The Future of GPS - What Do WE Want from a SatNav?

[MaFt]

[Border_Collie]

[tojo]

I would like to be able to tell my satnav when I am towing my caravan and for it to select appropriate routing without it trying to direct me down the private service access roads to motorway service stations, single track roads, mud filled lanes and through supermarket car parks.

[MaFt]

[tayldn]

1. Rich Points of Interest for travellers with audio, pictures, visitor info etc.
2. The GPS manufacturers are going to have to embrace open-systems (i.e. Apple) with proper App-store if they want to encourage developers. They can't do it all themselves. Apple adds 5 application A DAY. How about you TomTom?
3. TomTom are betting the house on traffic information- well, I'd pay for that. I'd even pay a small monthly subscription- if it is truly EXCELLENT.
4. Buddy Options- see where your friends are, route to them
5. Family travel games
6. Cheapest petrol prices dynamically
7. Online- surely can't be hard to use the bluetooth function to create properly online services.

The problem is that 95% people just want A-B functionality. Just as with a phone, 95% of people just want to make a call. So they can't add cost to the unit or they'll scare off the 95% of people. This is why they need an app. store so they can make 30% from developers. Most people are very functional in how they work with their SatNav- leave it in the car and get it out for a drive. It's doesn't have the 'love-it' relationship for most people that the phone has- so expectations on the Sat Nav are therefore less.We've been to events showing people the latest functions and majority of people simply don't care. Big name, big screen, easy to use; not much else tickles vast majority.

The killer application is navigation pure and simple- not the extras. Frankly, today's SatNavs are very good at what they do- which is why 10m of so of them have been sold in the UK.

I suspect we're in for constant price reduction regardless of what they try to add. Expect the £50 satnav soon which is why share prices are so low of manufacturers. They'll add the functions anyway- they've got to spend their profits somehow!!! Will we use them?

RoadTour

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