Navigating LBS

Mobile location-based services (LBS) are starting to gain traction with consumers and operators. BREW offers its Locate Solution to operators that want to offer location-based applications to the customers. According to Johnson, the BREW Locate solution leverages the skills of developers by allowing them to develop an LBS application and then offer it to multiple operators around the world. One example of a popular LBS application is Verizon Wireless' BREW-based VZ Navigator, which allows subscribers to use audible turn-by-turn directions to find their way to any address. VZ Navigator can also direct users to some 14 million points of interest, landmarks, restaurants and ATMs. The core of VZ Navigator is its GPS positioning features, which tells users where they are and which points of interest are nearby. Some of the issues surrounding LBS Navigation applications will be addressed during the "Business Models for Successful LBS Applications" panel at the BREW conference on Thursday at 2:45 p.m.