Saturday, September 13, 2008

AT&T Rolls out A-GPS, Adds Navigation Applications

AT&T has deployed assisted-GPS technology (A-GPS) on its network to add location-based services (LBS) on its cell phones, the company said today.It also said it will launch two navigation applications in the coming weeks, MapQuest Navigator and AAA Mobile navigator, underscoring its focus on GPS services.
AAA Mobile navigator will offer audible turn-by-turn directions as well as AAA TourBook travel guide information such as Diamond Ratings for restaurants and lodgings, gas prices, movie reviews and show times. MapQuest Navigator will give turn-by-turn, voice-guided driving and walking directions, 3D moving maps, and access to 16 million points of interest from MapQuest's database. Users can get real-time traffic alerts, gas prices, gas station locations and AOL's City's Best restaurant and venue ratings.

Plans to launch a location-enabled social networking service and a family-oriented service with privacy controls are underway. "Using a mobile phone for navigation is convenient because it eliminates the need for consumers to buy or carry yet another gadget," said Mark Collins, Vice President of AT&T. "Traditional navigation devices can be hard to transport, while a mobile phone is always on hand."

Unlike GPS technology which searches satellites for latitude and longitude coordinates, A-GPS triangulates locations of cell phone customers using nearby cell sites.

source : http://www.mobiledia.com

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Samsung Knack Slim Clamshell Announced for Verizon

Verizon Wireless today announced the Samsung Knack, a slim clamshell with an ergonomic design, will be available on October 14. Verizon Wireless today announced the Samsung Knack, a slim clamshell with an ergonomic design, will be available on October 14.
The Knack boasts a 2.2-inch internal screen with large text and number fonts, a simplified user interface and messaging communication. A large keypad with tactile contrast lets users dial easily.

The phone also comes with dedicated keys for Emergency 911 (E911), speakerphone, voice mail, voice commands and In Case of Emergency (ICE). Customers can program the ICE button with three contacts that first responders can find in the event of an emergency.

The Samsung Knack will be available for $39.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

source : http://www.mobiledia.com