GPS / SatNav / Mobile / Mapping Industry Press Releases

RobBrady

Press release: 18.12.08 Garmin® GTX 330 and GTX 33 Transponders with Extended Squitter Capability Receive TSO

NextGen Transponder for the NextGen System

OLATHE, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today that it has received the FAA’s TSO-C166a authorization for the GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders with 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (ES) transmission capabilities. Garmin is the first in the industry to receive TSO-C166a authorization for a general aviation transponder, and this newly certified transponder will establish aircraft on the path towards complying with the FAA’s proposed requirement for ADS-B equipage.

“Pilots are starting to ask what Extended Squitter technology is and why it’s important. ES is the cornerstone of the FAA’s Next Generation airspace system and it provides precise information about the aircraft’s location to Air Traffic Control and other ADS-B equipped aircraft in the vicinity,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “We are proud to be the first to bring this important, backbone technology to general and business aviation, and are determined to continue innovating products that will offer customers an affordable way to comply with the FAA’s NextGen system requirements.”

The FAA is beginning to implement a nationwide ADS-B infrastructure of ground stations to improve traffic efficiency and improve situational awareness in the cockpit. The FAA announced a dual link decision using the 1090 MHz ES and UAT mediums for ADS-B, and has proposed a mandate that all aircraft have ADS-B Out capabilities by

January 1, 2020. The addition of 1090 MHz ES transmission capabilities to Garmin’s Mode S transponders allows general aviation aircraft to meet the FAA’s proposed requirements because the ES transmissions will automatically provide position, velocity and heading information. This frequent and highly accurate aircraft state information is intended to provide superior surveillance capability for air traffic control, which is presently dependent upon aircraft position information derived from ground radar interrogation that has a slower update rate. The 1090 MHz ES builds upon the existing transponder system by transmitting pertinent aircraft information independent of being interrogated.

This transponder TSO also includes an antenna diversity option, GTX 330D, that adds antenna diversity to the features of the GTX 330 for improved air-to-air surveillance of TCAS-equipped aircraft flying above the GTX 330D-equipped aircraft. Under the FAA’s current Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for NextGen airspace published on October 5, 2007, (Docket No. FAA-2007-29305; Notice No. 07-15), the GTX 330D meets the FAA requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft. The FAA has proposed a mandate that all aircraft have ADS-B Out capabilities by January 1, 2020.

The 1090 MHz ES upgrade preserves all of the existing GTX 330 and GTX 33 features. This includes Mode S TIS-A datalink reception and traffic, which are displayed on the GNS 430W, GNS 530W and GMX 200 displays.

Garmin will offer the ES technology as a retrofit upgrade option for GTX 330 and GTX 33’s already in the field, as well as an optional upgrade on newly purchased GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders. Customers seeking an ES or ES diversity upgrade to their GTX 330 or GTX 33, or a new GTX 330, GTX 33, GTX 330D and GTX 33D with the ES transmission capabilities should visit a Garmin dealer. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com.

About Garmin International Inc.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2008, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). Copies of these filings are available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 18.12.08 MobileNavigator 7 for Symbian OS conquers the pedestrian zone

Pure flexibility: Whether you are travelling by car, by bicycle or on foot – with the new MobileNavigator 7 software for Symbian, you will never lose your bearings when out and about. In addition to new services, for the first time NAVIGON brings genuine pedestrian navigation to your mobile phone. The software for Symbian Smartphones can be tested free of charge. Only after 14 days does the MobileNavigator 7 need to be registered.

London, 18th December 2008 – Perfect orientation – that is what mobile phone navigation is all about. As long as you use the navigation software only in the car, everything runs smoothly, but speed limit information and congestion warnings are not going to be of much help in the pedestrian zone. “That is why we have adapted a GPS profile of our new software especially to pedestrian navigation”, says Peter Blampied, Country Manager at NAVIGON. “In the new pedestrian mode, superfluous functions are filtered out to make space for our new extras. The MobileNavigator 7 can not only guide you reliably from Hamburg to Munich, but it can also take you confidently through any pedestrian zone too.” From now on, a small compass on the display needle indicates the direction to your destination as the crow flies – as well as the distance exact to the metre. A second arrow indicates the current walking direction. The advantage of the additional information is that even if you do not keep to the prescribed route, you will never become disoriented. Moreover, in pedestrian mode, the software is not constrained by rigid adherence to main roads. So the MobileNavigator 7 also guides you through small lanes, narrow paths or pedestrian-only zones. As the NAVIGON manager sums it up: “It couldn’t be more flexible.”

Those who prefer to use the mobile phone as a reliable navigator in the car can also look forward to new functions. In addition to the speed assistant, the realistic signposting display, the quick access menu in which individual keys have clear commands assigned to them, and the familiar Friend-Finder function, the MobileNavigator 7 can now also call up ‘Live’ content to the Smartphone. This means that via the congestion warning service TMC Pro, the software processes all relevant traffic information. On request, the mobile phone can also be provided with up-to-date information flashes. If you wish, you can call up the weather forecast for the day before setting off. “With this, any user can - on request - receive additional details that are of real help”, says Peter Blampied. Professional traffic information from the premium congestion warning service for Germany, Great Britain and France costs £19.99 a year. Extension of this service to additional countries in Europe is already planned for the end of this year. The flash updates are available for £19.99 a year. Once a subscription has been taken out, there is a new update every month. Further costs may arise, depending on the mobile phone contract.

