Telematics
supplier, NavTrak, has today launched two new services, both of which use its
GPS satellite location system. TrafficWatch provides a real-time system to
inform you of incidents that might affect your particular journey, whilst the
NavTrak Proactive system is a new intelligent security service.
TrafficWatch goes one step closer to the truly interactive mapping/traffic
reporting system that is surely the ideal. NavTrak's system uses GPS to track a
driver throughout their journey and then to notify them of any incidents ahead
that could delay them. Rather than link up to a full onboard GPS system, the
NavTrak system will call the driver on their mobile phone to inform them of the
potential delay. The cost is £1.99 per journey (including an initial journey
briefing) plus major traffic incident updates at 99 pence per minute (billed in
seconds, minimum charge 33 pence). Whilst it's certainly cheaper than a full
sat-nav system it sounds a bit clunky to us...
NavTrak's Managing Director explained: "With more than 34 million
mobile phone subscribers in the UK, we feel that voice based technology is the
most convenient and cost-effective way for the majority of customers to access
our services."
The other system unveiled today is the NavTrak Proactive Security system.
This offers proactive security using a unique driver recognition system. The
owner of the car identifies themselves by touching a high security key card to a
discreet contact sensor installed in the car. If the engine is started by a non-authorised
driver the car will send an automatic silent alert to NavTrak, who will know
that a vehicle has been stolen. NavTrack can the alert the customer to the
potential theft and then help the police quickly recover the vehicle. The cost
is an additional £5 per month over and above NavTrak's £9.99 monthly standard
subscription package.
