Inrix has launched a direct to consumer application for the iPhone that will have you checking what the traffic is like now, and what predicted traffic will be in the near future. The free application allows you to take a look at the high quality traffic feed data in your metro area on the iPhone and then if you want, click on the "Forecast" button to peer into the future to see what's coming. It might just help you solve the "Should I leave now or wait it out?" question.

The interface is clean and comes with incident reporting. The data comes from their broad "Smart Driver Network" or GPS probe vehicles and road sensors. They claim to have the largest crowd sourced network in the world with over 1 million vehicles on it. TomTom just recently tied up with Inrix for work with their LIVE devices (think GO 740 LIVE and/or the coming iPhone application). No word on exactly how and where the data will be used, because TrafficCast is still part of the deal. The iPhone application is interesting and certainly fills the gap that they have in getting their name and high quality data out there. What it may also be coming is the ability for you to become part of the million+ strong army of GPS probes, reporting back to them the traffic status too. Pure speculation, but the ability to ingest the data and process it in a quick fashion to understand the very dynamic traffic situations, make them strong.

at iTunes - Inrix Traffic (iTunes Link)

More at InrixTraffic.com

The Battle Royale of traffic providers continues to drive interest amoung our readers, and Airsage just made a big deal to add Verizon wireless handsets to their list of providers who offer anonymous mobile phone movement data to help understand traffic flow patterns across the nation. Airsage has been providing this information to outlets like Google Maps, where you can see their coverage down to secondary roads around major cities. That coverage is impressive, which will now extend to "200,000 centerline miles of roadway" by quadrupling the number of traffic status information bursts from these handsets. The concern is and always will be quality of data; let's face it, coverage doesn't mean anything if the data is inaccurate. With the Verizon Guy behind Airsage, one has to imagine that the quality will take a big jump on these covered roads.

Inrix, Traffic.com and TrafficCast are other major traffic providers in the space that use various data gathering techniques to capture, analyze and even predict traffic patterns around you. See more info on traffic providers in our Traffic Section.

Press Release Below - Thanks Jim or sending in.

Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless provider, and AirSage, a world leader in using wireless signaling data for value added applications such as traffic information, predictive analytics and location services, have entered into an agreement where non-identifying data from Verizon Wireless' network will be used to help AirSage provide real-time traffic information.

Signaling data from use on Verizon Wireless' network will be made anonymous and integrated into AirSage's patented Wireless Signal Extraction (WiSE(TM)) Technology platform, helping AirSage solidify its position as a leader in the real-time traffic market with capabilities to enable live traffic monitoring on major interstates, highways and arterials.

The agreement will significantly enhance AirSage's traffic coverage and accuracy by quadrupling the number of signaling messages; when the data is fully integrated, more than 12 billion signaling messages across more than 200,000 centerline miles of roadway will power applications for government agencies, businesses and consumers.

"Adding signaling data from Verizon Wireless' network is a huge win for anyone interested in avoiding traffic and getting reliable, current and predictive travel times between multiple locations," says Cy Smith, chief executive officer of AirSage. "Millions of people are already using our traffic and travel insights through applications such as Google Maps, Real Traffic, and our AirSage Real-Time Traffic product so we're thrilled at the opportunity to expand our coverage and enhance our accuracy with the addition of non-identifying location information from Verizon Wireless."

AirSage's patented, real-time traffic data service uses the anonymous location information derived from wireless carrier data. While current applications center on real-time traffic conditions and travel times, AirSage is also building out location-enhanced services for the retail, financial and emergency management industries. All of the new services will incorporate AirSage's core technology which allows customers to realize distinct and immediate value from the anonymous and aggregate location and movement of people.

It's no surprise that people are interested in this, but what is driving it is the very real change that we are seeing in the delivery of traffic solutions and how data is being utilized, refined and sent out to the ever increasing legion of navigation solutions. things have changed and a next generation solution is taking shape. I wrote about some of the barriers that would be falling back in January 2007, to create a bigger, better traffic reporting solution, and for the most part, we are now seeing all of that coming to fruition.

1) High quality databases using historical traffic data are in use - just consider the TomTom IQ Routes next time you buy a TomTom, or use any resource that uses the Inrix data systems.

2) Increase in coverage and flow capabilities - the increase is there, but not to the point that we all have access to flow data on secondary roads which is what I really want. It is present in some higher end traffic databases though.

3) Bandwidth - TomTom LIVE (Go 740 in US) has cellular connections as does TeleNav Shotgun for high bandwidth two-way data transfer; result is more detailed and more accurate assessment of the traffic issues ahead. Furthermore, you are starting to see high quality mobile phone applications roll into the market with traffic feeds; plenty of bandwidth to grab not only data but over the air delivery of maps on some of them.

