By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY: Samsung has today been announced as the new global sponsor of the Navteq Global LBS (Location-Based Solutions) Challenge. This challenge is focused on driving the development and visibility of navigation solutions for wireless devices.

Samsung is set to provide the following tangible support to participants in the challenge:

-Qualifying contestants will receive the Samsung INNOV8 (i8510) and software tools to enable the development of location-based services (LBS) applications.
-All contestants can receive technical assistance through the recently launched Samsung Mobile Innovator web portal which provides developers a direct channel to Samsung’s developer resources.
-Samsung will participate in the application judging process in all three regions of the Global LBS Challenge, including the Asia-Pacific region.

Talking about this announcement is Samsung global relations manager, Sanj Matharu.

“We see the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge as a great opportunity for Samsung Mobile Innovator and mobile developers to work more closely together,” said Matharu. “The mobile industry recognizes the huge potential and variety of LBS applications, and with new devices available like the INNOV8 (i8510), there’s a big opportunity for those developers getting involved in the NAVTEQ Global LBS Challenge.”

The total prize pool for the 2008 competition is over $5.25 million in cash and prizes.