Alltel - New Application makes Mobile Phones into Handheld GPS

Altel wireless is releasing a new application that allows you to download maps of areas, and utilize your GPS enabled cell phone to plan hikes, plan waypoints, and routes through the outdoors. Pitched as a way to skip the handheld GPS purchase and head straight outdoors it will allow you to do all that you want without issue. The cost is $1.99 a day, $5.99 a month or $39 a year. Not bad compared to your average $150 handheld, but we're skeptical about performance. One thing I do know is that I am pretty grateful for the waterproof nature of my handheld when I get caught in the rain, something my mobile won't do for me. On balance though, I think that the Alltel system will do well with the folks who rely on their mobile for everything; I certainly don't, well at least yet.

Full Press Release Below......

Alltel Wireless Introduces GPS Application for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Trimble Outdoors helps users plan, navigate and get the most out of their outdoor adventures

Alltel Wireless customers going over the river and through the woods can now also go wireless. Outdoor enthusiasts can now take full advantage of advanced GPS features directly on their GPS-capable phones with the Trimble Outdoors application from Alltel Wireless, America's largest wireless network. The Trimble Outdoors application turns a wide range of Alltel GPS-enabled handsets into a versatile, off-road navigation and journaling tool for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting and many other outdoor activities.

The application, available for a daily rate of $1.99, allows customers to review and plan trips online. It also enhances user safety and navigation by sending trekking routes, maps and waypoints wirelessly to the phone for use as a guide during trips. Customers can track their current and previous routes with a GPS "bread crumb trail," mark and edit waypoints during their journey, and utilize a built-in digital compass to display coordinates, speed and heading. Maps generated by Trimble Outdoors can be accessed in topographic, street and aerial views.

"Without any additional equipment to carry around, Alltel customers can enjoy the freedom to explore new and exciting parts of the country," said Kristi Crum, director of data and content services at Alltel Wireless. "With our new Trimble Outdoor application, customers can have more fun while staying safe and connected to friends and family who want to share in the adventures."

Trimble Outdoors also captures photos, audio and video, which allows for GPS-tagged online journaling at trimbleoutdoors.com or for sharing recreational pursuits with other outdoors enthusiasts. Additionally, users can browse an online library of professional and user-generated trekking tips and customize trips done by others.

The Trimble Outdoors application is available to Alltel customers for $39.99 per year, $5.99 per month or $1.99 per day. The application is compatible with the Motorola V3A, V3C, V3M, V9M and K1M, the Samsung Muse, LG AX656 and AX8600, the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and the BlackBerry Pearl 8110. The application can be downloaded from the Navigation folder of the phone's Alltel/Axcess Shop or by visiting alltel.com.

December 19, 2008

Alltel - New Application makes Mobile Phones into Handheld GPS