Recreation Is Pushing GPS Markets Says ABI Research

OYSTER BAY, N.Y., Feb. 11/Satnews Daily/ — Recreational markets are broadening the appeal of the Global Positioning System making its way into more and more everyday and recreational objects, spawning still wider applications, according to a new study by ABI Research.

"Mobile phones, PDAs and digital cameras are becoming GPS-ready," says Philip Solis, the firm's senior analyst of wireless connectivity. "Hikers, sports people, and even small-aircraft pilots are discovering the benefits of accurate instant location-finding through small and relatively inexpensive devices."

A good example of GPS's widening reach is Garmin's iQue 3600, based on the PalmOS. This GPS-enabled PDA has now given birth to the 3600a, which is specifically adapted for light aviation use.

Cell phones with GPS are now widespread, including models from Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson. Digital cameras are going GPS too, in the form of Ricoh's Pro G3 camera, a 3.34 megapixel model that embeds captured images with GPS coordinate information received from either its on-board GPS unit or from other external GPS devices.

The new study said while recreational use of GPS is on the increase, the consequences don't stop there.

The new report, "Satellite Positioning Systems and Devices: Global Markets for GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, and Other Satellite-Based Positioning Technologies," details the changes in this expanding market. ABI Research said a machine control market segment, including forecasts, has been added and the study's "people tracking" section has been expanded to include both humans and animals. 

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