| Do you love driving in the city and depend on city
maps to find your way? Then, forget maps, reach your
desired destination with the help of a palm-sized gadget
aided by a satellite. |
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| Thanks to a new MapmyIndia navigator, an in-car GPS
(global positioning system) navigation device launched
by the Delhi-based CE Info Systems (P) Ltd, a provider
of navigable data, travellers can now find their
destination in any of the 18 major cities in the country
including Bangalore real-time without any hassle. |
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| This portable GPS gadget is pre-loaded with maps of
55,000 towns and villages, and 150 cities containing
important landmarks. The device shows the traveler on
the screen traveling along a pre-determined route guided
by GPS. |
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| Despite being new to any of the listed towns the
traveller can find where exactly an ATM or hospital is
in the city, or where to stop for a meal. |
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| In fact, it will even show the distance and time to
a particular place. This hi-tech navigation is possible
with the MapmyIndia Navigator, a hand-held device that
directs users to the shortest possible route to their
destination using satellite navigation. |
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| The device, however, does not tell you if there are
any changes in the route in real-time or which road can
be used. This does not take into account one way route,
without which such a route identified is meaningless.
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| The navigator’s hardware is presently sourced from
Delphi and Amax that resembles a mobile phone. |
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| Says Rohan Verma, director, CE Info Systems,
“Internationally the market for in-car GPS navigation
system is witnessing a massive growth. Last year, 20
million personal navigation devices were sold in the US
and another 30 million in Europe. In India the product
was introduced only two years ago and is slowly catching
on.” |
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| MapmyIndia navigator uses satellites to determine
the user’s location and guides with visual map
instructions supported by voice prompts. It can either
be mounted on the windshield of the dashboard while
driving or carried in hand while sitting in the
backseat. |
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| To bring GPS navigation and location-based services
to the mass market, MapmyIndia is making its maps
available on the Internet, mobile and in-car space.
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| The company is partnering automobile firms, handset
and personal navigation device (PND) makers, software
providers, mobile operators, internet portals and retail
distribution networks of cars, accessories and consumer
electronic products, Verma said. |
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| The company has invested over $5 million to prepare
the maps of various cities and towns over the last 10
years and aims to pump in another $5 million to expand
its sales and distribution network. |
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| The company is targetting to sell at least 100,000
units during the next one year. Its product is priced at
Rs 22,000 and is available with car accessory dealers
and electronic stores. |
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| The company is also in talks with leading automakers
to offer it as part of a car’s standard features.
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