On October 4th, Telus announced the launch of an LBS mobile navigation app and an LBS child finder service. Dubbed Navigator and Kind Find, Telus states that the services are "easy-to-use GPS services that help increase peace of mind and security by assisting users to navigate to destinations or locate their children in real-time using interactive mobile phone based maps."
Networks in Motion is the developer behind the two products (NIM also did Verizons Navigator product). Sounds like the Navigator is your standard fare voice and visual guided turn by turn driving directions app. It is available on the Samsung a950. Telus has a free 2 day trial, and subscribers will pay $10 per month for the app in addition to a $0.50 one time download fee.
Telus Kid Find allows parents to locate their children via their phone or via the web. Privacy and security precautions are in place so that "Only clients who are payment responsible for the account or have been given permission to manage the account can access location information". The kids phone will receive a one time notification telling them that the service has been activated. Kids will be notified that they are being located via a "flashing GPS indicator" on the phone screen. Cost for Kid Find is $5 per month for unlimited usage with a $0.50 one time download fee. Telus is also offering a free trial allowing users to make 5 locate fixes on the kids phone. This pricing may put some pressure on Sprint and Verizon for their Family Locator and Chaperone services which are each priced at $10.
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