Magellan, a pioneering GPS brand, today announced new features being added to its successful RoadMate® product lineup of car Navigation units that will enhance driver safety and enable easier viewing.

The new Magellan RoadMate 9055 GPS is a feature-rich navigation device designed for easy viewing that further expands Magellan’s successful 7-inch car Navigation product line. The RoadMate 9055 is the first of a select group of Magellan GPS units that will support a new, proprietary Magellan back-up camera scheduled for release this spring. The unit’s large, high-definition screen transmits a live feed from the vehicle’s bumper when the car is placed in reverse gear. Children and pets behind the vehicle car are now visible and can be avoided, helping make the road safer for both the driver and pedestrians.

Designed with drivers of RVs, SUVs, minivans and other larger-cab vehicles in mind, the RoadMate 9055 GPS also includes three features most requested by consumers: a high-definition WVGA screen, Bluetooth connectivity to mobile devices, and a lifetime traffic subscription that alerts drivers of congestion ahead and calculates alternative routes.

The RoadMate 9055 GPS’s large, 7-inch screen offers the user the same viewing area as most in-dash car navigation units for a crisp, clear view of the screen. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free operation of mobile phones, helping drivers to communicate safely while driving. Magellan’s Free, Lifetime Traffic Feature, feeds continual updates of traffic conditions in traffic-congested North American cities directly to the GPS unit. The driver is provided with an accurate estimate of travel times factoring in distance and traffic, as well as suggestions for less-congested alternative routes.

Why RoadMate Is The Ideal Road Mate

Preloaded with maps of the 50 United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and more than 6 million points of interest locations, all Magellan RoadMate models features exclusive rich content from the most trusted name in driver safety, AAA. The built-in AAA TourBook guide with Diamond ratings and descriptions for US and Canada provides highly detailed information about hotels, restaurants local attractions, and a guide to merchants offering member discounts. A special AAA roadside assistance feature (for AAA members only) gives you your exact location with a touch of a button so you can get the roadside help you need quickly and easily.

The RoadMate 9055 includes Highway Lane Assist which guides the driver into the proper lane for upcoming lane changes and exits, as well as Magellan’s proprietary OneTouch user interface providing users instant access to favorite addresses, searches and destinations. The GPS unit also features text-to-speech technology, which provides spoken street names while navigating; and a convenient Video-In jack, which can be used to connect an iPod®, back-up camera or other video source to watch live video on the bright 7-inch display (cable not included).

“We developed our large-screen navigation devices to help people get more information they need at a quick glance. Between our high-definition widescreens, our hands-free calling features, the quality of the AAA TourBook content and assurance of roadside assistance for its members, and the forthcoming back-up camera accessory, our RoadMate devices not only navigate drivers to their destinations, they make each journey safer,” said Mike Wagner, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Magellan.

The RoadMate 9055 comes with a specialized heavy-duty Extension Mount that brings the GPS navigator up close and personal. With three points of articulation and an extra 12 inches of extension, no cab is too large to maneuver the display within easy reach. The specialized multi-surface mounting pad will also stick directly to vinyl dashboards, safely securing the device and avoiding the long reach to the windshield. Drivers in smaller vehicles will appreciate the ability to bring the Magellan RoadMate 9055 GPS below dash level so that windshield space is not taken up.

The Magellan RoadMate 9055 GPS is now available at Amazon. It includes the extension mount and cradle, vehicle power adapter, and USB data cord. The unit retails at a MSRP for $299.99.

For optional accessories, including cases, pouches and additional mounting options, visit http://www.magellangps.com.

Magellan, a pioneering GPS brand, today announced the introduction of the Magellan eXplorist 310 GPS receiver, a power-packed, waterproof, and rugged handheld GPS designed for essential outdoor navigation.

The newest addition to the eXplorist family of dedicated outdoor GPS receivers, the eXplorist 310 provides outdoor enthusiasts with many of the features found in higher-end devices, including a premium world map and the ability to upload detailed topographic maps. Whether for an avid outdoorsman navigating to a favorite fishing spot, an up-and-coming geocacher graduating to more complex finds, or an experienced backpacker looking for a powerful, yet light and portable GPS receiver, the eXplorist 310 is the perfect companion for hundreds of outdoor activities.

