CHICAGO, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVTEQ, the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data for in-vehicle, portable, wireless and enterprise solutions, today announced that HTC Corporation (HTC) is a global sponsor for the 2010 Global LBS Challenge. Application developers can now target two Android(TM) and Windows(R) Mobile-based HTC phones and HTC will supply qualifying finalists from each region with an HTC Hero or HTC Touch Diamond2. In addition, HTC will present an award for the "Best Home Screen Widget Design" that includes location-based capabilities.

The NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge is a world-wide competition organized annually since 2003. Conducted by NAVTEQ Network for Developers(TM) (NN4D), it challenges application developers around the world to build innovative location-based services (LBS) using dynamic positioning technology and NAVTEQ(R) maps. The global prize pool currently stands at $8.2 million US and is expected to grow. Open for pre-commercialized applications for any platform and any device, the competition is conducted in five different regions: Europe-Middle East-Africa (EMEA), North America, South America, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and India. Registration is already open for all five regions.

"We are very pleased to welcome HTC as a global sponsor of this year's competition. It is very encouraging to see one of the fastest growing smartphone brands supporting LBS application development globally," said Marc Naddell, vice president, partner & developer programs, NAVTEQ. "The interest and support that HTC shows by sponsoring with devices and tools is a clear sign of the widespread reputation and high standing of the annual NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge."

The HTC Hero is based on the Android operating system. It features a 3.2-inch capacitive touch display with 320x480 HVGA resolution, inbuilt GPS, G-sensor and digital compass. The HTC Touch Diamond2 is based on Windows Mobile 6.5 and features a 3.2-inch touch screen display with 480x800 WVGA resolution, inbuilt GPS and a G-sensor.

To be considered for HTC's location-based widget award, contestants must present an Android application design for the HTC Hero that brings compelling location-based capabilities to the home screen.

"Bringing location-based information to the surface of the mobile experience is key for people that want to utilize this information in their everyday lives. This is why we are acknowledging the top HTC Hero Android widgets designed for the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge," said John Wang, chief marketing officer, HTC Corporation. "We are driven by the desire to create mobile experiences that improve how people live and communicate. Personally relevant location-data is vital to a better mobile experience."

Other special recognition awards to be given out for the 2010 NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge include "Best Touch UI Application" and "Best Use of Tanla License Manager". For more information about this year's competition, please visit www.LBSChallenge.com. Registration for the first of the five regions (EMEA) closes on November 6, 2009 (extended deadline).

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that are sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. For more information, visit www.htc.com.

About the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge

First launched in 2003, the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge is a world-wide competition conducted by NAVTEQ Network for Developers(TM) (NN4D), daring application developers around the world to build innovative location-based services (LBS) using dynamic positioning technology and NAVTEQ(R) maps. Integrating the accuracy and richness of NAVTEQ digital map data and LBS content facilitates the timely evolution of the next wave of location-aware applications. The Global LBS Challenge has become the premier event in the LBS industry for shining the spotlight on global LBS innovation and opportunity. Over 32% of the finalists from the past six years have gone on to receive venture capital funding or launch commercially-distributed applications. For more information on this year's competition, go to www.LBSChallenge.com.

About NAVTEQ Network for Developers

NAVTEQ Network for Developers(TM) (NN4D) is a dynamic web portal and global community that provides developers and business partners with the technical and business support needed to build, showcase and launch the most innovative location-enabled solutions. The NN4D includes resources such as mapping APIs, LBS content, point of interest data, routing information as well as geospatial platforms and tools from NAVTEQ and its partners. Members can rely on NN4D when creating GPS-based applications for the web, mobile phones, GIS and portable navigation devices that employ traffic, navigation, location content and location-based advertising for enterprise and consumer use. Connect with the people, tools and resources you need to build and market your location-enabled products by joining today at www.NN4D.com/joindevelopers.

About NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of digital map, traffic and location data that enables navigation and location-based platforms around the world. NAVTEQ supplies comprehensive digital map information to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985 and has approximately 4,400 employees located in 192 offices and in 43 countries.

NAVTEQ, NAVTEQ Network for Developers and Global LBS Challenge are trademarks of NAVTEQ in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE NAVTEQ

Web site: http://www.navteq.com/
http://www.htc.com/
http://www.LBSChallenge.com/