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Standalone GPS Receivers Going the Way of the Dodo

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the why-did-you-program-me-to-feel-pain dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "The NY Times reports that more than 40 percent of all smartphone owners and 80 percent of iPhone users use their mobile devices to get turn-by-turn directions driving down sales of traditional standalone GPS units from companies like TomTom, Garmin and Magellan. During the first quarter, TomTom said it shipped 29 percent fewer GPS units compared with the period in 2008 while Garmin's unit sales fell 13 percent from the previous year. While smartphones are susceptible to interruptions from incoming phone calls and using the mapping features for a long time can chew through battery power, the list of the smartphone's shortcomings is dwindling as some of the latest navigation applications offer voice navigation and take advantage of the phone's always-connected state to offer real-time traffic updates, directions to contacts in the phone's address book and more. 'I've not stopped using a GPS because I never bought one in the first place — they are expensive and inconvenient,' says Steve Weller. 'Now with the iPhone, I will actually use GPS — and the 10 other functions it replaces.' The traditional GPS device companies are trying to adapt, seeking to expand their reach into the smartphone market. TomTom recently announced that it would introduce a portable navigation application for the iPhone that would feature turn-by-turn directions and audio prompts. 'The simplicity of having one device and not needing to pull the Garmin out of my glove compartment is enough,' says Andrew DiMarcangelo. 'I want to get into my car and do as few things as possible.'"

6 of 422 comments (clear)

  1. I guess I should prepare for extinction then by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    as I don't own a GPS or a Satnav and don't have a GPS in my phone, ipod or anything else.

    I use maps and if required a compass and somehow, I don't seem to get lost.

    Perhaps this is a slow news day?

    1. Re:I guess I should prepare for extinction then by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      it's not like you can use your phone while driving anyway.

      No, that would be wrong. lol

  2. That was fast by 192939495969798999 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Earlier today, local knowledge and maps were going the way of the dodo. By the end of today, we should have hover-cars and warp drive!

    --
    stuff |
  3. As a response, Tom Tom and Garmin... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...will be introducing GPS models that have insane per-minute charges and require payments for making noises and changing screen backgrounds so mobile users will feel more comfortable.

    1. Re:As a response, Tom Tom and Garmin... by adamchou · · Score: 2, Funny

      I believe the iPhone has a light saber app that makes a WHOOSH sound when you swing it around. You might wanna try installing that and playing around with it.

  4. as few things as possible? by cbiltcliffe · · Score: 5, Funny

    ....says Andrew DiMarcangelo. "I want to get into my car and do as few things as possible."

    I don't want to do anything extra, such as:

    - using my mirrors
    - using my turn signals
    - paying attention to traffic
    - planning lane changes ahead of time
    - thinking

    That sounds like most of the drivers around where I live.... :-)

    --
    "City hall" in German is "Rathaus" Kinda explains a few things......