With a vibrant, 2.2-inch transflective color screen, a highly sensitive GPS chipset providing 3-5 meters of accuracy, and the ability to record hundreds of waypoints, tracks, and routes, the eXplorist 310 GPS receiver provides all the essential navigation features required to venture into the great outdoors. It comes pre-loaded with Magellan’s World Edition maps that include the road networks in more than 200 countries. The device supports 10,000 paperless geocaches and users can expand the map detail and coverage by adding regional versions of Magellan’s Summit Series topographic maps. Users start each adventure with a single click, record every step, and monitor their progress by viewing the track summary statistics or quickly find their way home using the backtrack function. Two AA batteries provide up to 18 hours of continual outdoor use.

“The eXplorist 310 is a key addition to our outdoor lineup as it provides users with a high-quality navigation device at an outstanding value,” said Justin Doucette, Director of Product Marketing, for Magellan GPS. “From novice to expert, Magellan now offers the right handheld GPS receiver for anyone who ventures into the outdoors anywhere in the world!”

The eXplorist 310 will be available in March 2011 at an MSRP of USD $199.99.

NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile phone on-board navigation, today announced the seventh update for its iPhone app, MobileNavigator, the most feature-rich navigation solution on the iPhone platform. The update adds a total of six new features and is already available now for all NAVIGON MobileNavigator US MyRegion apps. It will follow soon for the USA and North America versions. The update adds a total of six new features. MobileNavigator is now optimized to run natively on the iPad, making use of the larger display and the user interface of the device. Integration of Zagat Survey’s premium ratings and reviews for thousands of restaurants, and other leisure activities are available through an In App Purchase. The market first Active Lane Assistant shows drivers exactly which lane to choose in a moving on-screen animation. NAVIGON also adopted the app’s graphics to iPhone 4 Retina display. Further additions include a new Map Reporter function and the option for user notifications.

“NAVIGON’s updated version provides our over one million app users with the latest navigation technology from NAVIGON’s development labs,” said Gerhard Mayr, vice-president worldwide mobile phones & new markets, NAVIGON. “By transforming MobileNavigator into a universal app, optimized for both the iPhone and the iPad, premium features and content offerings are available across platforms. Instead of having a separate app for the iPad, we decided to develop one app that runs natively across both devices without extra cost for our dedicated customers.”

MobileNavigator 1.7.0 brings the following additions to the NAVIGON iPhone app:

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Universal iPad Integration: NAVIGON is the first major GPS Company to make navigation universal; it now runs natively on the iPhone and the iPad. Users with MobileNavigator installed can use the app on both devices without extra charges. The app utilizes the iPad’s large display and user interface with a higher resolution, and new menus. Route planning is convenient on the iPad, showing a large scrollable, multi-touch map to select destinations in simple taps. Users can plan their routes at home on the iPad and then send them to their iPhone for navigation on the go. MobileNavigator can also be used for navigation on the iPad. Capitalizing on the large screen, the app demonstrates Reality View Pro™ and the map view side-by-side, providing an accurate overview of the way ahead. In-map elements such as direction arrows, Lane and Speed Assistant symbols are designed in proportion to the iPad display size.
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Zagat Survey: An In App Purchase offers access to Zagat’s signature ratings and reviews of over 40,000 restaurants, hotels, attractions, golf courses, nightspots and other leisure activities, based on the thoughts and opinions of a worldwide network of thousands of surveyors. Zagat has become the world’s most trusted source to help consumers make informed decisions about where to go. Zagat’s content is integrated into MobileNavigator’s point of interest search, so users can easily find locations within a city, state or nearby. A tap on the individual destination reveals further information such as ratings of the appeal, decor and service as well as prices, telephone numbers and the full review text.
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Active Lane Assistant: The market first feature Active Lane Assistant assists drivers with getting and staying in the correct lane by showing a live lane animation. Displayed in the lower right corner of the map view, the animation reflects the current lane configuration and allows drivers to see ahead. An orange line indicates the way the driver should follow. The optional feature can be switched on or off.
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Map Reporter: The new Map Reporter feature enables users with the power to store changed road names, new speed limits, and one-way streets and submit them to improve the accuracy of future maps. The information is checked, verified and then integrated into later map updates.
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Retina Display Support: Retina display adaptation is further enhanced and now also shows the map, map fonts and POIs in high resolution.
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User Notifications and Newsletter: The update now also allows users to receive on-screen messages with important information about MobileNavigator within the app. In addition, users can also sign up for a newsletter and receive exclusive offers and first hand information by email.

