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Microsoft Releases MapPoint 2006

By BetaNews Staff, BetaNews

May 1, 2006, 2:30 PM

Microsoft on Monday announced the latest release of its MapPoint software-based mapping solution, with an optional GPS hardware kit. With consumers turning to new online mapping services, MapPoint 2006 is being targeted at businesses and focuses on mobile information workers.

New features in the release include GPS support that provides real-time driving directions, Wi-Fi positioning and better offline geographic data. MapPoint 2006 is priced at $299 USD for the software only, and $349 USD with a GPS locater.

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By VictorAnderson

posted May 2, 2006 - 12:38 PM

I think it's usefull. One of the things I like about MapPoint is the "find nearby places" feature. I travel a lot so it's handy to find all the stuff near the hotels I'm at.
I do not have the GPS locator and I'm using the 2004 version - but I'll probably upgrade.
$300 is a LOT of money though...grrrr

Score: 0

By spiked

posted May 3, 2006 - 12:12 AM

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 contains the exact same database and GPS support as MapPoint. If you only want to use the app as a end-user app, get Streets & Trips for about $40 street price.

MapPoint is programmable and has a number of features making it easier to integrate into custom solutions driven off existing business data (e.g. customer/prospect databases, transactional data from retail locations, etc.) which is why it's more expensive.