Pharos Launches Traveler GPS 505, Its First Windows Mobile-based Pocket GPS Device, with Microsoft Outlook Assisted Navigation

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 31, 2005--

Designed with mobile professionals in mind, the Pharos Traveler GPS 505 uses the superior SiRFstarIII GPS receiver and comes preloaded with the top 50 metropolitan areas of the U.S.

“The Pharos Traveler GPS 505 is a great solution for individuals who are looking to simplify their lives with one integrated device.”

Pharos Science & Applications, Inc., a leading provider of Windows Mobile-based GPS solutions and location-based services, has introduced the all-in-one portable Pharos Traveler GPS 505. This compact, lightweight device maximizes map visibility with its large, 3.5" color display while delivering clear voice guidance with turn-by-turn directions. The Pharos Traveler also includes a Traffic Message Channel (TMC) driver for future usages of real-time traffic and other location-based information.

"Pharos has a history of building solid GPS navigation solutions for the mobile professional and the Pharos Traveler continues that legacy," said Rick Sill, Vice President of Sales. "With its compact, lightweight design it's easy to carry on a plane and setup in a rental car. Business travelers often find themselves in cities with tall buildings, so we released the Pharos Traveler with the highly sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS receiver to ensure a steady stream of position fixes in the urban canyon.

"We are excited Pharos is taking advantage of the Windows Mobile software platform to deliver devices that combine GPS navigation with a familiar interface and applications," said Chris Hill, group product manager for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "The Pharos Traveler GPS 505 is a great solution for individuals who are looking to simplify their lives with one integrated device."

The Pocket Outlook synchronization feature saves users time by allowing them to quickly download their addresses to their device versus entering one at a time. Plus, the device speaks while presenting your route on a large, color, touch-screen display.

Users can program destinations by intersection, favorites or from a large Points-of-Interest library (POIs include public, government and commercial venues ranging from hotels, gas stations and restaurants to ATMs, hospitals, airports, and more). Powered by a vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter, the Pharos Traveler also has an internal, rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can provide approximately four hours of navigation for pedestrian use.

Since shipping its first GPS product in 2000, Pharos has continuously moved toward affordable, portable and personalized navigation solutions for travelers. "The inclusion of a TMC driver is another example of how Pharos is thinking of ways to enhance life on the road for mobile professionals in the near future," Sill added.

Powerful Features:

-- Award-winning Pharos Ostia routing and navigation software

-- Voice guided turn-by-turn directions

-- Easy-to-see 3.5" color screen

-- Multi-stop routing

-- Syncs with Pocket Outlook Contacts

-- 512MB SD card included with preloaded maps of top 50 U.S. Metropolitan areas

-- Highly sensitive SiRFstarIII GPS receiver

The product is available through authorized Pharos dealers. The MSRP is $649.95. For store locations and more information about the Pharos Traveler GPS 505, visit the Pharos website at www.pharosgps.com.

About Pharos

Pharos Science & Applications, Inc. is a leading provider of GPS navigation solutions and location based services for mobile devices. The company is a charter member of Microsoft's Partner Advisory Council, a Qualcomm BREW Developer, and a member of ITS America and CTIA. Pharos products are sold through a network of leading national retail locations and online stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Fry's Electronics, Amazon.com, Dell.com, eXpansys.com, Officemax.com, and others. For more information, visit www.pharosgps.com.

About SiRF

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. develops and markets semiconductor and software products that are designed to enable location-awareness utilizing GPS and other location technologies in high-volume mobile consumer devices and commercial applications. SiRF's technology has been integrated into mobile consumer devices, such as automobile navigation systems, mobile phones, PDAs, GPS-based peripherals and handheld GPS navigation devices, and into commercial applications, such as asset tracking devices and fleet management systems. SiRF markets and sells its products in four target platforms: automotive, consumer electronics, mobile computing and wireless devices. Founded in 1995, SiRF is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., and has sales offices around the world. The company trades on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the symbol SIRF. Additional information about SiRF and its location technology solutions can be found at www.sirf.com.