VDO Dayton, a subsidiary of Siemens VDO Automotive, has launched their service that provides a navigation sytem for a cell phone that support Java technology. While a similar service for Symbian OS already available since early 2005, this is the first time for Java.

Named “MN 2200 Navigation System”, it offers a navigation aids in a form of color maps, arrows and voice directions – thanks to the navigation software and a satellite-controlled GPS receiver. The users simply enter the route data with the keypad, and the rest is handled by the software, mobile phone, GPS receiver and the central server at VDO Dayton.

Once the server has calculated the desired route, it will be transmitted back from the central server to the mobile phone. The Java-based software on the phone will then display the trip direction.

The advantage of this one-time fee-based connection service is that you’ll have a mobile pathfinder. You can now safely throw away your road maps (into the Handsfree TrashCan maybe?), and replace it with MN2200 GPS service. It’s not just providing the requested location and direction, in addition, it also provides traffic jam and detours report, as well as an alternative routes.

The MN2200 offers a selection of seven languages and is available from mobile communication providers and from VDO Dayton’s online shop.

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