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WirelessDevNet.com Press Release
gate5, Socket and Tele Atlas Announce Partnership to Provide Mobile Navigation Solution
New Orleans, CTIA Wireless Show, March 14, 2005 - gate5, Socket Communications (Nasdaq: SCKT) and Tele Atlas today announce a partnership to provide a complete mobile navigation solution to US consumers. The partnership is key to gate5's launch of smart2go Mobile Navigator, an affordable, high performance GPS-driven navigation system for smartphones and PDAs that separates itself from the competition by providing functionality inside and outside of the car. The partnership will also bring useful city content to help consumers choose where they want to go.
"With Socket, gate5 is able to bring to market a GPS-driven navigation system that rivals in-car systems costing thousands more. And, since it's not tied to the vehicle it can be used anywhere, anytime - inside or outside the car," said David Rolf, Managing Director for gate5. "We chose Tele Atlas for its outstanding map quality in both the United States and Europe."
smart2go Mobile Navigator is powered by the Socket GPS Receiver with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. The Socket GPS Receiver enables mobile users to easily connect from a Bluetooth enabled device, such as a Pocket PC or smartphone. The Socket GPS Receiver connects without any cables, enabling the mobile user to position the GPS Receiver for optimal satellite reception. The unit is small and lightweight, and fits into the palm of a hand for maximum portability. The Receiver is capable of receiving 16 GPS channels and includes Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) support for increased location accuracy with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in the U.S. and EGNOS in Europe. The rechargeable and replaceable battery lasts for nine hours of continuous use.
"Socket is pleased to bring its expertise in mobility solutions and accessories for handheld devices to wirelessly add GPS positioning technology to the smart2go offering,'' said Peter Phillips, vice president marketing for Socket. "The smart2go Mobile Navigator provides the unrivaled ability to navigate both inside and outside the car and is great for both consumers and corporate users."
Tele Atlas offers superior geographic content that delivers digital maps and dynamic location-specific road and travel information right to the consumer.
Turn-by-turn directions, dependable rerouting, and reliable drive-time estimates are all included in dealing with real-world driving situations.
Tele Atlas utilizes an advanced methodology employing thousands of data sources for collecting and verifying data, supplemented as appropriate by field surveys and driving the roads. Existing data is constantly verified and updated, and new data is added regularly.
"To ensure the best possible end-user experience, Tele Atlas aggressively seeks strong partnerships with all the leading GPS application developers and device companies, and today's announcement with gate5 demonstrates our commitment to that goal," said Mike Gerling, Chief Operating Officer, Tele Atlas North America. "We're confident that our high quality, extremely accurate and always current geographic content will provide smart2go Mobile Navigator customers with the coverage they need to travel with confidence anywhere."
smart2go Mobile Navigator
smart2go brings GPS-driven, high-accuracy navigation to PDAs and smartphones, giving the user both voice and graphical directions on detailed maps of the 48 contiguous United States plus Canada.
The smart2go product bundle includes: navigation software that runs on smartphones and PDAs; CD-ROMs containing detailed maps of the U.S and Canada; a Socket GPS receiver with Bluetooth Wireless Technology; a cradle that attaches to the car dashboard to hold a smartphone or PDA; and a memory card reader to facilitate transfer of data to a smartphone or PDA.
In navigation mode, smart2go provides clear, audible driving directions as well as graphics showing the car's progress along its route. The system automatically recalculates the route if the driver misses a turn or takes a detour.
In mapping mode, smart2go can be used to plan routes, select restaurants and hotels sorted by proximity to a destination, explore places to see in a new or familiar city and determine the quickest route to a selected destination.
Features of smart2go include GPS-driven navigation graphically displayed on the smartphone or PDA and audible directions to allow hands free operation.
smart2go incorporates attractions, hotels and restaurants, as well as hotel and restaurant reviews from international content provider Wcities similar to those currently available on the Web at Yahoo, Orbitz, and American Airlines. smart2go maps, provided by Tele Atlas, include millions of points of interest.
smart2go runs on mobile phones running Symbian series 60 and series 80, including the popular Nokia 6600, 6620, 6630, 7610 and forthcoming 9500 and 9300 models. It also runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile-based smartphones and Pocket PCs. Smart2Go will also support PalmOne's Treo 650 smartphone.
Pricing and Availability
gate5 and Socket will commence distribution of the smart2go mobile navigation system starting April 30, 2005. The product will be available for at Frys Electronics, Mobile Planet and a variety of online retailers for $299.
smart2go is the first of a planned series of personal mapping products from gate5. More information can be found at: http://www.smart2go.com
About gate5 NA
gate5 NA is a subsidiary of Berlin-based gate5 AG, Inc. and is charged with bringing smartphone/PDA GPS navigation to the US business and consumer market at affordable prices.
The company is a pioneer in the emerging market for GPS-driven mobile navigation tools for use on popular smartphones and PDAs. gate5's smart2go mobile navigation software, content and services put high-performance GPS navigation on the dashboard and in the pockets of consumers. With smart2go, navigation is no longer a luxury, it's an affordable convenience.
More information can be found at: http://www.gate5.de
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