Pharos Utilizes EtakMap Premium to Enhance its Pocket PC Navigator GPS Software
16 October 2000
Pharos Utilizes EtakMap Premium to Enhance its Pocket PC Navigator GPS Software
MENLO PARK, Calif.--Oct. 16, 2000--Etak Inc., the premier publisher of digital map databases and location-based technology, today announced it has licensed its EtakMap(R) Premium digital map data to Pharos Science & Applications, Inc., the developer of the first full-featured GPS software solution for Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Powered Pocket PCs. Under the agreement, Pharos' Pocket PC Navigator software will use EtakMap Premium digital map data in MapBase(R), an interchange ASCII format, to generate moving/rotating map displays and driving directions on Windows Powered Pocket PC devices.
"Pharos' Pocket PC Navigator is a really innovative product and the perfect application to employ EtakMap Premium's map data," said Kiyoshi Hamai, Etak's vice president of product management and support. "Like many other applications, Pharos' device requires data with high positional accuracy. We are constantly repositioning, updating and improving our map databases so our business customers can provide their end-users with the best possible information."
EtakMap Premium map data combines highly accurate geocoding functionality with comprehensive coverage of the entire United States. The maps provide comprehensive street-level coverage from highways to local streets, including landmarks, extensive park and water areas, consistent roadway classifications and curvatures.
"To make Pocket PC Navigator the most sophisticated and accurate GPS software available for the Microsoft Pocket PC, we needed the best map data out there," said James Oyang, Ph.D., founder and chairman of Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. "We chose Etak's map data because of its combination of high positional accuracy and comprehensive nationwide coverage. Whether you're in major metro or rural areas the Pocket PC Navigator will direct you where you want to go."
Released on July 31, 2000, the Pocket PC Navigator personal navigation software offers route computations with turn restrictions, GPS tracking with moving/rotating maps, driving directions with automatic voice prompts, off-route warnings with one touch re-routes and detailed U.S. street maps with a variety of points of interest. The Pocket PC Navigator includes nearly all of the U.S. territory map coverage, fast zoom and search functions, and full GPS displays including speed, heading, altitude, latitude, longitude, time and individual satellite details. In order to achieve the best performance, the Pocket PC Navigator software should be used with Pharos' iGPS-180 GPS receiver, however, the software is compatible with virtually any other GPS unit on the market.
About Pharos Science & Applications, Inc.
Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is the leader in ultra fast and ultra small GPS devices. They are dedicated to providing leading edge, portable solutions for PDA and in-vehicle applications. Established in 1998, Pharos is comprised of a renowned team of Ph.D.'s and scientists, with an impeccable pedigree of experience in astrophysics and frontier particle physics. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com
About Etak
Etak is the premier publisher of digital maps and location-based technology for in-vehicle information systems, mobile traveler information systems, real-time traffic services and commercial business geographic markets. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Etak was acquired by Tele Atlas of Belgium in May 2000. With the Etak acquisition, Tele Atlas is now the leader in global digital mapping. For more information on Etak's products and services, please visit http://www.etak.com.
Etak, EtakMap, GeoEngine, MapBase and the Etak logo are registered trademarks of Etak, Inc. MapAccess is a trademark of Etak, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. The statements provided herein are for informational purposes only and may be amended or altered by Etak without notice or liability. Etak disclaims liability for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in this press release. Copyright 2000 Etak, Inc. All rights reserved.