Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

MapQuest Goes Mobile

New service sends color maps and directions to cell phone users.

Scarlet Pruitt, IDG News Service

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

U.S. mobile phone users might not have to stop and ask for directions as often thanks to a new service from MapQuest.com that sends color maps and directions to their phones.

The navigation-focused Internet company, owned by America Online, unveiled the "Send to Phone" feature this week as part of its MapQuest Mobile service, priced at $4 a month.

To access the feature, users visit MapQuest.com from a computer, request maps and directions, and then enter their mobile phone number. They can then retrieve the information through the MapQuest Mobile application on their cell phones.

Working Together

The MapQuest Mobile service is offered through a partnership with mobile phone application publisher Vindigo, which leverages its relationships with wireless carriers, AOL says.

MapQuest.com, which claims over 33 million monthly users, says that it hopes to expand its reach by offering the new mobile feature.

A number of U.S. wireless operators have already signed up to offer Send to Phone, including Cingular Wireless, AT&T Wireless Services, Verizon Communications, Sprint, and ALLTEL, according to an AOL representative.

In addition to subscribing to MapQuest Mobile, users must also be signed up for a data plan with their wireless carrier.

The service is the latest in a slew of mobile data offerings being offered by carriers to help ratchet up revenue, such as image and music downloads.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No
 

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC Smart-UPS Loaded with cutting-edge features, unique battery life predictor, unbeatable on-line efficiencies and software agents allowing remote UPS monitoring. Get 10% off your entire kart purchase!

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links