Location Labs partners with Hughes Telematics

Location Labs announced a partnership with Hughes Telematics Inc. to include Location Labs’ Universal Location Service [ULS] in Hughes’ telematics service offering. Location Labs’ cloud-based ULS API will supplement Hughes’ connected service offerings by enabling drivers to use their smart phones to request the location of any contact in their mobile address book.

When friends and family members accept a request to share their locations via their mobile phones, Hughes’ service will locate the phones regardless of the device type or wireless carrier and wirelessly send that location to the in-vehicle navigation system. The firms said the navigation enhancement is a convenient way to integrate and connect with social networks. The service can locate all mobile phones on the AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless networks.

“Now drivers have the ability to remotely request the location of anyone in their smart phone contact list and once the request is approved, remotely send the location to their in-vehicle navigation system,” said Mike Peterson, Hughes Telematics vice president of product development. “Partnering with Location Labs allows us to leverage their innovation in the location space to continue to take significant steps in creating a true connected experience for drivers.”

Location Labs’ ULS is a developer platform that enables privacy-protected access into the location systems and services of leading tier 1 wireless carriers. The Web service is 100% cloud based and does not require server software or a mobile download to locate phones. ULS currently supports remote location access for all mobile devices on the AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless networks, providing unprecedented reach of over 250MM locatable end users.

“Offering drivers a simple and streamlined way to locate and navigate to anyone in their contact list helps families and friends communicate more efficiently and stay safe while on-the-go,” said Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO, Location Labs.

Other posts you may be interested in reading:

1. Mercedes-Benz USA and Hughes Telematics launch mbrace telematics service
2. Hughes leverages telematics technology in personal emergency medical alert application
3. Hughes Telematics signs customers for In-Drive aftermarket solution