service plan and one bill for all their connected devices.”

Amazon’s Kindle is proving a new model for devices without up-front service costs. Another example is Openwave Systems’ recently announced Passport service, which allows operators to offer on-demand Internet access to casual mobile data users. Whatever options are developed, says Burden, vendors and operators need to find new ways of delivering connectivity without forcing users to buy another service plan.

ABI Research’s “Mobile Devices Annual Market Overview” delivers an integrated view of the mobile devices market and examines the unique market aspects of individual device form factors, including mobile handsets, ultra mobile devices, broadband-enabled consumer electronics and cellular modems. It includes detailed shipment and revenue forecasts, and is a component of the firm’s Mobile Devices Research Service.

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. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 29.09.08 Navtones, the global provider of celebrity and branded turn-by-turn voices to the GPS navigation industry, has managed and delivered to Mio Technology, a comprehensive entertainment licensing package for the navigation supplier's forthcoming Knight Rider GPS. In partnership with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group, the Knight Rider GPS is a groundbreaking device that seamlessly blends themes from the franchise's globally-idolized TV icon with the Navtones K.I.T.T. voice (recorded by the original series' actor, William Daniels) for a 'dream come true' entertainment experience right off the shelf.

Having supplied TomTom GPS users with celebrity voice downloads since 2006, the Knight Rider project marks an evolutionary milestone for Navtones with the North American debut of the first GPS device purpose-built around the highly-entertaining voice content that is the company's hallmark and namesake.

In addition to the original voice of K.I.T.T. for turn-by-turn driving directions, the Knight Rider GPS also features a Navtones-designed custom voice architecture which allows users to select their name for personalized, random greetings with each power-up. Further, in their quest to faithfully replicate the authentic Knight Rider experience, Mio's bold team of design experts integrated dual 'anamorphic equalizer' LED displays, which provide the requisite visual accompaniment to K.I.T.T.'s commands.

"You can't be in the navigation content game without bringing Knight Rider into the mix, and we are delighted to be working with the visionary teams at Universal and Mio Technology in bringing a new level of excitement to the streets" says Will Andre, CEO of Navtones.

The Navtones website (www.navtones.com) provides additional road-proven celebrities for download and licensing including the newly-released Kim Cattrall, Mr. T, Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper, and Gary Busey, and is the future home of K.I.T.T. voice updates. The Knight Rider GPS by Mio will be available in September through leading North American electronics retailers, and online at http://www.navtones.com/store.

About Navtones

Los Angeles-based Navtones is a global provider of celebrity, specialty, and branded voice content for GPS navigation systems. Thousands of drivers in more than 30 countries know what it means to "Nav It Your Way" from installing Navtones on their portable navigation devices. Founded in 2004 with a mission to add entertainment to the daily commute, Navtones content is available to both consumers and navigation enterprise via download and embedded license, respectively. To sample our exclusive catalog or for more information, please check us out at http://www.navtones.com.

About Mio Technology
Mio Technology develops and markets products that enable users to take advantage of the latest developments in mobile services. The company was established in May 2002 and now has operations in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and South Korea. Mio Technology has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and sells and markets its products in over 47 countries and territories. The company offers a wide array of mobile navigation products, which today includes car navigation systems, handheld navigation systems, GPS PDA phones and GPS PDAs, all designed to enable people to explore and discover the world around them. Mio Technology is among the world's top three vendors of mobile devices with integrated GPS. The company is online at www.mio.com.

About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal's properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices. With a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures, the Group has offices in Universal City, California; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan.
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: September 30, 2008 04:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Location Based Technologies Announces PocketFinder Support for Smartphones Worldwide

New, Low-Cost Market Segment Delivers Immediate Benefits to Families and Businesses

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Location Based Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:LBAS), a leading-edge family service provider of personal locator devices and services, today announced it will enable Google Android-based smartphones, worldwide, to deliver all benefits and features of the PocketFinder® service along with full integration of PocketFinder location devices.

