Mapping the Landscape: Analyzing the European GPS Device and Services Market

This IDC study examines the history and operation of the global positioning system (GPS), its evolution in terms of software, and its application within mobile devices, in a European context. The study considers dedicated, specialist devices designed for specific applications, before examining how GPS has become a key means of product differentiation in the PDA market and is beginning to penetrate smart phone and even standard mobile phone segments. Profiles of the leading GPS vendors with regards to software and hardware development are provided to form a comprehensive picture of the mobile GPS competitive landscape. In addition, predictions are presented concerning the future development of GPS within the mobile devices marketplace, including the potential for the application of GPS on a wider range of hardware types, such as portable media and gaming devices.

IDC's analysis of the GPS device and services market provides handheld, smart phone, mobile phone, dedicated GPS, and other portable media hardware vendors, as well as mobile network operators and software and content vendors, with a valuable insight into the evolution and competitive landscape of the European GPS market.

Commenting on the European GPS market, Geoff Blaber, research analyst, European Mobile Devices, said, "The position and importance of location at the heart of the concept of mobility means significant potential remains for the utilization of GPS and location-based services (LBS) in a wide range of devices, to meet requirements for an expanding range of consumer and business applications."