Pharos Launches EZ-Road GPS Pocket Navigator, a Pocket-Sized, Portable Vehicle Navigation Unit

Business Wire, Dec 15, 2004

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Pharos Science & Applications, Inc.:

--Voice Prompts and Digital Street Maps Guide Drivers Door-to-Door, Turn-by-Turn;

--Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Manages Contacts, Book and Calendar on the Go

Pharos Science & Applications, Inc., a leading manufacturer of GPS navigation products and provider of location-based services, has introduced the EZ-Road Pocket GPS Navigator -- a low-cost, portable, touch-screen vehicle navigation device for consumers and mobile professionals.

"EZ-Road goes everywhere you do, helping you navigate streets and highways anywhere in the US with confidence. It's so thin and light, you can slip the 4.2-ounce EZ-Road in your pocket, purse or briefcase. Once in your car, just place the EZ-Road on its windshield or dashboard mount and go," states Pharos' Vice President of Sales Robert Serafini.

Using GPS satellites and digital street maps, EZ-Road pinpoints the driver's location. Drivers can program destinations by address, intersection, favorites or from a large Points-of-Interest library (POIs include public, government and commercial venues ranging from hotels, gas stations and restaurants to ATMs, hospitals, airports and more), and then set a route allowing EZ-Road to guide them to their destination.

"The super-widescreen landscape display on the EZ-Road Pocket GPS Navigator gives you a big picture view of where you're going, guiding you along easy-to-view street maps, and pointing the way with directional arrows. Audible voice-prompts steer you door-to-door with clear turn-by-turn driving instructions," Serafini says.

Pharos has earned a reputation as a leading provider of navigation accessory products for the popular Pocket PC personal digital assistant platform since shipping its first GPS product in 2000. Taking lessons learned in designing market-winning GPS accessory products, the company's EZ-Road builds on that foundation and provides customers with a dedicated, all-in-one navigation device, Serafini notes.

A 3.5-inch, high-resolution, color touch-screen makes entering data easy and the on-screen menus make it simple to operate. Powered by an internal, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, EZ-Road can be taken easily from car to SUV or RV; there's no installation necessary.

Need to make multiple stops? No problem. Pharos created the gas-saving, time-shaving "Route Wizard" to set the optimum route for you, incorporating up to ten stops along the way. Routing and navigation are powered by Pharos' award-winning Ostia Smart Navigator software.

"EZ-Road is ideal for rental car drivers or for walking tours in vacation cities," notes Serafini. "Whether you're a frequent business traveler or just need a little help finding your way around town, EZ-Road is the perfect, pocket navigator. It's the affordable solution for travelers who want to travel light and arrive on time."

Based on the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system, EZ-Road also includes contacts and calendar features. Using Microsoft Active Sync, users transfer map sections and POI data from CD-ROMs directly to EZ-Road or download onto Secure Digital memory media for inserting into EZ-Road.

"It even has an MP3 player to keep you humming down the road," adds Serafini.

The product is available through authorized Pharos dealers. The manufacturer's suggested list price is $529.00. For store locations and more information about the EZ-Road Pocket GPS Navigator, visit the Pharos Web site at www.pharosgps.com.

EZ-ROAD -- the all-in-one navigator that lets you travel smarter

Powerful Features:

--Award-winning Ostia Smart Navigator routing and navigation software

--Highly sensitive GPS receiver built right in

--Fast and easy to use with real-time, on-screen guidance

--Driving directions and route guidance by voice, graphics and text

--Route by fastest, shortest or avoiding freeways

--Detailed street maps of the entire US, including Alaska and Hawaii

--Database of hundreds of thousands of Points-of-Interest

--Stores 100 favorite destinations and routes

--Zoom in and out on touch-screen or use icons

--Voice prompts help you keep your eyes on the road

--Plan your entire day with optimized multi-stop routing -- saves time and gas

--Up to 10 maps open at a time

--The only vehicle navigation unit that allows you to navigate across map sections

--Choose from four navigation screens

--One-touch re-route button; Auto Re-route option

--"Trip-trace" records route traveled

--Real-time simulation of route (with GPS disabled)

--Load in contacts and calendar

--Nighttime display for better viewing

--Completely portable; operates up to 8 continuous hours on rechargeable Li-ion battery

The product comes complete with EZ-Road Pocket GPS Navigator, 12V DC car charger, windshield/AC vent holder, US maps on CD-ROM, Pharos' award-winning Ostia Smart Navigator routing and navigation software, PC data cable, USB charging cable, 128MB memory card, quick start guide, user manual, and Active Sync CD.

About Pharos

Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is a leading provider of portable GPS navigation and location-based services for a variety of markets. The company is a charter member of Microsoft's Mobility Partner Advisory Council, a Qualcomm BREW Elite Developer, and a member of ITS America and CTIA. Pharos products are sold through a network of leading national retail locations and online stores including CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, Dell.com, Toshiba, Amazon.com, SkyMall, MobilePlanet.com, Buy.com and others. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com.