“In our quest to optimize the family’s ability to stay connected, we have developed the ability to turn smartphones into 'PocketFinders,' with all the benefits of real-time location, zone and speed alerts, instant messaging, and travel history, for one low service fee,” said Dave Morse, CEO of Location Based Technologies. “This new service will work on any wireless network worldwide (GSM or CDMA) and will be offered in October upon launch of Google’s smartphone.”

“We are negotiating with other GPS smartphone providers to make this enhancement available to their customers as well,” Morse added. “This opens a vast new market segment of customers who have existing GPS location technology, but are not benefitting from PocketFinder’s easy-to-use interface and the ability for parents to easily locate their children, outdoor enthusiasts to stay in touch, businesses to provide innovative customer services, and to increase levels of safety and security to the elderly. This additional revenue opportunity expands our existing market plan and allows for smartphones to function independently or to have full integration with our PocketFinder products.”

The $9.95 service will be offered for $6.95 per month for customers who sign up during the first 30 days as a launch promotion. “The $6.95 is not a teaser rate. It will not change as long as the account remains active and current,” Morse noted.

Smartphones are a vast market which International Data Corporation (IDC) projects will reach 304,000,000 worldwide by 2011. According to statistics published in May by Gartner, more than 32,000,000 smartphones were purchased worldwide in the first quarter of 2008 alone. Smartphone sales in North America rose by 106% in the same quarter.

The PocketFinder family of products uses advanced technology to help families stay connected. The smallest known single-board GSM/GPS device easily fits into a pocket, purse or backpack, and can be accessed via the Internet, cell phone or landline to show its exact location in real time. In addition, the devices include several advanced features, such as allowing users to designate customizable alert areas as electronic “fences” to notify them when a family member or pet leaves or enters a specified area. The devices can even track vehicle speeds to encourage safe driving decisions.

The company previously announced it has received formal laboratory approval for GSM connectivity on the European wireless networks where negotiations continue to move forward with sales partners in the European community for PocketFinder and PetFinder devices.

About Location Based Technologies

A publicly traded company (OTCBB:LBAS), Location Based Technologies designs and develops leading-edge personal locator devices and services that incorporate patented, proprietary technologies designed to enhance and enrich the lives of families globally. The company is headquartered in Anaheim, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.pocketfinder.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those discussed or anticipated. For a more detailed discussion of these and associated risks, see the company's most recent document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 30.09.08 NAVIGON 7210: Award-Winning Design, Technically Advanced

A smooth, extremely slim SmartDisplay and featuring the best technology the world of navigation has to offer: Voice Recognition Pro, Curve Warner and new Landmark View3D

London, 30 September 2008 – The NAVIGON 7210 is now available in the UK featuring brand new Landmark View3D and a minimalist, award-winning design. In addition to an extremely flat, SmartDisplay which appears to have no frame, the NAVIGON 7210 also incorporates other popular features of the current product family: Voice Recognition Pro, Curve Warner, Reality View Pro and Lane Assistant Pro, plus Emergency Help and Favourites on the Map.

“The new 7210 navigation device is a winner of the internationally acclaimed red dot design award and it is also packed full of some really impressive features. Voice Recognition Pro allows you to enter destinations at the touch of a single button and Landmark View3D is a brand-new, clear visual-orientation aid,” said Peter Blampied, Country Manager UK & Ireland, NAVIGON.

New Landmark View3D displays distinctive points of interest (such as architectural or historic sights) in the form of realistic 3D representations. This new feature, combined with Lane Assistant Pro which indicates the best lane position at junctions, makes orientation in urban areas easier than ever.

Road safety is also improved with the Curve Warner feature. This warns drivers well in advance, both acoustically as well as by a sign on the display, about sharp and dangerous curves on highways and motorways. The Curve Warner knows about 55.000 dangerous turns across Europe.

Beyond the city limits, Reality View Pro provides drivers with clear overview of complicated motorway junctions. The course of the road, motorway signs and exits are visualised in a photo-realistic manner on the display and when a motorway junction is coming up, Reality View Pro shows drivers the best lane position to take to ensure a correct exit.