The MobileNavigator 7 is compatible with virtually all Symbian S60 mobile phones (3rd edition). The software is available to download immediately, at www.navigon.com. The navigation software is free of charge for up to 14 days after initial activation. “This means that anyone can take his time, without obligation, to convince himself of the quality of our software – before deciding later on whether it is worthwhile registering for our service”, explains Peter Blampied. After the two-week test phase, the user has three options. First: They buy one of the eight regional variants for £69.99, for example for UK and Ireland. Second: They choose the Europe variant with map material for 40 countries for £89.99. Or third: They enjoy the map view – which remains free of charge – on your own mobile phone, but without the navigation options. The direct link for downloading the MN7 software is: www.navigon.com/mn7symbian

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: 18.12.08 Whagaa Software Inc. and Santa Cruz Skate Shop Deliver First Instructional and GPS Enabled Mobile Skateboarding App

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Whagaa Software Inc., developer of instructional applications for mobile devices and the developer of the iMIP (Interactive Mobile Instructional Platform), today announced the release of the GoLearn Skateboarding app for iPhone and iPod Touch.

With GoLearn Skateboarding, enthusiasts can learn different tricks, discover new skate parks, and rock out to their favorite tunes – all from the same device. This revolutionary app leverages GPS and identifies high-rated locations in close proximity to the skateboarder.

GoLearn Skateboarding is perfect for all skateboard levels, from beginning to expert. Skateboarders can learn tricks from experts, how to select the right board, proper safety, and repair and maintenance. Even the most advanced skateboarder will find the techniques useful and the “Skate Park Locator” invaluable when traveling to find new locations.

GoLearn Skateboarding includes the following features:

Introduction

Tips and Tricks

Skateboard Mechanic

Skate Park Locator

Over 45 high definition videos with slow motion, multiple angles and detailed instruction.
“Our perception of what the skateboarder needs as functionality comes from a lifetime of involvement. Skaters want to see different tricks performed by different people in different places. By providing an intimate discussion of how to re-thread a truck axle or watching Josh Mattson walk you through doing a Miller Flip, it’s as if we are speaking directly to the skater. Couple that with a GPS-driven Skate Park Locator for the traveling skater and the GoLearn Skateboarding application is unparalled in today’s market. Our partnership with Whagaa is an exciting one allowing us to transform our vision of Action Sport applications into reality,” comments Danny Keith, CEO of Santa Cruz Skate Shop.

This release of GoLearn Skateboarding is just the first of many new and exciting applications that will be brought to market via the partnership of Whagaa and Santa Cruz Skate Shop.

GoLearn Skateboarding leverages Whagaa’s iMIP, which accelerates the delivery of content rich applications to the iPhone platform.

“There is no other platform on the market today that can take rich instructional content from VHS, DVD, or the Internet and accelerate the development of mobile apps, such as Apple iPhone apps. Whagaa believes that GoLearn Skateboarding is unique because it leverages the combination of instructional content, SQL database capabilities, Internet access, and GPS to enhance the user experience beyond simply replaying video content. These technologies come together to provide a slick solution that resides on the same device that skateboarders use to listen to their favorite tunes. We are extremely excited by both the launch of GoLearn Skateboarding as well as the future potential of similar applications from our partnership with Santa Cruz Skate Shop,” comments Erik Florio, CEO/Founder of Whagaa.

Whagaa Software, Inc.

Founded in 2002, Whagaa empowers traditional content providers by providing an accelerated approach to leverage their instructional content on smart mobile computing platforms. Whagaa delivers a rapid, innovative application development platform that accelerates the combination of traditional content such as database, GPS, video and web-enabled content, and social networking, with a unique, stylized platform to enhance and enrich the user experience in a mobile environment. Traditional content providers are invited to partner with Whagaa to easily and effectively leverage their content for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch and to enrich their content into an interactive application. Consumers can benefit from having at their fingertips rich instructional content for all aspects of life such as fitness, sports, cooking and “do it yourself” instructional content, historical data and tracking and all the other applicable iPhone functionality that is contextually relevant. Whagaa’s iMIP’s platform and methodologies provide a faster, cheaper method to market and an improved user experience for the consumer.

