Personal Navigation Devices Essay Example

and TomTom accounting for approximately 25%. To thrive in this sector, manufacturers need to promote innovation and devise strategies to rival smartphones. The majority of people depend primarily on their smartphones for navigation unless they are near their residence or workplace.

The increasing affordability and enhanced features of smartphones, mobile computers, and tablets are causing a decline in the popularity of Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs). Globally, approximately 114 million PNDs are currently in use. However, it is projected that this number will remain steady in the coming years as sales of turn-by-turn navigation systems on smartphones are predicted to exceed PND sales by 2013.

With the increasing coverage of wireless networks and smartphones' compatibility with global networks, PNDs are becoming outdated. Nevertheless, certain individuals, such as truck drivers and hikers, may still depend on these devices. Furthermore, personnel working in remote areas without wireless providers, like scientists in rainforests, may also need PNDs.

Garmin, a company that encompasses various companies specializing in aviation, consumer, marine, and military GPS technologies, has the goal of maximizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Personal Navigation Devices. In order to protect their assets and intellectual property, they have patented most of their processes and licensed their software and applications. The only exception is XM Patent. With a significant 50% market share, Garmin excels in multiple GPS-related fields and manufactures devices such as the iQue line of PDA-GPS receivers and GPS-equipped sonar fish finders.