New API for GPS Devices

Web site developers can use a new API to let users send location information, such as a business address, directly to their MSN Direct-enabled global positioning system (GPS) devices. Although these devices are fairly rare, rental-car company Avis is offering them in some cars, and employing the API is reasonably simple.

MSN Direct is an FM-based, one-way wireless data service that was originally used for Microsoft’s Smart Watches: users could subscribe to the service for a monthly fee and receive information, such as news headlines and sports scores, on the watches. Although the watches have been discontinued, several GPS devices from Alpine, Garmin, and (soon) Pioneer use the service to provide real-time information, such as traffic reports, local gas prices, and movie times. Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008, PC-based map software, also comes with an optional GPS receiver that works with MSN Direct. Subscription plans vary by device, but generally offer 3 or 12 months of service free, after which consumers can pay US$49.95 per year or US$129.95 for a lifetime subscription.