Dash, everyone’s favorite navigation company, has just released its open API for developers. Using some basic tools, you can highlight any geographical information you want — propertly listings, speed traps, and weather reports. Because the device has two-way communication with the cloud, data providers can send almost anything to the device. While some of the apps are map-based, you can also sync contacts with Funambol and even use MediaGuide to see what’s playing on the radio.
You can sign up for the API by contacting developer@dash.net.
Dash Navigation Opens its Platform to Developers and Launches Industry’s
First Dynamic API Program at O’Reilly’s Where 2.0 ConferenceConsumers Can Access Content from their Favorite Internet Sites in the Car Using the Dash Express; Coldwell Banker, WeatherBug and Trapster Among Partners
O’Reilly’s Where 2.0 Conference – Burlingame, Calif. – May 14, 2007
News Facts
• Dash Navigation, Inc., the first internet-connected GPS device, today became the first GPS provider to open its service platform to third-party developers. For the first time, developers and content-providers can easily create dynamic applications, called DashApps, and provide Web-based content to consumers in the car.
• In conjunction with the announcement, Dash unveiled the first five partner-created Dash Apps* that, with the touch of a button, help Dash drivers every day while on the road. Dash customers will have access to these powerful new applications via the MyDash portal (http://my.dash.net/) beginning on Thursday, May 15th:
– Hunting for the home of your dreams? Real estate leader and innovator Coldwell Banker® allows consumers to search for homes with the “Coldwell Banker Home Search” button. It allows Dash drivers to access real estate listings and property details from their vehicle and instantly create a route to them.
– When and where is my meeting? Access calendar events, then dynamically route to meetings with Funambol’s “myFUNAMBOL Calendar” button. It allows Dash users access to their electronic calendars (from virtually any source, e.g. Outlook, Yahoo! and Google) from their Dash Express. Calendar items are updated automatically and users can route directly to any address listed.
– What’s that tune? Mediaguide enables Dash Drivers to easily find out the names of tunes playing on their radios. By simply taping the “BakTrax Radio” button, Dash users can see a list of the last three songs that just played on their favorite AM or FM stations.
– Speed trap ahead? Furthering Dash’s belief in the power of a driver network, the “Trapster® Find Traps Now” button not only gives Dash Drivers access to Trapster’s information about live speed traps and red light sensors, but also enables Dash Drivers to contribute speed trap information back to other Trapster users in their area.
– Is it going to rain? Access live, local weather information with WeatherBug’s “MyWeatherBug” button. It provides Dash Drivers with up-to-the-second information about current and future weather conditions while on the road from the largest, most precise weather network in the world.
• Content providers wishing to partner with Dash should contact the company at developer@dash.net.
• Dash will be demonstrating the new applications and talking more about the dynamic API program at the Where 2.0 conference today. Chris Butler, content development evangelist for Dash, will be hosting a keynote presentation at 9:50 a.m. Press are welcome to attend.