Now, use your mobile phone to get around

Bharti Airtel launches a new navigation application based on global positioning system, reports N Madhavan.

The next time you lose your way, all you might need to do is consult your mobile phone.

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Bharti Airtel on Thursday launched a new navigation application based on the global positioning system (GPS), which will enable mobile phone users who subscribe to it to navigate their way around town.

How does GPS help? It allows mobile subscribers to view, among other things, the map of the area they are located in, besides showing them the way around by linking software inside their phones to maps.

“The application will turn compatible mobile phones into a complete GPS-based navigation system with detailed maps and points-of-interest in a number of cities in India,” the company said. Bharti intends to start with Delhi, NCR, Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

“The navigation system will greatly benefit all frequent travelers using compatible mobile handsets like the BlackBerry 8800,” said Sanjay Gupta, chief marketing officer for mobile services, Bharti.

The service is being offered free on a six-month trial basis to Bharti Airtel’s BlackBerry 8800 users.