Information contained in the news release is current as of the date of announcement.
It is subject to change without prior notice.
NTT DOCOMO and Pioneer to Cooperate
on Smartphone-based Navigation
NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Pioneer Corporation announced today a collaborative agreement to enable smartphones to function as full-fledged wireless navigation devices compatible with the “docomo Drive Net™” navigation service in Japan, aiming at commercial operation from the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2011.
Under the agreement, a wireless car-navigation application for smartphones, docomo Drive Net powered by Carrozzeria, will be developed by Pioneer and offered by DOCOMO.
Pioneer also will develop an in-car cradle to enable smartphones to provide positional information and eco-minded route guidance. In addition, users will be able to download Pioneer's Smart Loop application for enhanced route guidance based on traffic conditions.
Smartphone users will also be able to use docomo Drive Net's map and location-based information, such as tourism facilities and real-time parking availability.
The agreement will combine DOCOMO's content-development capabilities and systems for mobile broadband information transmission and payments with Pioneer's in-car navigation telematics technologies and in-car peripheral development capabilities.
Going forward, they will consider expanding the scope of the agreement to work with content holders and handset manufacturers, and possibly introduce the service model in overseas markets.
The increasing enrichment of mobile applications and the transition to higher-speed, flat-rate mobile services is leading to the growing use of smartphones for in-vehicle telematics services, including reasonably priced basic navigation.
DOCOMO, as part of its planned introduction of extra-high-speed LTE mobile broadband services that will work with a wide variety of mobile devices, has been developing related services for in-vehicle use to provide users with convenient, real-time location-based information anywhere and anytime.
Pioneer, which provides both end users and automobile manufacturers with car electronics products that enrich the in-vehicle experience, has earned high praise for its Carrozzeria car navigation system. Carrozzeria is integrated with Pioneer’s Smart Loop telematics platform, which informs drivers about traffic congestion for enhanced route guidance, as well as helpful information provided by other drivers. Leveraging this expertise and know-how, Pioneer is now developing in-vehicle services that will enable smartphones to function as full-fledged wireless car-navigation devices. At the same time, the company is developing car electronics products that will integrate seamlessly with smartphones and other communications devices.
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