Navizon

Navizon proclaims itself a peer-to-peer wireless positioning solution. Technically it is not P2P, but hey… buzzwords are their to be misused, aren’t they? Anyway, it is therefor a positioning solution that mixes GPS, WiFi and cellular signals. Like Skyhook, it relies its users to fill their location database with radio beacons data. They rightly target GPS geeks and gadget fans. However, I am not sure if we share the same meanings for “Always” and “almost anywhere” when they claim:

Navizon users ALWAYS have access to accurate positioning information in urban areas they can navigate almost anywhere using a WiFi or Cellular Pocket PC and the Navizon Wireless Positioning System (Software Only GPS)

Anyway who cares, since it is for über-geeks anyway. Scenarios of Navizon usage include the usual “Finding the closest…” and “People tracker…”. They even offer videos in which the Benny Hill Show music fits perfectly.

• Craving for Tacos: the desperate search for Taco Bell’s find food
• Buddy Tracker: Whether you want to make sure your daughter gets to school safely (Wow!) or see where you friends are gathering so that you can join them

Even with a compelling Taco Bell video is still believe that local search is not relevant for finding basic things in a known area. Plus, today I got asked for the “closest McDonnald’s” by a stranger and could give a clear answer for free. So much for fast ways people have to search for fast food restaurant in unknown locations.

Navizon system and interfaces for the Buddy tracker