The new “Emergency Help” functionality indicates the vehicle’s current location and helps find useful points of contact such as hospitals, police stations, petrol stations or pharmacies. These destinations can be accessed through the menu, displayed on the map and integrated into the navigation at the touch of a button. Additional information, such as a telephone number, is also displayed and can conveniently be dialled via the Bluetooth hands-free kit.

With Voice Recognition Pro, once you say the name of the town and street, the NAVIGON 7210 will take care of everything from there although there is also an option to change your destination as soon as you have said it. The town, street and house number can be changed with a single request so you only need to touch the screen once to plan your entire route.

New individual special destination options round off the comprehensive package of functionalities of this new designer navigator. In addition to the over two million existing special destinations, you can now also save your own special destinations and add them to the map, giving the navigation device a very personal touch.

Inside the NAVIGON 7210, a high-powered 600 MHz processor, 64 MB of internal memory and 2 GB of flash memory are hard at work to bring the new functionalities to life in outstanding quality on the brilliant 4.3 inch SmartDisplay in 16:9 format. A powerful lithium-ion rechargeable battery (1.600 mAh) guarantees several hours of unrestricted travel. After that, the car charger with integrated TMC antenna provides new energy.

With the NAVIGON Fresh online service, the NAVIGON 7210 can be brought up to date at any time. A new update from the NAVTEQ experts, including new roads, house numbers and special destinations, is available to download every three months. The new NAVIGON 7210 comes with maps of 40 European countries.

Pricing and availability

· The NAVIGON 7210 is available now at an RRP of £279.99 inc. VAT

· Available at amazon.co.uk , dabs.com and other leading suppliers

· Accessories and services available from navigon.com

About NAVIGON:

NAVIGON AG is one of the world’s leading providers of navigation systems. With its own portable navigation devices and partnerships with well-known consumer electronics manufacturers, NAVIGON stands for high-quality GPS navigation on pocket PCs, PNDs and mobile phones. NAVIGON also offers professional navigation solutions such as driver assistance components for the automotive OEM market. NAVIGON was founded in 1991, employs over 400 employees and has its own representatives in Asia, Europe and North America. - NAVIGON. And the world is yours.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 02.10.08 TeleAtlas to Distribute Navigation Map Updates for Blaupunkt

Popular updates for portable and embedded in car systems expand TeleAtlas’ map update service offerings for navigation solution providers

Harsum, Germany, 02 October 2008 – TeleAtlas, a leading global provider of digital maps and dynamic content for navigation and location-based solutions, today announced it is managing the distribution of map updates from navigation equipment manufacturer Blaupunkt, which is exclusive for a fixed range of portable and embedded in-car navigation systems. Previously, Blaupunkt map updates were sold by both TeleAtlas and Blaupunkt. Through the new agreement, TeleAtlas will manage the distribution of Blaupunkt map update sales to wholesalers, retailers and end users.

Currently, TeleAtlas offers a wide range of map updates for many of its navigation system manufacturer partners, including Mio, TomTom, VDO Dayton and others, supporting its partners map update initiatives. Users of Blaupunkt navigation systems can purchase map updates via the TeleAtlas Online Shop at http://navigation.teleatlas.com or from the TeleAtlas Service Center (service.center@teleatlas.com). TeleAtlas is supplying updates to wholesalers and retailers via the Business Service Center (BSC@teleatlas.com).

The map updates from TeleAtlas are available for the integrated Blaupunkt navigation systems such as the embedded TravelPilot series (TravelPilot, TravelPilot DX, TravelPilot E, Travel Pilot EX-V) and many other compatible navigation systems from automotive manufacturers. Additionally, map updates are available for the portable Blaupunkt system models such as Lucca, Lucca MP3, Lucca 3.3, Lucca 3.4, Lucca 5.2. Available as from autumn are map updates for Lucca 3.5, TravelPilot 100, 200 and 300.

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.

TeleAtlas and the TeleAtlas logo are registered trademarks of TeleAtlas. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 02.10.08 Zain’s Chris Gabriel Joins Group of Africa Telecom Leaders at AfricaCom

Informa Telecoms and Media is pleased to announce the participation Chris Gabriel, CEO of Zain Africa, as a keynote speaker at AfricaCom, the continent’s annual congress for telecommunications professionals. His presentation will give an update on Zain’s strategy as one of Africa’s leading telecommunications operator groups.

