The latest version of Navizon incorporates a local search capability based on Google Local, according to the company.
(Click here for larger Navizon screenshot)When a GPS-enabled mobile device has access to GPS signals, Navizon uses this information to build an accurate map of the WiFi and Cellular "Landscape" around a user, according to Mexens. It does this by triangulating the signals received from WiFi access points and cellular towers. The resulting Latitude/Longitude data is stored locally on the device.
Navizon works by coordinating GPS data with signal triangulation of nearby access points and towers
Using an automatic sync function, the device's local position data can be uploaded to Navizon's collaborative peer-to-peer database, which already covers most metropolitan areas in the US and Europe, according to Mexens. So when GPS is spotty or unavailable, as in urban areas or indoors, or if a device lacks GPS, the Navizon database can determine the user's position by triangulating known access points and cell towers.
The new release provides a "search around me" button that couples Navizon's positioning information with Google's local search database. "With this feature, our users will be able to search for the closest pizza place or hardware store, just to find out there might be one just around the corner from where they are standing," said Mexens founder and CEO Cyril Houri. "We believe features like this one will radically change the habits of our users on the go."
Navizon is free for non-commercial use, and works with any phone or PDA running a Windows Mobile software platform, according to Mexens. It can be downloaded
here.
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