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BANGALORE, INDIA: MapmyIndia, India's leading navigable map data provider, has launched the MapmyIndia Navigator, stat-of-the-art in-car GPS navigation device that promises to revolutionize the way people travel in India.
This portable satellite-connected GPS gadget is pre-loaded with comprehensive maps covering entire India and provides real time voice guided turn by turn navigation for seamless travel across the country, be it intra-city or inter-city (not a separate city map, and separate basic India map).
"Internationally the market for in-car GPS navigation has seen an exponential growth, driven by sales of 20 million Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) last year in the US and 30 million in Europe. We have already invested over $5 million in building the most comprehensive and accurate map data for India. We will be driving the Indian market by investing an additional $5 million in sales and distribution and constant upgradation of the maps during the next one year," Rakesh Verma, MD, CE Info Systems, the promoters of MapmyIndia, said.
In order to bring GPS navigation and location based services to the mass consumer market, MapmyIndia is making its maps available across the Internet, mobile and in-car space. The company is partnering with automobile companies, handset and PND manufacturers, software providers, mobile operators, internet portals and retail and distribution networks of cars, car accessories and consumer electronic products, Verma informed.
The MapmyIndia Navigator
According to Verma, MapmyIndia Maps, that power the MapmyIndia Navigator, have been created and continually updated by a strong team of map data specialists and 200 surveyors, who have been walking and driving millions of kilometers across India for more than a decade now. They are equipped with sophisticated GPS tools, digital cameras and latest satellite imagery, as well as local know-how, allowing them to rapidly collect and create highly accurate maps.
Use by enterprises
MapmyIndia maps have empowered over 500 leading enterprise and government customers over the last 15 years across verticals for decision support. MapmyIndia.com has also served millions of map and search requests by consumers. Continuous usage and validation of these maps by enterprises and consumers have helped MapmyIndia keep the maps updated and relevant across India.
Hardware models
MapmyIndia Navigator is currently available in two hardware models, Delphi NAV 200 and AMAX 06GP5A. Both the personal navigation devices have built-in GPS (SirfStar III), 3.5" colour touch-screen, Samsung 400 MHz processor and additional multimedia features to play movies, music, photos, games etc.
The MapmyIndia Navigator is currently available at 50 dealers across major cities- Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Chandigarh and will be available across 2000 retail outlets by the end of 2008, said Verma. The device is also available online through MapmyIndia.com. The MapmyIndia Navigator is available for Rs 21,000 in Delhi and Rs 22,000 in other states.
MapmyIndia map upgrades will be available twice a year for the entire country and will be priced around Rs 1,000. In the next one year MapmyIndia plans to release over 1,000 cities and 500,000 towns and villages along with 1 million points of interest with these upgrades.
The company will soon launch yellow and white pages search on MapmyIndia.com, the interactive maps and directions portal for India launched in 2004. In addition, the company is also aiming at SMS services, vehicle tracking, mobile applications etc.