Web sites can program your GPS with new Microsoft push technology

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 31 July 2008 03:32

Your IT - Entertainment

A new API from Microsoft provides a mechanism for web sites to push locations such as store addresses to GPS navigation devices. The feature works with devices that include the MSN Direct Send to GPS function, notably models from Garmin and Alpine.

Falling prices for GPS units means sales are booming, and Microsoft is keen to boost its position in the automotive market.

"As more and more consumers are using their PC to locate their desired destinations and then needing to find those exact locations on their GPS device, MSN Direct is making that process easier for our customers," said Roger Jollis, director of OEM and mobile marketing at Garmin.

"Garmin was the first to offer MSN Direct on an automotive GPS, and we are pleased with MSN Direct's newest innovation because it will be very helpful to our customers."

MSN Direct Send to GPS allows the wireless or USB transfer of latitude and longitude, phone number, address and other information such as opening hours to a compatible navigation device.

"MSN Direct opens up opportunities for Web sites in a variety of areas — real estate, travel, event planning and food service — to make it fast and simple for visitors to have access to turn-by-turn directions on their navigation device," said Joe Coco, product unit manager of the MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft.

"MSN Direct helps consumers get the most out of their navigation device, while also helping businesses drive more customers to their locations." (Nice pun, Joe.)

There are some limitations on wireless delivery. The user must have a Windows Live ID, the device must be associated with that ID, and a maximum of 20 locations will be delivered per ID per day.