UK Mobile Device Navigation Acceptance Growing

[RobBrady]

Research firm Strategy Analytics say that acceptance of mobile device-based navigation applications is growing among consumers in the UK.

According to their report, "UK Navigation: Mobile Devices Can Compete With PNDs", as touchscreen-enabled mobile devices become common, more of us will be drawn to mobile devices for their GPS navigation.

Senior Analyst for Strategy Analytics, Chris Schreiner, says "Research shows that navigation services on mobile devices can compete with personal navigation devices (PNDs), provided that they are optimally designed. All participants who evaluated Telmap Navigator preferred it to the TomTom GO 920 and Garmin nüvi 710."

However, the two main factors reported as holding back the speedier adoption of mobile device-based navigation solutions are the display size and traditional 12 key keypads.

Mr. Schreiner added "Owners of PNDs prefer the large display and ease of text input, while owners of navigation applications on mobile devices prefer an integrated solution and portability."

The findings are based on in-depth one-on-one research sessions in which consumers experienced TomTom GO 920 and Garmin nüvi 710 GPS devices as well as Nokia Maps and Vodafone Navigator.
_________________
Robert Brady
Editor, Pocket GPS World
The Premier GPS / SatNav Resource for News, Reviews and Forums

[G1LIW]

You mean that someone actually commissioned a report into whether PNDs were going to be more popular that the all-in-one PDA/Phone/Mobile Devices that've been out for ages now?

Ye gods.

Why on earth didn't Strategy Analytics come over here first, and save a bundle of money?
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Roger, G1LIW
Google Pixel 3a XL Android Smartphone | SatNav Sygic for Android | Waze for Android | CamerAlert for Android | Blog http://rogersblant.blogspot.com/

[pendlemac]

Hmm. Maybe TomTom need a copy as their failure to update has forced me and others away from the PDA / Phone version of Navigator onto a Go PND.

[kartracer]

[jheward]

I use Route 66 Mobile 8 on my Nokia N82 and have to say I find it excellent. It is very quick and responsive, the maps are good when compared to other Satnav maps and for £35 it was a bargain.

I would never go back to a standalone GPS now. The portability of having GPS on your phone is amazing. As for the nokia N82, it is a great phone for GPS. Excellent 5MP camera, built in wifi, good music and video player. It does everything I could wish for.

[RobBrady]

Press release from Telmap received today..

Release summary: A new report from UK analyst firm Strategy Analytics has cited Telmap, a global leader in mobile search, mapping and navigation solutions, as users’ preferred navigation solution above competitors Nokia Maps, Garmin and TomTom. The report also revealed that more consumers are ready to adopt mobile navigation in the UK in preference to the in-car PND.

[culzean]

I've seen some examples of phones with navigation software being used by friends and am far from impressed, and it's not just the tiny-tiny screen and tiny multi-function keyboard either.

I think people are just trying to save money by cramming as much functionality into one device as possible. 'Jack of all trades but master of non' seems to sum up these mobile phone based packages.

[G1LIW]

Not really. In my case, it was to prevent some low life from stealing a SatNav device I might accidentally leave in my car at some time - which is exactly what happened to my Navman unit a couple of years back (even though it was out of sight in the glove box).

So, I got a WM PDA/Phone with GPS capability (see signature block below), which guarantees that I never leave it in the car, as I'm required to be contactable 24/7, so need to have a phone within reach all the time.

It's also practical: Why carry TWO items (or even three, phone, PDA, and Bluetooth GPS receiver), when one will do the job, and with less bulk and weight?

But fine, if you want to carry a small warehouse of electronic kit with you, go right ahead I prefer the one-item solution, personally
_________________
Roger, G1LIW
Google Pixel 3a XL Android Smartphone | SatNav Sygic for Android | Waze for Android | CamerAlert for Android | Blog http://rogersblant.blogspot.com/

[FrequentFlyer]

[Mullet]

Swiss army knives are fine, but some prefer a small tool kit.

My Touch HD (and similar) is a computer with communications. Satnav is just the tip of an iceberg...and I like Swiss army knives

In fairness to culzean who appears to be talking about the mars bar type phone, I too couldnt get on with my first dip into this arena and moved up after a few weeks.

[culzean]

I don't carry a load of electronics with me, but good as the camera on my mobile is, I still prefer my 'dedicated' Sony camera, as good as the software is on my mobile I still prefer my notebook PC. My Garmin Nuvi fits into most of my clothing pockets and I'm quite happy NOT to leave it in the car - especially under the seat or in the glovebox, which is the first place any respectable thief would look. I also stop just before my destination and take it off the windscreen before I park my car - anyone seen driving into a car park with a satnav on the screen is just asking for their car to be broken into - whether it is left in the car or not.

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