After years of anticipation, GPS technology should finally arrive in a significant number of GSM mobile handsets in 2007, according to a new study by market research analyst ABI Research, USA. The report also says that 25 percent of WCDMA handsets will incorporate GPS by the end of 2008. The factors like government regulations covering location technology for emergency services such as E911 as well as a recognized demand for LBS will be responsible for the expected rise of GPS in GSM and WCDMA handsets, according to Alan Varghese, ABI principal analyst. www.eetimes.com

MapmyIndia.com, the 2 year old online maps portal for India, unveiled v-2007, its easier to use, futuristic version. MapmyIndiav-2007 allows users to drag the maps (at all zoom levels) to explore adjoining areas not currently on the screen. According to Mr Rakesh Verma, Managing Director, CE Info Systems Pvt Ltd, “The new version brings online mapping closer to the consumer expectations. It is a manifesation of our efforts to make MapmyIndia an accessible, usable and valuable proposition for users.”

The BSNL, India has launched location-based cell broadcast services through which vital information and message can be given to all CellOne (post-paid mobile phone) subscribers in a particular or entire service area. Cell broadcast services can be utilised to provide vital information to CellOne users about any disaster, disaster management measures or any other important information. The location-based services include fleet management to enable subscribers to know the whereabouts of their vehicles, friends and information relating to whereabouts of users, traffic alert service, city sightseeing, emergency service, public safety, navigation, information regarding weather etc.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Headquartered in San Jose, California deCarta, the supplier of software platforms and services for the LBS industry and GlobeXplorer, California, USA, provider of the world's largest commercial library of aerial photos, satellite imagery and geographic maps, announced a strategic partnership enabling deCarta customers to leverage sophisticated high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery in their LBS applications.

The partnership between the two companies addresses the nextgeneration
of LBS application feature enrichment for a wide range of markets including real estate, travel, Internet, government and business
intelligence.
http://biz.yahoo.com

TomTom, USA has teamed up with mobile operator 3, UK to offer the exclusive launch of its satellite navigation system on Nokia's E61 smartphone. The Nokia E61 handset, which features a large screen for easy viewing of maps and directions, will come with TomTom Navigator 6. The software will allow users to see maps of UK and Europe for both driving and pedestrian routes.
www.esato.com

Cingular, USA released a new HP iPAQ hw6920/6925 with Wi-Fi and GPS navigation. The GPS enabled hw6920 will arrive with Cingular's LBS application. Called TeleNav GPS Navigator, the software provides turn-by-turn directions, access to points-of-interest information, and search tools via voice and onscreen to customers when driving or walking.
http://abcnews.go.com