How good have the last few years been for the GPS business? In the second quarter of 2005, more than 1,200,000 GPS devices were sold to consumers across the country. In the same quarter of 2006, that number jumped to a staggering 2,400,000, a 100% jump! But what is driving this growth? And what does the future hold for the advancement of consumer global positioning system devices?
Read on to discover the places where GPS is having the biggest 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 upon a time, the concept of a handheld GPS device would have been a hard sell. But in the coming years, we can expect to see more and more personal GPS devices (small, inexpensive, and ultra-light) hitting the market. Also, look for the latest cell phone models and advanced smartphones to start coming equipped with real-time GPS capability.
And don’t think that cell phone manufacturers are pushing GPS technology to an unwilling audience. Surveys by three major cell phone manufacturers found that GPS was the feature “most want to see” on their next cell phone (24% said GPS, 19% said Internet capability).
GPS devices in cars
Once owned by long-haul truckers and military vehicles, GPS navigation and tracking devices have found their way into millions of American and imported cars in recent years. In fact, the devices now come standard in luxury cars from various manufacturers.
Among the benefits that these car GPS devices offer drivers:
Live traffic reports delivered to the device
Voice activated turn by turn navigation
Touch screen controls on colorful and interactive maps
Security features including automated police contact when the car has been stolen
GPS: making the cars of the future safer
GPS engineers are beginning to take their technology to the next level in terms of driver safety. 3D modeling technology used in many advanced GPS devices is now used to help cars anticipate turns and obstacles in the road before the driver can turn the wheel. In these situations, a small red light comes on inside the car, alerting the driver to imminent danger.
This same “Jetsons-like” technology would also automate defensive driving by assessing potential conflicts on the road and steering the car in the best way to avoid them.
Though both look futuristic, consider today’s line of parallel-parked Lexus cars—truly a marvel of modern engineering! All of these systems use GPS-based technology that continues to push the limits.
GPS helps businesses save money
With GPS technology becoming less expensive and more accurate, businesses are starting to reap the benefits. Many businesses report significant fuel cost savings thanks to GPS systems that allow them to plan and execute the most efficient travel routes for their drivers. GPS also helps businesses keep their drivers safer (and where they’re supposed to be) by offering advanced tracking capabilities.
If you love technology (or just have a poor sense of direction), then stay! The future of Global Positioning Systems looks to be an exciting ride.