I think that the building blocks are there for this reported leap in the subscriber base, but I would like to see better application of the traffic database to the end product on secondary roads across more devices, as well as the higher end units roll down their capabilities for Go 740/Shotgun caliber traffic to the mass market units to enable the subscription market to take off.

ReadMore at TWICE

"With the ability to access INRIX's comprehensive yet precise traffic information, customers using GeoDecisions' IRRIS portal will be better able to anticipate traffic congestion and hazardous road conditions and plan or adapt their routes accordingly," said Bryan Mistele, INRIX president and CEO. "Together with GeoDecisions we are helping the U.S. military and Homeland Security optimize their logistical operations to ensure they have the safest and most efficient means available for transportation routing."

This comes on the heels of Inrix being selected to provide data to TomTom as part of their LIVE capabilities in the US.

Full Press Release below.....

INRIX Wins Contract with GeoDecisions to Aid Government Logistics Using Real-Time Traffic Data

INRIX Connected Services for IRRIS application to facilitate safe, reliable material transfers

Kirkland, Wash. and Harrisburg, Pa. · June 29, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- INRIX®, the leading provider of traffic information in North America, has been selected by GeoDecisions, a leading information technology company specializing in geospatial solutions, to provide highly accurate real-time traffic flow and incident data in the guidance and support of nationwide U.S. military logistics planning and homeland security operations.

GeoDecisions is integrating INRIX real-time traffic flow and incident data into the IRRIS portal, an enterprise Web application that supports transportation security and logistics for U.S. state and federal agencies and for enterprise applications in the private sector. IRRIS users will now be able to access INRIX traffic information to obtain current traffic conditions and support transportation logistics and management, including the transport of sensitive materials. Leveraging the power of INRIX Connected Services, GeoDecisions is using the new INRIX Traffic Tile Service to overlay traffic maps on GeoDecisions' application, which uses the ESRI® map platform.

"Our clients demand the most current and accurate information available to ensure the safety of American citizens," said Brendan Wesdock, vice president. "INRIX can help us bring flexible, innovative, high-quality technology solutions to key government operations."

The IRRIS technology application was developed by GeoDecisions in partnership with the U.S. military to support the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) with logistics, location and proximity analysis, data sharing, collaboration, transportation security and situational awareness. IRRIS integrates and displays worldwide infrastructure data, live-vehicle tracking, near-real-time weather, and active route conditions in a map format using a single secure interface. This technology now serves nearly 2000 users across the Defense Transportation System.

"With the ability to access INRIX's comprehensive yet precise traffic information, customers using GeoDecisions' IRRIS portal will be better able to anticipate traffic congestion and hazardous road conditions and plan or adapt their routes accordingly," said Bryan Mistele, INRIX president and CEO. "Together with GeoDecisions we are helping the U.S. military and Homeland Security optimize their logistical operations to ensure they have the safest and most efficient means available for transportation routing."

INRIX delivers broad and most accurate real-time traffic information in North America through its distinctive crowd-sourced traffic information network and data fusion technologies. INRIX intelligently blends billions of real-time data points from over a million GPS-enabled commercial and consumer devices and traditional road sensor information. With this unique approach, INRIX will provide GeoDecisions with real-time traffic flow coverage across 126 metropolitan markets in North America.

Inrix will provide the traffic feed, and gas prices feed to LIVE and Plus services across the country.

Full Press Release below.....

TomTom Selects INRIX as Strategic Partner for Traffic and Fuel Prices in North America

INRIX Connected Services provide accurate real-time traffic and fuel prices for TomTom LIVE

INRIX®, the leading provider of traffic information in North America, announced today that it has been selected by TomTom, the world's leading navigation solutions and digital mapping provider, as its strategic partner for TomTom LIVE real-time traffic and fuel price information in North America. INRIX delivers the traffic and fuel data for TomTom LIVE Services and other TomTom devices via INRIX Connected Services, a comprehensive dynamic content platform providing navigation OEMs and location-based service application developers with private label, go-to-market solutions for in-vehicle, PND, wireless phone and other connected devices.

"Like TomTom, INRIX is a leader in their industry, and consistently provides innovative and enriched content for a more informed driving experience," said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. "TomTom's proprietary Map Share and IQ Routes features bundled with INRIX's quality traffic information set a new standard in navigation and will change consumers' driving experience."

INRIX Real-Time Traffic is available for 126 markets and 160,000 miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. INRIX is also providing dynamic fuel prices for over 80,000 gas stations to TomTom via its partnership with OPIS.

"TomTom is continuing its innovation and leadership in the navigation device market," commented Bryan Mistele, president and CEO of INRIX. "We are thrilled to provide our crowd-sourced traffic solutions, which leverage over one million GPS-enabled vehicles and mobile devices, as part of TomTom's dynamic content portfolio."