PR releases

Navicore Personal 2006/1 now available on all Symbian OS platforms along with full European map coverage

July 21, 2006 – Navicore Ltd, one of the leading European mobile navigation providers, today announced that it has further extended the compatibility of its award-winning Navicore Personal 2006/1 mobile navigation software to support all Symbian[1] platforms – Series 60 (S60), S80, S60 3rd edition and UIQ – which means that over 30 different handsets can now be used.

S60 3rd edition platform compatibility means the latest generation of Nokia smart phones - the new E and N-series for example – can run Navicore Personal 2006/1.

Symbian is by far the leading mobile phone operating system (OS) provider with global shipments of Symbian OS-based phones during Q1 2006 rising to 11.70m – a year on year quarter growth of 73% (Q1 2005 – 6.75m). This means that since Symbian’s formation, 70.5 million phones have been shipped.

William Morgan, Navicore UK, says, “With the launch of S60 3rd edition, the majority of smartphones today use the Symbian OS. Our software is specifically designed for Symbian which results in extremely fast routing for customers, and this is why our software is award winning.”

Navicore Personal 2006/1 is a simple-to-use, ‘plug and play’ GPS-navigator specifically designed for smart phones, thereby providing the most convenient and simplest way of finding destinations while driving a car, cycling or walking. It is a full navigation system for in-car use but also a convenient pocket guide when out and about as it includes thousands of points-of-interest such as restaurants, hotels, sports stadiums, theatres and a host of local tourist venues.

Morgan adds, “Satellite navigation today is not just about routing people from A to B, but has evolved to become a leisure device for use at B as well.”

Navicore Personal 2006/1 offers full 7 digit UK postcode support, displays maps[2] right down to street level and number clearly on the mobile phone’s screen, and has voice guidance in multiple languages. Additionally, Navicore Personal 2006/1 includes innovative features such as routing based on real-time traffic conditions[3], safety camera downloads[4] and location messaging.  This allows users to text their location and a map to friends, colleagues and family.

As Navicore Personal 2006/1 is installed directly on the mobile phone, it doesn’t require a network connection to download maps, and therefore the basic usage is free once purchased.

Full European map coverage now available

Navicore now offers broad European map coverage for the latest version of Navicore Personal, purchasable as one complete package, or by individual countries when required.

Like the UK and Ireland, full detailed map information is provided right down to street level with maps available for Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Iberia (Portugal and Spain), Alpine regions and Scandinavia. Navicore also offers maps for Turkey and Central Eastern Europe including: Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Complete package offered so navigation can start immediately

Navicore Personal 2006/1 is sold as a complete retail package containing everything necessary to start navigating straight away.  The following is included in the box:

o        A 512MB memory card containing the Navicore Personal 2006/1 application and the latest maps from Tele Atlas;

o        A Bluetooth GPS receiver featuring the latest SiRF III GPS chip. This makes it possible to receive an accurate signal even if placed in a bag, a pocket or in the glove compartment of a car;

o        A lanyard for the GPS receiver;

o        A Nokia compatible in-car charger for the GPS Receiver.

o        Comprehensive user instructions.

Phone compatibility

Navicore Personal 2006/1 is compatible with the following smart phones:

Navicore Personal 2006/1 S60: Nokia 3230, 6260, 6600, 6630, 6670, 6680, 6681, 7610, N70, N90, Nokia N-Gage, N-Gage QD, Samsung SGH-D720, SGH-D730, Panasonic EB-X700, EB-X800 and Siemens SX1

Navicore Personal 2006/1 S80: Nokia 9300, 9300i, 9500

Navicore Personal 2006/1 Symbian UIQ: Sony Ericsson P910 and Motorola A1000

Navicore Personal 2006/1 S60 3rd edition: Nokia N71, 3250, E50, E60, E61, E70

The list of compatible phones is continuously updated at www.navicoretech.com as new phone models become available.

Availability and pricing

Navicore Personal 2006/1 is available now from a variety of UK retail outlets nationwide including: The Link, 02 stores, The Carphone Warehouse, 3, and online at www.Tesco.com, www.mobilefun.co.uk/navicore, and www.satnav2u.com. A full list of Navicore distributors can be found from www.navicoretech.com

The recommended retail price for Navicore Personal 2006/1 (UK and Ireland) is £199.99 (including VAT).  Full European packages cost £239.99 (including VAT) which include all the box items listed above, with maps provided on DVD and a memory card reader/writer.

Software-only versions and product upgrades can also be purchased from www.navicoretech.com/shop. Existing customers using Navicore Personal 2006/1 on another phone platform can download the new S60 3rd edition version from www.navicoretech.com/shop without additional charges.

1 Symbian is a software licensing company that develops and supplies the Symbian OS, an advanced, open, standard operating system for data-enabled mobile phones. Established as a private independent company in June 1998, the following mobile phone manufacturers license the Symbian OS: Arima, Ben Q, Fujitsu, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Motorola, Mitsubishi, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp and Sony Ericsson.

2
 Navicore Personal uses maps from Tele Atlas.

3
 Navicore uses traffic information data provided by iTIS Holdings Plc, one of the UK’s premier providers of traffic information and vehicle security services.  iTIS collects traffic information from ‘floating’ vehicles, automatic data collection systems, highway agencies, The AA, police and emergency services.

4
 Navicore provides free subscriptions to both real-time traffic routing and safety camera downloads, with users only paying the cost of a GPRS download, subject to the tariffs set by their mobile phone carrier.

About Navicore

Navicore is the premier provider of interactive navigation products for smart phones which is one of the fastest growing categories in the booming navigation market. Navicore software together with a GPS unit turns your smart phone into a fully functional navigator which is always with you. Smart phone based solution provides the most convenient and easiest way to navigate while driving a car, cycling or walking. Navicore products are today sold in 20 countries across Europe. For further information, please visit www.navicoretech.com