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Nokia acquires gate5 to add mapping and navigation to
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1st September - Nokia and gate5 AG today announced that an
agreement has been signed for Nokia to acquire gate5. gate5
is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software
and services. By acquiring gate5, Nokia will offer consumers
maps, routing, navigation and other location based applications
on its mobile devices.
"Maps and navigation are natural elements to be offered
in mobile devices but this area hasn't developed as fast as
expected by the market. Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer
consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such
as maps, routing and navigation at an accelerated speed."
said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager,
Multimedia, Nokia. "The Personal Navigation Device market
is in a rapid growth phase with the global market size expected
to reach 15 million units in 2006 compared with 8 million units
in 2005. By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities
into our devices, Nokia will participate in this growth. Nokia
Nseries multimedia computers offer people new ways to explore
their world - navigation and maps enhance this journey and add
to the overall experience."
gate5 is a leading supplier of mapping, routing and navigation
software and services. gate5 was founded in 1999, is privately
owned, has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany and has approximately
70 employees. gate5 provides software to leading personal navigation
device manufacturers around the world. gate5 solution enables
people to enjoy a highly sophisticated mapping and navigation
experience offering seamless navigation with breathtaking features
such as house polygons, earth browsing and dynamic route guidance.
All applications are extendable with more than 5,000 city guides,
travel guides or services.
"Our combined expertise means that mobile device owners
will enjoy a wide range of location based services," said
Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO, gate5. "Based on maps and routing
functionality, there are countless useful features for mobile
users; e.g. travel guides, search what is around you including
restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. anything you need in your surroundings.
We are excited to become part of Nokia and to be able to take
the gate5 technologies and products to even wider audiences."
Nokia will continue to support gate5's PND (personal navigation
device) customers and remains fully committed keeping them satisfied
with enhanced software solutions. It will also continue to support
gate5's multi-platform strategy for mobile devices, including
Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm and Java platforms. Large
display personal devices such as the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet
are perfect for maps and navigation purposes and by integrating
the gate5 platform into these devices, Nokia can build the industry
leading location experience for consumers.
The acquisition of gate5 is an important step in developing
the new product category of multimedia computers that offer
people multiple ways to connect to information, entertainment
and other people. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers represent
the next leap forward in personal computing. The multimedia
computer offers the functionality of a PC and many portable
single purpose devices in a connected mobile device that is
always with you and always connected. Because multimedia computers
have a programmable operating system, people can download and
install software applications. Unlike most mobile devices, this
means people can add features and applications to their multimedia
computers without having to purchase a new device.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and
is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.
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