Nokia's answer to location-based services

Via Geekzone: Nokia introduces the Nokia 6630 Navigation Pack
(I'm just going to paste the whole thing because it's all completely relevant)

Nokia and Wayfinder Systems are introducing a smartphone-based package that enables people to find their way and explore locations while on the move. The Nokia 6630 Navigation Pack consists of a Nokia 6630 smartphone, a Nokia Wireless GPS Module and the Wayfinder Navigator application.

"Location based services are among the top consumer choices for new mobile applications," said Kirsi Kokko, Director, Smartphone and Business Solutions, Multimedia, Nokia. "With the Nokia 6630 Navigation Pack, we wanted to address this demand with a highly advanced, portable package combining the benefits of a smartphone and navigation. When not using navigation based services, people can enjoy the same device for productivity purposes, taking pictures or video, surfing the Internet or listening to music."

When connected to the Nokia Wireless GPS Module, users can directly from the Nokia 6630 smartphone see their position and the easiest route to their destination on a digital map, provided by Tele Atlas. Wayfinder's map selection currently covers Western Europe, the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Greece.

The application also guides users with turn-by-turn voice instructions, and allows searching for street addresses, restaurants and other points of interest. Furthermore, locations or points of interest can be shared by forwarding maps via MMS or email. The Nokia 6630 Navigation Pack does not require fixed installations, making it possible for people to use it whenever and wherever they like.

The Wayfinder Navigator application on the Nokia 6630 smartphone's Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (MMC) offers a 6-month period of navigation including automatic map updates. After the free period, users can extend the service directly from the Nokia 6630 smartphone. In order to access the Internet and download routes, maps and information from the Wayfinder server, users need a GPRS subscription.

In some markets, the navigation pack will also be available with the Nokia 6670 smartphone. The Nokia 6630 and 6670 Navigation Packs are available in Western Europe, with more areas to follow later on this year.

This article is great because in just a few paragraphs it manages to mention digital convergence, the importance of usability and the ability to share POIs with your friends, and the use of a free trial offer to encourage adoption (which has been found to be so important for new mobile services). In fact, the only downside to this whole news item is that I doubt New Zealand is one of those 'areas to follow later on this year'! Maybe later on this decade...