Microsoft offers MSN Direct API: sends location to GPS from websites
My how the MSN Direct service has changed. I got my first taste of it with a SPOT Watch purchase back in 2004: the watch received limited but customized information over FM radio frequencies. At CES this past January, we saw MSN Direct integration with GPS devices and that service now has the potential to get even better. Today, Microsoft announced API availability so websites can use a "MSN Direct Send to GPS" function.
I haven’t seen an example of the API in use yet, but here’s how I envision it. You visit a website and find locational information: say the address of a local bookstore, for example. One click on the webpage would then shoot the address to your GPS device so that you don’t have to use a cumbersome interface to re-enter the address when you get to your car. As much as I love GPS units, the weakest function in my opinion is usually address entry, so this is a real time-saver for websites that take advantage of it. Granted, the functionality is limited to MSN Direct devices like those from Garmin, but it’s a step in the right direction. Heh.
Depending how open the use of the API is, this would be great on mapping sites like Google maps as well. I’m not sure how MS would like their mapping competitors using it, though! It would help sell devices that use MSN Direct, though. It makes the GPS units that have that functionality that much more “valuable.” I haven’t checked, but do Ford’s SYNC GPS systems have MSN Direct integrated into all of them? With a few other auto manufacturers adding SYNC (or similar) MS GPS systems to their cars in the next year or two, this could actually catch on this time! Do I dare say, it would be SPOT on?!! (ugh)
D.
Hi,
I think Microsoft has already implimented the API on it’s own maps.
Look up a location on maps.live.com, and you’ll have the option to send any of your results to a gps via msn direct. It works perfectly with my Garmin 880. I only wish someone would impliment the API in google maps and on my Iphone.
Does anyone know how to enable/disable a WinMob app in realtime(LBS based coupons) simply by GPS location of the cell?
Thanks
Tom