December 15th , 2010 – Spime Inc., Navteq and Loquendo partner to power Hybrid alternative to Web based mapping services with 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 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 technology offers HP customers the utmost flexibility, supporting 30 languages and offering a choice of 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”.
About Spime Inc.
Spime Inc. is a Silicon Valley California based company with R&D offices in Chennai, India. The company is a provider of white labeled LBS solutions to mobile operators, OEM / ODMs, developers and semiconductor providers. Spime’s LBS solutions include a Hybrid LBS Platform integrated with Cloud Based Services, Applications, Services Modules, an LBS SDK, location enabling technologies and engineering services.
The company’s solutions are highly customizable and offer value by pervasively enabling and monetizing Location Intelligence and content across Smartphones, Tablets, Slates, Netbooks, Notebooks and Desktops PCs. Spime’s white labeled strategy empowers customers control over brand, roadmap and monetization. New revenue opportunities and vibrant 3rd party ecosystems are opened around location. For more information, please visit the Spime, Inc. website at http://www.spime.com/
Contact: Gary Mendel, VP of World Wide Marketing and Sales – Gary@spime.com
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ was founded in 1985 and now supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, proudly supported by approximately 5,000 employees located in 211 offices in 48 countries.
NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.
About Loquendo
Awarded Speech Industry ‘Market Leader’ for the past four consecutive years, Loquendo provides a complete range of speech technologies for server, embedded and desktop solutions – in 30 languages with 71 voices, and constantly growing – helping businesses deliver a next-generation client experience while saving them millions each year.
Loquendo Embedded Technologies are innovative, easy-to-integrate solutions deployed in more than 14 million mobile and on-board navigation systems globally, as well as powering PDAs, assistive devices, virtual Web-assistants and other embedded solutions around the world.
Loquendo is a Telecom Italia company headquartered in Turin, Italy, with offices in the US, UK, Spain, Germany and France, and a global network of partners. For more info, and to hear Loquendo TTS for yourself, go to www.loquendo.com.