Vindigo Studios Delivers MapQuest to Mobile Phone Customers; World's Leading Online Maps and Directions Resource Now Available On-the-Go

Business Wire, Oct 7, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2003

Vindigo Studios, one of the best-known developers and publishers of consumer information and entertainment applications for mobile devices, today announced that they will be the leading developer behind the new MapQuest Mobile Powered by Vindigo, which MapQuest launched on Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless provider. The service will offer consumers MapQuest maps and directions while on-the-go and is currently only available on Verizon Wireless' Get It Now(SM)-capable phones.

MapQuest Mobile Powered by Vindigo offers coast-to-coast coverage from the world's leading online map provider. Mobile users can instantly find their way with full-color, interactive maps that pan and zoom. Consumers enter their point of departure and destination by typing in the full address, a city, a zip code, or the nearest intersection. The product's step-by-step driving directions are then displayed in an easy-to-use, tabbed format. Current directions are downloaded and conveniently saved on the phone. Similar to the online service, consumers can also save favorites and recent addresses and calculate reverse directions.

"Having access to MapQuest through a mobile phone anytime and anywhere is compelling for anyone on the go," said Jason Devitt, chief executive officer of Vindigo Studios. "By combining high quality MapQuest maps and directions with an easy-to-use application, consumers will feel confident that they can continue to quickly and easily find their destinations wherever they are, whenever they want."

"We are thrilled to extend MapQuest's convenience and ease of use to today's busy consumers. Now, travelers can get comprehensive maps and directions anytime, anywhere. In developing MapQuest Mobile, we sought to work with a leading developer for mobile devices and Vindigo Studios fits that bill," said Tommy McGloin Senior Vice President and General Manager of MapQuest.

"MapQuest Mobile is a key addition to our family of getGOING subscription services," said Paul Palmieri, Director of Business Development & Content Programming for Verizon Wireless. "Presenting maps and directions from a premier source while customers are on the move is possibly one of the most useful tools we offer."

Vindigo Studios will also integrate MapQuest content into their flagship service, Vindigo city guide and movie guide service, MovieGoer by Vindigo, by deploying the MapQuest Enterprise v2.0 Server.

Customers with Verizon Wireless Get It Now-capable phones can download a free demonstration of MapQuest Mobile Powered by Vindigo or pay just $3.99 for monthly access or $2.49 for one-day purchase.

About Vindigo Studios

Vindigo Studios is one of the best-known developers and publishers of consumer information and entertainment applications for mobile devices in the U.S. Vindigo Studio's proprietary technology and network of content partners power compelling applications on every major mobile platform including BREW(TM), Java, Palm Powered(TM), and Pocket PC devices. Vindigo Studios enables people to explore, enjoy, and connect to the world around them. More information can be found at www.vindigostudios.com.

About MapQuest

MapQuest, a wholly owned subsidiary of America Online, Inc. and based in Denver, CO and Mountville, PA, has three business segments: MapQuest.com, MapQuest Business Solutions and MapQuest Digital Mapping Services. Ranked within the top 10 most powerful U.S. brands on the Internet by NetRatings and as the number one mapping site and number one travel site by comScore Media Metrix, MapQuest.com is the world's leader in online interactive location-based services with more than 30 million visitors every month generating over 10 million maps and directions each day. MapQuest's Business Solutions is the preferred provider of a full range of mapping and routing solutions to more than 1,200 leading businesses across key categories including retail, healthcare, financial, real estate, travel and automotive. MapQuest Digital Mapping Services is a leading provider of digital and print cartographic products to the publishing industry.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.

About Get It Now(SM)

Get It Now service from Verizon Wireless expands a wireless phone into an entertainment device that can also increase personal productivity. Customers with Get It Now-capable phones can download applications over the air and purchase them from their phones. Get Games and Get Fun keep customers entertained, while Get Going applications, made for today's mobile lifestyle, offers restaurant location services with maps, directions and more. View and share digital photos with Get Pix or identify incoming callers by assigning a unique ring with Get Tones. A variety of license-pricing options from a free demonstration to single use to monthly subscriptions are available. Vindigo is a registered trademark of Vindigo, Inc.