Santa Cruz Skate Shop

A subsidiary of Santa Cruz Surf Shop Inc., founded in 1993, the company embodies Action Sports from the core. The headquarters in Santa Cruz California (birth place of Skateboarding and Surfing) enables a direct relationship with athletes, consumers, retail, wholesale and technology. Our proximity to Silicon Valley initiated the first break into technology in 1998 through web and ecommerce. By successfully launching Skateboards.com and Surfboards.com and with the eventual merging of social communities, we established ourselves as experts online. We created brands Live Oak Skateboards, Four Play Wheels, FRINGE and SC Brand all with multiple revenue channels. While maintaining a direct link to its customer base, we continue our presence in Action Sports with two retail stores Santa Cruz Surf Shop, Santa Cruz Skate Shop, athlete management, brand development, guerilla marketing and bleeding edge technology. Fifteen years later we have a firm grasp of branding, technology and are at the forefront of Action Sports.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 18.12.08 Alltel Wireless Introduces GPS Application for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Trimble Outdoors helps users plan, navigate and get the most out of their outdoor adventures

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alltel Wireless customers going over the river and through the woods can now also go wireless. Outdoor enthusiasts can now take full advantage of advanced GPS features directly on their GPS-capable phones with the Trimble Outdoors application from Alltel Wireless, America’s largest wireless network. The Trimble Outdoors application turns a wide range of Alltel GPS-enabled handsets into a versatile, off-road navigation and journaling tool for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting and many other outdoor activities.

The application, available for a daily rate of $1.99, allows customers to review and plan trips online. It also enhances user safety and navigation by sending trekking routes, maps and waypoints wirelessly to the phone for use as a guide during trips. Customers can track their current and previous routes with a GPS “bread crumb trail,” mark and edit waypoints during their journey, and utilize a built-in digital compass to display coordinates, speed and heading. Maps generated by Trimble Outdoors can be accessed in topographic, street and aerial views.

“Without any additional equipment to carry around, Alltel customers can enjoy the freedom to explore new and exciting parts of the country,” said Kristi Crum, director of data and content services at Alltel Wireless. “With our new Trimble Outdoor application, customers can have more fun while staying safe and connected to friends and family who want to share in the adventures.”

Trimble Outdoors also captures photos, audio and video, which allows for GPS-tagged online journaling at trimbleoutdoors.com or for sharing recreational pursuits with other outdoors enthusiasts. Additionally, users can browse an online library of professional and user-generated trekking tips and customize trips done by others.

The Trimble Outdoors application is available to Alltel customers for $39.99 per year, $5.99 per month or $1.99 per day. The application is compatible with the Motorola V3A, V3C, V3M, V9M and K1M, the Samsung Muse, LG AX656 and AX8600, the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and the BlackBerry Pearl 8110. The application can be downloaded from the Navigation folder of the phone’s Alltel/Axcess Shop or by visiting alltel.com.

About Alltel Wireless

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation’s largest wireless network and has nearly 14 million customers. For more information about Alltel, please visit www.alltel.com.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a worldwide presence with more than 3,800 employees in over 18 countries. For more information, visit www.trimble.com.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 18.12.08 Gadget Hits and Misses of 2008 Revealed by Retrevo

Retrevo Pulse Awards Recognize the Best and the Most Overhyped Consumer Electronics Products of the Year

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The consumer electronics experts at Retrevo® today revealed their AI-based list of the best as well as the most overhyped gadgets and electronics products of 2008.

The Retrevo Pulse Awards for best products go to those that have been recognized for high quality, generating a high level of demand among consumers, rich feature sets, and most importantly, high value. Retrevo gadget experts made their final selection based on the analysis performed by Retrevo Pulse that sifts through vast amounts of data for popular product categories and analyzes the behavior of millions of users, along with their level of interest in particular products, reviews from experts and users, and pricing data to identify trends.

“This was an exciting year for those of us who are passionate about the latest gadgets and electronics,” said Vipin Jain, CEO of Retrevo. “There were several exceptional and innovative new products introduced this year across categories such as HDTVs, digital cameras, GPSs and laptops. There were also some products that didn’t quite live up to their market hype, for any number of reasons. We hope you enjoy our list and I encourage you to submit your own hits and misses in the comments thread on our blog.”

This year’s Retrevo Pulse Award picks were:

Samsung LN46A650 (LCD HDTV)
Panasonic VIERA TH-50PZ80U (Plasma HDTV)
Canon SD1100 IS (digital camera)
Nikon D90 (digital SLR camera)
Garmin Nuvi 360 (GPS receiver)
Asus Eee PC 901 (laptop)
HP Pavilion dv5t (laptop)
Sony BDP-S350 (Blu-ray player)
Flip Video Mino (mini camcorder)
iPhone 3G 8GB (smartphone)
Retrevo’s picks for the five most overhyped consumer electronics products launched this year were:

Apple Macbook Air MB003LL/A (laptop)
Microsoft Zune 120 GB (MP3 player)
Sony XEL-1 (HDTV)
Magellan Triton 2000 (GPS)
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III (digital SLR camera)
Visit the Retrevo Blog to learn more about why these products were selected for both lists, or to submit a comment.

About Retrevo

Retrevo (www.retrevo.com) is the first matchmaker for people and electronics that makes finding, buying and using electronics products simple and fun.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 DeLorme and Rand McNally Form Exclusive Distribution Agreement

Partnership Enhances Rand McNally and DeLorme Presence at Retailers Nationwide

SKOKIE, Ill. & YARMOUTH, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rand McNally, America’s largest and most trusted map publisher, and DeLorme, a leading innovator in mapping and GPS technology, today jointly announced a major distribution partnership in which Rand McNally becomes the exclusive North American distributor for DeLorme’s print-based product line.

