How good have the last few years been for the GPS business? In the second quarter of 2005, over 1,200,000 GPS devices were sold to consumers around the country. In the same quarter of 2006 that number had jumped to an astonishing 2,400,000 - a leap of 100%! But what is fueling this growth? And what does the future hold for advancement in consumer Global Positioning System devices?

Read out to discover the places GPS is making the most impact today - and the areas that may hold the key to the future of GPS devices for consumers and businesses.

GPS Devices in Cell Phones

Once, the concept of a handheld GPS device would have been a tough sell. But over the next few years, we can expect to see more and more personal GPS devices - small, inexpensive and ultra-lightweight - reaching the market. Also, look for all the latest models of cell phones and advanced smart phones to start coming equipped with real time GPS capability.

And don’t think that cell phone makers are pushing GPS technology on an unwilling public. Surveys held by three major cell phone makers found that GPS was the feature “most want to see” in their next cell phone (24% said GPS, 19% said Internet capability)

GPS Devices in Cars

Once the property of only long-distance truckers and military vehicles, GPS tracking and navigation devices have made their way into millions of American and imported automobiles over the past several years. In fact, the devices now come standard in several manufacturers’ luxury cars.

Among the benefits these in-auto GPS devices offer drivers:

· Live traffic reports delivered to the device

· Voice activated turn-by-turn navigation

· Touch screen controls on colorful, interactive maps

· Safety features including automated police contact when the car has been stolen

GPS: Making the cars of the future safer

GPS engineers are beginning to take their technology to the next level in terms of driver safety. 3-D modeling technology used in many advanced GPS devices are now being utilized to help cars anticipate turns and obstacles in the road before the driver can even turn the wheel. In these situations, a small red light comes on inside the car, alerting the driver of impending danger.

This same “Jetsons-like” technology would also automate defensive driving by sizing up potential conflict on the road, and directing the car in the best way to avoid it.

Although both seem futuristic, consider the current line of Lexus automobiles that can parallel park themselves - truly a marvel of modern engineering! All these systems use GPS based technology that continues to push the envelope.

GPS helps businesses save money

With GPS technology become less expensive and more accurate, business are beginning to reap the benefits. Many companies report significant savings in fuel costs thanks to GPS systems that let them plan and execute the most efficient travel routes for their drivers. GPS also helps companies keep their drivers safer (and where they are supposed to be) by offering advanced tracking capabilities.

If you love technology (or just have a poor sense of direction) then stick around! The future of Global Positioning Systems looks to be an exciting ride.



Thanks to Mark Etinger for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Covert Gps Vehicle Tracking

Can you answer osirusnight’s question about GPS?:

Keep trying to navigate to a school on a navy base in portsmouth va with my tomtom and its saying not found! whats up?

Gps Personal Tracking Device

GPS vehicle tracking systems are beneficial devices that help in saving lot of money. GPS vehicle tracking systems can be used on commercial as well as private vehicles. Moreover, there are certain factors involved in choosing the right GPS vehicle tracking system.

There are various types of vehicle tracking systems available in the market having distinctive features. Some of the vehicle tracking systems automatically activate on their own at the time of accidents to alert for possible rescue. Thus, it is essential to choose a GPS personal locator, which stays active all throughout the journey to keep a tight vigilance on vehicles.

Speed monitoring is very essential system for any vehicle tracking system. It helps the owner or the employer to keep a check on the speed of the vehicle. In addition, if the vehicle tends to over speed, the driver can be warned regarding the same.

With the installation of GPS car tracking systems, owners may warn the vehicle driver from heading in the wrong direction, thus saving money on fuel and time.

GPS fleet management helps in keeping a watch on the vehicles even in remote areas, where most of the GPS systems fail to signal. Moreover, GPS fleet management helps in escalating customer satisfaction and increase efficiency of the firm.

An efficient GPS fleet management helps in tracking both the speed as well as the distance covered by the vehicle. Overall, a GPS fleet management helps in saving a huge amount of time and thus protects the security of the vehicle.



Thanks to Marcia Henin for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Garmin Nuvi 360 Gps Receiver

Does a GPS unit need a Garmin logo on its back to be considered an efficient device? The answer is of course not. In fact, when it comes to the retail industry, ‘name’ can often just be an excuse to add hundreds maybe even thousands more to a product’s price tag. Many consumers get caught up in the hype simply because through the television, Internet and magazines they’ve had a chance to become more familiar with the brand names. Well, there are plenty of GPS brands that are not as well-known that are still wonderful devices. This article will talk about one of them, the Initial GPS models.

