We have talked a lot about the values of dedicated PNDs versus using a smartphone for navigation, and the general consensus was that PND is probably the better way to go. But, according to an article by GPS World, PND device shipments decreased by 6 million from 2012 to 2013. The figures come from a new research report from Berg Insight.
That same report has several rather saddening forecasts for the PND market including a projected PND shipment decline to only 10 million units in 2019. To put that in perspective, in 2013 22 million units were shipped, down from 28 million in 2012.
Several factors are believed to be contributing to this decline including reduced shelf space in retail outlets and competition from other sources of navigation–most notably navigation apps, which are becoming more and more common as many cell phones come pre-loaded with some form of mapping app.
“The number of mobile subscribers worldwide using a turn-by-turn navigation app on their handset at least once per month grew from 150 million in 2012 to 180 million in 2013,” said André Malm, senior analyst, Berg Insight.
The report also predicted that PND will face further challenges in the future due to the proliferation of GPS devices already on the market and their extended shelf life. Lifetime maps will lead to users replacing systems less frequently and simply stick with the device they already have. In-dash navigation systems are also expected to cut into the market as more cars come pre-installed with low-cost systems.
Garmin bring this on themselves. The only way for a unit to improve is to buy a brand new one at the same price as a subsidised cell phone. The cell phones constantly get better while you own it through new and improved apps, and firmware releases. The GPS finally gets updated maps, but no other noticeable improvements. It isn’t surprising that folks pick vibrant over stagnant.
There is a huge opportunity to make the GPS better by augmenting it with constantly improving cell phone apps (like their smartphone link). Instead that app too is stagnant. They even did something like Glympse but did an appalling implementation. If you can’t beat them, then join them.