Finnish handset behemoth Nokia are soon to offer navigation integrated phones having just acquired Gate5, a leading developer of mapping, routing and navigation software.

Demand for personal navigation devices is growing month on month and expected to reach 15 million units by year end, double that of 2005. The acquisition allows Nokia to tap into that market very quickly.

"Maps and navigation are natural elements to be offered in mobile devices but this area hasn’t developed as fast as expected by the market. Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such as maps, routing and navigation at an accelerated speed." said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Multimedia, Nokia. "By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities into our devices, Nokia will participate in this growth. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers offer people new ways to explore their world – navigation and maps enhance this journey and add to the overall experience."

"Our combined expertise means that mobile device owners will enjoy a wide range of location based services," said Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO, gate5. "Based on maps and routing functionality, there are countless useful features for mobile users; e.g. travel guides, search what is around you including restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. anything you need in your surroundings. We are excited to become part of Nokia and to be able to take the gate5 technologies and products to even wider audiences."

The acquisition will continue the further evolution of Nokia’s Nseries of multimedia handsets.