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Pharos Supplies Microsoft with Advanced SiRFXTrac(TM) Powered GPS Receiver for AutoRoute 2006

LONDON & TORRANCE, Calif.--Nov. 1, 2005--

  New "AutoRoute 2006 with GPS Locator" introduces voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, offers easy-to-use tools to plan personalized trips, and uses GPS to keep travelers on track.  



Pharos Science and Applications Inc., a leading provider of mobile GPS solutions and location-based services for Windows-based devices, has announced their supply agreement with Microsoft. Pharos will supply an advanced highly sensitive SiRFXTrac powered GPS receiver to be combined with the latest version of Microsoft's AutoRoute 2006 with GPS Locator. AutoRoute is a European version of the best-selling mapping and trip planning software in the U.S. -- Microsoft Streets & Trips.

"Working with Pharos, this year's version of AutoRoute gives people the benefits of GPS at a reasonable price, making it easy for everyone to travel with complete confidence," said Peter Williams, Marketing Lead, MapPoint Business Unit at Microsoft. "Pharos GPS accessories designed for Microsoft GPS Locator further offers consumers versatile ways to turn a Windows Mobile device into a GPS travel companion."

"With its comprehensive array of digital maps, a vast points-of-interest library, intelligent route calculation and voice-prompted driving directions, the new AutoRoute 2006 with GPS Locator is a beneficial resource for travelers; it provides Portable PC and Tablet PC users reliable and real-time trip guidance," said James Oyang, Ph.D., president of Pharos.

AutoRoute 2006 with GPS Locator users can connect the sleek and stylish GPS to a USB port on their Portable PC or Tablet PC. The unique modular design of the Pharos GPS receiver also allows users to connect via Bluetooth wireless link or CompactFlash to turn their Windows(R)-based or Windows Mobile(TM)-based devices into a real-time GPS navigation solution. Additionally, customers using the standard version of Microsoft AutoRoute can also turn their mapping software into a real-time GPS tracking solution with Pharos' award-winning Bluetooth GPS receiver.

Microsoft AutoRoute 2006 is available in outlets in late October for an estimated retail price of GBP 49.99 for the software and GBP 120.00 for the GPS Locator. PC World will be exclusive retailers of the combined software and GPS locator package for GBP 149.99.

About Pharos

Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is a leading provider of GPS navigation solutions and location-based services for mobile devices. The company is a charter member of Microsoft's Partner Advisory Council, a Qualcomm BREW Developer, and a member of ITS America and CTIA. Pharos products are sold in the UK through a network of leading online stores including eXpansys.com, Amazon.co.uk, e-Bowl.co.uk, Supergps.co.uk, Routeplanners.co.uk and others. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com.

About SiRF

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. develops and markets semiconductor and software products that are designed to enable location-awareness utilizing GPS and other location technologies in high-volume mobile consumer devices and commercial applications. SiRF's technology has been integrated into mobile consumer devices, such as automobile navigation systems, mobile phones, PDAs, GPS-based peripherals and handheld GPS navigation devices, and into commercial applications, such as asset tracking devices and fleet management systems. SiRF markets and sells its products in four target platforms: automotive, consumer electronics, mobile computing and wireless devices. Founded in 1995, SiRF is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and has sales offices around the world. The company trades on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the symbol SIRF. Additional information about SiRF and its location technology solutions can be found at www.sirf.com.