“2008 has been a very busy year for Zain group in Africa, with the re-branding from Celtel, the extension of the One Network, and extraordinary growth in our 15 operations on the continent, Mr Gabriel says. AfricaCom will be an occasion to reflect on Zain’s leadership in Africa’s telecommunications market and on our strategy as part of a group with a global vision”. Chris Gabriel was appointed CEO of Zain Africa in December 2007. He oversees all Zain's operations in Africa, serving over 33 million active customers.

He joins a group of over 20 C-level representatives of Africa’s major telecommunications operators, including large regional groups such as MTN (represented by Tim Lowry, VP for Southern and East Africa region, and MD of MTN South Africa), Vodacom (with Nkateko Nyoka, Group Chief Officer – Regulatory and Stakeholder Relations), and Orange (with Marc Rennard, EVP & Head of International Operations for Africa, Middle East & Asia).

Newcomers and smaller but growing groups will be represented as well, to give a fresh perspective of the opportunities in the continent’s changing market, with Dr Sultan Bahabri, Chairman of Hits Africa, Michael P Foley, CEO - Africa, Essar Communications Holdings Ltd (parent company of Econet Wireless), or Patrick Kouame (CEO of regional ISP Alink Telecom International).

Operators at country level and smaller services providers will be heavily represented as well, with the CEOs of Safaricom (Kenya), Atlantique Telecom (Ivory Coast), MTC (Namibia ), Vodacom (Mozambique and Tanzania), Flashcom (Kenya), Virgin Mobile (South Africa), Benson Informatics Limited (Tanzania) and more.

AfricaCom will take place for the 11th time in Cape Town, South Africa on 18th and 19th November. The programme will include over 70 speakers representing the continent’s leading telecommunications businesses, with strategic keynote sessions and specialist streams to address all the key issues in the market.

This year’s event includes brand new sessions, covering among other topics sustainable telecommunications, improving access to the Internet, branding, value-added services, mobile finance and more. “The conference agenda reflects the dynamism of Africa’s communications market by covering all aspects from the technical side of deploying and maintaining networks to developing services that will attract new customers and increase ARPU”, says Julie Rey, Head of Africa & Asia-Pacific for the Com World Series.

In addition, the brand new AfricaCom Awards will be launched at the end of the first day of the congress, recognising excellence in Africa’s telecommunications market.

For more information on the congress, the programme, and how to participate, please visit www.comworldseries-africa.com
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Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: NAVIGON UK to Debut at The MPH Show

The UK’s only dedicated prestige & performance motor show is an ideal showcase for the advanced technology and award-winning design of NAVIGON next generation sat navs

LONDON, 2nd October 2008 – NAVIGON UK today announced that it will be exhibiting at MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show at Earls Court from 30th October to 2nd November on stand MP98 and at the NEC from 13th to 16th November on stand MP13.

“2008 has seen NAVIGON focus on the important UK and Ireland markets and we are delighted to be making our UK exhibition debut at MPH. It will be the perfect environment for us to present our range of technologically advanced and award-winning next generation navigation devices,” said Peter Blampied, Country Manager UK & Ireland, NAVIGON.

Visitors to the NAVIGON stand will see:

NAVIGON 7210

Launched in the UK at the end of September 2008, the 7210 has an award-winning design with an extremely flat SmartDisplay which appears to have no frame. It also features:

· Landmark View3D – a brand new feature which displays distinctive points of interest (such as architectural or historic sights) in the form of realistic 3D representations to aid orientation.

· Voice Recognition Pro – all you need do is say the name of the town and street. There is also an option to change your destination as soon as you have said it. The town, street and house number can be changed with a single request so you only need to touch the screen once to plan your entire route.

· Curve Warner - warns drivers well in advance, both acoustically as well as by a sign on the display, about sharp and dangerous curves on highways and motorways. The Curve Warner knows about 55.000 dangerous turns across Europe.

