Source: The New York Times
By JENNA WORTHAM and MIGUEL HELFT
Published: October 28, 2009
A screenshot shows Google's new mapping navigation.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — GPS navigation devices were the latest must-have tech toys just two years ago, and shares of device makers like Garmin and TomTom were soaring.
That didn’t last long. In a turnabout that has been remarkably swift even for the fast-moving technology business, those companies have suffered as competition has pulled down prices — and as more people have turned to their cellphones for directions.
In the latest blow to the business, Google announced a free navigation service for mobile phones on Wednesday that will offer turn-by-turn directions, live traffic updates and the ability to recognize voice commands. The service will initially be available on only one phone, the new Motorola Droid, but will be expanded to more phones soon.
In a briefing on Tuesday in advance of its announcement, Google said that the service might be supported by advertisements in the future. That would make driving directions the latest form of information to shift from being a paid service to one that is ad-supported.
“This is consistent with a certain pattern of Google, where they are able to build volume and usage of a product and then subsidize it with advertising,” said Greg Sterling, principal of Sterling Market Intelligent, a research firm. The losers, he said, were companies like TomTom and Garmin, along with the cellphone carriers, which offer navigation services by subscription.
Eric E. Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said that he didn’t view the new service as hurting an industry. Instead, he said, it is a boon to consumers, made possible by the increasing power of smartphones and the growing ubiquity of Internet access.
“Obviously we like the price of free, because consumers like that as well,” he said.
But analysts say that if successful, Google’s service could chip away at sales of stand-alone GPS devices and the subscription services offered by cellphone carriers.
Sales growth for those devices is already slowing. In 2007, global shipments of stand-alone navigation devices grew a hefty 131 percent from the year before, according to data from the research firm In-Stat. But the firm predicts that shipments will grow just 19 percent this year from 2008, and a price war has hurt the industry’s profits.
“With a free alternative that is just as good, I don’t see much positive growth for the likes of TomTom, Navigon or Garmin,” said Dominique Bonte, director of navigation research at ABI Research. “If it’s free and a good service, why would you pay for something you can get for free?”
Google’s announcement also reflects a broader shift toward consolidation in the gadget world.
The smartphone is already the Swiss Army knife of the digital age, able to transform into a camera, music player or game machine at the swipe of a finger. Now it is increasingly a navigation device too.
Many people still prefer dedicated GPS devices, which tend to display maps faster since the data is typically stored in the device rather than downloaded over a wireless network. But the list of smartphone shortcomings is shrinking. Smartphone users can download applications that offer spoken directions and live traffic updates. And at $100 to $300 apiece, smartphones are competitively priced with GPS units, which average about $177, according to the research firm NPD Group.
By 2013, phone-based navigation systems, which are already more popular among younger smartphone owners, will dominate the market, according to a recent report from Forrester.
The makers of navigation devices have not ignored the spread of smartphones. But Google’s move could make it harder for them to adapt.
TomTom, based in Amsterdam, introduced a $100 navigation application for the iPhone in August. The company said the program had been downloaded close to 80,000 times. Garmin recently released the Nuvifone, a hybrid of a navigational device and a cellphone that has generally received poor reviews.
“Turn-by-turn navigation on a handset is what we’re been doing with the Nuvifone,” said Ted Gartner, a spokesman for Garmin, which declined to release sales figures for the phone. “Google’s announcement reaffirms that consumers want their smartphones to double as a navigation device.”
Julien Blin, principal analyst at JBB Industry, called Garmin’s phone a “desperate move,” adding: “The Nuvifone is around $300, and you can get an iPhone for a comparable amount that can now do the same thing.”
Shares of both TomTom and Garmin plummeted Wednesday after Google’s announcement. Garmin’s shares fell 16 percent to $31.45 on Nasdaq, while TomTom’s shares closed around 21 percent lower on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
Google’s navigation service, which for now works only in the United States, is part of a new version of Google Maps for Mobile, software that will work on the growing number of phones that run Google’s Android operating system. Google executives said they eventually hoped to offer the service on Apple’s iPhone and other mobile devices. But they said this would be up to those device makers. Apple and Google have clashed over Apple’s reluctance to approve an application that works with the Google Voice calling service.
As mobile services that involve location have become increasingly important, the underlying mapping data has become a valuable strategic asset. Google recently began creating its own digital maps in the United States, ending a contract with the map data provider TeleAtlas, which is owned by TomTom.