Initial GPSes are some of the most hard-to-find GPS brands in the market. Perhaps this might be due to the fact that Initial Technology, the company making them, is actually a business geared towards making entertainment devices. This seems to show in a couple of Initial GPS devices, but in a good way. These models, the Initial GPS GD-72, (which costs $449.99), the Initial GPS GD-71, (which costs $469.99), and the Initial GPS GM-410, (which costs $229.99), are the only GPS units that actually offer built-in DVD players. The Initial GPS GD-72 and the Initial GPS GD-71 even look like portable DVD players. The Initial GPS GM-410, on the other hand, has an appearance typical to most GPS units.

As far as navigational capabilities, Initial GPSes are no different than any other type of GPS. The above-mentioned Initial GPS GD-72 and Initial GPS GD-71 along with the other non-DVD Initial GPSes, (including the $199.99 GM-350 GPS Receiver and the $379.99 GM-501 GPS Receiver), are pretty much the same when it comes to navigation. Their interface consists of colorized touch screens and Bluetooth technology for hands-free telephone calls. The devices include preloaded U.S. maps and 2 million points of interest. As far as directions, they are voiced, a feature common in many famous brands available on the market.

Initial GPS models offer a unique choice for those looking for more affordable GPS options. Not only are they pretty much standard when it comes to GPS navigation, but many of them even have DVD players. Such a feature allows one to save even more money, since portable DVD players by themselves can be hundreds of dollars. Truly, these types of Initial GPS models can almost be considered an all-in-one device, since they provide both GPS capabilities as well as DVD capabilities. The only challenge one will face if they do want to purchase an Initial GPS is where to buy one. The Initial Technology site doesn’t even offer the products for sale, and of the few sites that do, the more interesting Initial GPS GD-71 and Initial GPS GD-72 models tend to not be in stock. Even the average shopping comparison site seems barren when one tries to search for Initial GPSes. However, you will find that Target stores carry a full line of Initial GPS receivers. Another good source is the Internet and auction sites like eBay. No matter where you find them Initial GPS systems are easy to use and reliable.



Thanks to Jim Kesel for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Fleet Vehicle Gps

Navigating using maps can be very frustrating especially if you are doing so while driving your car. This becomes even stressful when you are driving all alone in a strange territory. Sometimes, however, having someone with you won’t help either, because more often than not, your companion would end up confusing you more than helping you navigate the road.

But traveling need not always be this difficult. It doesn’t even have to be stressful. If you think it is the map that is causing you your problems, then better get away with it and throw it outside your vehicle’s window. Instead, go get a new car GPS receiver and use it instead of the map.

Car GPS Devices

Simply said, a car GPS device is a GPS receiver especially designed for cars and their navigation systems. Like all other types of GPS receivers, car GPS devices can also receive signals from GPS satellites and can use the information carried by these signals to determine its current location. But because they are meant to be used on moving vehicles, they must be stuffed with features specific to vehicle navigations systems.

In particular, car GPS devices must be able to give you the best possible route toward a particular destination. It must also be able to recalculate your route in case you miss a particular route instruction. It must also have a text and/or voice system for giving directions. Other basic features that all car GPS devices must have are:

• Map storage system • Screen or display that can handle images of more than 320×240 pixels in size at a resolution and brightness suitable for driving. • Address book for storing frequently visited addresses and points of interest • Detachable or external antenna for better GPS visibility

Now, there are a lot of car GPS devices of different kinds and brands available for every type and brand of car there is today. Because of this, you may find it difficult to select the particular car GPS that would perfectly fit your needs, should you want to experience the functionality of one.

In general, however, you’ve got two options should you want to travel with a car GPS device. The first option is to purchase a vehicle with built-in or fixed car GPS system. The other option is to purchase a portable car GPS device suitable for your car.

Buying a Vehicle with a Fixed Car GPS Device

Built-in or fixed car GPS devices can usually be found only on brand new luxury vehicles. As such, you definitely wouldn’t see this option viable if you don’t have the cash to purchase a luxury vehicle. But for those who can easily afford one, this can be the best option because the GPS device is already integrated in the vehicle’s system. This removes all the hassle of installing the car GPS device on the vehicle and loading additional navigation software on the system.

Buying a Portable Car GPS Device

For those who simply can’t afford a new luxury vehicle but still wants to enjoy the functionality of a car GPS system, the viable option for him is to purchase a portable car GPS device. Now, for this type of car GPS device, you are again given two options: a portable car GPS preloaded with maps or a unit that would require you to transfer map data from your PC to the device.

Since the car GPS device needs to have a map in either option, choosing a car GPS unit preloaded with maps would seem to be a wiser choice. But while this type of car GPS device will save you from all the hassles of loading maps to the system, it also costs higher ($1,000-$1,500) than the other option.

The greatest advantage of portable car GPS units that requires map transfers, on the other hand, is their price, which would generally sell at the $500 to $800 range. Installing the system on your car, however, may be quite difficult and laborious.



Thanks to Sandra Stammberger for contributing this article to our GPS blog:

Golf Caddie Gps