NTT DoCoMo and Pioneer announced today a collaborative agreement to enable smartphones to function as full-fledged wireless navigation devices compatible with the docomo Drive Net navigation service in Japan, aiming at commercial operation from the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2011.Under the agreement, a wireless car-navigation application for smartphones, docomo Drive Net powered by Carrozzeria, will be developed by Pioneer and offered by DoCoMo. Smartphone users will also be able to use docomo Drive Net’s map and location-based information, such as tourism facilities and real-time parking availability.
Pioneer also will develop an in-car cradle to enable smartphones to provide positional information and eco-minded route guidance. In addition, users will be able to download Pioneer’s Smart Loop application for enhanced route guidance based on traffic conditions.
