Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Microsoft® Streets & Trips 2005 with GPS Locator, a landmark product that combines the company's first Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware device with the latest version of the best-selling1 mapping and travel planning software for the United States and Canada. Streets & Trips 2005 with GPS Locator provides real-time GPS tracking and a comprehensive array of maps, driving directions and points of interest to help travelers know exactly where they are and where they are headed at all times.

"GPS navigation technology has been around for years, but until now it has been a luxury item, too expensive and complicated for most consumers to take advantage of," said Thilo Koslowski, vice president and lead automotive analyst with Gartner Inc. "Companies that offer easy-to-use mobile navigation products will gain market share in the near future as consumers are looking for more affordable alternatives to embedded GPS navigation systems in the vehicle."

Not only is Streets & Trips 2005 with GPS Locator affordable and easy to use, but it also includes important fuel management and cost analysis features -- a valuable addition with the rising cost of gas. According to research from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, Americans used 5.7 billion gallons of fuel and 3.5 billion hours sitting in traffic last year at a total cost of nearly $70 billion, or about $520 per driver in the 75 major cities surveyed.2 Enhanced GPS support, accurate and up-to-date mapping data, options for customization, and Pocket Streets for Pocket PC and Smartphone work seamlessly to reduce travel-related stress and save valuable time and money by allowing consumers to plan their trip, their way.