Leaf International Communications has launched version 1.1 of its Leaf Locate mapping software, which is free to download off its Web site.
Leaf Locate is a location-based navigation software application that is designed for HTC's Windows Mobile-based smart devices and is aimed at giving users a mobile map book and directory with added navigation features.
"Leaf Locate's rendering engine is designed to deliver highly-detailed map data, via 3G, HSDPA or Edge, to a user's handset without using up a large amount of bandwidth," says Chris Hoffman, Executive Marketing and Product Manager at Leaf.
"Maps can be viewed in either 2D or 3D and feature detailed street data and points-of-interest such as restaurants, petrol stations, banks and more," he says.
Leaf Locate uses mapping data provided by Leaf's map data partner, Navteq, with the same map and point-of-interest information used in high-end global positioning system (GPS) devices, including the Navigon range of GPSes - also available through Leaf.
"Leaf Locate can recommend routes to follow if users input their origin and destination locations. These route directions can then be sent to others by e-mail or SMS," adds Hoffman.
"The Leaf Locate server is loaded with point-of-interest information, which is kept up-to-date with the latest Navteq data.
Users are able to search for points-of-interest to fit various criteria (such as "nearby", near a specific location or in a specific city) making it very easy to find exactly where you'd like to go.
"For example," Hoffman explains, "you could be meeting a friend or colleague for drinks in a specific area with which you are not familiar. Using Leaf Locate, you can search for the area on the map and find all coffee shops in that vicinity. You can then input your (or your friend's) location and generate directions to the selected coffee shop, which can be viewed on the fly or sent via text message or e-mail.
"By clicking on the icon representing the coffee shop on the Leaf Locate map, you can get the address and telephone number and even click to dial directly from the map - making it possible to make a reservation without having to leave the application, remember the number or write it down," he says.
Leaf Locate is a very convenient navigation tool, especially for those users who do not have a GPS receiver built into their handset.
Leaf has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and suggestions from the thousands of users who have already downloaded the software. These suggestions are being considered for inclusion in the next release of Leaf Locate.
Versions of Leaf Locate for Windows Mobile 6 Standard and Professional are available for download from Leaf's Web site (http://www.leaf.co.za).
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