How good have the last few years been for the GPS business? In the second quarter of 2005, over 1,200,000 GPS devices were sold to consumers around the country. In the same quarter of 2006 that number had jumped to an astonishing 2,400,000 – a leap of 100%! But what is fueling this growth? And what does the future hold for advancement in consumer Global Positioning System devices?
Read out to discover the places GPS is making the most impact today – and the areas that may hold the key to the future of GPS devices for consumers and businesses.
GPS Devices in Cell Phones
Once, the concept of a handheld GPS device would have been a tough sell. But over the next few years, we can expect to see more and more personal GPS devices – small, inexpensive and ultra-lightweight – reaching the market. Also, look for all the latest models of cell phones and advanced smart phones to start coming equipped with real time GPS capability.
And don’t think that cell phone makers are pushing GPS technology on an unwilling public. Surveys held by three major cell phone makers found that GPS was the feature “most want to see” in their next cell phone (24% said GPS, 19% said Internet capability)
GPS Devices in Cars
Once the property of only long-distance truckers and military vehicles, GPS tracking and navigation devices have made their way into millions of American and imported automobiles over the past several years. In fact, the devices now come standard in several manufacturers’ luxury cars.
Among the benefits these in-auto GPS devices …