The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Socket Announces Bluetooth GPS Navigation Kit for Pocket PCs

    NEWARK, Calif.--Jan. 13, 2003--

Combination Software/Hardware Provides Optimum Portability and Highly Intuitive In-Car Turn-by-Turn for U.S. and the U.K.

    Socket Communications, Inc. , the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced the availability of its Bluetooth GPS Navigation Kit featuring Socket's MyNavigator(TM) complete in-car navigation software for Pocket PCs, as well as the Socket Bluetooth GPS Receiver (announced November 18, 2002). With the latest map information and a highly intuitive user interface, drivers can plan their trips quickly and be on the road safely without having to read a handheld map or cryptic instructions. Large graphics and clear voice prompts ensure drivers can stay focused on their driving. The software provides turn-by-turn instructions and map support for the U.S. and U.K. European maps will be added in the near future.
    "By combining Mobility Friendly(TM) software with the smallest GPS receiver available for Pocket PCs, our Bluetooth GPS Navigation Kit lets people make a single purchase that enables them to quickly and easily get where they want to go without having to deal with cumbersome cables," said John Doub, director of External Bluetooth Products for Socket. "Built with the mobile user in mind, MyNavigator has the most intuitive user interface on the market and includes an array of helpful features including missed-turn correction, on-the-fly route modifications, almanac functionality, and speed alerts settings, enabling drivers to focus on their driving and not on where the next turn will be."
    "GPS assisted PocketPC road navigation is a fast-evolving area. It's very exciting to see a solution where a lot of thought was put into optimizing the user experience by offering extended features while maintaining excellent usability," said Guillaume Perrotin, founder of GpsPasSion.com, an online site dedicated to GPS on the Pocket PC. "The Bluetooth GPS Navigation Kit is a very compelling solution thanks to its entirely wireless concept and feature - and usability-rich software."

    Pricing and Availability

    Socket's Bluetooth GPS Navigation Kit will be available February 10, 2003 through Socket's website (www.socketcom.com) and through Socket's worldwide distribution channels for a suggested retail price of U.S. $529.

    About Socket

    Socket Communications, Inc, the Mobile Connection Company, provides the broadest range of connection products for Windows-powered handheld computers, including Bluetooth cards, wireless LAN cards, digital phone cards, 56K modem cards, and Ethernet cards. Socket also provides bar code scanning products and peripheral connection serial cards for laptops and other mobile devices. Socket Mobility Friendly(TM) products lead the market with the smallest footprint and most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class, while being easy to install, use and maintain. Socket products work with a variety of handheld devices including Pocket PCs, Palm PDAs and mobile phones. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California, and can be reached at (510) 744-2700, or on the Internet at www.socketcom.com.

    Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Socket Empowering Mobility Program, Mobility Friendly, and MyNavigator are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.