Sprint and Microsoft Offers Mobile Searches Based on GPS

Sprint and Microsoft are combining to offer a first of its kind service. The first fully integrated GPS location-aware mobile search service is now available from Sprint at no additional cost to Sprint data subscribers.

Using the existing search function on Sprint GPS enabled phones, users can simply type in a keyword like "gas station" and a listing of nearby gas stations will be listed based on GPS coordinates. No address information is needed, not even a zip code. The service takes it a step further by offering driving directions by clicking on a link or calling the business directly from the search screen. Users also have the option to send directions to a friend who may need directions to the same destination, like a restaurant.

Voice search capabilities are also available allowing users to simply say the word "gas station" versus typing it in. This service requires users to download a client to their phones and is only available on certain phones.

AAA Provides Mobile Application to Drivers

AAA is entering the Location-Based Services (LBS) arena with a new downloadable application. The appication provides turn-by-turn directions and allows users to automatically send their GPS coordinates to AAA over a wireless handset. The service makes sense to AAA as they stated that half the calls they receive each year are from mobile handsets.

The application is currently only available from Sprint for $10 per month. It is available for AAA members as well as non-members. In addition to the services listed above, users also gain access to AAA hotel ratings and info on AAA "points of interest" around the country.

For instructions on downloading the application, visit AAA Mobile.

Helio Has Thinnest Phone in the US

Helio announced the availability of the "Fin" from Samsung, the thinnest clamshell style phone in the US at just 11mm thin. Don't let it's size fool you, this phone is packed with power. The Fin supports EV-DO high speed mobile broadband. It has a 3 MB camera that allows you to instantly upload pics and clips to YouTube and Flickr. In regards to memory, the phone comes with 100MB and can hold up to 4 GB via its MicrosSD slot. The Fin even has GPS packed into its small frame, providing support for Helio's Buddy Beacon service, Google Maps, and voice-guided navigation provided by Garmin.

The Fin measures 4.06"x2.06"x0.45" and weighs 3.35 ounces. The MSRP for the device is $365, but it is available on Helio's website for as low as $175 with discounts and rebates.

Locate Family and Friends on Your Sprint Phone

Sprint will partner with loopt to provide a social mapping service that allows you to find friends, connect with friends, and tag places and events. The service is currently available through Boost Mobile, which is a Sprint MVNO. With this announcement, Sprint will be launching the service on its own handsets . The service will initially be available on 42 handsets.

Loopt allows you to see the location of friends and family on your mobile handset or from any web browser. Loopt allows you to set up alerts, so you can be notified when friends are in the same area. You will also be able to communicate with them through the application. For example, after being alerted that a friend is in close proximity to you, you can send them a text saying "I see you are in my area, let's meet for lunch".

As mentioned, the service is currently only available on Boost. It should be available soon from Sprint. You can still sign up early on the loopt website. The cost of the services is $3 per month.

Verizon Introduces Plans Including Mobile Email

Verizon just introduced several new plans that include data applications in addition to just voice minutes. The plans include unlimited messaging, the VCAST VPak, VZ Navigator, and Mobile E-mail. Unlimited messaging allows users to send text, picture, video, and IM messages to any domestic network. VZ Navigator is a location based service using GPS to give turn by turn directions as well as locate points of interest. Mobile E-mail provides access to up to 10 email accounts from services such as Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail. VCAST VPak gives users access to entertainment options such as video clips, news, sports, games, and unlimited web access.

The new plans start at $79.99 for 450 minutes and go up to $239.99 for 6000 minutes. A compatible phone is necessary to take advantage of all the features offered.

Family Phone Pack from Sprint

The Sanyo 3200 is now available from Sprint. This is an entry to mid level phone as it does not support access to Sprint's high speed Mobile Broadband Network (EVDO). However, it still has several other functions that make this perfect for a family pack. It comes in 3 different colors, offering personalization for different family members. The phones support GPS and are compatible with Sprint's Family Locater service allowing you to view the location of family members. There are also Parental Controls allowing parents to limit phone and web access. Other features include Bluetooth and VGA camera. The phone dimensions are 3.5"x1.8"x0.8" and weighs 3.4 ounces. The suggested retail price is $199.99, but it is available for $49.99 with service agreements and rebates.

Sprint Keeps Track of Kids by Monitoring School Buses

Global Positioning System service offered by Sprint will allow school districts to track the locations of their school bus fleets. The service will also show administrators which pupils are aboard the buses and the stops where they get off.

The iX-3 system, designed by Sprint partner Everyday Wireless, uses the carrier’s iDEN network and GPS signals to track a bus’ location. It can also track rider attendance, and can send automatic alerts if a student gets off at the wrong stop. Finally, the service can also generate automated rider reports for school districts that are required to file such reports in order to receive state and federal funding.

The technology “does not delay the boarding and disembarking process,” according to the companies. Other features include integration with Sprint Nextel’s iDEN push-to-talk service, direct dispatch, two-way text messaging and live audio monitoring and recording.

According to Bill Bair, director of transportation for the Colorado Springs School District, the Everyday Wireless system “has significantly reduced the number of complaints that we received from schools and parents.” He said the technology has “eliminated the need to make return phone calls to parents since now we have the ability to address their issues immediately be looking at up-to-date data.”

Source: www.rcrnew.com

Pharos Launches GPS Smartphone

GPS firm Pharos launched its first hybrid GPS/cell phone, a Windows Mobile smartphone called the Pharos GPS Phone. The GPS Phone is a pull-out-all-the-stops Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC, with a top-notch SirfStar III GPS chip and a range of high-end features. It's a quad-band GSM world phone, with high-speed Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, and an EDGE cellular modem. You can take pictures with a 2-megapixel camera, or listen to a built-in FM radio. The device has a 2.8-inch, 320-by-240 touch screen, but no built-in QWERTY keyboard.

Pharos has made the unusual choice of selling the GPS Phone unlocked, letting users pop in an existing Cingular or T-Mobile SIM card. While this keeps the price high, at $699.95, it lets Pharos bring the phone to market without the drag of carrier approval processes—so it will be on sale next month.

There are a bunch of other GPS/PDA/phone combinations available, but the Pharos model is unusually high-spec. The HP iPAQ hw6925, sold by Cingular for $359.99 with contract, has an even smaller screen and a lower-res camera. Several Blackberry models on Sprint, Nextel and Alltel (but not Verizon Wireless), most notably the 8703e, have built-in GPS and work with the Telenav driving-directions service. You can also get Bluetooth GPS receivers for most Palm and Windows Mobile PDAs, and Sprint offers GPS and driving directions on many of their non-smartphones. None of those other options matches the Pharos' full set of features, setting the Pharos at the high end of the market right now. The Pharos GPS Phone will sell for $699.95.