GPS Business News:when is the Nuvifone coming to customers in the APAC region?
Hektor Tung: Taiwan is going to be the first market and it will be quickly followed by Singapore in August,then Hong Kong and Thailand in a matter of weeks.
GPS BN:What channels do you target for this launch?
HT:If you take Singapore we are looking at being available both through the carrier channel and the free market.
GPS BN:Can you be a bit more specific and name the carrier that will sell the phone?
HT: This is a bit too early to talk about that;we are still finalizing our discussions.
GPS BN: Can you give me some indication about the price of the first Nuvifone to be launched?
HT: I cannot be very specific here but you can expect to find it in Singapore under the S$1,000 price point (US$ 685).
HT: There are many variables to that but I believe we will have more success in markets where people are driving. The Garmin navigation software is the big feature of this device and the Garmin brand is most recognized for that.
GPS BN: There are also markets where driving is less important – like Singapore – but you have integrated pedestrian data,right? If I am correct you are using the NAVTEQ Discover Cities data?
HT: Yes we are using the NAVTEQ map data,for example in Singapore,but we are also working with other sources,such as government data in Hong Kong for example. As a whole we believe that having a LBS phone we need to provide local information. As an example if you are looking for a restaurant we will provide not only the name of the restaurants around you but also comments and ratings. We have partnered with several local content providers to make this happen.
GPS BN: thank you very much for your time.
HT: my pleasure.