MapQuest today unveiled a mobile map service that customers can use on their cell phones, complete with voice directions, text and maps in a bid to expand on the popularity of its Internet maps.

Photo: MapQuest Launches Cell Phones Navigation Photo 1

Marketed as a cheaper alternative to navigation systems built into cars, MapQuest Navigator will enable consumers to access Global Positioning Service (GPS), turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions on mobile phones.

MapQuest Navigator displays dynamic, full-color maps and provides accurate turn-by-turn navigation instructions by voice, graphics and text. The system includes a database of millions of restaurants, hotels, theaters and other points of interest which consumers can navigate to, direct dial to make reservations or send any location to a friend via text message.

MapQuest Navigator includes:

- Audible turn-by-turn directions, using GPS, right on your phone

- Allows users to enjoy the navigation experience while making and receiving phone calls

- Millions of points of interest to explore with the same quality and relevance offered on MapQuest.com

- Optimized routing calculation to find the fastest or shortest route, or to avoid toll roads, highways or other specific elements

- Full pedestrian navigation that ignores vehicle turning and one-way driving restrictions

- Print-quality dynamic color maps with zoom-in/out, pan and point on map functionality

- Intuitive location search for address, intersection or zip code, including unique "points of interest" search capabilities

- Automatic re-routing without the need to contact the serverand

- Support for BREW, Java, BlackBerry, Windows mobile and Symbian

MapQuest expects the MapQuest Navigator service will be available through major U.S. wireless carriers later this year.

1. Posted by PunkRock	Mon Apr 03, 2006 2:13 pm
Too little too late. With carriers like VZN providing it, and search engines like Google, I doubt MapQuest stands much of a chance.
2. Posted by GSMDude	Tue Apr 04, 2006 11:50 am
AOL is revamping their whole website to allow mobile access. With AOL behind MapQuest, it may be a force to contend with.
3. Posted by don_alehandro	Tue Apr 25, 2006 11:24 am
Hey, You guys should check out Nav4All....its a free software that acts as a navigator on your cell phone...my brother just got it and it seems to be working really well...plus he says it gets updated all the time...

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