GPS apps gaining steam at AT&T Mobility, Sprint Nextel

Fans of GPS applications are getting enhanced features at two of the nation’s largest carriers. AT&T Mobility announced four of its newer Research In Motion Ltd. BlackBerry devices can now provide customers direct access to traffic and re-routing information through TeleNav Traffic, and in a separate announcement Sprint Nextel Corp. said it is offering a new service, Slifter, that allows subscribers to search for products at local retailers and get real-time information on availability and directions to the store.
TeleNav Traffic alerts users through voice and on-screen prompts to traffic slowdowns and incidents along their pre-programmed travel route. Customers are then offered options for an alternative route. The application can also calculate an ongoing estimated time of arrival based on the route and current traffic conditions. The service is a new feature on the latest version of TeleNav GPS Navigator and is offered as a free feature upgrade for current subscribers to the service.
“Traffic delays are one of the most fundamental and significant inhibitors to the productivity of mobile workers,” said Laura Johnson, senior director of wireless enterprise solutions at AT&T Mobility. “Our new TeleNav Traffic offering will help companies by allowing employees in the field to get to clients faster and therefore potentially handle more calls each day, all of which will result in a higher level of customer service.”
On Sprint Nextel, Slifter requires customers to enter a keyword, product name, model number or UPC code to find a product. Once the product is found, the subscriber can view availability, price and promotional information. Sprint Nextel touts the application as a quick way to find the closest possible retailer that carries the product. The service includes more than 85 million products available at more than 30,000 retail stores across the country.
“Sprint’s industry-leading GPS applications make everyday tasks like shopping easier for our customers by providing relevant information when and where they need it,” said George Ranallo, director of wireless data applications for Sprint Nextel.
Slifter is available for $2 per month.