MapQuest announced the beta launch of MapQuest 4 Mobile, a free,
downloadable application that extends MapQuest.com capabilities to
compatible BlackBerry smartphones.
MapQuest 4 Mobile offers
users an easy-to-use interface and the same accurate directions and
maps they rely on from the MapQuest.com site. Local search is also
accessible, enabling users to search for businesses by proper name or
category. Additionally, MapQuest 4 Mobile provides hybrid imagery,
traffic and incident information as well as a GPS "find me" feature
which locates a user and tracks the progress to their destination.
MapQuest 4 Mobile also utilizes smaller map tiles allowing for faster
downloads and quicker screen refresh.
"Smartphones are growing
at a record pace and this an important market segment to address as
more users rely on their phones for maps and directions" said Christian
Dwyer, Senior Vice President and GM, MapQuest. "MapQuest 4 Mobile is
our next-generation service that mirrors the intuitive interface and
simplicity that MapQuest is known for."
MapQuest 4 Mobile
is the latest addition to MapQuest's suite of mobile products which
include voice-guided navigation from MapQuest Navigator, WAP site at
www.mapquest.com, and Send To Cell, Garmin and OnStar functionality.
The newest mobile product continues MapQuest's on-going mission of
providing mobile services that help consumers get to where they need to
go, anytime, anywhere.
Initially, the MapQuest 4 Mobile
service will be available via Sprint on the BlackBerry 8830 and
AT&T on the BlackBerry 8800, 8820, and 8310. Support for many
additional handsets will roll out over the coming months. MapQuest 4
Mobile can be downloaded from a mobile browser at m.mq4m.com. For
additional information about MapQuest 4 Mobile please visit
www.mapquest.com/mq4m.