MapQuest launches turn-by-turn navigation on mobile phones

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MapQuest launches turn-by-turn navigation on mobile phones

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April 4, 2006 MapQuest has announced MapQuest Navigator, a service that will enable consumers to access Global Positioning Service (GPS), turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions on mobile phones. Based on Telmap’s Mobile Optimized Navigation Data (MOND) technology, MapQuest Navigator displays dynamic, full-color maps and provides accurate turn-by-turn navigation instructions by voice, graphics and text. The system includes a database of millions of restaurants, hotels, theaters and other points of interest which consumers can navigate to, direct dial to make reservations or send any location to a friend via text message.

MapQuest also announced that it is making it easier for consumers with Web-enabled mobile phones to access MapQuest.com. Available now, the free Web service is specifically designed and formatted for mobile phones and provides a convenient way for anyone with a Web-enabled phone to access interactive maps, get driving directions and find places. The service is based on technology from InfoGin Ltd., a leading pioneer of Web to mobile content adaptation solutions. Consumers can access this service on their mobile phones by going to http://wap.mapquest.com. "MapQuest Navigator and Web-enabled services provide consumers with some of the most powerful and convenient solutions for finding places while they are mobile," said Jim Greiner, VP and GM of MapQuest. "We're giving consumers the ability to find any place and get there whenever and wherever they need it most - while they are on the go." "We believe that Telmap's unmatched mobile navigation technology together with a highly recognized brand like MapQuest creates the perfect offering for the current US market, and suits the American consumers' needs in the best way," said Oren Nissim, CEO of Telmap. The MapQuest Navigator mobile offering Includes:

MapQuest Navigator will provide clear, easy-to-follow directions to a location either from a selected starting point or from the consumer's current location, using GPS technology. Other features will include: Audible turn-by-turn directions, using GPS, right on your phone; Allows users to enjoy the navigation experience while making and receiving phone calls; Millions of points of interest to explore with the same quality and relevance offered on MapQuest.com; Optimized routing calculation to find the fastest or shortest route, or to avoid toll roads, highways or other specific elements; Full pedestrian navigation that ignores vehicle turning and one-way driving restrictions; Print-quality dynamic color maps with zoom-in/out, pan and point on map functionality; Intuitive location search for address, intersection or zip code, including unique "points of interest" search capabilities; Automatic re-routing without the need to contact the server; and Support for BREW, Java, BlackBerry, Windows mobile and Symbian. MapQuest expects the MapQuest Navigator service will be available through major U.S. wireless carriers later this year. To get more information, go to http://www.mapquest.com/mobile.