Mobile Handsets Positioned to Radically Change the Navigation Device Market

US : Mobile phone operators now have the ability to market a downloadable navigation application that is just as good as, if not better, than personal navigation devices (PNDs), reports In-Stat. As a result, handset-based mapping and navigation applications could cause a major change in the overall navigation market, which is now dominated by relatively expensive standalone devices, the high-tech market research firm says. “Unlike MP3 players and digital cameras, handset-based navigation applications provide the only low-cost alternative product in a market of growing popularity,” says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst. “The value proposition for handset navigation applications is very strong compared with that of PNDs and, in some ways, the functionality is superior.”Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
Cellular operators whose service is based on CDMA (and iDEN) have an advantage over other mobile operators in nearly every region of the world, largely because of the A-GPS technology originally driven by mandates to support E911 services.
In-Stat surveys of US subscribers find navigation applications have a strong ability to draw subscribers from other operators and keep them loyal.
The total number of mapping and navigation mobile phone subscribers could exceed 42 million worldwide by 2012.
Recent In-Stat research, Mobile Handset Navigation Applications May Threaten Global Personal Nav Device Market (#IN0703583MCM), covers the market for navigation/mapping services for mobile phones. It provides forecasts for subscribers and revenue for global mapping/navigation services by region through 2012. It includes extensive analysis of the consumer and business markets, current offerings for these services, with an outlook of the market’s potential.