There is an ensuing battle between smartphones and the traditional GPS devices, and within each, the manufacturers keep trying to outdo each other in sales despite the global economic slump. While the smartphone has been considered the Swiss knife of the digital generation, the GPS remains the fastest provider of information a user needs.
It has been noted that iPhone users’ number is surprisingly twice that of smartphone holders when employing the satnav turn-by-turn directions. Last year, even high-end phones like Blackberry now come with features like spacious-touch sensitive screens, improved audio capacity and intuitive designs on the menu.
GPS units from TomTom, Magellan and Garmin saw a recent sharp decline compared to the past year, along with their stocks. Even with GPS being known to render results faster when it comes to searches, there is a noted preference to smartphones still. As GPS don’t eat battery that much, and there are no call interruptions compared to smartphones, a dwindle in sales is strongly foreseen. Of course, other than faster service, the GPS as a stand-alone device will always have followers, especially because they only pay a one-time fee rather than subscription.
On the other hand, this year smartphones now equipped with GPS are seeing a better future compared to personal navigation devices. More and more navigation applications, along with better connectivity and real-time traffic updates are gaining an even farther edge for smartphones. Many tech-savvy users also conclude that GPS capabilities of their phones are sufficient, and their system is handy and easy to use.
The manufacturers of GPS are moving quick and sure in developing new applications, combining the benefits of a smartphone and the plus factors of a navigational device. The target is to integrate two systems in one, making the gadget a greater convenience to users.
More information and details regarding smartphones and satnavs are available at NY Times

Tags: phone-gps, Sat Nav, Sat-Nav-Software

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 1:09 pm and is filed under Smartphones. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.