Don’t like to get lost? MapQuest has announced upgrades to its “Send to Cell’ service that will allows users to create driving directions and maps at their PC and send them to any Web-enabled cell phone.
The Send to Cell service allows users to search for places and create maps along with directions on their desktop. They can then send that information to their cell phones by clicking on the “Send to Cell” link on the Mapquest site. While they are on the road they can access the information on their mobile through a text link, which will give users directions and maps.
“We are making it even easier for consumers to take the powerful MapQuest desktop experience with them on their mobile phones at no charge,” said Alan Beiagi, MapQuest Director of Wireless. “This is part of MapQuest’s continued drive to broaden its capabilities by integrating its desktop service with wireless offerings.”
Besides maps and driving directions the Send to Cell also offers routing options that can calculate the shortest driving time, distance and information on avoiding tolls and highways.
Other competitors that offer a similar service include Google Mobile Maps, Yahoo Local Maps and Microsoft’s Windows Live Search.
The Send to Cell is a beta service and while it is free from Map Quest your mobile carrier may charge for text messages. MapQuest can detect if a user is on their phone or desktop and direct users to the appropriate screen.
In February 2007, MapQuest had over 45 million users, according to comScore Media Metrix.
