Nokia do GPS

Nokia are to release a GPS module to work with their bluetooth enabled handsets. The LD-3W has been produced in coorperation with mapping and navigation big shots like Wayfinder and Telmap, and will work with most of Nokia’s mid-range handsets. Nokia’s theory goes: “Location based services, such as navigation and point-of-interest search for hotels and restaurants are becoming increasingly popular with consumers.” So while they’ve previously offered navigational services with their higher end S60 smartphones, this new module should bring the same quality of GPS to Nokia’s lower end devices.

The Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W, when connected to a compatible handset will offer GPS positioning with up to five meters accuracy. Customers can plan the easiest route to their destination on a digital map provided by Wayfinder or Telmap.

No images of the module yet, but it is being demonstrated at the 3GSM 2006 Congress which kicks off in Barcelona from today and the module is expected to start shipping in the 1st quarter of 2006. So keep your eyes peeled…