A year earlier, Google had chosen TeleAtlas to replace Navteq, a map data provider that Nokia acquired for $8.1 billion in 2007. Google and Nokia are rivals in mobile phone operating systems.
]]>Source : http://www.crn.com
9:39 AM EDT Wed. Oct. 21, 2009
BlackBerry Bold 9700
Research In Motion (NSDQ:RIMM) introduced its new BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone Wednesday as the successor to its high-end Bold 9000 model.
The 9700 features support for 3G HSDPA networks, a 624MHz processor, 256 MB of Flash memory, built-in GPS and Wi-FI, and a 3.2-megapixel camera, according to RIM. At least initially, it’s only available on AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
“The BlackBerry Bold 9700 builds on the success of the original BlackBerry Bold with new, state-of-the-art features and a smaller, lighter and highly optimized design that looks, feels and performs great,” said Mike Lazaridis, RIM’s president and co-CEO, in a statement.
The Bold 9700, a high-end model aimed at business users, measures 4.29 x 2.36 x 0.56 inches and weighs 4.3 ounces. By comparison, the Bold 9000 measured 4.48 x 2.6 x 0.59 inches and weighed 4.8 ounces.
The new phone also features a 2.44-inch display and 480 x 360 resolution at 245 ppi, according to RIM, which is looking to fend off Apple’s iPhone among business users.
The company did not release pricing on the Bold 9700, but it’s likely to cost more than the Bold 9000, which is selling through AT&T (NYSE:T) for $199 after $100 mail-in rebate and a two-year contract.
Last week, RIM unveiled a new version of its BlackBerry Storm smartphone, more aimed at the consumer market.
]]>
Garmin nuvi 285W/285WT
Do you want the hot Garmin nüvi 285WT, which allows hands-free calling? Or how about the popular Garmin nüvi 260W that already has hundreds of great reviews? Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll get a great deal on the right Garmin nüvi model for you in this sale.
Discount is reflected in current price. Discount applies only to products sold by Amazon.com; does not apply to items sold by other merchants on the Amazon.com
Don’t get lost ! Use the right GPS ! Buy now
Garmin StreetPilot 2720
Here the best portable GPS unit on the market. Garmin – StreetPilot 2720 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps, including hefty Points of Interest (POIs) database with fuel, ATMs, hotels, restaurants and more. But accepts custom Points of Interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras, and lets you set nearness alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.
Garmin – StreetPilot 2720 comes with the features turn-by-turn voice directions, use the remote to enter a destination, simply touch the sunlight-readable screen, and 2D or 3D maps.
The best feature of Garmin StreetPilot 2720 is it minimizes trip distances by calculating the optimal route between multiple destinations. It is perfect for sales and delivery professionals.
The StreetPilot 2720 is also waterproof, a great choice for motorcyclists. The 2720 is much faster, has easier menus to navigate, has 3D navigation, and a screen that is more responsive and easier to operate with.
The weakness are this is a bulky unit compared to the latest generation of GPS, expensive unit, then you need an extra $70 to have current maps and it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of Bluetooth, MP3 playback or an FM transmitter.
I think the newer units are even better but the Garmin StreetPilot 2720 is capable and easy to use. Generally it is a very good unit and an amazing value at this price.
You may want to check out my other guide on Auto GPS Systems and Garmin GPS Navigation.
]]>These days, more people are becoming interested in getting GPS Navigation for their cars, because there are many advantages that GPS can bring for driving car easier. They want to learn more about GPS navigation for car details and how it really works.
GPS Navigation for car uses over 24 GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites orbiting the Earth which installed by US Department of Defense. And since 1983, people can use GPS for all activity such as hiking, golf, fishing, traveling and other activities and one of which is car navigation.
GPS navigation for car works with the GPS that enabled receiver installed in your car transmits a signal to the GPS systems and is picked up by three or more satellites to give you the exact location and direction you are going to. By combining it with detailed maps and coordinates, GPS navigation car a lot more useful which you will know precisely where you are relative to your current location, so you won’t get lost even in new places.
GPS navigations systems for car allow you to select a specific destination and immediately, the GPS receiver installed in your car will direct you to the location that you will go.
Other post you may be interested in reading : The TomTom One XL – A Portable GPS Car Navigation System and Introducing Garmin GPS 76.