MobileNavigator transforms the iPhone into an inclusive navigation device that saves the maps on the phone and relies on the GPS receiver, independent from a cell or wireless signal. It is the most feature rich on-board navigation application, featuring premium functions such as Traffic Live, Clever Parking, Reality View™ Pro, Panorama View 3D, NAVIGON MyRoutes, Live Weather, Connection to Facebook and Twitter, branded in-route POIs and much more. NAVIGON’s iPhone app has been the top-grossing app several times in 29 different App Stores around the globe, including the U.S.

Pricing and Availability
NAVIGON’s North American apps and selected In App Purchases are up to 30 percent off until January 6, 2011. The promotional offerings are below next to the regular prices.

Applications
MobileNavigator North America $59.99 (on sale for $44.99)
MobileNavigator USA: $49.99 (on sale for $34.99)
MobileNavigator Canada: $49.99 (on sale for $34.99)
MobileNavigator US MyRegion East, Central or West: $29.99, additional regions $14.99. (first region on sale for $24.99)

In App Purchases
Zagat Survey Ratings and Reviews: $7.99 (on sale for $5.99)
Traffic Live: $19.99
Panorama View 3D: $9.99

MobileNavigator 1.7.0 is compatible with iPhone 4, 3GS and 3G and iPad 3G. The app also runs on first generation iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad WLAN, but third party accessories for GPS reception are required for these devices. *iOS4 multitasking is supported by the iPhone 4 and 3GS only.

For more information, please visit: www.navigon.com/iphone.

Verizon Wireless and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) today announced that the Samsung Zeal™, a dual-hinge messaging phone in a unique, flip-style format with an E Ink technology transforming the QWERTY keypad, will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on Nov. 11.
Available color: Black

Key features:
· Dual-hinge form factor with E Ink keyboard that changes based on the user’s needs
o Open it vertically as a flip phone and it has a traditional numeric keypad and can change to an alpha-only keypad
o In landscape, the phone features a QWERTY keypad that can change to numeric with symbols
· Corporate Email support for Microsoft Office Exchange so customers can synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from their office e-mail
· 2.0 megapixel camera with night and panorama shot, auto focus and camcorder
· Bluetooth® technology with support for headset, hands-free, stereo, phonebook access, basic print, basic imaging, and object push for vCard and vCalendar

Lifestyle features:
· Social Beat Widget – Offers a single point for accessing social networking sites, allowing customers to stay connected to Facebook®, Twitter™ and MySpace™ plus more than 50 news, sports and entertainment feeds
· VZ Navigator® capable – Receive audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and share the directions with others
· Media Center – Access downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
· Skype mobile™ capable
· Mobile Web capable
· Full suite of messaging options, including text, picture, video and voice messaging; Mobile IM; Mobile Chat; Mobile Email; and Mobile Web Email
· microSD™ card slot with support for up to 32 GB (card purchased separately)
· Personal organizer with calendar, calculator with currency converter, notepad, alarm clock, world clock and stop watch

Price and availability:
· The Samsung Zeal will be available on Nov. 11 for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
· Customers can purchase the Samsung Zeal beginning today at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores or online at www.verizonwireless.com. For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

NAVIGON AG, a leading provider of mobile on-board navigation, today announced the release of the US version of its award winning MobileNavigator for the Android platform. The first on-board navigation app of a major navigation company to launch on the Android platform, MobileNavigator brings premium navigation to the growing Android user base. Among many signature functions, the app includes the industry-first feature Reality Scanner that identifies points of interest by showing them in a live camera view. MobileNavigator is available now from the Android Market and includes Traffic Live and without an additional cost.

