Gradiente joins the Matrix fan club: News from Cambridge Positioning Systems

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Gradiente, one of Latin America's leading manufacturers of electronic consumer goods and cellphones, has announced plans to integrate high accuracy location technology from CPS (Cambridge Positioning Systems) into a range of wireless devices. The two companies will collaborate on the installation of CPS's Matrix software-only solution into a range of GSM terminals to enable end users to access a new generation of high accuracy location-based services on GSM networks in Brazil and Latin America. Initial products will include a simple to use child's phone.

The new device - a small lightweight GSM handset - features simple, child-friendly buttons for calling either parent plus CPS's Matrix software that allows the user to be located down to sub-100m accuracy levels in any environment.

Available in a range of colours, including cobranded with appropriate partners, the lightweight handset has been specifically designed for young children to use in an emergency, and includes six preprogrammable voice or SMS channels as well as high accuracy location capability.

Market research highlights the growing demand for devices that deliver asset and people tracking - and particularly the need for discreet form factors and standard handsets that harness GSM and location-enabling technology.

Existing tracking applications - based on cell-ID, or GPS technology - have proved unpopular because of the wide variations in location accuracy and poor urban and indoor coverage.

Matrix has been extensively trialled in Brazil and consistently delivers sub-100m accuracy and fast location fixes.

'Gradiente is delighted to offer to its customers leading-edge handsets support CPS's software implementation for high accuracy LBS'.

'The matrix technology will be part of our core strategy to create value and differentiate ourselves in the cellphone market'.

'We are very happy to engage in a strategic level with CPS', said Dante Iacovone, Vice President of Gradiente Telecom.

CPS CEO Chris Wade added: 'Gradiente is one of Brazil's best known consumer electronics brands and we are delighted that they have embraced Matrix as a key part of their device strategy'.

'Location based services are happening now in Brazil - both for enterprises and consumers - and Gradiente's endorsement is critical in driving take up and usage of the innovative and exciting new offerings'.

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Gradiente joins the Matrix fan club

Gradiente has announced plans to integrate high accuracy location technology from CPS into a range of wireless devices.