Google Navigation to shake up mobile GPS market.
Well that was fast. Just yesterday we were talking about the possibility of Google releasing their own map app. And wouldn’t you know it, those sly folks over in Google land did just that. Dubbed “Google Navigation”, the real reason you should care is that it has two very promising, prominent features. First of all, it’s Free. Second, it features turn-by-turn, spoken directions complete with up to date, live traffic info. Those aren’t the only notable features. Another nifty thing you can do with Google Navigation involves searching along your route. It’s really pretty self explanatory. You’re driving along and have a craving for Taco Bell so you fire up Google Navigation and select “search along route” and wallah, up pops the Taco Bell(s) along your preset path. Of course, coming from Google means the superb satellite imagery and highly useful Google Street View will be along for the ride.
Regardless of what TomTom and Navigon among others claim, they should be scared. And they are. Take for example the a blurb from PC Mag’s article on Google Navigation:
…maker Garmin had no comment. TomTom did not immediately respond to a request for comment, as did Magellan.
They didn’t respond because PR is working overtime on damage control. They’re trying to figure out a way to cleverly word how they’re going to continue ripping people off because their programs have “added value”. Now, I’ll give them some benefit that there will be some features in Google Navigation that aren’t as robust as those from other GPS app developers. Although, I see that gap and shortfall quickly closing. Google is offering a service that in many cases will match or exceed similar offerings from said companies with absolutely $0 cost to the end user. Who do you think the typical end user is going to go with? That’s right, the one that costs them the least.
I completely understand that gathering map info and developing a worthwhile mapping app costs money. But at anywhere from $10-$100 for the app alone plus another $5-$10/month for mobile subscription costs means something has got to give — and it isn’t the consumers that are going to budge. We want more affordable options. The prominent mobile GPS app developers can sit back and say Google Navigation is a bad idea and that their own bottom lines are perfectly fine. I highly disagree, especially if/when Google Navigation spreads to more devices. I guess we’re just going to have to keep a close eye on this one.
For now, only those lucky enough to have a new Moto Droid will be able to take advantage of Google Navigation. With as much potential and media attention this is and will garner, I can’t imaging it staying locked on Verizon or the Droid for too long. Look for other Android 2.0 devices to soon get the same functionality and watch a whole new battle on the mobile GPS front unfold.