MobileNavigator brings first-class developments in GPS navigation technology and real-time travel information to the Android platform. “For almost two decades NAVIGON brings preeminent navigation technology; this long standing experience enables us to deliver sophisticated navigation solutions that transform smartphones into navigation solutions comparable to standalone devices,” said Gerhard Mayr, NAVIGON vice-president worldwide mobile phones and new markets. “Other than free navigation apps for the Android platform, NAVIGON’s app provides on-board premium maps and driving related features that go beyond providing simple directions, helping to make driving a more relaxed experience.”

Reality Scanner is an industry first feature for the Android platform. Utilizing the phone’s build-in camera, positioning, and compass components together with NAVIGON’S extensive POI database to project POI (points of interest) icons directly on the camera’s image. Users can point the device and instantly identify POIs in or around the location. Other premium features include, Reality View Pro, displaying photo-realistic 3D views of actual road, highway/interstate, signs and exits, and lane guide markers for easy driving decisions. Traffic Live uses real-time data from over a million drivers to route around traffic. NAVIGON MyRoutes analyzes driving habits, patterns, location, time/day and provides up to three routes clearly displayed in-map with ETA, distance and driving times for each (a comprehensive list of features is below). The NAVIGON Red Light Cameras feature provides drivers an advanced visual warning for most red light and speed cameras.

MobileNavigator relies on the devices’ GPS receiver as well as the pre-loaded NAVTEQ® maps, providing full function navigation capabilities when a cell signal is not available. Off-board navigation, in comparison, is dependent on a cell phone connection to download map and routing data. Therefore, no cell signal renders navigation useless or interrupted until a connection is re-established. “MobileNavigator addresses the concerns of savvy consumers who are dissatisfied with the inconsistent performance of off-board turn-by-turn navigation solutions using lower quality data that has recently entered the market. NAVTEQ maps are a key differentiator and part of NAVIGON’S overall strategic vision for enabling a more sophisticated navigation experience for consumers,” said Jeff Mize, executive vice president, Global Sales, NAVTEQ. “The superiority of NAVTEQ® maps is defined by its verified accuracy, richness of content and its breadth of coverage data. Equipped with proprietary data collection tools and state-of-the-art technologies, NAVTEQ’S Geographic Analysts continually drive the roads to collect, verify and update over 260 attributes, many of which can only be captured through direct field collection. This in-depth “human factor” delivers data consistent with real world conditions and is one of the most robust and accurate geographic databases in the world.”

In addition to the benefits of an on-board solution, NAVIGON’S hallmark navigation capabilities and third party partnerships come together in MobileNavigator customized and developed for the Android platform.

The extensive set of features and capabilities include:
• Reality View™ Pro clearly displays photo-realistic 3D views of actual road, highway/interstate, signs and exits, and lane guide markers for easy driving decisions.
• Traffic Live The most precise traffic information available today, using real-time speed data from over a million drivers including commercial fleets such as trucks and taxis and non-commercial drivers with GPS capabilities.
• Reality Scanner helps finding points of interest by showing them in a live camera view.
• Lane Assistant Pro prepares drivers to make an upcoming exit or turn with a lane map complete with arrows and actual road geometry.
• Speed Assistant Adjustable audio-visual warning alerts drivers of speed and can be turned on or off.
• Text-to-Speech Complementing turn-by-turn directions; informs the driver of both the street name and the direction to turn.
• NAVIGON MyRoutes analyzes driving habits, patterns, location, time/day and provides up to three routes clearly displayed in-map with ETA, distance and driving times for each.
• Day & Night Mode for map display.
• Direct Access to Contacts Allows navigation to contacts saved in the phone’s address book.
• Route Planning
• Branded POIs and POIs along the route and in Reality Scanner.
• 2D and 3D map view
• Coordinate Input Employ longitude and latitude coordinates as a destination as an alternative to traditional input like an address or POI by name. Email geographical coordinates for precise location identification.
• Automatic Portrait or Landscape
• Intelligent address entry for quick text entry and lookup results.
• Real Street and Hwy sign display
• Directly call POIs
• Pedestrian Navigation
• Google Local Search Connected instant search of local points of interest.
• Red Light Cameras provides drivers an advanced visual warning for most red light and speed cameras.

