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Kivera Launches Bluetooth-Enabled Vehicle Navigation System
URL(s): www.kivera.com
-- Platform Delivers Advanced
Traffic and Navigation Information Via Wireless Device Connection, Driving Future Revenue for Auto Manufacturers and Mobile Carriers
OAKLAND, Calif., Oct 9, 2002 - Kivera today announced its automotive navigation system based on Bluetooth(TM)
technology, which allows automotive manufacturers to provide customized navigation and point-of-interest content, as well as compelling services
such as dynamic trip rerouting via the driver's existing Bluetooth-equipped wireless device. Eliminating the need for bulky in-vehicle navigation units
and costly dedicated wireless subscriptions, the Kivera system utilizes the end-user's existing wireless account, freeing automotive manufacturers
from the drawbacks typically associated with in-vehicle navigation systems and giving mobile operators a new service offering from which to draw
revenues.
"As mobile networks evolve, and consumer demand for connected telematics applications grows, automobile manufacturers are presented with a
dilemma: how best to meet the needs of multimedia delivery, while avoiding the end-user costs associated with traditional telematics applications,"
said Clay Collier, CEO of Kivera. "By eliminating the need for a dedicated in-vehicle wireless connection, Kivera's Bluetooth-enabled vehicle
navigation system presents automakers with a ground-breaking and affordable telematics solution."
Until recently, the only available in-vehicle wireless applications relied on embedded mobile phones connecting the end-user to an operator. Not
only do these applications limit the breadth and quality of services available to motorists, their high monthly subscription fees lead many users to
abandon service after their initial term of service. With the Kivera Bluetooth-enabled vehicle navigation system, auto manufacturers are able to
deploy an advanced telematics solution, unencumbered by separate charges to the end user.
Additionally, by offering functionality such as in-vehicle navigation via a wireless connection, the Kivera Bluetooth platform presents mobile carriers
with the opportunity to increase total network deployments and average revenue per user.
In research sponsored by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Zelos Group LLC predicts that the use of Bluetooth wireless technology in
automobiles will result in cumulative incremental mobile operator revenues of $270 million by 2006.
In releasing the research Seamus McAteer, principal analyst at Zelos Group noted, "Bluetooth provides the capability for an ideal universal car kit."
McAteer went on to say, "Many automotive manufacturers are beginning to incorporate Bluetooth wireless systems into their vehicles, which we
feel will quickly turn into more cell phone use by the consumer and more revenue for the service provider. We expect that Bluetooth wireless
technology will eventually become as ubiquitous as car stereos in automobile systems."
Using the end-user's existing wireless service account to download content, the Kivera Bluetooth solution requires neither a hard-wired in-vehicle
wireless device, nor a monthly subscription fee. Using a graphical user interface (GUI), the end-user simply selects a map, driving directions, or
point-of-interest information (e.g., movie listings, nearby restaurants, etc.) to be displayed. The Kivera-powered vehicle navigation system then
establishes a connection with the end-user's Bluetooth-enabled wireless device, contacting a Kivera Traffic Server and downloading the information
requested, along with a map of the vehicle's general area, and traffic conditions specific to the vehicle's location. Once this information is received,
the navigation system automatically terminates the wireless connection. Adding to the solution's convenience, users can save frequently traveled
routes (e.g., commutes).
Working with the Kivera Traffic Server, the Kivera Bluetooth navigation system can deliver dynamic rerouting instructions, based on live traffic
delays and other conditions which may impact travel time. Additionally, making use of a global positioning system (GPS) antenna, the system is
capable of tracking a vehicle's progress, enabling the system to alert the driver if the vehicle strays from a suggested route. The system requires no
in-vehicle storage (e.g., DVD- or CD-based systems), and uses a thin client application compatible with an automobile's embedded systems
(including Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE and Wind River(TM)).
About Kivera
Kivera is the location-based services (LBS) market-leader for mobile phones, in-vehicle navigation, telematics, call centers, and voice-interaction
services. With a history of delivering dependable, accurate, high-quality solutions, Kivera provides private-label LBS technology -- enabling driving
directions, mapping, and proximity searches -- to wireless carriers, logistics and telematics organizations, on-board navigation companies, and
Web, voice and wireless portals. Industry-leading customers and partners include: AT&T Wireless, AAA, BeVocal, Cross Country Automotive
Services, DENSO, HeyAnita, IBM, TeleCommunication Systems and Sun Microsystems. For more information, please visit www.kivera.com.
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