Karputer Launches Advanced User Interface for In-Vehicle Computing

Intuitive new interface gives touchscreen-friendly access to key media playback, navigation and driving aid functions on any in-car computing platform

[ClickPress, Tue Jan 23 2007] Karputer, the European leader in advanced in-car computing systems, has announced its new Ranger user interface for all in-car computing devices. Ranger gives easy, touchscreen-friendly access to media, navigation and other computing applications for drivers.

Featuring a simple intuitive interface, plug-in modular functionality and an SDK for 3rd party plug-ins, the Ranger UI is supplied complete with the advanced TWIG GPS Navigation System from market leaders Benefon.

Ranger also takes full advantage of TWIG’s Internet location-based services, enabling users to locate fellow TWIG users, anywhere in the world. With it, users can locate friends and family via any web browser with TWIG’s real-time location updates. This means that Ranger enables person-to-person or car-to-car navigation, not just point-to-point, providing extra safety and security in unforeseen circumstances, by sending the user’s GPS location to a pre-set contact list.

Ranger UI software can be used on any in-vehicle Windows computing platform, including Karputer’s own ICEPAC - a full function Windows XP computer and entertainment system that fits into the standard DIN slot in any car, van or motorhome. It is fully compatible with laptops and UMPC ( Ultra mobile PC ) handheld PCs.

Mat Thornhill, Director at Karputer, said: “An in-vehicle computer is only as useful as its user interface. Drivers need a simple interface that gives fast, ergonomic access to the key media playback, navigation and driving aid functions while on the move. At the same time, they want access to rich computing applications without compromise when required.

“We have used our experience of in-vehicle computing to develop an interface which can be used on any platform and which provides simple touchscreen access to deliver advanced satellite navigation, business functions and multimedia entertainment.”

The Ranger UI software will be available for general release in March 07. This initial release version will incorporate full media playback controls and integrated Twig Navigation, notepad features and on-screen keyboard functionality. Tracking and location services from Benefon between phone and PC platforms are planned for release later in the year.

All existing Karputer customers will be eligible for a free copy of the Ranger UI and all initial release customers will be entitled to free upgrades for 24 months.

Future functions due for release later in the year include handsfree mobile phone integration, text-to-speech and voice recognition controls and integrated web-browsing & email functionality.

Karputer is seeking software distributors and resellers for the Ranger UI software – contact Mat Thornhill on 01663 751 434 or email mail@karputer.co.uk for further details.

www.rangerui.com

Issued on behalf of Karputer, contact info@karputer.co.uk / www.karputer.co.uk
Press Contact: Craig Coward or Luke Ford: 01625 511966 / karputer@contextpr.co.uk

About Karputer
Karputer is a privately-held British company that is a world leader in advanced, cost-effective, in-vehicle computing and telematics systems. For more information visit: www.karputer.co.uk

About Benefon
Benefon is a leading developer of mobile GPS-enabled satellite navigation devices and solutions. Founded in Finland in 1988, Benefon has developed a comprehensive range of hand-held, in-vehicle and machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile and back-end software applications, hardware and components, for use by network operators, enterprises and mobile consumers alike.
For more information please visit: www.benefon.com

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