Kris Kumar
02-04-2005, 12:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1759112,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594' target='_blank'>http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1759112,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Rand McNally has started delivering real-time traffic information to some wireless phone users, the company announced Wednesday. ... Initially, the traffic information will be made available to Java and BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) equipped smart phones from Sprint Corp., Cingular Wireless LLC and Alltell Corp. While it's not mentioned in the announcement, Verizon has already started providing the service. The software, which users download from their phone provider, shows traffic congestion on maps on the phone's screen, said TCS vice president Tim Lorello. The maps can scroll as necessary to show new areas during a commute. ... The technology requires users to enter the ZIP codes for areas that interest them into the software. But in the near future, users will be able to use location information from the GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers in their phones to look at traffic near them. Lorello said a similar capability for this technology is also available for phones without GPS receivers."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Feb2005-RandMcNallyTraffic.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Not sure if the carriers are providing this awesome solution for our JAVA enabled Smartphones. I would love to have this functionality enabled on my Smartphone. 8) And I wonder if the navigation products like Pocket Streets, Mapopolis etc. are looking into the possibility of integrating live traffic updates. You can learn more about this solution over <a href="http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/company/cmpProducts.jsp?oid=-1073753515">here.</a>