Former NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge Semifinalist Launches Application Powered by NAVTEQ(R) Map Data

    CHICAGO, Aug. 26 -- NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for location-based solutions and vehicle navigation, today announced that Loopt is teaming up with NAVTEQ to bring its interoperable social-mapping application to a new network of consumers.  The social networking solution uses NAVTEQ data for North America and is commercially available on select carriers.

    As a semifinalist in the 2007 NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge(R) - Americas, Loopt is part of the growing number of participants in the premier developer competition that have successfully brought their application to market.  An application that is based in the thriving social networking category, Loopt allows friends to connect on-the-go, helping to navigate their social lives by orienting them to people, places and events via detailed, interactive NAVTEQ maps.  Subscribers can also share location updates, geo-tagged photos and comments with friends on the Web.

    "Loopt uses location technology to connect friends to each other and the world around them," commented Eric Carr, vice president of Location Technologies, Loopt.  "The extensive support that NAVTEQ provides to developers through such programs as the Global LBS Challenge exemplifies how clearly they understand the future of LBS and the far-reaching effect it will have on our environment."

    NAVTEQ map data provides an ideal foundation for supporting innovative wireless LBS applications that require accurate, rich and relevant content.  The NAVTEQ database contains millions of the most-valued Points of Interest including local restaurants, ATMs, gas stations and other important destinations to enhance the mapping and navigation experience for end-users. NAVTEQ's digital map data provides the quality and extensive coverage that enables more effective location tracking for consumer and enterprise applications.

    "Mobile subscribers are beginning to understand the positive impact that LBS can have on their lives -- adding 'location context' to mobile applications dramatically enhances the user experience," said Jeff Mize, executive vice president, sales, NAVTEQ.  "With the popularity of

location-aware social networking continuing to grow rapidly, Loopt chose an opportune time to launch its application, as it taps into the consumer desire to be 'in touch' all of the time."

    Loopt is now available across multiple wireless carriers and supported on over 80 mobile devices.  Please visit http://www.loopt.com for more information.

 

    About Loopt



    Loopt, based in Silicon-Valley and backed by leading venture capital firms Sequoia Capital and New Enterprise Associates, has created a truly interoperable and accessible social-mapping service that is available across multiple carrier networks and supported on over 80 mobile devices.  Leveraging the latest location technology, Loopt changes the way people connect, share and explore in the real world.  Loopt was designed with privacy considerations at its core and offers a variety of effective and easy-to-use privacy controls for subscribers.  Loopt works with leading mobile, social networking, and online privacy and security organizations such as the Family Online Safety Institute, Cyber Safe California, ConnectSafely.org, Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee, Progress & Freedom Foundation's Center for Digital Media Freedom, and the Internet Safety Task Force.  Loopt is also TRUSTe certified.  For more information, please visit http://www.loopt.com.

 

    About the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge

    First launched in 2003, the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge is focused on driving the development and visibility of innovative navigation solutions for wireless devices.  From wireless business applications to sports, travel and security, integrating the accuracy and richness of NAVTEQ digital map data facilitates the timely evolution of the next wave of LBS.  The 2008 Global LBS Challenge features a global prize pool valued at over $4.5 million in cash and prizes.

 

    About NAVTEQ

    NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based services solutions around the world.