Users can point their phones at retailers, restaurants, billboards,
banks or historical sites to instantly retrieve information on what they
are looking at, or find what they are looking for. Utilizing GPS
technology and a digital compass built into wireless phones, GeoVector
allows users to “Click on the Real World®” similar to how computer users
point and click with a mouse to access information, conduct transactions
or play games.
This service has already been deployed in Japan over the KDDI network
via GeoVector’s partnerships with NEC Magnus Communications, Ltd., a
subsidiary of NEC Corporation (NASDAQ: NIPNY) and Mapion, Japan's number
one mapping search service. The solution currently utilizes Qualcomm
SnapTrak® positioning technology and their BREW® solution.
“When GeoVector and its partners launched the world’s first
pointing-based local search service, we revolutionized the way people
use a wireless phone to interact with the world around them,” said Peter
Ellenby, GeoVector’s Director of New Media. “This new patent really
solidifies our ownership of this space. Now, when you point your phone
to retrieve information, you’ll need GeoVector. It also reaffirms our
leadership in enabling wireless operators and content providers to offer
innovative local search solutions for mobile phones.”
In addition to KDDI, two other carriers in Japan will soon release
handsets combining GPS with a digital compass, compatible for use with
GeoVector. These include a W-CDMA World Phone from Sharp.
GeoVector is not limiting its focus to Japan and is already in
discussions with carriers, handset manufacturers and content providers
in the US and Europe. The new patent has also been filed
internationally. “GeoVector’s pointing solutions will soon become the de
facto world standard for local search,” added Ellenby. On April 3, 2006,
a leading industry journal, RCR Wireless News, reported “This technology
may well turn out to be the tail that wags the dog of nascent
location-based services.”
In addition to phones connected to a wireless network, GeoVector’s new
patent also covers search capabilities for stand alone devices.
US Patent 7,031,875 can be viewed in full at
www.geovector.com/pdf/US07031875.pdf. This, together with
GeoVector’s other 18 patents, clearly defines the company as the leader
in pointing-based local search solutions.
About GeoVector Corporation
Based in San Francisco, CA, GeoVector develops solutions for
location-based services and tools for wireless communications
manufacturers, wireless service providers, and mobile content
developers. Supported by significant intellectual property, GeoVector’s
search engine technologies provide the foundation for new community,
gaming, advertising and other location sensitive applications. GeoVector
allows mobile web services to be attached to any object, launched just
by pointing at them, including “Point to Call®” one click mobile
calling, and “Point to Buy®” M-commerce transactions. For more
information on GeoVector, please visit www.geovector.com.
(Both SnapTrak® and BREW® are registered trademarks of Qualcomm.) |
