The Siemens Communications and Siemens VDO Automotive Groups have jointly developed a pocket-sized navigation solution for Java-based mobile phones: Siemens Mobile Navigation is a cost-effective solution for entry into the world of navigation systems - small, light and extremely portable. State-of-the-art satellite and mobile radio technology provide the latest map material and traffic information to mobile phones via online connection, thus turning them into reliable co-pilots.

The family of permanently installed navigation systems has a new member: The mobile phone. Increasing mobility means more demand for mobile navigation devices. Having been awarded full marks for its Symbian-based navigation solution for mobile phones by the German automobile club, ADAC, Siemens now presents a solution for Java-capable mobile phones. With this latest addition, Siemens complements its product portfolio with a mobile navigation solution that is based on an open standard and can be used across all networks.

A simple, one-off activation is all that's required and the GPS receiver, which you have in your car together with your mobile phone, automatically creates a Bluetooth connection to the mobile. The receiver determines the exact position of the vehicle within a matter of seconds via satellite signals. Even if you interrupt your journey and park in an underground carpark, the device does not have to go through complex repositioning because the memory effect of the receiver lets it find the position of your vehicle in an instant. When entering their destination, drivers can not only select the places last visited, but simply dial the contacts in the address book of their telephones. Airports, railroad stations or gas stations are preset, similar to conventional navigation systems.

Once the route has been calculated, the distance and time to destination are indicated, and navigation mode is on. Self-explanatory arrows and map diagrams on the display of the mobile, as well as voice instructions, take drivers exactly where they want to go. For this online navigation solution, route calculation is performed centrally from a server that sends data to the mobile phone, thus giving drivers access to the latest map material. Dynamic routing also ensures that the driver is reliably informed of the latest traffic conditions en route, as well as roadworks and traffic congestion.

Siemens Mobile Navigation combines Siemens' competence in mobile communications with many years of navigation expertise. By expanding its product portfolio beyond permanently installed onboard solutions, Siemens is able to offer customers who see flexibility as a top priority a value-for-money model at entry level. This will ensure the company a top position in a market that is set to grow rapidly in the future. Already, over three million people around the world use mobile navigation solutions, and according to latest researches, this number is expected to grow more than tenfold over the next five years.

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