Routeplanners: SatNav & GPS News

HTC and TomTom say they have signed a new European partnership. HTC’s P3300 personal navigation device will be its first handset to include the latest TomTom NAVIGATOR 6 software. The P3300 is HTC’s first navigation-focused PDA Phone with a built-in GPS. This setup is a suitable solution for customers who need their PDA and navigation integrated into one personal device. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps are easy to install and view using HTC’s trackball and optimised 2.8-inch sharp colour screen.

The HTC P3300 device will be available across Europe from October 2006 with preinstalled NAVIGATOR 6 software, featuring either a city map of choice or a complete set of maps for Western Europe.

Key features of HTC P3300 iclude:
* Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Operating System
* Standalone GPS functionality
* GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 850, 900, 1800, 1900
* Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi
* Direct Push Email
* FM radio for the latest news and entertainment on the go
* HTC RollRTM (Trackball and Track Wheel) for easy viewing and navigation

Key features of TomTom NAVIGATOR 6:
* Contact navigation: Navigate direct to contacts stored in your address book
* Arrival time planning: Plan a route based on your desired arrival time
* Speeding alert: Notifies the driver if they’re speeding, even if they’re not in navigation mode
* Pre-installed Safety Camera database: The most up-to-date available list of safety cameras is pre-installed
* Realistic visual instructions: Visuals replicate road signs, making them easier to follow
* Pedestrian navigation view: 2D map which is fixed in one position to allow better orientation when navigating on foot.

Retailing from October 2006, the HTC P3300 will be available with a “taster pack” of regional maps or as a full version pre-loaded with a complete set of maps for Western Europe. The HTC P3300 taster pack will retail for around 499 Euro, the complete set will retail for around 679 Euro.