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Spime and Navteq Join to Power HP Navigator


Powered by Spime's Hybrid LBS platform and Navteq content, HP is the first multi-device OEM to launch a competitive location based solution under its own brand - "HP Navigator" - for Netbook, Notebook and Tablets PCs. HP Navigator optimizes the interaction between the device and cloud to power location, map, POI, routing and navigation services competing with the leading Web based mapping service providers. The benefits to HP customers are they get location, mapping, POIs, textual routing and voice guided route simulation for free, even when the device is not connected to the Internet. HP Navigator is available in North America, Latin America and in both Western and Eastern Europe in 19 languages.

HP Navigator is an out of box free bundle for HP customers. Because the map/ POI data, LBS platform, applications and Loquendo text to speech engine are pre-installed on the device, HP customers can enjoy complete map related functionality, even when not connected to the Internet. This is a powerful advantage over other Web based mapping services where users are required to have an Internet connection.

Because HP Navigator is a "Hybrid" location solution, when connected to the Internet HP customers can discover, trial and purchase premium LBS services such as voice guided turn by turn navigation, application upgrades, additional maps, POIs and emerging services from within HP Navigator. And, HP Navigator applications can fetch dynamic data from the Web, seamlessly overlaying information onto the existing map data. Since there are no restrictions, additional premium LBS services can integrate with the tasks performed on HP devices.

Spime Inc. powers the solution with its Hybrid LBS Platform - MapMan - and Premium LBS services on Windows 7. Enabling complete map related functionality when connected or not, MapMan is a true Hybrid LBS platform. "Since the LBS Platform is tightly coupled with Spime's Map Viewer application, users get 'Google Maps like' functionality when not connected. Today the popular map solutions require a user to be connected to the Internet and thereby limit when and where location mapping services are available" says Gary Mendel, Spime's VP of World Wide Marketing and Sales.

Shankar Narayanan, CEO of Spime added that "because MapMan and applications are tightly coupled with Spime's Cloud Based Services and SDK, location becomes a standard component of the device software stack. HP can incorporate Location Intelligence within their devices when and where it adds value". Spime facilitates this pervasive LBS approach by offering Services Modules and customized LBS solutions including: Instant on device search, location integration with native device applications, browsers and social networks, Location Based Advertising, integrated content, location sharing, tracking and social location.

Under the agreement, NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world, is providing the map and points of interest (POI) data supporting the new HP Navigator solution. NAVTEQ data is a widely recognized and trusted name in the digital mapping industry, as they build one of the most robust and accurate geographic databases globally. Their map is collected by driving the roads and utilizing geographic analyst experts coupled with proprietary tools and software which are fundamental to their quality advantage.

"We look forward to being a part of this new venture, as NAVTEQ's content will help provide customers a quality experience using Netbooks, Notebook and Tablet PCs, therefore expanding the use cases of LBS technology," said Dave Dale, vice president, Americas Sales, NAVTEQ.

Loquendo's speech technology offers HP customers the utmost flexibility, supporting 30 languages and offering a choice of 71 high quality male and female voices. Since voice guided directions frequently involve information crucial to personal safety, it is vital that audio messages are highly fluent and intelligible. With Loquendo TTS in place, annunciation is clear and well optimized to the location of the vehicle.

Luisa Cordano, Embedded Sales Area Manager for North America adds that "we are honored and excited to reach out to such a large and varied audience such as HP's Netbook, Notebook and Tablet users. I am confident that they will enjoy being safely guided by our lifelike, expressive voices, while keeping their eyes on the road".