Outdoor GPS solutions are becoming more popular, driven by innovations in user interfaces and integration in community sites. An ABI Research study forecasts that outdoor GPS will generate $1.7 billion in annual revenues by the end of 2013.
“Dedicated outdoor GPS handhelds will continue to generate the bulk of outdoor GPS revenues,” says ABI Research director Dominique Bonte. “High-end touch screen devices such as Magellan’s Triton 1500 and 2000 models and Garmin’s recently launched Oregon series offer intuitive user interfaces. The Triton 2000 contains multimedia features such as a digital camera and a voice recorder to capture and share outdoor experiences on social networks.”
While dedicated devices offer increased performance, reliability and robustness in adverse circumstances, converged software solutions continue their forward march thanks to lower prices and real-time connectivity. Off-board outdoor GPS software vendors such as Trimble Outdoors and Wayfinder are competing with on-board software vendors such as UK-based Augmentra which recently extended topographic map coverage for its Symbian S60-based Viewranger solution to Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Slovenia, Finland and Switzerland while also launching GPS-enabled tourist guides.
While the current outdoor GPS ecosystem remains small and heavily influenced by market leader Garmin, ABI Research expects future uptake of topographic maps-based outdoor GPS navigation to be driven by hybrid solutions such as crossover PNDs and multi-mode mapping converged solutions, as well as pedestrian navigation.
ABI Research’s recent study “Outdoor GPS Devices and Solutions” offers insight into trends, drivers, barriers and market players of the outdoor ecosystem. It provides shipment and revenue forecasts per region for both dedicated and converged outdoor GPS solutions. The report forms part of the firm’s Location Aware Services Research Service, which also includes other Research Reports, Research Briefs, Market Data, an Online Database, ABI Insights, Vendor Matrices, and analyst inquiry support.
ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives. For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.
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