Nokia and Navicore are teaming up to provide satellite navigation for the phone maker's 770 Internet Tablet. The kit consists of a Bluetooth GPS module and car mounting kit, plus the latest version of Navicore's navigation software on a memory card.
The Navigation Kit for Nokia 770 Internet Tablet will be available before Christmas for €199 (£134), according to Nokia. Satellite Navigation was the number one requested feature from users of the Linux-based device, according to the firm.
Some navigation devices on the market can also connect to the Internet, but the combination of the 770 with Navicore offers unique features, said Nokia's vice president of convergence products, Ari Virtanen.
"You can find more information about points of interest, locate the Wi-Fi hotspot nearest to you, and get up-to-date traffic info. When you have all this in one device, it's a complete in-car solution," he said.
Nokia's 770 Internet Tablet is a lightweight Linux-based device costing about £250, designed for mobile web access via Wi-Fi hotspots or a Bluetooth link to a phone handset. Its 4in touch screen makes navigation directions easy to read and users can operate it using a fingertip when driving by car, Nokia said.
The add-on Navigation Kit is based on the newly announced Navicore Personal 2007, which features an improved user interface, more extensive map coverage, and a new web-based update service.
"It's a state-of-the art user interface. If you can send a text message, then you can use Navicore," said the company's chief executive, Juha Murtopuro. The software runs on Symbian-based smartphones plus Nokia's Linux platform for the 770, and can be installed and running in less than five minutes, the firm said.
Map coverage in Navicore Personal 2007 extends to detailed street maps containing street names and street numbers for all mainland Europe, the UK and S candinavia, Navicore said. Navicore Personal 2007 will also have optional map packages for North America and countries in Africa and Asia Pacific in the next few months.
