NAVTEQ Provides Maps for Nokia Mobile Navigation

NAVTEQ is providing Nokia with map data for its newly launched Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-1W through NAVTEQ’s Chinese joint venture, NAV2.  The Nokia LD-1W offers a complete integrated solution for mobile navigation in the Chinese market. It is a compact and lightweight product which integrates the hardware, software and digital map data needed for a navigation experience. It is compatible with all smartphones based on the Series 60 platform, and a wide range of compatible PDAs or PCs. The Nokia LD-1W will be available in China in the fourth quarter of 2005.

The Nokia LD-1W provides users with an easy-to-use mobile navigation solution. Its standard sales package includes the GPS module and a 256MB multimedia card (MMC) that contains a mobile navigation application from ROUTE 66 and the map of Greater China provided by NAV2. Users can use the navigation application by inserting the MMC card into a compatible smartphone and launching the application. The device then establishes a Bluetooth connection between the phone and the Nokia LD-1W.

The Nokia LD-1W is targeted at car drivers, business travelers and backpackers. “The Nokia LD-1W makes it possible for users to enjoy many of the same convenient navigation features on a compatible smartphone’s screen that are available from an in-car navigation system. The users will know where they are and the shortest route to their destination,” said Dan Wong, Vice President of Sales and Channel Management, Multimedia, Nokia China. “With a smartphone, positioning and navigation is easy” the product concept developed by Nokia Ventures Organization Asia integrates hardware, software and content into a compact and easy-to-use package.”

“Nokia Ventures Organization Asia pursues and develops new business opportunities and seeks to develop new collaborative models with Chinese entrepreneurs.” said Mr. Marko Vanska, Director of Nokia Ventures Organization Asia. “The launch of Nokia LD-1W in China represents a good example of how Nokia Ventures Organization Asia creates value to the mobile ecosystem, through partnerships with local and global entrepreneurs.”

The navigable map database is a critical component of a navigation solution. For the Nokia LD-1W mobile navigation solution, Nokia selected NAV2 as its map supplier. “NAV2 is pleased to be working with a global leader known for its high standards of excellence. NAV2 and Nokia’s combined expertise is a winning combination for portable communication and navigation,” said Jeff Lin, General Manager of NAV2. “We anticipate that the release of this mobile navigation solution will promote further development of the China navigation market and begin the evolution of mobile navigation to an everyday reality.”

NAV2’s current map database covers 195 mainland cities in 31 provinces, including the nationwide road network. Also included is NAVTEQ map of coverage Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The map data also includes points of interests, such as restaurants, lodging, recreation, public transportation and cultural facilities, and offers turn-by-turn route guidance to the selected destination. The database is expected to cover 511 cities across mainland China before the end of 2007. Users can go to Nokia Care Centers across the country for map updates after initial activation.

The Nokia LD-1W is compatible with the Nokia 3230, Nokia 3650, Nokia 3660, Nokia 6260, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6681, Nokia 7610 and other Series 60 smartphones. PDA or personal PC users can purchase the Nokia LD-1W sales package without the MMC card, and then download compatible mobile navigation applications and maps at their convenience.

The main features of the Nokia mobile navigation solution include the option of voice instructions, easy switching between a classic map view and a 3D display, easy handover between daylight mode and night colors manually or automatically, as well as zoom-in and zoom-out map display.

Located in Cell Phone GPS, GPS, GPS Technology on Oct 6, 2005