NTT DoCoMo + Pioneer for smartphone navigation

NTT DOCOMO and Pioneer have announced a collaborative agreement to enable smartphones to function as full-fledged wireless navigation devices compatible with the "docomo Drive Net" navigation service in Japan, aiming at commercial operation from the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2011.

Under the agreement, a wireless car-navigation application for smartphones, docomo Drive Net powered by Carrozzeria, will be developed by Pioneer and offered by DOCOMO. Pioneer also will develop an in-car cradle to enable smartphones to provide positional information and eco-minded route guidance. In addition, users will be able to download Pioneer's Smart Loop application for enhanced route guidance based on traffic conditions.

Smartphone users will also be able to use docomo Drive Net's map and location-based information, such as tourism facilities and real-time parking availability. The agreement will combine DOCOMO's content-development capabilities and systems for mobile broadband information transmission and payments with Pioneer's in-car navigation telematics technologies and in-car peripheral development capabilities. Going forward, they will consider expanding the scope of the agreement to work with content holders and handset manufacturers, and possibly introduce the service model in overseas markets.