]]>GPS was originally intended for military applications, but over the past couple of years, more people are taking
Auto Navigation System
advantage of it to make easier to find out where they are going, plan their journeys, and keep track of where they are.
Today, the people who spend many hours in their car, truck, or SUV and the people who do extensive travels need the benefits from an auto navigation system.
Most people might just be thinking of one concern, which they will decide the best navigation unit they really need. There are simple things that you need to know are the different auto navigation systems and determine which of these units your needs more.
The different auto navigation systems on the market today:
- Stand-alone Auto Navigation System provides the most detailed and complete mapping utilities.
- Multipurpose Handheld Navigation Devices do not have the full-detailed information that the former can offer you than Stand-alone auto navigation.
- Laptop/Palm Based Systems is better, if you already have your Palm or laptop devices and you often bring them with you while traveling.
How you can use the auto navigation system and GPS technology during your every travel:
- Before you get in your car and start the engine, of course, you need first to Planning your trip and where your destination will be. Auto navigation system will help you to give the best direction.
- While you are in travel, there are some points that you might need to eat some or stop for a while to take rest. So keep track of gas station, malls, hotels, restaurants or theatres.
GPS in the Auto Navigation System allow easy navigation that it tells you exactly where you are and lets you find the shortest way that you can reach your destination. Traveling was never been this easy. And you no longer need that huge atlas or the commercial tour guide. It’s mean you can save fuel, money, time and energy.
We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading: Garmin GPS and The History of GPS.
]]>
Garmin Portable System - Garmin Oregon 300
The newest of the handheld mapping GPS models to enter the market is The Garmin Oregon. It has the larger 3 inch screen which makes viewing map details much easier. You can choice The Garmin Oregon 300, a low cost base form that will give you a lot of great features.
The waterproof Garmin Portable GPS – Oregon 300 is Easy to learn and simple to use. It’s a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and preloaded worldwide basemap with shaded relief for incredibly detailed map presentation on the unit, and that can also be easily supplemented with additional mapping or charts for your adventures on land or at sea.
The Garmin Portable GPS – Oregon 300 offers a high-resolution, color 3-inch touchscreen that reacts as you tap or drag through menus and options. Unfortunately, this Garmin Oregon is not as shiny as the Colorado which reduces the amount of reflection during daylight operations.
Even GPS location in heavy cover and deep canyons, with its high-sensitivity, HotFix satellite prediction and WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Oregon 300 locates your position quickly and precisely
It’s also equipped with an electronic compass that provides bearing information even while you’re standing still and barometric altimeter tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude.
The Garmin Oregon 300 have MicroSD card slot that located inside the waterproof battery compartment for optional mapping and data storage for all your outdoor activities on land or water. When you insert an optional Garmin MapSource card with detailed street maps, you can get turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
The device of this Garmin Portable GPS lets you customize five profiles (automotive, fitness, recreation, marine or geocaching) make the most helpful features for each activity the easiest to access through quick shortcuts.
Also, check out my other guide on The TomTom ONE 125, a Portable GPS Navigator and How to Choose the Best GPS Systems (2) – Decide What You’re Looking For.
]]>Today, smaller pocket-sized GPS units are more popular and liked than a bulkier handheld GPS receiver because of those phenomenally change of GPS receiver’s construction. And these smaller portable GPS units have reasonably priced.
Handheld GPS Unit
Handheld GPS tracking systems is demand by bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers to keep from getting lost in the wilderness. They use the handheld because they do like to have one handy in the event of an emergency.
The pocket-sized GPS unit is simplicity itself to use and has the benefit of being small enough to easily fit in a backpack or suitcase without taking up much space, so campers and travelers will be love it.
The GPS software and database installed are varying depending of the models of GPS unit. To make your GPS receiver more effective, hone and also give your location based on things like elevation and combinations of other factors in your vicinity with near pinpoint accuracy they use the GPS software tracking system. This allows you navigate almost any terrain with the help of your handheld GPS unit.
All the models have the basic instructions on the display screen to make easy the enjoyment of the interactive GPS unit. And most handheld GPS models come with instructions that will enable you to hear the information put out as well as read it on the screen.
One of the best ways to get the most out of the handheld portable GPS unit is the activation of GPS voice and tracking options, so you can locate your global position and will lead you to where you want to go with a friendly voice. It’s also giving you a sense of security in stressful times.