Rand McNally’s distribution network will increase the retail presence of the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer™ series, America’s best-selling maps for outdoor recreation, and strengthens Rand McNally’s position as the nation’s largest distributor of printed maps. Rand McNally products are distributed in more than 50,000 retail outlets across North America.

“We are pleased to partner with DeLorme and to be able to provide their unrivaled recreational maps to a variety of new retailers,” said Dennis Fitz Patrick, Senior Vice President of Rand McNally’s Consumer Retail division. “We have worked with DeLorme for years and are excited to become the single point of distribution for their print product line.”

DeLorme President Dave Eshelman added, “This exclusive agreement with the country’s premier maps and atlas distributor will expand sales of DeLorme print-based product line into additional retail outlets. Rand McNally is already the largest distributor of DeLorme atlases and this agreement will serve to expand our cooperative relationship for mutual benefit.”

The agreement covers DeLorme street atlases and folded maps for Maine and New England, in addition to the 50-state Atlas & Gazetteer™ series of topographic map books.

All products will continue to carry the DeLorme logo, and will be published from the company’s Yarmouth, Maine headquarters. Individual consumers may continue to purchase them from the DeLorme Map Store (located at company headquarters); direct from DeLorme via phone or online; and from Rand McNally’s website http://store.randmcnally.com. All resellers (wholesale or retail) will purchase from Rand McNally.

The agreement applies to the DeLorme printed series. DeLorme digital map and GPS product lines will continue to be distributed directly by DeLorme.

About DeLorme

Based in Yarmouth, ME, DeLorme offers a unique set of core competencies across the complex areas of map data creation and management, software development, and integration with GPS. The ability to develop all the critical components necessary to compete in the fast-changing navigation world provides a distinct competitive advantage. DeLorme is one of a handful of mapmakers that still own and produce their own content, and its Earthmate GPS, Street Atlas USA®, Topo USA®, and Atlas & Gazetteer™ products have introduced countless first-to-market innovations. For more information, please visit www.delorme.com or call 800-561-5105.

About Rand McNally

From America's number-one-selling Road Atlas, The Thomas Guide®, FabMAP® and Goode’s World Atlas to StreetFinder® Wireless and IntelliRoute® trucking database, Rand McNally has been an industry leader in the mapping, routing, geographic reference and trip-planning tool marketplace for more than 150 years. With More Roads-Better Directions™, the Company’s products are sold in more than 50,000 retail outlets and distributed to 98% of schools across the U.S. Rand McNally is the premier resource for online travel planning as well as maps and directions. For more information, please visit www.RandMcNally.com, call 800-333-0136 or buy maps and travel gear online at http://store.randmcnally.com.

The Thomas Guide, StreetFinder, IntelliRoute, fabMAP and More Roads – Better Directions are registered marks and/or trademarks of Rand McNally. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: Nextar Becomes #3 GPS Brand According to NPD Group

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - La Verne, CA, United States, - Nextar has become the #3 GPS/mobile navigation brand in the U.S during this critical time according to The NPD Group's retail tracking service.

Remarkable 473% Increase in Units Sold for the Month of November

Nextar™’s units sold in the U.S. rose an astonishing 473% during the month of November compared to October according to The NPD Group’s retail tracking service. Nextar’s sales have been steadily increasing, taking them from sixth in September 2008 to fourth in October 2008 (63% increase in units sold over September) and now third in November 2008 (473% increase in units sold over October) in the mobile navigation category.

Year over Year Market Share for November Increases 181%
Nextar’s rise marks an incredible year for the consumer electronics firm, since their 181% year over year GPS market share increase for the month of November takes them to the number three position in market share after only three years in the portable navigation device space.

“This is nothing but good news for Nextar,” remarked Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. “The latest NPD figures confirm that consumers are quickly learning of our wide-offering of quality, cost-effective GPS navigation units as a results of our brand awareness efforts. Likewise, retailers are realizing the value of carrying Nextar products, as evidenced by the number of retailer television commercials and circular covers our products have been featured during the critical holiday shopping season.”

The company also announced that selected Nextar GPS units, Digital Photo Frames and MP3 players have been featured prominently in the nationwide retail holiday campaigns and consumer holiday gift guides. Retailers such as Kohls, Kmart, Sears, Toys ‘R’ Us, Bon Ton, Bed Bath and Beyond, ACE Hardware, Longs Drugs, Walgreens, Office Max, and more are featuring Nextar products in their campaigns.

See Nextar at 2009 CES
Nextar will be displaying, demonstrating, and taking orders for a variety of new, exciting products during 2009 CES including: portable navigation units, MP3/MP4 Players, Solar Powered Bluetooth® In-Car Speakers Kits and Digital Photo Frames. Dates are Thursday, January 8 through Sunday, January 11. Nextar products can be seen in the South 3-31753 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About Nextar
Nextar (nextar.com), headquartered in Southern California, is a global designer and marketer of consumer electronics. From the categories it enters to the products it develops and the manner in which it goes to market, Nextar’s decisions are based on its unique ‘bold and new’ philosophy. It currently offers products in the following categories: portable personal audio and video; digital photo frames; portable navigation devices; and Bluetooth®. In addition to tried-and-true consumer electronic retail outlets, Nextar products also are boldly marketed through non-traditional avenues such as department stores, automotive, mass merchants, food and drug, and do-it-yourself.

