GPware Launches Pocket PC Product That Links Car Navigation

[Brad Isaac]

GPware Launches Pocket PC Product That Links Car Navigation with Calendar to Put User´s Schedule in the Driver´s Seat
Monday November 11, 8:07 am ET
New Product Family Connects Microsoft Outlook Calendar with In-Car Navigation, Puts Busy Professionals Just a Click Away from Less Driving Stress


MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- GPware today launched the company and unveiled its new flagship product family with the GP2000 and GP3000 devices. They are the first products using Microsoft Outlook® Calendar appointments for in-car navigation on a Pocket PC device equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver. The GP3000 takes advantage of the wireless Internet (GPRS network) to deliver arrival updates automatically. Mobile professionals now have a seamless link that puts the world of personal information in motion, all without having to re-enter data in two places (PDA and car). The GPware products represent a breakthrough for consumers by offering a winning alternative to the technically complex GPS navigation systems. The GP2000 and GP3000 offer practical, valuable, mainstream applications useful to any busy professional.
The GPware product family connects appointment location data from Microsoft Outlook with driving destinations, all within a user´s existing hardware and software systems. The GP3000 extends this functionality with wireless messaging, giving users the option of sending alerts automatically from the navigation application to the meeting contact whenever schedules or destinations change. For the first time, people on the go have an easy-to-use device that connects personal schedule information with in-car navigation on the Pocket PC, guiding them efficiently to multiple appointments, even when plans and locations change en-route. With just a single click on from the desktop PC, people can prepare to travel around the block or around the world without tediously compiling directions and maps.

"The GP2000 and GP3000 effortlessly move driving directions from the desktop to the car, which removes the anxiety that plagues busy professionals with a fast-paced schedule," said Samir Lehaff, president and founder of GPware. "People can have the confidence of knowing they can arrive on time to a full day of appointments. Now anyone really can take the most useful part of their personal information with them on the road. And with the GP3000, people finally have a powerful, convenient application that takes advantage of the value of GPRS networks."

How It Works
-- Automatically links navigation destination to the appointment´s
"Location" field.
Until now, connecting personal PC information with the mobile world
required multiple, time consuming steps, and re-entry of addresses
into a separate car navigation system. The GP2000 and GP3000 use
Microsoft Outlook appointment location and contact data to create
directions and travel time for each destination -- the first
application to use the location field. To link the destination
automatically, users simply enter "@(Contact Name)" in the location
field of Outlook appointment while creating a new appointment in
either Pocket PC or on the desktop.
-- Navigation module uses GPS receiver to get location coordinates
enroute.
The GPware navigation module uses the GPS receiver supplied in the
Pocket PC "jacket" to continuously update the present location. The
novel user interface is driven by Macromedia Flash(TM) technology,
to give the driver clear voice prompts as well as crystal-clear
visual directions for every driving maneuver. Voice cues are speed
dependent, so that "prepare to" and "make turn" directions are well
in advance to minimize distractions and ensure safer driving. The
GPware devices will automatically reroute if a turn is missed. Users
are always on track to the destination with arrival time calculated.
-- GP3000 wireless communication alerts arrival time via message, email
or phone.
Both the GP2000 and GP3000 constantly track time enroute and give
advance alert to users if an appointment time will be missed. The
GP3000 has a wireless communication option to alert the contact at
the meeting destination. The GP3000 automatically prepares an email
to the meeting contact directly from the application. If this is not
desired, the user can over-ride. If sent, the message either
displays the "distance to destination" and "expected time of
arrival" (ETA) or sends ETA and shows present location on a map
-- all with one click from the user. The easy ability to notify a
meeting contact about a delay and alerting the time of arrival is a
courtesy "must" as well as a stress-reducer for any professional.
-- Automatic map downloads from desktop to Pocket PC.
The GPware desktop software extends Microsoft Outlook by adding a
map download function through the addition of a button called "Make
My Day" appearing on the Outlook menu. Users select a calendar date
range for one-day or multiple-day trips, and the software cleverly
manages and selects appropriate maps for automatic download onto the
Pocket PC when syncing via its cradle. Whether traveling in Texas or
Hawaii, the correct destination maps for the schedule dates are
loaded. The GP2000 and GP3000 also dynamically compile a mileage log
for expense reports or tax audits.


Benefits

People on the go no longer fumble with maps or read directions while driving. GPware delivers an easy-to-use product that connects the most useful part of personal data with an improved ability to reach appointments. GPware´s family of products provide clear directions for simple navigation, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road. Users benefit from:

-- Less stress: The GP2000 and GP3000 track a user´s schedule no matter
where they drive, helping them arrive safely, without ever getting
lost.
-- Quick and easy operation: Just click once and go. Users do not
re-enter address information for each destination and appointment.
-- Peace of mind: Personal safety while driving is vital. Voice prompts
keep attention focused on the road in any city and in any vehicle.
-- Professional Benefits: Busy schedules are better managed, allowing
more meetings with less strain. Customer service and professional
reputation is enhanced by the timely notification of any delay.


Practical Details

Priced at $299, the complete GP2000 and GP3000 packages include Pocket PC software, a GPS receiver and Pocket PC mount for use in-car. Either product can be connected and ready to use in any vehicle in a matter of minutes. The GP2000 and GP3000 are available immediately through the Web site, at info@gpware.com or sales@gpware.com, or call 1-888-9GPware. The GP300S, GP200S and related services are slated for delivery by the end of 2002.

Systems requirements

Handheld Device
-- iPAQ Model 3700, 3800, 3900 series or equivalent
-- Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 and above
-- T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone or equivalent
-- Microsoft Pocket PC Phone
-- 32 MB free memory recommended (for map data)

Desktop computer
-- Windows 98, 2000, Me, NT, XP
-- Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002 (XP)
-- 35 MB of hard disk space on PC
-- Internet Explorer, 5.0 or above
-- 128 MB RAM recommended

Installation
-- Conveniently mounts on vehicle window or dashboard in a sturdy
car cradle.


About GPware

GPware is a privately funded company developing products and services that extend and enhance mobile the computing experience. The company´s product family enables mobile individuals to reach their daily appointments with less driving stress by combining Microsoft Outlook Calendar and Contacts with in-car navigation on handheld devices. GPware seamlessly integrates personal information on your desktop with the ultimate mobile environment: your car. We make traveling easier, safer, and more enjoyable by knowing where you want to go, telling you how to get there, and connecting your world in transit. For more information please visit www.gpware.com.