Actually Ö-Navi 2 is still in Beta-testing (as of mid-August), however its only recently made its official debut in a press release.

To use Ö-Navi, one requires a GPS-capable cell phone, or have the ability to connect to an external GPS device. As in the earlier versions, the software is financed through on-screen advertising, allowing its cost to the customer to be ‘free’. As Ö-Navi 2 is a so-called ‘offboard’ navigation system – using data not installed on the cell phone itself, but rather using data transfer bandwidth for every route enquiry accessed through the software – costs are incurred for data used. These costs are billed by the network provider.

Ö-Navi 2 delivers not only route descriptions, but also for example offers access to the entire databank of the online-directory of DasÖrtliche. Thereby, one can search for private or commercial addresses and receive directions. This was already possible with the first version- new in v.2 is that one can call many of the firms represented there for free from the application.

Another new feature are the so-called Zenlets. According to the operators, these are individual add-on modules, based on new technologies and easily integrated; one can check weather at the destination or look for the closest cash machine. Zenlets can also be developed by uers, and the uses for ‘label’ companies make them well suited for tailer-made applications.

Visually, there have also been changes – Ö-Navi2 presents an easier overview, and the new vector maps allow for reduced load times and improved display.

At present this new edition is still only available for a few select cell phones, but this will change.  DasÖrtliche telss that by the end of 2008, it is hoped to have Ö-navi 2 available for all current mobile phones, using a Java-based platform, after which the first edition will be phased out.

To check which current models can use Ö-Navi, check here – one can also download the new Cell phone navigation software, assuming the user has a compatible phone.