Nextar is an affiliate of Tofasco(SM), a rapidly growing company that sells products worldwide in a variety of industries. For further information regarding Nextar, visit its website or call toll free 888-849-0846

2008 © Nextar (Hong Kong) Limited. Nextar is a trademark of Nextar (Hong Kong) Limited. Tofasco is a service mark of Tofasco of America, Inc. All other brand names, trademarks and service marks are property of their owners.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 '11 88 0' Launches Free Mobile Local Search and Navigation Service Based on amAze

New York, NY-- Telegate AG and LocatioNet Systems Ltd., Have announced today their collaboration to launch a new free ad-funded local search and GPS navigation service for mobile phone users.

The new service allows users to search for any business name in Germany in the comprehensive ï¿½11 88 0ï¿½ database, to view the search results on a detailed map and to get voice guided turn-by-turn GPS navigation to the desired business with one click of a button. The GPS receiver (either available internally in the new phone models or an external GPS device connected via Bluetooth) will indicate the userï¿½s location along the route with clear turn-by-turn vocal and graphical guidance to his/her destination in the shortest possible way.

The new service is based on the amAze service offered by LocatioNet and includes the following main features:

Search and navigation to businesses listed in the '11 88 0' directory
Visual and voice guided navigation to any address
View any location on a high quality detailed map
View high resolution satellite images (currently in few cities)
Calculate the fastest way between two locations
Save and manage personal favorites list
5 days weather forecast

The new service provides a very useful mapping and local search tool even without the presence of a GPS, with a user friendly access to rich databases of maps, directories and weather, as well as the option to calculate best routes between any two points.

The '11 88 0' directory service is currently covering Germany and the mapping and navigation service is covering Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia, parts of Asia and South Africa with wider coverage added constantly.

This unique service is completely free of charge (data charges may apply according to the data plan offered by the respective mobile operator) and is based on the emerging ad-funded business model. Users will receive few ad banners that will be presented to them only in idle moment of usage in friendly and a non-irritating way. In fact, the ads are yet another useful layer of information for special offers and coupons offered by nearby merchants.

About Telegate
Telegate ranks as one of the leading European providers for information services with around 3,000 employees. The company was founded in 1996 and has been listed on Frankfurt's stock exchange since 1999. Its strategic focus is on extending the range of innovative services for consumers and business customers as well as expanding into the other European countries. Alongside Germany, Telegate has successfully positioned itself on the French, Italian, Austrian and Spanish markets and is considered Europeï¿½s specialist in the directory assistance market.

In the core business of classic telephone directory assistance the company has extended its market share to 37 percent. In addition, the realization of the multi-channel strategy means that the directory assistance and media competence is being transferred to the information channels Internet, SMS and mobile devices. Telegate is the only provider to offer all its directory assistance services under the one brand, its '11 88 0'. The consumers therefore have access to the required information in premium quality and with the media of their choice wherever they are. Business customers alike benefit from the company's core competence of aggregating information and making it available in a customer-oriented way. Business customers profit from the directory assistance and call center services that span all industries as well as the data marketing services.

About LocatioNet
With a track record of over 17 years in the field of location-based services, LocatioNet is best positioned to re-define the navigation and local search market. The `amAze` service is based on LocatioNet`s Patented LBS middleware, best of its kind GIS engine and advanced client-server technology. `amAze` is provided as a fully hosted and white labeled service to mobile carriers, yellow pages vendors and other large brands and content providers.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 Sierra Wireless and Wavefront Announce Winners of Developer Program

Three B.C. and two California companies honored for their innovation

VANCOUVER,Canada-- Sierra Wireless and Wavefront, the community-based commercialization center for B.C.'s 1,000 wireless and new media development companies, announce the winners of the Sierra Wireless - Wavefront Developer Program.

The Sierra Wireless - Wavefront Developer Program was established to find best-in-class enterprise or consumer applications that take advantage of the mobile broadband and GPS capabilities built into Sierra Wireless PC cards, ExpressCards, and USB modems. Finalists created working prototypes and a team of six judges, including Parm Sandhu, TELUS; James Maynard, Wavefront; David Sonnen, Integrated Spatial Solutions, Inc (ISSI); Ed Schmit, AT&T; Steve Blaine, Sierra Wireless; and Trent Punnett, Sierra Wireless, chose the best-in-class winners.

Apisphere, Inc () of Berkeley, CA: Apisphere for Outlook is a location-aware plug-in that enables Sierra Wireless users to automatically send and receive location-smart messages to their mobile devices and laptops based on their Outlook calendar and location.

Clevest Solutions Inc. () of Richmond, BC: Clevest Solutions Inc, the world's fastest growing mobile solutions provider for utilities, has developed a new breed of Mobile Field Force Optimization Solution for mobile workforces by integrating and leveraging the power of GPS/Automatic Vehicle Location, GIS Maps, Scheduling, Dispatch, patented and configurable forms, validations, and workflows.

Livecast () of Vancouver, BC: Livecast lets you stream live video from your mobile device or laptop to anyone connected to the web, instantly.

