Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) today announced that ASUS, an international digital innovator whose technology was behind motherboards that powered one in three desktops sold last year, has selected CCTTN as its real-time traffic provider for the launch of its first portable navigation device.
ASUS enters the navigation market this year with the recently launched R700(t), which features a built-in subscription for CCTTN’s data and does not need renewal. The R700(t) portable navigation device uses Windows CE 5.0 with a Samsung 400 MHz processor. Additionally, the product suite has an intuitive interface for quick navigation. The 3-D navigation engine displays the map in driver’s viewing angles, providing a safer driving experience with an auto light sensor, and is a complete portable multimedia center. Catering to users who require a top-notch PND for their GPS navigation needs, the R700(t) is also a versatile entertainment center and makes it convenient for inputting routes via a user-friendly interface. The device also features a vast array of applications that include Bluetooth hands-free functions.
“As we launched our first portable navigation device, it was extremely important for us to offer the most accurate real-time traffic service to maintain our reputation as a developer of top quality technology products,” said H.C. Hung, Chief Operating Officer for ASUS. “With a service that offers the widest coverage, uses a variety of reliable sources and enforces stringent quality standards, Clear Channel Total Traffic Network was the obvious choice for us as its service provides a competitive advantage.”
“We are pleased to see the PND market moving in the direction of the one-time subscription model, something that ASUS has adopted and we see as a big benefit to the consumer,” said Jeff Littlejohn, Executive Vice President of Distribution Development for Clear Channel Radio. “We recently passed the 500,000 subscriber mark, and it’s great to know that so many people value traffic data and rely on us to provide it.”
Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network will be available for the ASUS R700(t) in the same 80 North American markets in which it provides real-time traffic information for a breadth of consumer electronics devices and for in-car navigation devices in select BMW, MINI USA, and Volvo models. The company also supplies traffic content to media outlets such as Citadel Broadcasting, Univision, Fox Interactive Media, and others.
About ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than 8000 and a world-class R&D design team, the turnover for 2007 was 6.9 billion U.S. Dollars. ASUS has been ranked in Business Week InfoTech 100 for 10 consecutive years, and has been ranked No. 1 by the Wall Street Journal Asia for best quality products in Taiwan.
About Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network
Clear Channel Radio is the first broadcaster to launch a ground-breaking programming and technology service delivering real-time traffic data directly to vehicles, using its own network of reporters, traffic cameras, helicopters and airplanes – Total Traffic Network. Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network now serves more than 125 metropolitan markets in four countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. Total Traffic Network delivers real-time traffic data via in-car or portable navigation systems, broadcast media, wireless and Internet-based services. For more information, please log on to www.realtimetraffic.net.
About Clear Channel Radio
Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company's content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via iPods and cell phones and used via navigation systems from BMW, Volvo, TomTom, Garmin and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at www.clearchannel.com.
Contacts:
Scott Cianciulli or
Jennifer Gery, 212-986-6667
cianciulli@braincomm.com
gery@braincomm.com
