Carried out by CapGemini, the new Symbian Signed test suite ensures compatibility of the tested application for the Symbian OS based systems. smart2go is the first service for smartphones providing truly interactive on board metro maps. gate5 AG shows currently the new smart2go service at the World Handset Forum in Amsterdam.

smart2go for Series 60, content player of the recently announced smart2go service from gate5 AG, has passed the prestigious Symbian Signed certification program. smart2go service is based on a mobile content player which offers a comprehensive local (on board) map solution with address search, local bookmarks, and directions. The Symbian Signed certification program from Symbian Limited has been developed as a generic mobile application certification program for Symbian OS applications. Christophe Helmis, head of smart2go product line: ``This certification shows the outstanding expertise of our internal development team in delivering first class applications for Symbian OS devices.''

In a first stage the smart2go service offers a set of base point-of-interest and GPS support for positioning and routing. smart2go uses a comprehensive POI database with more than 500.000 Points of Interest (POIs) 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.

After downloading and installing the full smart2go package the user can use the product at will. Since the complete mapping and POI data is stored locally on the device, using smart2go in a subway or in a place without 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. 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.

During this year smart2go will grow into a complete navigation and community platform with additional content channels from gate5's worldwide partners. 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.

The initial release of smart2go is available now for Series 60 devices (Nokia 3650, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Siemens SX-1, Sendo X, Panasonic X-700). 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. Symbian Signed is backed by Symbian and network operators, handset manufacturers, tools vendors, applications developers like gate5 AG. The main goal of the test program is to ensure that certified applications are from a trusted source ands meet defined test criteria.

Mforum about 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.

© "MForum.ru"