Good news from Sony today: they've partnered with Japanese map data
provider enrin to introduce new software for the PSP called Minna no
Chizu. Set to be released on April 20th in Japan, the software comes on
a UMD and features map data for the entirety of Japan.
To go along with this release, Sony Style will sell additional contents
called Guide Information to be used with the software. These contents
cost about 105 yen each, and data are downloaded to the user's Memory
Stick. These Guide Information contents will contain information about
local cafes, restaurants, tourist spots, and so on. Sony Style plans to
offer 200-300 of these Guide Information packs throughout the life
cycle of Minna no Chizu.
It's important to point out that, in its current state, Minna no Chizu
does not use GPS or any sort of positioning technology. Users are
required to manually operate the maps, with scrolling, rotating, and
zooming functions all supported.
A few primary features of the software:
1. Four functions for controlling the map. Scrolling with the d-pad,
rotating with the shoulder buttons, zooming in/out, and the My Spot
function.
2. Guide Information, as described above. Estimated 105 yen each, and are downloaded to the
Memory Stick Duo from Sony Style. There will be 150 contents available at the launch of Minna no Chizu. A brief list:
-Nationwide Sightseeing Information from JTB
-Nationwide Restaurant Information from Gourmet Pier Network
-Nationwide Autocamping Spot Information from Japan Sightseeing Association/Railroad Information System Corporation
-Nationwide Wirelss LAN Spot Information from IRI Commerce and Technology
-Nationwide Sightseeing Information (Specialized Themes) from Child Food
-Kyoto Osaka Kobe Sightseeing Information from Kyoto Osaka Kobe Magazine
-Nationwide Medical Institution Information from Wellness Corporation
-Region Limited Sightseeing Information from Koala Corporation
3. My Spot Function. Allows you to mark your favorite spots on your map
(up to 500 spots), and share them with friends via Ad-Hoc.
4. Area Select allows you to search for addresses, and Train Station Select allows you to search for train stations.
5. Home Position setting allows you to easily get to a pre-defined location quickly by simply selecting it from a menu.