Navigable map data provider MapmyIndia has launched MapmyIndia Navigator, a global positioning system (GPS)-based in-car navigation device that promises to revolutionise travel in India. This smart and sleek portable gadget uses satellites to determine one’s current location while in the vehicle. The navigator will guide at any destination, with visual map instructions supported by voice prompts. It can either be mounted on the windshield or dashboard while driving, or carried in hand while sitting in the backseat.

“In countries like India, where roads either don’t have names, or road signs are not clearly marked, following directions based on road names or traditional methods can be a frustrating experience. With GPS technology and accurate MapmyIndia maps telling you exactly where to take your next turn, unnamed roads or unclear road signs are no longer an issue. The MapmyIndia Navigator will guide you effortlessly to your destination. It is our commitment to continually keep providing comprehensive and high quality maps to drive this industry,” said Rakesh Verma, MD, CE Info Systems, which is the promoter of MapmyIndia.

MapmyIndia Navigator is currently available in two hardware models, Delphi Nav 200 and A-Max 06GP5A. Both the personal navigation devices have built-in GPS, 3.5” colour touch-screen, Samsung 400 MHz processor and additional multimedia features for movies, music, photos, games, etc. While Delphi deals in car electronics, A-Max deals in design and manufacture of portable digital products.

MapmyIndia Navigator is currently available with car accessory and consumer electronics dealers in New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. The device is also available online through Indiatimes and FutureBazaar, besides MapmyIndia.com. The MapmyIndia Navigator is available for Rs 21,000 in Delhi and Rs 22,000 in other states. This is a one-time cost for the entire navigation-ready product, pre-loaded with complete all-India maps and standard accessories such as car and wall charger, windshield and dashboard mount, manuals, etc. There is no recurring usage charge to using the product, as the GPS signal is free. Travellers can optionally purchase updates to the maps, which will be made available twice a year.

Commenting on future plans of MapmyIndia, Verma said, “MapmyIndia possesses an acknowledged, unparalleled repository of digital map data for India, covering 6,00,000 villages and 5,000 cities and towns of India connected by complete road network – national and detailed street network within city. Based on market demand and requirement, MapmyIndia will release this data in its navigation products and services. Additionally, MapmyIndia will be partnering with hardware manufacturers and consumer brands to pre-load MapmyIndia Navigator software and maps on a host of handsets and navigation devices, thus bringing GPS navigation to the mainstream market.”

Verma added that the service would also be available through SMS for directions, on all mobile handsets of Samsung, Nokia and Sony Erricson, among others. “The service will be powered by yellow pages directory Getit, which has 20 lakh listings across 40 major services,” Verma said.