smart2go is the first service for smartphones providing truly interactive metro maps. The service is based on a mobile content player which offers a comprehensive local (on-board) map solution with address search, local bookmarks, and directions. In a first stage the service offers a set of base points-of-interest and GPS support for positioning and routing. Operators can deploy the technology rapidly to offer premium subscription services to their high net-worth smartphone users.

gate5, well known for mobile city map & city guide solutions like Falk City Guide, Map & Guide, Lonely Planet or iFodors Guides, today announced its next generation service for mobile map and content applications on smartphones. The smart2go service platform consists of a downloadable mobile content player, maps of major cities worldwide ready to mix and match as well as basic content services and a point of interest (POI) database. Each smart2go player is optimized for the target handset platform (all major platforms will be supported) and provides a superior responsiveness and user experience. ``Fly'' over your area or a whole city using the unique 3D-View mode of the smart2go player or move around using the unique keyboard based user interface.

Operators can significantly drive data traffic by providing OTA content download for the smart2go package and additional maps or by offering a MMC bundle. After downloading and installing the full smart2go package the user can use the product at any given time at any location. Since the complete mapping and POI data is stored locally on the device, using smart2go in a subway or in a place without roaming or network coverage is not an issue. This is a major advantage in comparison to online solutions which are often slow and add a substantial ``hidden-cost'' burden. Also, the costs of deployment are a fraction of server-based solutions -- leading to rapid ROI.

smart2go uses a comprehensive POI database with more than 500.000 POIs (Point of Interest) in Europe and more than 400.000 POIs in the US. Using this valuable information, which is already stored on the mobile handset, will change the way users will look for specific locations. Find the next gas station, post office, parking place, bank or Indian restaurant in your vicinity or checkout local landmarks. Store any position on the map as a local bookmark and invite friends & family to your new cool favourite dining pace. Send your bookmarks via SMS to your friends, colleagues, and business partners.

The unique smart2go offering is based on the mobile content player which provides access to content channels and all the map features. The built-in GPS support allows for automatic path tracking and waypoint switching when following a route. Based on a highly flexible channel concept the mobile content player handles various content channels (either local content or online streams) in parallel and allows the user to send data either to a server, or other users. Checkout the local weather and interesting places - either in your town or for the destination you're heading too.

During this year smart2go will grow into a complete navigation and community platform with additional content channels from gate5's worldwide partners. Send your current location data or your favourite restaurant bookmarks to a friend via SMS or Bluetooth and locate your next business meeting address on the map. Use basic and premium content channels from top brands to get to know your place better or to find out the cool ``in'' places while being on the road. Read the news while waiting for a cab or sitting in a train or find out about local events.

In addition to the initial release for Series 60 devices (Nokia 3650, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Siemens SX-1, Sendo X, Panasonic X-700), the smart2go mobile content player will be available for all major mobile platforms: PocketPC, Palm, Smartphone (SPV), UIQ, and Java (MIDP). smart2go will launch its services and coverage worldwide in successive steps. The rollout starts in central Europe (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), the United Kingdom and Ireland, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg and the United States.

gate5 AG

gate5 AG is a leading supplier of software and services for location based information on mobile devices. gate5 not only delivers the relevant technology, but also complete solutions including user interface development, content integration, user administration, and billing.

The middleware developed by gate5 for real-time mapping, route planning, content management and messaging is available as a stand-alone version that is installed directly on the device, and as a service that allows real-time access and updates via server side databases. The connection can be either wired or wireless (WiFi, GPRS, etc.). The platform independent modules support all major mobile operating systems such as PalmOS, PocketPC (Windows mobile), Symbian and J2ME 2.0 (in 2004).

gate5 has partnered with all major device manufacturers and benefits from an excellent partner network for brand content both in Europe and the US.

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