New MSN Direct service provides customers with relevant, timely, location-
specific information while on the go.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the 2008
International CES, Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of the newest
version of the MSN Direct service, an update of its location-based service
for personal navigation devices. MSN Direct will now provide increased
functionality that enables customers to integrate their device with Live
Search Maps, as well as receive enhanced location-specific information.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
Microsoft also announced it is expanding its footprint in the
navigation market by working for the first time with a host of
manufacturers including Alpine Electronics Inc., dmedia System Co. Ltd.,
Goodyear, Pioneer Electronics Inc. and StreetDeck. Garmin Ltd., MSN
Direct's original navigation partner, also announced that it will expand
its MSN Direct-enabled product line in 2008. In addition, Avis Rent a Car
System LLC announced that MSN Direct- enabled devices from Garmin will be
available to its national fleet of rental cars this spring.
"In this past year we have seen a tremendous response to the MSN Direct
service from many top leaders in the navigation industry - ranging from
personal navigation device-makers and in-car system manufacturers to the
top brands in the rental car field," said Eric Lang, general manager of the
MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft. "This strong interest is indicative of
the always-on, timely information that customers are craving while they are
on the go. We know the types of information that consumers want, and we are
pleased to provide a way for our partners to continue to innovate their
existing product lines and bring added value through MSN Direct."
MSN Direct Equips Consumers With Location-Specific Information on the
Go
With this latest version of MSN Direct, a new Send to GPS functionality
enables customers to select and save destinations using Live Search Maps
and send to personal navigation devices enabled with the latest version of
the service. Customers can receive information on stock prices, local
events, news headlines and weather. The service also provides enhanced
movie details, gas prices and expanded traffic information for the U.S. and
Canada. Specifically, MSN Direct has added traffic information for the
Canadian cities of Toronto, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Montreal;
expanded coverage in Fort Pierce, Fla.; Olympia, Wash.; and Fort Collins,
Colo.; and will soon enhance coverage in Kansas City, Mo.; and Boston and
Cape Cod, Mass.*
Microsoft Showcases New Products From Alpine, Garmin and StreetDeck
Alpine Electronics' new, portable PND-K3msn provides fast, accurate and
easy-to-use navigation guidance for the U.S. and Canada and will be
available in spring 2008 for an estimated retail price of $650 (U.S).** As
a device enabled with the latest version of MSN Direct, it is equipped with
instant up- to-date information, including current stock prices,
information on local events, news headlines, and enhanced movie details and
showtimes, in addition to traffic information, gas prices and weather.
The Garmin(R) nuvi(R) 780 and Garmin nuvi 880 with MSN Direct will be
released in spring 2008, and will be available for $799.99 (U.S.)** and
$999.99**. Both devices include the MSN Direct receiver out of the box.
Also new to Garmin's lineup, the Garmin nuvi 5000 is MSN Direct-enabled and
the receiver is sold separately. The Garmin nuvi 5000 will be available for
$799.99 (U.S.)** in the spring. With the new Send to GPS functionality,
customers can select and save destinations using Live Search Maps and then
access the information on their MSN Direct-enabled personal navigation
devices. These new devices intelligently route drivers based on the latest
traffic conditions while conveniently displaying information on the latest
news, local events, weather, gas prices, movies and more.
"The enhanced capabilities of the MSN Direct network combined with our
navigation devices give power to people on the go," said Cliff Pemble,
president and chief operating officer of Garmin. "Whether users are dodging
traffic jams or checking out the stock market, MSN Direct provides
valuable, timely information."
StreetDeck announced plans to integrate a touch-screen interface with
MSN Direct in a new Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) as an aftermarket, MSN
Direct-enabled navigation unit. Designed to reduce driver distraction and
leverage the power and convenience of UMPC, the touch-screen interface
allows for simple navigation and access to information through MSN Direct.
Navigation Manufacturers Announce Plans for MSN Direct
-- Avis announced that beginning in April 2008, its fleet will be equipped
with the MSN Direct-enabled Garmin nuvi 780, through Avis' where2
program. Ideal for travelers, the device receives relevant and timely
traffic and weather information, news headlines, stock prices and,
eventually, airport details via MSN Direct.
-- dmedia announced the MSN Direct-enabled G4 product line, which will
introduce a new level of service to an expanding line of portable
navigation devices. These new models are expected to be available in
spring 2008, combining all the MSN Direct content with the latest
technology from dmedia.
-- Pioneer announced it plans to release the AVIC-F500BT, a hybrid
navigation technology that brings the power of an in-dash device with
the convenience of a portable system, with MSN Direct. Designed to
integrate with virtually any factory audio system, the AVIC-F500BT will
provide the opportunity for consumers to add superior navigation
features and extended entertainment capabilities without modification
of their existing car stereo.
-- Goodyear announced plans to include the MSN Direct service as built in
with two of its new personal navigation devices and enabled through a
charger with two additional models.
About MSN Direct
MSN Direct, part of the Smart Personal Objects Technology initiative,
is a specialized wireless service that delivers customized and personalized
information to people. Those interested in learning more about MSN Direct
can visit http://www.msndirect.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
* After the initial trial-subscription included with MSN Direct-enabled
devices, an optional subscription service fee of $49.95 (U.S.) per year or
a one-time fee of $129.95 is required for MSN Direct services.
** Prices are estimated retail prices. Actual retail prices may vary.
For more information on MSN Direct devices, services, pricing, coverage
and availability:
Visit http://www.msndirect.com.
SOURCE Microsoft
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Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.msndirect.com/
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