14 DAY TRIAL // 2008 International CES was the stage where Microsoft announced the introduction of a new update for MSN Direct. The new version of the location-based service, aimed at personal navigation devices, was in this manner bridged with Windows Live Maps, but on top of the increased functionality, end users will be able to tap advanced location-specific details. The expansion of MSN Direct's navigation offering comes not only as an evolution of the service itself, but also with the addition of a host of partners.
"In this past year we have seen a tremendous response to the MSN Direct service from many top leaders in the navigation industry - ranging from personal navigation device-makers and in-car system manufacturers to the top brands in the rental car field. This strong interest is indicative of the always-on, timely information that customers are craving while they are on the go. We know the types of information that consumers want, and we are pleased to provide a way for our partners to continue to innovate their existing product lines and bring added value through MSN Direct", explained Eric Lang, general manager of the MSN Direct initiative at Microsoft.
The Redmond company informed that Garmin, the traditional partner of MSN Direct, would make available new items for its MSN Direct-enabled product line, in the coming year. In addition, Avis Rent a Car System will incorporate Garmin's products into its fleet of rental cars, beginning in the spring of this year, bringing MSN Direct to its customers. The Redmond company also accounts for new manufacturing partners, that will enable it to increase its presence on the navigation market. Among the new names that will jump aboard the Msn Direct wagon, Microsoft mentioned: Alpine Electronics, dmedia System, Goodyear, Pioneer Electronics and StreetDeck.
"With this latest version of MSN Direct, a new Send to GPS functionality enables customers to select and save destinations using Live Search Maps and send to personal navigation devices enabled with the latest version of the service. Customers can receive information on stock prices, local events, news headlines and weather", Microsoft added.