NAVIGON 2110 Max

The 2110 Max boasts technology and functionality that positions it well ahead of its time in terms of anticipating and planning upcoming journeys, helping to make journeys safer as well as smoother, shorter and hassle-free. Top features include:

· Reality View Pro - provides clear displays of motorway junctions and exits together with signpost information on the Sat-Nav screen to match the signs you will see in reality.

· Lane Assistant Pro - tells you which lane you should be in well ahead of the next junction and ensures better orientation at junctions in towns and on faster road in rural areas.

· Speed Assistant Pro - tells you the speed limit on the road you are using and also warns of the locations of fixed safety cameras.

NAVIGON 8110

Launched in July 2008, the top-of-the-range 8110 features

· Panorama View3D, which provides a three-dimensional display of the entire route delivering a completely new driving experience. Mountains, valleys, bridges and tunnels en route can be seen as they appear in real life displayed on the large, 4.8 inch satnav screen.

Furthermore, the navigator comes with extensive multimedia provision: photos stored on SD cards, either individually or as a slide show and it also has full MP3 player functionality. You can choose to listen to music through the built-in loudspeakers, headphones or radio sets. The FM Radio Transmitter transmits all audio signals in the best possible sound quality - including the precise navigation announcements linking to the care stereo system.

Exclusive to all NAVIGON navigators and adding real value are:

· Optimum Route calculator – provides you with the best route to reduce distance and travel times and enjoy better fuel economy.

· NAVIGON Fresh online service – enables you to update and upgrade your navigator at any time:

- Add features such as TMC Pro traffic information, Text-to-Speech and Reality View

- The FreshMaps service provides new map updates from the NAVTEQ experts. Maps showing new roads, house numbers and special destinations are available to download every three months.

- Software updates

- Regular information on speed traps

About NAVIGON:

NAVIGON AG is one of the leading suppliers of navigation systems worldwide. NAVIGON produces its own portable navigation devices and, through partnerships with well-known manufacturers of entertainment electronic equipment, stands for superior quality GPS navigation for pocket PCs, PNDs and mobile phones. Furthermore, NAVIGON offers professional navigation solutions such as driver assistance components for OEM suppliers in the motor vehicle industry. NAVIGON was founded in 1991, employs more than 400 staff and has offices in Asia, Europe and North America. - NAVIGON. And the world is yours.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 02.10.08 Location Based Technologies Receives Initial Purchase Order for PetFinder Devices from TagWorks

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Location Based Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:LBAS), a leading-edge family service provider of personal and pet locator devices and services, today announced it has signed its first purchase order for $3.7M with TagWorks for PetFinder® devices to be delivered January, 2009.

“By partnering with TagWorks, we secure a distribution relationship with a proven provider of leading edge pet related technology,” said Dave Morse, CEO of Location Based Technologies. “We are committed to bringing the best wireless products and experiences to U.S. customers and truly believe that PetFinder is a breakthrough product that will change the way families stay connected with their pets.”

The PocketFinder® and PetFinder family of products uses advanced technology to help families and their pets stay connected. The smallest known single-board GSM/GPS device easily fits onto the pet’s collar and can be accessed via the Internet, cell phone or landline to show its exact location in real time. In addition, the devices include several advanced features, such as allowing users to designate customizable alert areas as electronic “fences” to notify them when a pet leaves or enters a specified area or checking the 30 day history to assess your pets exercise regimen and wanderings.

About TagWorks

TagWorks, LLC was co-founded in 2007 by its Chairman Richard McWilliam, a well-known sport and entertainment industry entrepreneur, who is also Chairman of The Upper Deck Company located in Carlsbad, California. TagWorks, a Tempe, Arizona-based company was established to market innovative pet products based on a patent pending laser kiosk approach that engraves designer pet tags.

About Location Based Technologies

A publicly traded company (OTCBB:LBAS), Location Based Technologies designs and develops leading-edge personal locator devices and services that incorporate patented, proprietary technologies designed to enhance and enrich the lives of families globally. The company is headquartered in Anaheim, Calif. For more information, visit http://www.pocketfinder.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those discussed or anticipated. For a more detailed discussion of these and associated risks, see the company's most recent document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Robert Brady

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