How soon will the Droid Eris’ GPS app elbow Garmin out of the market?
While the introduction of the Droid Eris smartphone this holiday season will make many consumers very happy, there is one group who wil not be celebrating the phone’s arrival: the GPS industry. The reason is simple…With the ability to now get turn-by-turn directions from a multipurpose cell phone, why would anybody shell out $160 for an entry-level GPS unit to install in their car that has only one function.
Not only is the new Google maps-enabled Eris smartphone just as capable as the Garmin 255w device, but it has the advantage of portability as well…Imagine having the ability to follow a “voice map” via a bluetooth earpeice while traveling on foot in a city like Chicago or Hong Kong. This as simply not an option with a conventional GPS device powered by a cigarette lighter.
Only time will tell what the future holds for these dedicated GPS device manufacturers, but it doesn’t look good. Industry watchers say that HTC’s new Google maps-enabled smartphone will certainly take a bite out of the market share of companies like Tom Tom and Garmin. And investors have already cast their vote: since Verizon announced the introduction of the Droid Eris, Garmin stocks have fallen 16%, and Tom Tom stocks have plummeted twice that amount.
Bottom line? While all-in-one cell phones that can take photographs and videos haven’t put digital camera munufacturers out of business, the dedicated GPS industry will have to adapt quickly to the changing landscape of the market…Or suffer the same fate as the dinosaurs.
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Okay, okay, I give up! My wife has been telling me she wants a new android for two months now because of the GPS app…As a long time IPhone user, I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but I think I’ll get one for myself this Christmas as well…I wonder how much the Verizon service is per month.
Thanks,
Dave
Very interesting argument. I have to agree that only time will tell if gps devices will become like the 8 track tape players that became obsolete in the early eighties. However, some folks aren’t so in love with cell phones, and like the larger screen that is provided when using a separate gps device.
Neil @ Vehicle GPS System´s last blog ..Policy Disclosure
I didn’t realize the impact that the droids are having on the GPS marketplace but it makes sense.
I am running my first Android and confirm that the GPS is everything I could want in a GPS – fast, accurate and better yet integrates with my address book. How awesome is that. OH, did I mention FREE?
I am not looking back – even the GPS in my Mercedes cannot compare.
Thats a post to watch out for all the gps lovers. The manufacturers need to come up with some innovation to compete such multipurpose cell phones. But still there are a lot of hardcore gps fans who will never let them down, so still a lot more to go. Good stuff.
Gary from Automotive gps devices´s last blog ..DURAGADGET Garmin Nuvi 775T Auto Car Windscreen Windshield Holder …
Great reading. I have some questions but I will keep reading other material here first
I agree it is only a matter of time before it corners the market or someone else comes up with the latest and greatest. Technology is always changing and I think will keep changing as long as someone can figure out how to make it faster and smaller.
Paul @ Unlisted Phone Number Search´s last blog ..Disclosure As Required By FTC
HI. I am using GreenFinder, which is a popular GPS app that also works on Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows Mobile phones.
Three Mobile Phones´s last blog ..Pay As You Go Phones At Three