Destinator 7 is launched

 Maximum customisation capabilities for manufacturers
Improved user experience including new 3D landmarks and icons *
Advanced Text-To-Speech in multiple languages
Faster improved routing and up-to-date maps
Broader premium TMC Coverage and range of compatible hardware
 

Munich, 15th November 2007

 Destinator Technologies today announces the global launch of Destinator 7 – the latest version of its award-winning mobile navigation software – with a range of exciting and innovative new features including; 3D POI’s, customizable user interfaces and comprehensive text to speech capabilities.

 Destinator 7 builds on the company’s reputation for its powerful routing engine, ease of use, quality mapping, reliability and speed of response – features which have made Destinator software the most popular choice for personal navigation device manufacturers worldwide.

 As well as the latest POI-rich mapping for all major global markets, Destinator 7 is available in 25 languages and will be backed by Destinator’s global customer support network.

 Designed to meet the needs of Personal Navigation Devices and PDA users, Destinator 7 delivers new levels of performance in four key areas:

 Faster, easier routing – wherever you go

Destinator has made a number of improvements to its core routing engine already regarded as industry-leading for its speed, accuracy and ease of use. This fundamental element of the navigation experience has undergone a major overhaul to improve route finding to an unmatchable level.

 More flexibility and customisation

Designed to meet demands for more flexibility and control of the “look and feel” of products, Destinator 7 also creates new opportunities for customisable interfaces. This provides manufacturers with the opportunity to extend their brand into the user interface itself – with a flexible range of colours, iconography and menu selections.

Destinator offer a number of off-the-shelf user interfaces, but also support full configuration by their customers though training for graphic designers and the support of the company’s global professional services organisation.

Improved User Interface and experience – clearer, easier, more accessible

As well as supporting 3D objects (PNDs only) Destinator 7 has a new distinctive user interface and offers several improvements based on the company’s high-performance routing engine. This delivers faster map rendering, improved GPS performance and map panning to provide complete and seamless continuity for the end user.

 The release coincides with the availability of the latest maps from Navteq and TeleAtlas, as well as a number of other specialist providers, giving the industry’s largest territory coverage – in 25 languages.

 A new approach to the use of POIs (points of interest) has been developed to include a wider search facility – now by name and area – plus a ‘high level POI’ search facility, allowing users to quickly access frequently searched categories. There is also a “Dial a POI” feature, whereby users can call their chosen destination direct from the Navigation software at the touch of an on-screen button (connected devices only).

 The new 3D POI support feature provides users with a life-like photographic image on screen to aid navigation in busy urban areas. Coinciding with the availability of 3D data the release will allow buildings and landmarks to be shown in a much more life-like manner, as well as offering the possibility for company logo’s and advertising opportunities in 3D (PNDs only).

 Destinator 7 also includes a full “text to speech” function – provided by SVOX – which rapidly processes routing information and provides timely, clear, natural-sounding audio directions, even down to street name level. Other new features include a compass module.

 Keeping traffic moving – improved TMC and detour routing

 Keeping motorists on the move is key for any navigation system – and Destinator 7 has been developed to meet the challenge.

 Destinator 7 supports the ever-growing geographic range of Premium TMC (Traffic Message Channel) services including, for the first time, Italy. In coming months, it is expected that such travel information services will be extended to cover further European countries, providing seamless traffic congestion avoidance across the continent. The new software version will also support TMC services in China when they are launched later this year.

 Supporting the widest range of TMC hardware - lower BoM costs for manufacturers

 Manufacturers seeking lower production costs can also benefit from Destinator 7’s ability to support the widest range of TMC hardware standards – both integrated and standalone. This can lead to substantially reduced Bill of Materials (BOM) costs as manufacturers can select from a range of antenna vendors or implement a solution themselves.

 Improved detour routing is also a key Destinator 7 feature – warning drivers of congestion ahead and suggesting multiple alternative routes as well as avoidance of gated communities, ferries and self-selected ‘roads to avoid’.

 Destinator Technologies VP of Product Management and Marketing John Craig said: “Manufacturers tell us they want fast seamless navigation with the richest most relevant information delivered to them when they want it. We’ve developed Destinator 7 with this in mind – improving our routing engine, extending and enhancing our POI portfolio and usability, plus advanced TMC services that will provide end users around the world with safer, easier travel.”

 Destinator software runs on different platforms thanks to its flexible architecture including on, amongst others, Windows, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Linux. Destinator Technologies’ customers include Motorola, Acer, Asus, Packard Bell and many national and regional OEMs and brand partners.