Pricing and Availability
MobileNavigator is available now in the Android Market and Google Checkout for *$39.99 for two-weeks. Post promotion the app retails for a one-time fee of *$59.99. The price includes the Traffic Live services. MobileNavigator is equipped with maps of the U.S.A. from NAVTEQ®.

*NOTE: Price subject to slight variations based on exchange rates between Euros and US Dollars.

Most people are familiar with the “black box”, the near indestructible sealed recording device that assists investigators in determining the cause(s) of an aircraft accident. What isn’t as well known is that not only are black boxes not the complete solution, by their very nature they are designed to indicate problems AFTER they have already occurred – much too late to help the pilots and passengers. In cases such as the Air France Flight 447 disaster earlier this year, the airplane’s black boxes sank to the ocean floor and have never been recovered; despite a massive search the cause of that terrible tragedy remains somewhat of a mystery. It’s obvious that a real-time counterpart to traditional black boxes is needed and Star Navigation has answered the call.

Star Navigation’s In Flight Monitoring Service first introduced in 2005, was a quantum leap ahead in aerospace safety and monitoring technology. It performed all the functions of black boxes while providing current information to pilots and ground controllers, giving the ability to note any anomalies and to nip problems in the bud. The improved STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System provides both real-time and after-landing reports, intelligent flight data transmission, plus more detailed live flight data alerts through the efficient use of leading edge satellite-based technology.

One of the main features of the new STAR-ISMS™ is its built in GPS tracking software built-in GPS tracking software that enables more accurate tracking of an equipped airplane to the last known latitude, and longitude. It also boasts improved accuracy and the ability to instantly provide an aircraft’s exact altitude, heading and airspeed.

The essential avionics and diagnostic information collected by the STAR-ISMS™ is transmitted at operator defined intervals or triggered events, via satellite, to ground-based installations in real time regardless of weather conditions. As well, Star’s on-board hardware and software will independently analyze all selected incoming sensor & systems data and compare it with normal parameters – any deviation is noted and an alert is sent out if necessary. In the event of multiple failures, the automated “Mayday” feature commences an immediate “data dump”, sending as much information as bandwidth will allow. It can be said that STAR-ISMS™ opens a “virtual window” into the in-flight operation of a commercial aircraft.

The utility of the improved STAR-ISMS™ doesn’t end once a plane has landed. All monitored in-flight data is recorded and stored for later review, and detailed reports are automatically generated, providing operators with useful information that can be used to streamline procedures and institute economies on future flights. These detailed reports are created mere minutes after an aircraft lands. One especially noteworthy feature of the STAR-ISMS™ is that the information it notes and records can be used by airline ground crews to plan maintenance scheduling, monitor aging equipment, even predict the possibility of hardcore failure due to material stress and fatigue. In effect, the STAR-ISMS™ acts as an “early warning system” for a host of potentially catastrophic equipment failures while reducing the frequency of expensive and time-consuming unscheduled maintenance and passenger delays.

Star Navigation has never been content to rest on its laurels and the Company continues to develop future applications for this valuable technology. With that in mind, the STAR-ISMS™ has been designed to be fully upgradable so that operators can improve their safety and monitoring capabilities while boosting operational efficiencies.

While the next-generation safety and monitoring technology featured in the STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System is not meant to replace airline black boxes, its use alongside them adds an extra level of safety that can be counted on to save time, money, and most importantly lives.

The STAR-ISMS™ In Flight Safety Monitoring System uses proprietary, patented Canadian technology and Star owns the exclusive world-wide license to this technology. Certified by Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration, STAR-ISMS™ has been extensively tested and fully developed during normal commercial aviation settings and is now ready for deployment on the world’s aviation fleets!

