It's official! We're releasing an update to the desktop products MapPoint 2009 (Desktop Business Intelligence Mapping and Analysis Tool) and Streets & Trips 2009 (Desktop Consumer Trip Planning). Contrary to the release of MapPoint 2006, there are quite a few more features and a whole new interface. MapPoint 2009 will be available September 1, 2008. Streets & Trips will be available in early October at your favorite retailer. For those who don't know, Streets & Trips has a subset of MapPoint functionality, but if you just want offline trip planning software S&T is the way to go. And, for the Aussies, no, there is still no Australian version - just North America and Europe. I know, I know.

 

Check out the new ribbon.....

Here's a full list of feature enhancements:

• Improved Live Search integration
  
  
  
  • Over 1.5 million POI embedded in the products
  
  
  • Single search box
  
  
  • Enhanced POI result set with links to Live Maps yellow page and information details send to mobile integration


• Send to Mobile
  
  
  
  • SMS messaging via Outlook
  
  
  • Location information sent directly to your mobile device
  
  
  • Link to Live Mobile


• Updated/Improved user interface
  
  
  
  • Updated icons throughout the site
  
  
  • Toolbar redesign
  
  
  • Pane consistency


• MapPoint Office 12 compatibility
  
  
  
  • Ability to upload Office 2007 Word and Excel file formats


• Entertainment Online
  
  
  
  • FREE 14 day trial membership for savings in restaurants, hotels, special events, and more
  
  
  • Coupons available in U.S. and Canada
  
  
  • Search for coupons by area and category
  
  
  • Link to Entertainment Online site


• Additional improvements




• Updated map data and information on more than 1.5 million locations


• New, sleek GPS device (puck) for MapPoint North America


• Streamlined product installation and activation


• Configurable spoken street names and automatic re-routing


• 2.5D improvements (zoom to turn, indicator icon, etc)


• Updated Live Search for Windows Mobile install package included on the DVD

As you can see, jam packed with cool stuff.

2.5D Map....
 

MapPoint 2009 has a lot of upside with the software part of Microsoft's software plus services strategy, but it remains upside. Can someone build me a Virtual Earth com add in please? If not, I'll do it myself. I mean really, how hard would it be?

And, you gotta love The Matrix Map (read as Night Time Map).

CP

Click here to view the article.

So Sept 1 is the latest ETA .