Former NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(R) Semi-Finalist Launches Product
CHICAGO, Jan. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NAVTEQ (NYSE: NVT), a leading
global provider of digital maps for vehicle navigation and location-based
solutions, today announced that NavStar Technologies, Inc., a technology
development company, will power its new Voice Navigator product with NAVTEQ
map data for the United States. Each quarter, NavStar will integrate
freshly updated NAVTEQ map data for the United States to its server,
providing users optimal routing information.
The Voice Navigator, NavStar's first commercially available product, is
a connected navigation product that interfaces with a wireless phone to
create a hands-eyes-free turn-by-turn navigation system through a voice
recognition and response system. NavStar has combined the safety of
hands-free driving with the convenience of voice navigation. Input for a
route or hands-free calling is via the user's natural voice. Turn-by-turn
directions are delivered back to the user aurally without diverting the
driver's attention from the road.
The Voice Navigator utilizes the user's existing digital wireless
connection and service plan. The Voice Navigator also comes with a central
unit that acts as conduit for all navigation guidance which provides the
vehicle positioning information, enabling NAVTEQ maps to be used to
configure an optimal route. Subscribers can state the exact address desired
or access NAVTEQ's extensive Points of Interest database which includes
over six million listings including airports, restaurants, hotels, banks,
gas stations and other popular destinations.
"As NavStar forges into the fresh navigation space of interactive voice
command routing, we need to establish Voice Navigator as a quality product
with the most precise maps and robust routing capability available," stated
Douglas Pritt, CEO & president, NavStar. "NavStar selected NAVTEQ because
we wanted to align with the clear leader of enhanced map data. The NAVTEQ
quarterly map downloads on Voice Navigator will help provide our customers
with the most up-to-date maps available."
"NAVTEQ is pleased to be powering a device that offers a new approach
to getting people to their destinations in the most efficient and accurate
manner possible," commented Winston Guillory, senior vice president,
consumer & enterprise, NAVTEQ. "We look forward to supporting NavStar as it
enters the growing connected services industry."
NavStar is a former NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge 2005 Semi-Finalist. The
NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge is a competition designed to stimulate the LBS
industry by encouraging application developers to build innovative LBS
applications that work with portable devices using wireless technology and
NAVTEQ maps.
About NavStar Technologies, Inc.
NavStar Technologies, Inc. (OTC: NVST) is focused on the creation of
products and services that combines hands-free calling with GPS/navigation.
Product features include the safety of hands-free calling, easy to use
navigation via voice input and output, and the accessibility of emergency
services at a very affordable price point. Maps will be updated quarterly;
user's can choose to input their destinations via the Internet (NavStar
server) and access them with the "touch of a button".
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information
for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices,
Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions.
NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and
location-based services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based
company was founded in 1985 and has more than 3,100 employees located in
167 offices in 31 countries. NAVTEQ and NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge are
trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. (C) 2008 NAVTEQ. All rights
reserved.
This document may include certain "forward-looking statements" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in
this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified
by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes,"
"seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. The statements are based
on our current beliefs or expectations and are inherently subject to
various risks and uncertainties, including those set forth under "Item 1A.
Risk Factors" in each of the Company's most recent Annual and Quarterly
Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to
changes in global political, economic, business, competitive, market and
regulatory factors. NAVTEQ does not undertake any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this document.
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