Sony Ericsson handsets to incorporate Mobile Commerce’s new search service

Sony Ericsson today announced that the new 8.1 megapixel Cyber-shot C905 phone will come preloaded with Mobile Commerce's ‘NearMe' application. Mobile Commerce is the UK provider of location-based services (LBS) and mobile content integration, and ‘NearMe' will also be available to download onto the GPS enabled C702 Cyber-shot and W760 Walkman handsets.
            
'NearMe' is a local search service that provides users with detailed information on local businesses, amenities, venues and events, all based on current location using the GPS capabilities of the user's handset.
 
The application, which is provided free to the user by Sony Ericsson, includes UK wide content such as cinema, club and gig listings; over 11,000 recommended venues for eating and drinking in; as well as over 1.9 million business search listings and fully optimised Multimap mapping – all of which is enhanced on an ongoing basis so the information is always up to the minute. Full addresses and phone numbers are also included with each recommendation and listing.
 
Users can also select locations from pre-stored favourites or search for any location in the UK. Basic information provided includes, name, address and phone number and, where relevant, more detailed information such as film reviews, costs and show times. Finally, once you know where you want to go, there is a map to show you where it is.
 
David Hilton Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson UK & Ireland, said: "Creating a Java application with best of breed content was a key objective to showcase our GPS handsets to our prime target market. Following an extensive market search we selected Mobile Commerce as our application partner and we are delighted with the ‘NearMe' application and have already defined a roadmap of enhancements to bring even more functionality and choice to our customers."
 
"We are delighted to be working with Sony Ericsson, who are known as an innovative global brand," added Steve Page, CEO of Mobile Commerce. "To be recognised by them as a leader in our field is an even greater incentive to develop and deliver an exciting application which shows the full capability of their latest handsets. I believe that with ‘NearMe' we have achieved this, using our technological knowledge and our expertise in aggregating content from numerous best of breed suppliers."