Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 With GPS Locator: the Backseat Driver Consumers Will be Glad to Have in the Car

Product's New Voice Feature Keeps Travelers on Track, Helps Save Money at the Gas Pump

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 6 -- Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) today announced the availability of Microsoft(R) Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator, the latest version of the best-selling(1) mapping and travel planning software for the United States and Canada. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator introduces Voice-Prompted Directions, a hands-free option that reassures travelers with turn-by-turn directional information so everyone in the car can enjoy the ride without the stress of getting lost. For running errands around town, taking a family road trip, finding the way around a new city or planning a day of business meetings, Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator offers easy-to-use tools to plan personalized trips and travel with confidence.

"With fuel costs on the rise, it's never been more expensive to make a wrong turn," said Helen Chiang, product manager for Microsoft Streets & Trips. "New features such as voice-prompted directions and advanced GPS options make Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator the travel companion that always knows the way, saving valuable time and money."

In addition to the product's new and advanced GPS options and verbal driving guidance, Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator continues its legacy as the leading trip planning software. With its personalized route planner, highly detailed and customizable maps, timely road construction updates, and more than 5.9 million miles of routable maps and 1.8 million points of interest across the United States and Canada, consumers can plan the perfect road trip during the holidays, spring break, summer vacation and any time in between.

Plug In and Go!

Microsoft Streets & Trips advanced GPS Locator hardware, which is provided by Pharos Science & Applications Inc., makes it easier than ever to turn a laptop, Microsoft Windows Mobile(TM)-based Pocket PC or Smartphone into an all-inclusive GPS tracking device.(2) Travelers can simply plug in the sleek and stylish Streets & Trips USB-ready GPS device and start viewing intuitive and up-to-date maps, travel information, and text or voice-prompted driving directions in real time. The enhanced Reroute from Here feature also alerts and quickly recalculates directions if travelers get off course, getting them back on track with one simple click.

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator includes the following new features:

   --  New! Voice-Prompted Directions work with the GPS Locator to provide
       an easy-to-use, hands-free option that delivers turn-by-turn
       directional information to the desired destination.
   --  New! Driving Guidance Pane prominently displays text-prompted
       turn-by-turn directions, enlarged arrows indicating where to turn,
       and distance measurement by miles and yards as drivers get closer to
       the destination.
   --  New! Dynamic Turn View automatically zooms in to travelers' current
       position, allowing them to see where they are and upcoming
       directional changes.
   --  New! Night Map Style enhances views of maps and directions for easy
       reading when consumers are traveling at night or on dark roadways.
   --  New! Locate Me technology helps lost travelers who don't have their
       GPS Locator on hand determine where they are by utilizing Wi-Fi hot
       spots to estimate their location to help them get back on track or
       find nearby points of interest. Consumers can also go online to
       cross-reference MSN(R) Virtual Earth(TM) for greater trip-planning
       accuracy through additional maps and aerial imagery.

  Availability

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator is available for an estimated retail price of $129 (U.S.). Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 (standard) is also available for an estimated retail price of $39.95 (U.S.) before a $10 (U.S.) mail-in rebate to qualified customers.(3) For those planning European vacations, AutoRoute(TM) 2006 will be available for an estimated retail price of $129 (U.S.) for the GPS version and $39.95 (U.S.) for the standard version.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) Source: The NPD Group/NPD Techworld(R), March 1999-July 2005. Based on total U.S. retail sales.

(2) Expansion sleds (sold separately) required for Pocket PC and Smartphone functionality

(3) Actual retail price may vary. Certain rebate offer details apply.

NOTE: Microsoft, Windows Mobile, MSN, Virtual Earth and AutoRoute are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information on Streets & Trips 2005: http://www.microsoft.com/streets