Telogis Inc. () of Irvine, CA: Telogis WorkForce, built for the utility industry, is a GPS management application for laptops with connected navigation, satellite imagery, and custom map layers.

Whitenoise Labs () of Vancouver, BC: Whitenoise Labs has created Dynamic Identity Verification and Authentication (DIVA), a bullet-proof identity theft protection protocol for mobile wireless networks providing continuous and accurate identification of a network user throughout a session, 100% accurate intrusion detection against cyber-crime, and automatic denial of network access to hackers and thieves: this is imperative for securing networks and critical infrastructures.

"We had 48 innovative companies register across 11 different countries and we're pleased to announce the five best-in-class winners," said James Maynard, President of Wavefront. "This program offers a tremendous opportunity for the local B.C. and U.S. winners to gain increased global exposure and foster a new relationship with one of North America's leading wireless enterprise companies. We're looking forward to showcasing all the winning application prototypes."

"We've been impressed with the level of innovation and the quality of the applications we've received through this program with Wavefront," said Greg Speakman, Vice President of Adapter Marketing for Sierra Wireless. "We would like to extend our thanks to all the entrants and to congratulate the winners. We look forward to working together to introduce these innovative mobile broadband solutions to our customers."

A luncheon to honor the five winners and showcase their applications will be held at the Sierra Wireless head office in Richmond, B.C.

The Sierra Wireless - Wavefront Developer Program is part of Wavefront's mobile industry advisory services. All finalists were provided with a Sierra Wireless mobile broadband adapter and a software development kit, as well as support from Sierra Wireless and Wavefront to assist in building their applications. The developers also had access to Wavefront's rich mobile business industry knowledge as well as technical knowledge and test environment. Winners are provided with co-marketing support from Sierra Wireless, including the opportunity to demonstrate their applications within the Sierra Wireless booths at upcoming Mobile World Congress and CTIA trade shows and to have their applications presented to Sierra Wireless's network operator customers.

About Wavefront
Wavefront is the community-based commercialization center for B.C.'s 1,000 wireless and new media development companies generating more than $4 billion in annual revenue. Wavefront improves speed-to-market and delivery of mobile applications and devices by providing emerging companies with a suite of WaveGuide(TM) training, mobile industry advisory services and testing and accreditation services that facilitate commercial engagement with mobile network operators and enterprise companies around the world. For more information on Wavefront, visit .

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless modems and software connect people and systems to mobile broadband networks around the world. The Company offers a diverse product portfolio addressing enterprise, consumer, original equipment manufacturer, specialized vertical industry, and machine-to-machine markets, and provides professional services to customers requiring expertise in wireless design, integration, and carrier certification.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 GPS Wireless 2009 Early Registration Deadline Approaches

Join more than 200 mobile information professionals from the largest auto manufacturers, wireless carriers, mobile electronics vendors, homeland defense and computer companies at the industry's oldest and largest marketing conference, GPS-Wireless 2009.

Featured topics include New Technology, LBS, Mobile Resource Management, Automobile Markets and Web Portals. More than 11 hours networking time and an exhibit reception also will be offered. Register early and save…alumni rate now offered.

San Francisco,CA-- Mobile information industry executives still have time to register and save at the GPS-Wireless 2009 conference (http://www.gps-wireless.com), which is February 4-5, 2009, at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel. The deadline for early registration savings is Friday, Jan. 9, 2009. Prior attendees can e-mail to find out how to save even more off of early registration rates through a special alumni rate.

GPS-Wireless 2009, sponsored by Global Technology Communications, LLC, allows executives to find out where the mobile information technology market is going. Consumer and Enterprise market segments are booming in the mobile information industry. GPS navigation is now a household name. Some applications are hot…while others continue to develop. Mobile information companies need to stay on top of a changing and challenging market, to assess what the competition is doing, and make new marketing strategies.

GPS-Wireless 2009, in its 13th year, features nearly 40 speakers from the top companies. This year's speakers come from Verizon, Networks in Motion, NAVTEQ, Tele Atlas, deCarta, wireless carriers, auto manufacturers, web portals and many others. GPS-Wireless 2009 includes an Executives Panel, Location Based Services, Mobile Resource Management, New Technologies, Automobile as a Mobile Information Platform Panel and Web Portal Executives Panel.

GPS-Wireless 2009 costs $699 for the first attendee and $599 for additional attendees from the same company. Hurry to receive this low rate as the registration fee will go up to $799 after Jan. 16, 2009, at 5 p.m. PST. On-site fees are $899.

Current conference sponsors include Networks in Motion, Navteq, Synergy Systems and ALK Technologies. GPS-Wireless 2009 will feature 20 tabletop displays during a two-and-a-half-hour hosted reception, an event that has become known as one of the best networking opportunities in the industry. Contact us immediately for information on sponsorships as each year these opportunities are sold out. In addition, tabletops are a low-cost way of publicizing your company's products and services.

Other conferences cost two to three times as much as GPS-Wireless 2009 -- and offer fewer speakers and no networking opportunities. GPS-Wireless 2009 offers a keynote luncheon, networking coffee breaks, continental breakfast, two hosted receptions (pre-conference reception, sponsored by ALK Technologies, is Feb. 3), buffet luncheon, a 300-page binder full of market information and significant lodging reduction at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel.

