Why Have Personal Navigation Devices Become Popular? What Technologies Are Required To Facilitate The Success Of Pnds? Case Study Sample

Personal Navigation Devices

Personal navigation devices provide utility to the user by permitting the application of the device for both navigation and global positioning system functions. Many PDAs are capable of indicating the position of the user. The popularity of the PPNDs has increased with the increased employment of automobile navigation systems. There is a growing need for navigation with the increased complexity of transport infrastructure and mobility. Therefore, people are demanding Personal Navigation Devices to improve their mobility thus enabling better and accurate navigation.
PNDs have incorporated complex functions and feature a range of graphical user interfaces such ass maps, voice commands and navigational guidance. PNDs demand the application of operating systems such as Linux (embedded) and Windows OS. In addition, there is a need for operating hardware defined as commodity hardware. However, PND manufacturers such as Magellan and Garmin are observed to produce their operating systems. The use of embedded software facilitates the inclusion of third-party software such as audio controllers and video players.
Who are some of the leaders in PNDs? What are the likely factors that will contribute to winning in this marketplace?
There are over 90 million operational PNDs; among them, 28 million are estimated to be mobile phones, which have been enabled to use the Global Positioning System. The primary producers of PNDs are Mio Technology Ltd., Garmin Ltd., and TomTom International Ltd. In Europe, the market share of TomTom is estimated at 51%, which has been parallel over the years. However, Garmin is found to dominate the American market with an 84% market share in 2014. In summary, Garmin is currently the global leader in the sale of PNDs (Privat, 2015). However, the device is observed to face competition from GNSS technology.
The principal factors affecting the consumer preference is the advancement of the functionality, accuracy and the ability to facilitate the identification of the location. As a result, it is important to ensure that the PND provides utility to the consumer by enhancing the functionality to incorporate various functions that are performed by the PNDs. Additionally, the PNDs should support the use of third-party software to enhance the inclusion of different functions in the PND and; consequently, the expandability of the functions. The maps used in PNDs demand constant updating and the inclusion of detailed information such as street directions and names, the speed limits and external limitations on various roads, particularly those that the driver is not familiar. The consumers are also noted to examine the algorithms that are available; for instance, many PNDs are noted to provide the user with the option of the fastest or the shortest routes.

What will be a likely future for PNDs?

PDNs are becoming redundant with the increased utilization and affordability of smartphones and their incorporation into vehicle systems. The incorporation of Google Maps in the Android operating system and; subsequently, the use of Ovi Maps in mobile devices such as Nokia and Motorola Droid, has illustrated the trend towards mobile devices. There is a trend towards the application of mobile devices, particularly smartphones equipped with GPS. For this reason, there is a likelihood that mobile devices will take over as the primary PNDs. PND manufacturers such as Magellan and Garmin are observed to produce their operating systems; hence, there is a trend towards the diversification of the operating system used. This will facilitate greater functionality of PNDs and the inclusion of third-party software. There is bound to be the development of many algorithms such as those that examine the safest route, the smoothest route and the routes with the least restrictions.

Reference

Privat, L. (2015). PND Market: Slowing Decline and Market Concentration. GPS BUSINESS NEWS. Retrieved 9 February 2015, from http://www.gpsbusinessnews.com/PND-Market-Slowing-Decline-and-Market-Concentration_a5159.html