Pharos Debuts Handheld Pocket GPS Navigation Solution

Nov. 12, 2001--Pharos Science and Applications Inc., the leader in PDA GPS navigation and routing solutions, today announced the debut of the Pocket GPS Portable Navigator. This combination of hardware and software allows Pocket PC users to get street directions anywhere in the United States, while walking or while driving. Pharos is showcasing the Pocket GPS Portable Navigator at COMDEX as part of the Microsoft Partner Pavilion (Las Vegas Convention Center, L4852-50MIC) and the HP Jornada Partner booth (LVCC, L6246).

The Pocket GPS Portable Navigator features the iGPS-CF, an extremely accurate GPS receiver that is inserted into any Pocket PC Type I compact flash slot. The receiver accurately tracks the user's location and places that information onto easy-to-read maps. Turn-by-turn street directions can be generated to reach address-specific destinations or points of interest. The Pocket GPS Portable Navigator can operate on the host PDA's power supply.

The Pocket GPS Portable Navigator will be available through Pharos' standard retail channels this month at an MSRP of $349.95.

Pharos has long been the leading supplier of Pocket PC-based GPS navigation solutions for the car. This new combination of portability and affordability makes the Pocket GPS Portable Navigator a particularly effective choice for users looking for directions while they are walking around new cities or areas. It's also the right solution for users who travel or switch cars frequently.

"Our initial Pharos navigation and routing solution made in-car GPS available to any driver at prices up to 75 percent less than factory-installed systems," said Jeff Curtis, executive vice president of Pharos. "Now, with our new portable solution, that same superb navigation capability is available outside the car as well. Pedestrians and drivers who want a more streamlined form factor can get superior GPS navigation and routing at the industry's best value point."

The Pocket GPS Portable Navigator kit comes complete; users have everything they need except the PDA platform itself. Along with the iGPS-CF receiver, the turnkey package includes complete navigation and routing software and maps for the entire United States, an external antenna for better in-car performance, and a holder for better viewing in the car.

Pharos' navigation and routing software has a variety of features that allow users to get directions safely and easily. They include:

Automatic or one-touch manual re-route
Voice prompted instructions
Reverse route
Text prompt for next turn
Show map scale
On-map scrolling
Ability to display up to 10 maps simultaneously
Automatic COM-port configuration for GPS receivers

About Pharos
Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is a leading supplier of mobile GPS navigation systems for mobile business professionals and mobile consumers. Based in Torrance, Calif., the company is dedicated to providing leading GPS-enabled navigation technology for PDAs and in-vehicle applications. Established in 1998, Pharos is comprised of a renowned team of scientists and engineers well regarded for their work in the fields of astrophysics and high energy particle physics. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com.

SOURCE Businesswire

FromtheWire | Comdex | GPS

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