To register or sponsor at GPS-Wireless 2009, go to www.gps-wireless.com or contact via email. To make discounted hotel room reservations, call the San Mateo Marriott Hotel toll free at 1-888-236-2427 and mention GPS-Wireless 2009, or reserve a room from a link on our website, www.gps-wireless.com/hotel.htm
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 Google, Nokia, TomTom, Garmin and Ford Convene at CeBIT to Debate how Navigation Companies can Protect and Build Their Businesses in 2009

The most influential players in the navigation industry will come together at a special one day conference, located at the CeBIT exhibition, to outline how companies can exploit connected services to protect and build their businesses in 2009.

CeBIT, Hannover, Germany -- On March 6th, at the CeBIT exhibition in Hannover, the leading navigation players will come together at a special one day conference. The discussion will centre around the vital tactics companies need to adopt in 2009 to push their business forward and keep up with the surge of connected navigation services and devices.

Navigation has enjoyed an extremely lucrative boom in the last two years capturing a significant chunk of the consumer electronics market. However, as the industry faces a tough sales climate in the coming months, the top players are all pushing connected services. Will this enable them to meet the needs of a demanding consumer base, distinguish their products from competitors and draw new profits?

Jörn Watzke, Vice President Product Line Management at NAVIGON AG, thinks so. ''In 2009 navigation and the internet will be melted. The big challenge for all companies is to shape new services which are easy to use and truly relevant to navigation users. We, at Navigon, already have big ideas of how this could be realised perfectly."

The advent of connectivity means that hundreds of online content providers now have their eyes on the navigation pot of gold and by offering unique services such as traffic, speech technologies and POIs they are looking be a part of an ecosystem rich with opportunities.

However, while there might be a huge market for connected services, it is still not clear which services consumers want and, more importantly, what they will pay for. Frost and Sullivan's Michael Minich, Consultant Automotive and Transportation, considers this one of the key questions for 2009.

'Since we are not talking about pure navigation any more, the number and variety of market players and offerings is increasing tremendously. So it will be even more important to bundle the right service packages and offer them to a price the consumers are finally willing to pay', says Michael Minich.

All factors are suggesting that 2009 will be a year for change. Keeping abreast of the issues and ensuring that market strategies are fresh is now absolutely critical.

The most influential and important companies in European navigation will meet at the Navigation Day @ CeBIT conference in Hannover to decide on the correct strategies for the industry in light of the current economic situation.

The summit pulls together the most important companies such as Google, Nokia, TomTom, Garmin, BMW, Ford, Tele Atlas, Navteq, Harman/Becker, Orange, Panasonic, Navigon, Calrion and Delphi. All will discuss key areas of the navigation market evolution. The summit is also a place for the key navigation players to meet and do business away from the crowd.

Taking place on March 6th at the CeBIT exhibition the conference will set a course for the industry in 2009.

Ultimately, the industry is at a critical juncture. Trading conditions are set to be tough and navigation companies have to keep pushing ahead to ensure they don't fall behind their competitors. Maintaining market share and enticing consumers with exciting services is now the name of the game.

Make sure you attend the Navigation Day @ CeBIT on the 6th of March and ensure your success for 2009

To learn more about what these companies will discuss at the event visit: www.telematicsupdate.com/info/733

(info.telematicsupdate.com)
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 19.12.08 Universal Tracking Solutions Receives Award from Phoenix Business Journal for Best Microcap Company for 2008

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Tracking Solutions (OTCBB:UTRK) was chosen as the best place to work among the 40 applicants by the Phoenix Business Journal last week. Please click on this link to read the full article: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/12/08/daily52.html. There were over 1000 business attendees including representatives from Oracle, Intel, American Express and many other high profile companies.

Keith Tench, CEO of UTS, states, “This award means a lot to our company. The timing of this award combined with our partnerships with Garmin, NARC, and other firms is a great way for the public to see the excellent progress our company is making. UTS has been growing every quarter since it began in the middle of 2006 and now that we are public we feel we are very well positioned to grow at an even faster pace going forward. We appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and we believe we are on the right path to be very successful going forward.”

Please visit our website at www.universaltrackingsolutions.com to see more of our latest enhancements, investor relations information, and information about our company.

About Universal Tracking Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:UTRK)

UTS is a Mobility Solutions Company delivering the most advanced products in GPS Fleet Management, Telemetry and Telematics. UTS provides these solutions to a wide array of market verticals including but not limited to construction, community transportation, governmental agencies, HVAC, heavy equipment rental, transportation / logistics, Waste management, and many more. Third part integration and custom development capabilities set UTS apart giving clients the most beneficial mobility management tools available.
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 22.12.08 Multimedia Features Enhance the Navigation Experience, but Also Represent Risks

Location Aware Services Research Service

Multimedia functionality such as audio and video playback, picture viewing, mobile TV and even digital cameras are being integrated by Personal Navigation Device (PND) and in-dash navigation vendors aiming to increase differentiation and maintain price levels in an increasingly competitive market environment.

However this strategy is not without its risks, which are explained in a new free white paper from ABI Research.