If you have cell phone that have a GPS tracking system installed, when you call 911, your global position can be used to find you.
Many businesses use handheld GPS unit to track their fleets and emergency personnel, like firefighters and paramedics use them in various ways.
Handheld GPS features may include: Map database, Availability of additional GPS software, WAAS technology, Voice activated GPS, Reflectionless screen, Theft prevention functions, MP3 capability, and Option for personalized screen icons.
You may want to check out my other guide on A Review of Garmin Nuvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator and How To Choose The Best GPS Systems (1) – Learning About GPS Systems
]]>The Car GPS System just like any GPS receiver, which have the basic function decodes the signals from the satellite system and calculates your car position at any point of time.
Car GPS Systems
The GPS Receiver will decode those coordinates and tell accurately on what street intersection you are currently waiting. Then if you tell the system where you need to go, it will instruct you on the route, roads to take, exactly where you need to turn and where to stop.
Even, with added features, it allows you to know the traffic situation at a particular by-pass and will estimated amount of time if you take to cross the crowded section. It also suggests alternate routes to take and so on.
The GPS navigation features are continuous and come in variety of combinations. You can play you music or songs from your favorite FM channel when the Car GPS navigation system is not instructing you about the route to take.
Here three type of Car GPS Systems that you have to consider:
- Integrated Car GPS Navigation Systems: It’s if you buy one of the luxury car models that come with a fully integrated GPS system for cars.
- Portable GPS Devices for Cars: The cheaper option for those who can’t afford to buy cars with integrated GPS systems. But, you will need additional software with that and a laptop that is connected to the GPS for it to give you turn by turn by directions.
- Preloaded Car GPS Systems: It come pre-loaded with maps and navigation CD which needs to be installed into your car by connecting to your laptop.
Overall, you need to choose a car GPS system that integrates precisely with your car and also fits your budget and your needs. With The Car GPS Systems you don’t need to look to at map or ask for directions from strangers.
Other post you may be interested in reading : Choosing Marine GPS Navigation and Garmin Nuvi 200 Widescreen Satellite Navigation System – What’s it Like Then?
]]>If you had purchase Garmin GPS, perhaps you will need the accessories that could maximize you gadget performance. Here some Garmin GPS Accessories that most important and most wanted.
- USB Cable. The USB cable allows you to make a powerful connection between your PC and your GPS. Make easier to create routes and waypoints on your PC and transfer them back to your GPS unit. It’s also allows you to download map detail from MapSource CD-ROMs to compatible units.
- Portable Friction Mount. This Portable Friction Mount will keep your GPS Unit set plain sight when you need
Portable Friction Dashboard Mount
it and out of the way when you don’t. Type of Friction Mount is depending on GPS models that you own. For example Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount is only compatible for nüvi Series and StreetPilot C5XX Series GPS Navigators (C530, C550, and C580).
- Carrying Case. The Carrying Case will protect your Handheld GPS Unit from scratches and damage when you traveling. Further, you can travel in style with this sleek case. Before purchase it you have to check the compatibility with your GPS.
- AC Charger and International Adapter Set. With the AC Adapter, you’ll be able to charge the GPS when you’re out of your car and near an outlet. And with International Adapter Set you’ll get convenient when you go abroad.
- Vehicle Power Cable. This accessory is part of the original package when you buy the Garmin Nuvi navigator. The Vehicle Power Cable is excellent and keeps the navigation unit power from being depleted while using in the car.
- Others. You may need another accessories to complete your Garmin GPS unit, such as Garmin Bicycle Mount for eTrex and Summit , Garmin Serial Port Cable for eTrex Compact GPS , Garmin MapSource 512MB Blank SD Card for Garmin GPS Units (can hold data from MapSource CD-ROMs), Garmin GTM-12 FM Traffic Receiver for Traffic-Enabled GPS Navigators, Garmin Motorcycle Mount for StreetPilot 2610 and 2620 (010-10495-00)
Don’t buy any accessories at the time of purchasing the unit. You only need these accessories if your original one wears out or if you want to have multiple vehicles completely equipped or you need to make your gadget more maximize and stylish.
I thought You could be interested in this article: The History of GPS and The TomTom One XL – A Portable GPS Car Navigation System
]]>