ALK Technologies today announced CoPilot Live USA, bringing full-featured, voice-guided GPS navigation to Android smartphones and tablet devices for the breakthrough price of just $4.99.

Already a popular choice for iPhone and iPad owners, CoPilot Live USA for Android provides easy to follow, powerful turn-by-turn guidance with clear 3D guidance views and voice directions throughout the USA. Detailed street-level maps are stored directly on the Android device, not downloaded each trip, so drivers don’t need to rely on a mobile internet connection for navigation.

Destination entry is made easy thanks to predictive address matching that finds addresses as you type. Millions of useful Points of Interest (POIs) are pre-installed as standard, including gas stations, restaurants and attractions. The app also features sophisticated guidance features such as ClearTurn™ realistic display with lane indicator arrows and real sign post information for clear guidance at highway exits and complex intersections.

CoPilot Live USA can take advantage of a phone’s mobile internet connection to provide access to useful real-time information as standard, including Local Internet Search and location-specific weather forecasts. The app includes 14 days use of CoPilot Live’s advanced real-time traffic information service, ActiveTraffic™, which calculates routes and ETAs based on current traffic conditions.

Michael Kornhauser, Managing Director, CoPilot Live Navigation, said “The latest Android-based smartphones and tablet devices are capable of providing a superior in-car navigation experience. With CoPilot Live USA available for just $4.99, full-featured voice guided GPS navigation is now an affordable reality for millions of GPS-enabled Android phone owners.”

CoPilot Live USA is available for a one-time fee of $4.99 for unlimited use through Android Market and iTunes App Store. 12 months use of the ActiveTraffic real-time traffic service is available as an option for $9.99.

CoPilot Live North America, which includes both the U.S. and Canada maps, continues to be available from Android Market and iTunes App Store for $19.99.

TomTom draws on the rich heritage of Looney Tunes’ animated superstars! In association with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and VoiceSkins.com, TomTom brings the classic Looney Tunes voices to TomTom navigation devices for the very first time.

Beginning today with Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam, the launch of Warner Bros.’ dazzling galaxy of classic cartoon greats will continue throughout the Autumn of 2010 — with Daffy Duck and Sylvester launching in October, and Pepe Le Pew coming to TomTom device screens in November.

Bugs Bunny, the most popular cartoon character ever, guides you in his trademark laconic way with wise-cracks aplenty. Just make sure you’ve got enough carrots to keep your hungry co-pilot focused on the navigation! As well as the sounds of much carrot munching, the Bugs Bunny voice also features the iconic Looney Tunes theme, entertaining sound effects and original incidental music overlaid on the navigation commands to provide that iconic Looney Tunes shorts feel. Bugs makes driving more fun with lines such as, “Say doc, after 600 yards stay in the right lane. What’s this rabbit’s foot doin’ in the glove box?”

Yosemite Sam, the greatest, the toughest, rip-roarin’-est, hombre that ever packed a six-shooter and a map navigates with characteristic growls and threats like: “Sharp left, ya humpbacked muley. Then go straight on. This ve-hicle ain’t big enough for the two of us!”

“We are excited to launch these Looney Tunes voices exclusively for TomTom devices. By offering these fun personalities, our drivers will not only enjoy the best directions, but they will also have fun along the way,” said Tom Murray, senior vice president market development at TomTom, Inc. “We hope that drivers and passengers of all ages can enjoy the rich heritage of these classic voices during their everyday journeys.”

“TomTom is a global leader in personal navigation and what better way to travel than with a little help from some of the world’s most beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president, domestic licensing and worldwide marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The Looney Tunes will make any journey more entertaining with their irreverence and fun-loving nature.”

TomTom customers will also be able to download free of charge various official warning alert sounds voiced by Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam, along with free start up screen wallpapers.

To celebrate the release of the voices, TomTom is launching a hilarious viral video treat featuring the Looney Tunes classic characters, and their agent, “negotiating” a deal to bring their voices to TomTom.

All Looney Tunes voices will be available in English. The Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam voices are available for download immediately for $12.95.

To hear clips of the voices — and to find out more about them — visit www.tomtom.com/looneytunes