Motorola has announced it will deliver a server- based navigation application as part of the iRadioT system. Described by company officials as "a significant technical step in mobile navigation and driver information services," Motorola's navigation application is planned for consumer availability in 2002. The application provides drivers with a wireless navigation service that can deliver turn- by-turn route guidance and real-time traffic and weather information. The server-based navigation application is part of the Motorola iRadio system, an in-vehicle telematics platform that combines emergency calling and roadside assistance, navigation, entertainment, information and location-based services into one system. Server-based navigation enables all of the complex routing calculations and large databases of information, including addresses, routing and traffic preferences, to be stored in the servers. The information is then downloaded on demand to the vehicle through a wireless connection. In addition to being cost-effective for consumers, the server-based navigation application is easy to maintain by downloading new information and applications with the push of a button, according to Joe Guglielmi, executive vice president and president, Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector. Customers also will have access to personalized real-time traffic and weather information, up-to-date map data and point-of-interest listings, thus eliminating the need to purchase or update data on disks. "Motorola is leading the market in its telematics offerings, and is the first company to create a telematics solution that promises to transform the driving experience," Guglielmi said. "At a time when consumer mobile electronics companies are still in the early stages of autonomous navigation systems, Motorola is delivering a wireless, server- based navigation solution that provides connectivity to real-time information." Features of the Java-based navigation application include: * Web-based trip planning: Allows drivers to create a personal profile of addresses, trips and preferences that can be downloaded to the Motorola iRadio system prior to entering the car. * Point of interest searching: Allows users to easily find favorite restaurants, gas stations, museums, stores, shopping centers, theatres and other destinations on demand. Categories and names can be preprogrammed into the personal profile via the iRadio system Web site. * Personal information management: Enables the Motorola iRadio system to synchronize with content management and calendaring software, as well as personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, so that users can access their address book, calendar or other personal information and easily navigate to addresses and appointments. This feature also enables users to create and manage position markers for easily returning to locations of interest. * Hands-free capabilities: Features include voice recognition, text-to-speech capabilities, voice maneuver prompting and real-time traffic and weather information. * Infrared beaming: Gives users the ability to beam in a destination address using a Palm(TM) device, Motorola Timeport(TM) pager or other PDAs. The navigation application is scalable to run on a variety of Java-enabled devices from handheld phones and PDA devices to automotive multi-media systems. It also promotes rapid and seamless wireless data delivery and gives the driver dynamic route guidance and navigation information. Additionally, the user interface can be adapted to various audio and graphics capabilities. Motorola's server-based navigation system used in the iRadio system has been developed using location tools, navigation engines and cartographic software from BCI Navigation. The strategic relationship between Motorola and BCI Navigation, established in 1999, has enabled Motorola to rapidly develop navigation applications that are highly efficient and cost effective in managing large amounts of map data and distributing that data to wireless devices, according to Guglielmi. To provide content for the application, Motorola has established a development agreement with Navigation Technologies, creators of the NAVTECH® digital map database, for the U.S. and Canadian markets on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis. Motorola also has established agreements with content providers infoUSA.com and WeatherBank, which provide point-of-interest and weather information services, respectively. Motorola is working with additional industry leaders to provide customers with real-time national traffic and predictive travel information. "Combining our technology with that of other industry leaders, we ensure drivers are using the most robust in-vehicle application on the market today," Guglielmi said. "Working with these content providers is evidence of our commitment to providing drivers with the most innovative telematics solutions available." Motorola's dynamic server-based navigation application can be licensed separately or as part of the Motorola iRadio system to automotive OEMs, audio manufacturers, telematics service providers and wireless carriers. Motorola's iRadio system and server-based navigation application are examples of the DigitalDNAT technology that Motorola incorporates into all of its products. DigitalDNA is chips, systems and ideas that help smart companies create smart products. More information about Motorola's iRadio system is available at http://www.motorola.com/ies/telematics/iradio . About Motorola IESS The Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) is part of Motorola, Inc. IESS is a provider of advanced electronic products and systems for customers integrating electronics into their products. The Telematics Communications Group (TCG) is a business unit of Motorola's IESS. TCG was formed in 1998 and focuses on emerging automotive communications markets for advanced wireless applications.