Earthcomber finds local services without GPS

We just got this press release from Earthcomber. The Earthcomber service is only availale in the USA so this post is more relevant to our US visitors or those visiting the US. However it’s an interesting idea so you may still want to read on!

Earthcomber

Whether vacationing exotic locales or running errands around town, cell phone owners can use a new type of navigation service released today that spots personal needs or desires nearby.

The new service, Earthcomber, works on phones with basic internet access, and provides global positioning (GPS) alternatives for phones without it. Unlike most navigation programs, Earthcomber emphasizes discovery.

You can see all the types and what’s closest – Italian, BBQ, sushi, whatever – on one screen. No back-and forth.

With only a few taps, Earthcomber can quickly locate hundreds of different types of places and events, all arranged by distance to the individual’s location. For instance, clicking once on “Let’s Eat” finds all types of local cuisines at once. Clicking “Essentials” finds coffee, ATMs, WiFi spots and more.

“It’s okay to come out now, all you people who are afraid to use your phone for anything but calls,” said Jim Brady, president and founder of Earthcomber LLC. “We decided to make something fun and useful for cell phones that doesn’t take a teenager or computer scientist to operate. And what we came up with, after you try it a few times, is almost like checking your watch.”

Earthcomber originally produced the search/navigation hybrid for high-end Palm- and Windows Mobile devices. The new, simplified versions run on virtually any newer-model cell phone, Blackberry, or PDA. The service is free, aside from data charges by wireless networks.

A key distinction for Earthcomber, Brady said, is that it doesn’t require repetitious, manual search box entries, (although Earthcomber has a search box option). Also, Earthcomber doesn’t force people to look for one thing at a time. Instead, its patented method uses profiles – whole lists of popular or personalized interests.

“It’s perfect for situations like when you’re going to lunch with friends,” Brady said. “You can see all the types and what’s closest – Italian, BBQ, sushi, whatever – on one screen. No back-and forth.”

Like GPS programs, Earthcomber provides directions and map views, simplified for mobile browsers or phone systems. While most cell phones have GPS only for emergency use or at extra cost, Earthcomber gets around such limitations by providing GPS signal substitutes, using address, ZIP code, phone number or city selections.

The new version of Earthcomber offers a five-fold improvement in content, the company said, allowing users to quickly locate, map, and get directions to over 10 million places, including hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, live music, fast food, museums, historical sites, attractions, parks, lakes and trails, gas stations and more. Many spots have detailed editorial reviews and ratings from leading publishers of destination content.

Earthcomber also spots local movies, by proximity, searchable by title or theater.

For more information, visit www.earthcomber.com.

Posted by: Matt

[Post tag(s): smartphone blog, Pocket PC blog, Earthcomber, Navigation, Tracy & Matt]