Google has announced its mobile navigation software. Only on Android (2.0) for now. TomTom and Garmin shares have taken a hit, on top of their general downward trend.
For now, the Garmins' and TomToms' have an advantage of working 'offline' in areas with no coverage. Googles' mobile navigator and other similar networked navigators require network coverage, so they are challenged 'in the bush'.
I'd say for 90% of the market for 90% of the time, no network coverage is a non issue, and given time and a maturing of networked products, that issue would be resolved. Another issue for networked devices is data charges. However, the trend there is toward bundled data packages and reduced prices from the providers as the mobile data market also matures.
The writing is on the wall for the dedicated devices, so will be interesting to see how they parry. It's very hard to complete with 'free'.
Some cool Google Nav features:
- StreetView - see an actual picture of your turn and your destination with your route overlaid
- Voice Directions - "Navigate to the museum with the Egyptian exhibit"
Links:
No comments:
Post a Comment