CoPilot taps Microsoft for local search

Mobile phone GPS system builds in search results

ALK Technologies is to integrate Microsoft's Live Search API into its CoPilot Live mobile phone navigation system.

Users will be offered localised search results displayed on the CoPilot map which can be added to the navigation itinerary as a final destination or en route stop.

CoPilot's existing onboard address and points of interest system is focused primarily on results such as petrol stations and garages. The new feature augments this by providing access to a wide variety of dynamic real-time information.

"The search experience made possible by the Live Search API is a great extension of our navigation-based mobile internet services which provide customers with relevant up-to-date information when they need it," said Michael Kornhauser, managing director and vice president of ALK.

Users enter a search query into a free-text input box, for example 'bank' or 'coffee', and a list of the matches closest to the current location is displayed.

Search results can be based on a different location, such as destination, and where appropriate users have the option of calling the location, accessing the website and displaying community-generated reviews and rankings.

Future versions of the system promise the ability to tap into live online reservation systems, thereby helping users make an informed selection.

ALK said that, unlike many mobile-based GPS systems, CoPilot maps are stored on the device so data transfer is limited and access is faster and more reliable.

The new system will be provided as a free download to all existing CoPilot users in the coming months.