WebProNews

Microsoft has released an API allowing for smoother transition of location information from a website to GPS devices. Webmasters with physical locations customers may wish to find can now offer them a way to send directions, addresses, phone numbers or other business listings directly to their GPS device.

Called MSN Direct, the open API is designed make it more convenient for drivers. Instead of reentering or searching again for location information on navigation devices, the API allows them to send it directly from the website wirelessly or via USB connection.

There is a catch. It's only compatible with MSN Direct-enabled devices, most of them manufactured by Garmin or Alpine Electronics. Nonetheless, the application could be a nice feature especially for real estate, travel, and event-focused websites.

“As more and more consumers are using their PC to locate their desired destinations and then needing to find those exact locations on their GPS device, MSN Direct is making that process easier for our customers,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM and mobile marketing.

The good news for developers is the MSN Direct API is free and, according to Microsoft, pretty simple. Interested developers can access it at MSN Direct's developer page.