Cingular Wireless today introduced a wireless navigation system with 3D maps and “fuzzy search” using an enhanced version of TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device. Cingular business customers on the GPS-enabled iPAQ hw6920 (left), the Cingular 8525 and 8125 Pocket PCs, and the Palm Treo 650 can also use the service. A Bluetooth GPS receiver is required for non-GPS enabled wireless phones.
Using TeleNav GPS Navigator on the Nokia E62 device, customers will receive turn-by-turn directions while driving and view colorful 3D moving maps on the device’s large, high-resolution screen, which measures 320 x 240 pixels. Just like an in-car navigation system, the 3D maps turn, move and stop as the driver does the same, while also displaying a realistic image of the streets the driver is approaching and streets they are passing. Users can also pan and zoom the map to view surrounding streets.
Other features provided on the Nokia E62 device include searching “along-the-route” (ATR), allowing users to look up a business, place of interest, and even the lowest gas prices along their predetermined routes. “Fuzzy search,” also known as predictive address entry, detects and automatically fills in addresses based on current or commonly-used locations, as well as corrective entry, which automatically revises information the user may have misspelled.
Other features of TeleNav GPS Navigator include:
- Voice and onscreen turn-by-turn directions. Users can also preview their routes before they begin driving.
- Biz Finder – Shows Wi-Fi hotspots, ATMs, restaurants, hotels, gas stations and easily navigate to them. The phone number for a business is also displayed.
- Fuel Finder Finds the lowest gas prices within a five-mile or wider radius.
- Spot Marker – Helps users easily find their car wherever it is parked it, such as in a large parking lot or on an unfamiliar downtown street.
- Pedestrian Mode – Help guides pedestrians on long walks or through crowded downtown streets.
- My Favorites – Allows users to save addresses for easy access later.
Cingular is currently offering a free month trial of TeleNav GPS Navigator. Ongoing subscription to the service ranges from $5.99 per month for up to 10 trips or $9.99 a month for unlimited trips (Cingular data plan also required). The TeleNav GPS Navigator subscription includes free, automatic and ongoing map and Point of Interest (POI) content updates.
Sprint Nextel also offers MapQuest Navigator, which features a pedestrian walking mode and Verizon’s VZ Navigator has been available since last year.
