Map-based GPS navigating is spreading and becoming a matter of everyday course rapidly. With an innovation by Navicore Oy a mobile phone turns into an efficient and user-friendly navigation device that is always with you.

Lying at the core of the know-how of Navicore, which develops and delivers GPS navigation applications that function in mobile phones, is the ability to pack a large amount of information into the small memory card of a mobile phone.

"In practice Navicore Personal is software installed in a memory card and packed with maps of the whole of Europe and useful pieces of information about places in their thousands such as service stations, restaurants, hotels and destinations," says Marita Markkula, the communications manager.

"Bringing navigation to a mobile phone makes it easy to find the destination whether you're travelling by car, bicycle or on foot. The software is quick and user-friendly. If the user knows how to send a text message, he can also use Navicore."

In addition to finding routes and destinations, information about traffic hold-ups, major accidents and roadworks is also available. The device also gives warnings about speed cameras and makes it possible to send information about your own location to friends automatically at desired intervals.

Growth from mobiles

The mobile-phone-based navigation market came into existence in Finland at the end of 2004. In 2005 mobile-phone-based navigating was already the leading product segment compared with separate devices and those permanently installed in a car.

"This year the growth has accelerated. The growth figures are moving in thousands of per cent," Markkula says.

Navicore believe that, as navigating becomes a matter of everyday course, several portable devices other than mobile phones will be equipped with GPS positioning inside a few years.

"The mobile navigator is always with you. It also functions outside a car as a city map and as an electronic travel guide both at home and abroad, at work and during leisure time."

At this moment Navicore's products are available in 20 European countries. Growth plans embrace the whole world. "The number of positioning-based products and services is growing dramatically everywhere. Navicore intends remaining among the world's Top 3 players in mobile-phone navigation."

>> www.navicoretech.com

The Navicore Personal is suitable for everyday use - both on business trips and at holiday destinations. It is as easy to use as sending text messages.