Signature Q3 2008

that is seeing the greatest level of innovation, in part because of the increasing market penetration of automotive navigation systems. “Last year more than 10 million portable devices were sold in the United States, which is a 300 percent growth from 2006,” says Tom Murray, vice president of marketing for TomTom International, a leading vendor of GPS systems. “We expect at least 10 percent of the cars sold this year to include factory-installed GPSs.” Many of today’s portable GPS devices also support Bluetooth technology, meaning that the unit can be used as a speakerphone while driving. TomTom’s higher-priced GPS units also can send information such as traffic and weather updates to Bluetooth enabled cell phones. Airbiquity, meanwhile, has developed its aqLink product and VIAaq service to advance onboard navigation. Using the patented aqLink wireless data communications technology, VIAaq allows seamless data transfer, including vehicle diagnostics, between telematics service providers and a vehicle’s navigation system or personal navigation device, using the driver’s Bluetooth enabled phone as a wireless link. The solution – available as a factory-installed option from numerous automakers, including Ford, Lexus, Acura, BMW and General Motors – can provide up-to-date details to the static maps most systems use. This means you can get on-the-fly driving directions to that new restaurant, without buying new mapping software. Airbiquity’s service transports real-time information, such as traffic, weather and fuel prices, as well as operator-assisted and concierge-style services. “Bluetooth is our fastest growing area, and the integration into the hands-free protocol is becoming quite popular,” says Kamyar Moinzadeh, the company’s chief executive officer. “This means we can turn just about every Bluetooth capable handset into a data transmission gateway (so users can) receive real-time information that can help save travel time.” David Strom is a freelance writer, editor and book author. Bluetooth Special Interest Group | 17

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Signature Q3 2008

Signature Q3 2008 Contents Connect: Growing Markets Inbox: Spread the Word Ask the SIG: The Fast Lane In the News Perspectives: Views From APAC Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology in Retrospect: Headset History Bluetooth Technology @ Play: Unplug Your Fun Bluetooth Technology Interactive: Wireless Tourism Checkout: Groovy Gadgets Bluetooth Wireless Explorer: Mind Games Bluetooth Technology 101: Ads You Like It Bluetooth Technology 501: Group Efforts Wacky Apps: What’s NXT? Get in the Game: If The Glove Fits ... Revolution: The Space Age

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