"Navicore is readying a version of its European GPS (global positioning system) software for Nokia's Linux-based 770 Internet Tablet. Navicore Personal 2007 brings a variety of "Internet enhanced" navigation features to the 770, and will ship in November, standalone or with a Bluetooth GPS receiver.
Navicore specializes in GPS software for mobile phones, but the company says its software can also complement the Nokia 770's high resolution, widescreen display, and WiFi connectivity.
Navicore's GPS software works in conjunction with maps from Tele Atlas, which also supplies map data for the TomTom Go and other Linux-based navigation devices. However, the Navicore software's coverage area appears limited to Europe.
In addition to support for the 770, other new features in Navicore Personal 2007 include:
Free updates for recent Navicore Personal 2006 purchasers
Clear visual and voice guidance
Fast routing, optimized for speed or distance
Dynamic re-routing, to avoid traffic jams, toll roads, ferry connections, or other roadblocks
Pediestrian, cycling, and car navigation modes
"Location messaging" with other Navicore users
Free traffic and "safety camera" information
Availability
Navicore Personal 2007 will ship in November, direct from the company or its resellers in 20 European countries. It will be available as standalone software, or as a package that includes selected map areas, a bluetooth GPS receiver, hardware accessories, and documentation. Pricing was not disclosed. "
199EUR pricing for software, 1GB RS-MMC card, Bluetooth GPS module, car mount and car charger
No word on the Nokia site (despite it being in other reports) if the GPS, software, car mount and charger will be available separately. If you've just bought a 1GB card (me!) that could be irritating if the 199EUR option's better value!
Navicore Personal 2007 uses the latest, premium quality digital maps from Tele Atlas and Navteq, the leading map providers in the industry. Navicore Personal 2007 has detailed street maps containing street names and street numbers. In addition to detailed coverage of continental Europe and Scandinavia, Navicore Personal 2007 will introduce extensive optional map packages for North America, and selected countries in Africa and Asia Pacific in the coming months."
199EUR pricing for software, 1GB RS-MMC card, Bluetooth GPS module, car mount and car charger
Yes, interesting part:
"Which versions of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet software support the Navigation Kit for Nokia 770 Internet Tablet?
Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest available version of the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. The OS2006 version will work with the Navigation Kit, but the new version improves finger and GPS usage."
Looks like they are quietly working on update with new features which could be available by Christmas too :-)
The Navicore announcement is getting quite a bit of play. 22 related articles show up on Google News so far, that's a lot considering that the 770 is generally ignored by many outlets (then again, some of the headlines are of the condescending kind, such as "the Nokia tablet finally gets useful" and such...)
So, I'm presuming this means maps are to be stored locally, much like the pocket PC/mobile gps navigator packages. So, I'm supposed to pick which maps I want, and swap them out as needed? sounds kinda painful to me.
Not to mention having to pick the zoom levels. No, not much different in practice than MaemoMapper, but those maps are as I want, on demand, at the zoom I want, when I want.
