press
Media Contact:
Charles Oliva
Vindigo Studios
pr@vindigo.com
Aliza Rothman
AOL
303-312-0221
Alizarothman@aol.com
Jeffrey Nelson
Verizon Wireless
908-306-4824
Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com
Vindigo Studios Delivers MapQuest to Mobile Phone Customers
World's Leading Online Maps and Directions Resource Now Available On-the-Go
NEW YORK, October 7, 2003 - Vindigo Studios, one
of the best-known developers and publishers of consumer information and
entertainment applications for mobile devices, today announced that they
will be the leading developer behind the new MapQuest Mobile Powered by
Vindigo, which MapQuest launched on Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest
wireless provider. The service will offer consumers MapQuest maps and directions
while on-the-go and is currently only available on Verizon Wireless' Get
It NowSM-capable phones.
MapQuest Mobile Powered by Vindigo offers coast-to-coast coverage from the
world's leading online map provider. Mobile users can instantly find their
way with full-color, interactive maps that pan and zoom. Consumers enter
their point of departure and destination by typing in the full address,
a city, a zip code, or the nearest intersection. The product's step-by-step
driving directions are then displayed in an easy-to-use, tabbed format.
Current directions are downloaded and conveniently saved on the phone. Similar
to the online service, consumers can also save favorites and recent addresses
and calculate reverse directions.
"Having access to MapQuest through a mobile phone anytime and anywhere is
compelling for anyone on the go," said Jason Devitt, chief executive officer
of Vindigo Studios. "By combining high quality MapQuest maps and directions
with an easy-to-use application, consumers will feel confident that they
can continue to quickly and easily find their destinations wherever they
are, whenever they want."
"We are thrilled to extend MapQuest's convenience and ease of use to today's
busy consumers. Now, travelers can get comprehensive maps and directions
anytime, anywhere. In developing MapQuest Mobile, we sought to work with
a leading developer for mobile devices and Vindigo Studios fits that bill,"
said Tommy McGloin Senior Vice President and General Manager of MapQuest.
"MapQuest Mobile is a key addition to our family of getGOING subscription
services," said Paul Palmieri, Director of Business Development & Content
Programming for Verizon Wireless. "Presenting maps and directions from a
premier source while customers are on the move is possibly one of the most
useful tools we offer."
Vindigo Studios will also integrate MapQuest content into their flagship
service, Vindigo city guide and movie guide service, MovieGoer by Vindigo,
by deploying the MapQuest Enterprise v2.0 Server.
Customers with Verizon Wireless Get It Now-capable phones can download a
free demonstration of MapQuest Mobile Powered by Vindigo or pay just $3.99
for monthly access or $2.49 for one-day purchase.
About Vindigo Studios
Vindigo Studios is one of the best-known developers and publishers of consumer
information and entertainment applications for mobile devices in the U.S.
Vindigo Studio's proprietary technology and network of content partners
power compelling applications on every major mobile platform including BREW™,
Java, Palm Powered™, and Pocket PC devices. Vindigo Studios enables people
to explore, enjoy, and connect to the world around them. More information
can be found at www.vindigostudios.com.
About MapQuest
MapQuest, a wholly owned subsidiary of America Online, Inc. and based in
Denver, CO and Mountville, PA, has three business segments: MapQuest.com,
MapQuest Business Solutions and MapQuest Digital Mapping Services. Ranked
within the top 10 most powerful U.S. brands on the Internet by NetRatings
and as the number one mapping site and number one travel site by comScore
Media Metrix, MapQuest.com is the world's leader in online interactive location-based
services with more than 30 million visitors every month generating over
10 million maps and directions each day. MapQuest's Business Solutions is
the preferred provider of a full range of mapping and routing solutions
to more than 1,200 leading businesses across key categories including retail,
healthcare, financial, real estate, travel and automotive. MapQuest Digital
Mapping Services is a leading provider of digital and print cartographic
products to the publishing industry.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications.
The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and
34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless
is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE
and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.
About Get It NowSM
Get It Now service from Verizon Wireless expands a wireless phone into an
entertainment device that can also increase personal productivity. Customers
with Get It Now-capable phones can download applications over the air and
purchase them from their phones. Get Games and Get Fun keep customers entertained,
while Get Going applications, made for today's mobile lifestyle, offers
restaurant location services with maps, directions and more. View and share
digital photos with Get Pix or identify incoming callers by assigning a
unique ring with Get Tones. A variety of license-pricing options from a
free demonstration to single use to monthly subscriptions are available.
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Vindigo is a registered trademark
of Vindigo, Inc.
All names may be the trademarks of their respective companies.