“Horizontal integration of navigation and multimedia often represents kind of a mixed blessing for the end-user,” says ABI Research Director Dominique Bonte. “While some users might be interested in using their personal navigation devices for listening to music or watching video, the majority have chosen PNDs because they offer an optimized and unique navigation experience. The multimedia feature battle currently raging among navigation vendors may well end up compromising this experience due to more complex user interfaces and/or increased safety risks.”

Fortunately, many vendors are moving to the vertical integration of multimedia to enhance the user experience and/or offer relevant navigation functions. One remarkable trend is the availability of GPS-guided audio or video driving tours offered by US-based IntelliTours and UK-based ROADTOUR and Augmentra. The use of an integrated digital camera to take geotagged pictures and/or use them to quickly select destinations and start navigating allows companies such as Navman and Garmin to improve ease of use.

While the horizontal and vertical integration of multimedia features in PNDs may result in the emergence of a new category of connected multi-purpose mobile devices with big displays combining web browsing, navigation, video playback, and game playing, the current strengths of dedicated navigation devices will ensure their survival.

Download the white paper here: “Navigation and Multimedia”. More information about ABI Research’s Location Aware Services Research Service is available on the firm’s website.

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
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 22.12.08 SanDisk Named CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award Honoree

16GB microSDHC and Memory Stick Micro (M2) Mobile Phone Memory Cards Selected as Standouts in the Wireless Handsets Accessories Category

2009 International CES
South Hall # 30659
MILPITAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced that it has been named an International CES Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for its 16 gigabyte (GB)1 microSDHC™ and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2)™ mobile phone memory cards. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press in order to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products.

SanDisk’s 16GB microSDHC and M2 mobile memory cards are the world’s largest removable storage capacity for mobile phones. These fingernail-sized memory cards allow consumers to take advantage of the many storage-intensive features offered by today’s portable handsets, such as music and video playback, photo and video recording functions, gaming and GPS applications. In addition to mobile phones, consumers can use the 16GB microSDHC and M2 memory cards in a variety of other devices, including video cameras, GPS receivers, or MP3 players with microSD™ slots such as SanDisk’s Sansa® players.

SanDisk’s 16GB microSDHC and M2 mobile phone memory cards will be demonstrated at the 2009 International CES in South Hall # 30659, which runs January 8-11, 2009 in Las Vegas. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will also feature displays and honorees by product category at the Sands Expo and Convention Center Booth #72062, where SanDisk will give a presentation on its 16GB mobile phone memory cards on Friday, January 9 at 3 p.m.

The widely renowned Innovations Design and Engineering Awards recognize achievements in product design and engineering. This awards program is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, which produces the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow.

The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:

Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided
The product’s intended use/function and user value
Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering honoree products are featured at www.CESweb.org/Innovations. For more information about SanDisk’s mobile phone memory products, see www.sandisk.com/mobile.

About SanDisk:

SanDisk Corporation, the inventor and world’s largest supplier of flash storage cards, is a global leader in flash memory – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk’s product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company, with more than half its sales outside the United States.

1 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes.

SanDisk’s product and executive images can be downloaded from http://www.sandisk.com/corporate/media.asp

SanDisk, the SanDisk logo and Cruzer are trademarks of SanDisk Corporation, registered in the United States and other countries. Memory Stick Micro (M2) is a trademark of Sony Corporation. The microSD and microSDHC marks and logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).
_________________
Robert Brady

RobBrady

Press release: 22.12.08 Whrrl Partners with Maponics for Local Search and Mapping

Pelago, Inc., the makers of Whrrl, today announced a partnership with Maponics for Neighborhood Boundaries to power their location data needs. Whrrl is a leading location-aware, mobile social networking service that allows friends to share their experiences in real time. As part of the agreement, Maponics Neighborhood Boundaries will power Whrrl with over 50,000 targeted neighborhoods in 2,000 cities across the U.S. and Canada. The service provides both large scale, major area neighborhoods (commonly known local neighborhoods), and smaller sub-neighborhoods for narrower searches, giving Whrrl users a choice between a high-level or more granular local views.

"Our social-savvy users expect Whrrl to have the most relevant, detailed information at the neighborhood level to help them find cool nearby places and activities," said Alison Algor, Director of Customer Experience for Pelago. "Maponics is the perfect partner to help meet their expectations."

"Location-aware social networking is centered on location intelligence, and Maponics provides seamless, compatible local search and mapping capabilities," said Darrin Clement, President of Maponics. "We are excited to partner with Whrrl to offer this service and help drive their platform."

About Maponics
Maponics specializes in location-based data for businesses, including neighborhood, ZIP Code and carrier route boundaries. Local search, real estate, mobile, social media and marketing firms rely on Maponics to power hyper-local interactive search, mapping, and ad targeting platforms, including Zvents, infoUSA, Dominion Enterprises (eNeighborhoods and Homes.com), Smarter Agent, HelloMetro, Roost, CitySquares and many others. The Maponics Online Store, powered by Maponics data, is the only place USPS.com refers to for postal maps. The Company is located in Norwich, Vermont, and you can learn more at www.maponics.com.

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.
_________________
Robert Brady

	PocketGPS
	Web