Chirag 5 Report post Posted May 12, 2005 Go 'mobile' using a satellite Source: IANS | MSN.com London, May 12: The Netherlands-based company TomTom has developed a pocket-sized satellite navigation device that uses spoken instructions to direct pedestrians from their mobile phone. The TomTom Mobile 5 personal navigation system that follows the success of in-car satellite navigation systems has started selling in Britain, reports the Scottish daily Scotsman. The new system also displays a 3-D map on the phone screen to guide pedestrians and cyclists. It works by inserting a memory card with pre-installed maps and software into a mobile phone. A separate Bluetooth wireless Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver device then connects to the phone. Like an in-car "sat-nav", it works by picking up the user's position via satellite and then directing him to the required destination using the mapping software. Available as a mobile phone package costing around 200 pounds sterling, the TomTom device will find the quickest and most direct route possible, giving an estimated time of arrival. Manufacturers say it will be accurate to within 50 cm and will even be able to tell which side of the road the user is calling from. They also claim the new device will be able to find given destinations from a postcode alone. If connected to the Internet, it will even be able to provide a weather forecast for whichever area the pedestrian is going to. Harold Goddijn, TomTom's chief executive, described the new device as a huge step forward in personal navigation. "For the first time, satellite navigation has been extended outside the car and into the hands of anyone who needs to find their way from A to B, whichever mode of transport they choose." The TomTom Mobile 5 is compatible with a range of mobile phones, including models by Nokia, Orange, Motorola, T-Mobile and iMate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
