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Airbiquity Inc., a wireless data communications solutions provider, yesterday announced it has closed on $25 million in new funding. Airbiquity said it will use part of this funding to enter into the personal navigation device (PND) market.

Data over voice
Airbiquity key technology is aqLink; it utilizes the voice channel of a cellular network to transmit data. Airbiquity's aqLink modem enables low-cost, two-way data connectivity on personal navigation devices through the use of a consumer's handset and the device's Bluetooth Hands-free profile.

Services supported through Airbiquity's partner program include real-time traffic and navigation, concierge services, emergency calling features among others. Additionally, Airbiquity offers VIAaq, a managed Telematics data service that makes it easier for Personal Navigation Device (PND) suppliers to develop and launch dynamic information services.

http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/index.ph ... numero=619

this is not "new" per se as both Garmin and TomTom can do bluetooth with phones.

But this is yet another company that plans on using cell connectivity to move real-time info via a cell connection - which can transmite as well as receive.. as opposed to FM broadcast to receive-only GPS.

This will move GPS towards what the mass market wants which is not only real-time traffic info.. but the ability to do real-time avoidance routing, real-time POIs .. like not only the local service stations ..but their prices..

and I might be in the minority.. but I believe that map updates will be made available on almost a transparent basis... and on a much more frequent basis... perhaps targeted according to where the GPS is at the moment.

and I also think that firmware updates will also be done this way.. and will work the same way that downloads work for PCs.. in that the unit will keep whatever part of the update it got before the connection was interrupted and then get the rest of it as connectivity is resumed... do the sumcheck.. prompt to start the update .. with options like yes and no and not now, etc.

I'd be interested in hearing what the forum maintainers and "regulars" think about this.. and of course anyone else who has thoughts...

It seems to be a pretty exciting time for GPS for autos.. moving very quickly.. and a bit of peril for the long-established companies if they are not agile enough to hang on for the ride.