News
Issue #2003 - 11 (March 2003)
(Updated Mar. 31, 2003)

DEVICES

NTT DoCoMo to Introduce First GPS Handset

Tokyo, Japan, Mar. 27, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DoCoMo, Inc. announced today that the company will introduce its first Global Positioning Service (GPS) compatible handset, dubbed F661i, to the market at the end of April or later.

The easy-to-use GPS mobile phone enables users to determine their location at the mere touch of a button, and download maps and information about the area. GPS accuracy is within 10-50 meters.

Users will have access to eight different types of GPS content available from eight information providers, including public transportation and restaurant data, as well as routing to help pinpoint specific locations.

Users can also let others know their location by inputting the URL of their position into an e-mail, which can be sent to any i-mode compatible handset. In addition, a memo function allows users to store location information, including maps, telephone numbers and addresses, for easy access at a later date.

The F661i features three highly advanced tracking functions that can be used in conjunction with the DLP (DoCoMo Location Platform), which provides fast and highly accurate positioning information.

The first function enables a third party to use an i-mode phone or PC to locate the F66li user, ideal for tracking family members such as children and seniors.

The second function allows one-touch location notification to pre-determined numbers, such as police or fire departments, especially valuable in emergency situations as it allows rescuers to accurately
pinpoint the user's location.

Third, the F66li can be used as a business management tool, helping delivery companies, for example, track the location of their vehicles to expedite smoother operations.

A separate contract with an application service provider (ASP) is required to use these three advanced functions. A total of 13 applications will be available from 11 ASPs, including SOHGO SECURITY SERVICES CO., LTD., ZENRIN DataCom Co., Ltd., Home Net Co., Ltd. and NAIS Location Systems
Co., Ltd.

Main Specifications for F611i mova F661i

• Size (height x width x thickness): 97 x 49 x 28 mm (folded)
• Weight: Approx. 115 g
• Continuous standby time: Approx. 470 hours
• Continuous talk time: <pre> Approx. 140 minutes
• Data transmission speed: 9,600 bps
• Color: Polar Blue, Galaxy Silver and Pink Star

Source: JCN Newswire (sent to MobileInfo.Com)

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  DoCoMo is not the first with GPS handsets. It is catching up, for a change, with US carriers like Nextel. Support of 11 ASPs will certainly help in greater use of location-based applications.   

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