Networks In Motion, Quarterscope Solutions and ULocate recognized for excellence in developing Location-Based solutions at CTIA Wireless 2004.
Sponsored by NAVTEQ and SiRF Technology, Inc., the 2004 Wireless LBS Challenge challenged application developers to build innovative LBS solutions that work with cell phones or wireless handheld devices using global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and NAVTEQ maps. Nine semi-final solutions were identified and selected based on the following criteria: applicability, functionality, design, and solution overview. Read on for a quick look at the winning apps.
Winner – AtlasBook, Networks In Motion, Irvine, CA
AtlasBook utilizes a cell phone’s built-in GPS technology to deliver a full suite of tools including real-time turn-by-turn directions, full-color, high-quality maps of the user’s location, and Yellow Pages to search for places nearby. Users can even logon to the AtlasBook Web site and store favorite places and trips that they can later retrieve from their phone. These features work together to simplify travel planning, save time on the road and make mobile life more productive. AtlasBook transforms a cell phone into a personal travel guide.
PhoneLocator is a simple way to keep track of a cell phone’s location anytime, anywhere. From the PhoneLocator Web site, the phone can be located on a map and directions displayed to or from the phone’s location, thereby enabling a heightened level of security and peace of mind. AtlasBook Benefits Include:
- Yellow Pages – Find Restaurants and Theaters
- Maps – Fast Maps on your Phone
- Driving Directions
- Recent Places and Trips
- Integrated Places and Contacts
- 411-Enabled
- Provides Security on the Road
AtlasBook uses Telcontar’s Drill Down Server, a spatial software platform that provides flexible spatial, geocoding and routing for LBS applications for navigation, fleet tracking, trip planning, real-time traffic information, emergency roadside assistance and concierge services. Key specific enhancements include improved geocoding match rates and POI lookups, the ability to customize driving direction styles, more powerful capability to customize map appearance, and the addition of a new Extract plug-in module to support true off-board navigation applications.
Note, in order to utilize this service you will first need a NIM certified AtlasBook-enabled wireless phone.
See www.atlasbook.com & http://www.networksinmotion.com
Runner Up – The Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS), Quarterscope Solutions, Needham, Massachusetts
The Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) from Quarterscope Solutions is the first outdoor positioning network to utilize Wi-Fi rather than GPS or cell tower systems to pinpoint location. “The Wi-Fi Positioning System will accelerate the growth in the location based services industry by providing these capabilities to anyone with a Wi-Fi device,” explains Ted Morgan, Founder and President of Quarterscope Solutions. “This revolutionary model will change the way people think about location software and services.”
WPS will work today with all GPS compatible applications. As part of the commercial launch in the second quarter of 2004, Quarterscope will also launch a family of location-based applications built specifically for WPS. Examples of these products include WhereIsIt? for finding nearby services like ATM’s and gas stations, Wi-Fi Enhanced GPS, a stolen laptop recovery system and the Local Search Toolbar.
See http://www.quarterscope.com
Runner Up – ULocate, Newton Center, MA
ULocate™ offers subscribers the ability to view location information of family members and employees on a 24/7 basis. uLocate’s platform takes advantage of cell phones that can establish and transmit latitude and longitude using the government’s Global Positioning System (GPS). Currently, we support the Motorola i730, i88s and i58sr on the following carrier networks:
- Nextel
- Southern LINC
- TELUS Mobility (MIKE)
See www.ulocate.com
Foe more information about the contest, See also www.lbschallenge.com