Scottsdale, AZ — (press release excerpt) — National Scientific Corporation (NSC) today announced the launch of its StarSeries line of intelligent wireless mobile communication platforms. StarPilot, the first product in this new family is a location information server designed to seamlessly connect automobile drivers and passengers with the Internet and location-based technologies. StarPilot is an embedded computer designed to be discretely installed in the trunk of a vehicle. Similar to NSC's existing location devices, StarPilot can provide vehicle location information using cellular data networks to users anywhere in the world via the Internet, thus providing enhancements to personal safety as well as recovery support in the event of vehicle theft.

Unlike existing wireless location devices, StarPilot is based on a fully configured low cost Linux embedded computer and communications server. Its open source design allows StarPilot's architecture to be extended by NSC, or by third parties, into new mobile computing arenas that have not previously been achievable by a single commercial platform in an automotive package. These areas include a broad spectrum of possible applications such as car-based Internet email and browsing on a full sized display, visual, and voice directions based on a vehicle's current location, and back-seat computer gaming. The system can also provide real-time database connections to MLS listings for realtors and concierge-type services to locate nearby restaurants and attractions, for example. Additional modules are planned to support enhanced features such as real time engine and vehicle diagnostics where performance data can be read directly from an engine's management system and transmitted wirelessly anywhere in the world.

StarPilot builds on NSC's expertise in wireless electronics and component design, as well as location hardware and software tools. StarPilot's base configuration includes NSC's cornerstone “free from the monthly fee” GSM messaging services. StarSeries devices will rely on industry standards such as GPS, GSM, CDMA, Bluetooth, 802.11b, PC/104, and Linux, as well NSC's own ADT design methods to keep costs low and performance high, and allow for rapid product innovation. Introductory pricing for the base line of StarPilot devices, which will include a trunk- mounted GPS/GSM unit and one year's worth of base SMS location service, is expected to be under $500 per unit, for a limited time only.

NSC expects to ship StarPilot in summer of 2002 with its base suite of location service tools. Inquiries from developers, dealers and distributors are welcome.

 
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