Hitachi to Launch GPS-based Cellular Local Information Service
Hitachi will fully commercialize Chizukuru, a service which allows cellphone users to access local information on discount coupons and time-specific services via GPS and other geographical functions, on August 27.
The service is based on Kimekuru, a cellphone service which automatically distributes images, text, and other information content to compatible cellphone handsets at preset time intervals.
The Kimekuru service enables users to choose from 16 types of content from three genres, including news, hobbies, and entertainment. The service covers 350 stores located in Tokyo, and Hitachi plans to expand the service area gradually.
Currently provided on a trial basis for four handset models from NTT DoCoMo and au, the Chizukuru service will be fully expanded to cover 28 models from the two carriers. Hitachi aims to sign up 500,000 users by 2008.
