GPS Systems Direct

It’s hard to believe that smartphones are getting even smarter, but they are. Leading smartphone manufacturers from all over the world are making it a point to partner with companies producing GPS devices in order to more fully merge the two technologies.

GPS devices have been somewhat merged into smartphones currently, but the marriage at present leaves much to be desired. Many smartphone companies have noted problems that occur when their users attempt to use their GPS add ons or apps.

However, each technology has the potential to build off of the other in a significant way. The majority of smartphone phone service is currently fully GPS capable. All that is usually needed is an app which handles the navigation and the mapping. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages to having a GPS device in a smartphone.

The Pros of the Smartphone / GPS Alliance

1. People usually remember to carry their smartphone with them. A GPS device, if it is not locked in the car, is easily forgotten, as it does not have the entirety of our lives within its zeros and ones.

2. Traffic reports are given an added boost with smartphone navigation technology. Having a GPS device in a smartphone can give you the most up to date, real time traffic information and how to re route yourself in the event of an emergency.

3. Maps on smartphones are always up to date as well, beucase the smartphone is connected to the remote server, which always has the latest geographical information.

4. Touch screen operation is essential, as when you are driving, you probably need the most convenient method available to put directions in. Not all PND devices have touchscreens, but all smartphones do.

5. The ability to search on the fly is a definite plus. Need to go to the bathroom? You can re route easily by finding things that are nearby with the flick of a wrist.

6. With a smartphone, you can simply have someone send the address directly to the app instead of having to call them, stop the car, and then type it in and wait.

7. The update factor is huge. On a smartphone, automatic updates are possible, and downloadable at worst, so getting a smartphone / GPS combo is like always having the latest GPS at your fingertips without having to spend another $150.

8. GPS devices usually do not know what to do if you get out of your car and walk. Google Maps and other smartphone GPS apps handle walking trips as well.

The Cons of the Smartphone / GPS Alliance

1. Smartphones use much more battery power, especially if you lose 3G or 4G support. It may require an additional investment in a car charger.

2. Phone calls while driving are a nuisance. At present, phones can only handle one operation, and if a call comes in during a critical turn, it can be quite annoying.

3. If you have a family line, then the kids will probably not be happy that their phone privileges are being tied up for the sake of navigation.

4. The cost. GPS apps are not free, and some get quite expensive.

The Bottom Line

The technology of the smartphone is quickly becoming completely ubiquitous. GPS is a natural extension, and despite the cons, companies say that they are fixing all of the problems and smartphones will soon be fully integrated with GPS quite soon. Future phones will be able to handle multiple applications, so the small nuisance of having a multitiered device doing two or more tasks will soon be a thing of the past.

What was once a novelty toy for finding your way around has evolved into a ubiquitous tool for everyday driving. The Global Positioning System, or GPS, has become an invaluable instrument for just about anyone who drives. Unfortunately, this popular technology has become so prevalent that the market is saturated with every variation imaginable, making it more difficult for consumers to choose a product but simultaneously assuring that shoppers will be able to find exactly what they want.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was technology first used by the military, and has been put into place by the Department of Defense. Now that this science has been offered to civilians, ordinary people can take advantage of the convenience of being able to find their way around any city in the world, 24 hours a day. For this purpose, civilians have the choice of the handheld version as well as GPS systems that were made for automobiles.
The handheld GPS can be used when people are walking on the streets, but it can also work when people are driving in their cars. People who have reasons to be in cities that they are unfamiliar with on a regular basis and have to navigate through them both on foot as well as in the car, may see the portable version as a very good option. They can park their vehicles and take the device with them in order to keep from getting lost even when they are walking.

Cellular phones are becoming all-purpose entities, and they are beginning to include GPS capabilities within them. Because most people are carrying cell phones at all times, they also have the ability to solicit directions from their cell phones currently, and it can be carried with them in the car to help guide them where they need to go. With this technology in a cell phone that gives its owner the ability to do all sorts of things with their phones such as surf the web, also having a product that keeps them from getting lost makes the cell phone an even more valuable product.

With new laws requiring using hands free devices while driving, regular GPS systems will be better than dealing with a handheld system.  Not only will it be safer during the drive, but you will get a cheap insurance quote because your insurance agent will know that you are taking extra safety precautions will driving. You will be able save hundreds a year strictly on the fact that you care about safety.

Even though the portable navigation device is highly convenient, it does have a few negative features. The ones that are not also cell phones are very large. This makes it difficult to transport them around when walking. They are also difficult to read when in the car, because the screen tends to be very small. Further causing discomfort, this type of apparatus will need to be held by the driver, and this can be difficult when two hands are needed for driving.

The alternative is the GPS system that has been created just for use in a vehicle. The product does not require installation; the driver just plugs it in and drives away. It can be attached to the windshield in the spot that is easiest for the driver to see eliminating the need for it to be held by the driver. Similarly, it can be easily removed to prevent it from attracting thieves toward the vehicle.

Other types of GPS systems have been factory-installed within the vehicle, and this is necessary in order to make the system work. This means that the only time the owners can possibly use this product is when they are driving their own vehicles; they cannot transport it to a rental car, for example. It also cannot be used when walking. Another drawback is that opting to have this product in the vehicle means that the drivers will have to pay a subscription fee every month. Those systems that have been factory-installed in the vehicle by the manufacturer generally have a product such as OnStar and it will remain even if the car owner does not activate the subscription.

Global Positioning Systems that can be taken with the owner offer people more use than those that were just made for the vehicle. As more and more cell phones add this technology, the handheld devices are becoming even more convenient for the user because they are much smaller than the earlier handheld apparatuses. Also with its smaller size and ability to be utilized while walking, the portable versions offer more opportunities to guide people around the streets than those made just for an automobile.

In this day and age, the use of GPS devices in personal automobiles is becoming increasingly widespread. This is due largely in part to the fact that GPS technology has become much more affordable and therefore accessible to an ever expanding market, and because, simply put, it is a very useful technology. If you are looking to purchase a GPS navigation system for your automobile, of if you are simply looking to understand your GPS device better, here are some common GPS features of the major brands.

There are a few features that literally every GPS device has. These include pre-loaded maps, voice guided directions, and automatic re-routing if you miss a turn or decide to try an alternate route. Below you will find common features of various GPS devices which are not necessarily included in every navigation system. If you see a feature that is particularly attractive to you, make sure that your desired GPS device has it before purchasing.

- Routing Options. Many GPS devices allow you to pre-select some things to avoid in a “Tools” or “Settings” menu. The common options include being able to program your GPS device to avoid toll roads and / or traffic. This is a useful feature, but if you are going on a long trip you may wish to make sure that your GPS has not been programmed to avoid toll roads. Otherwise, you may find your trip being hours longer than planned!

- Mounting Options. The most common mounting device is the removable window mount, which uses a basic suction-like mechanism to keep your navigation system in place. These generally can pivot so that you can adjust the tilt of the monitor to suit your needs. Other GPS devices can be “mounted” to the dashboard by sitting on a rubber-based bean bag.

- Home Feature. The vast majority of GPS devices allow you to program a “home” destination. This enables the user, no matter where he or she may be located, to select “go home” and the device will provide navigation back to their homes. This is an incredibly useful GPS feature.

- Coordinate Navigation. This is a useful feature for outdoorsy or exploratory types. This feature allows you to enter in a set of coordinates rather than a street address.

- ETA Feature. Most GPS devices will provide you with either an ETA (estimated time of arrival) or, in the alternative, will tell you how long the trip will take. While this is a relatively useful feature, factors such as red lights and traffic patterns keep the estimation from being incredibly accurate.

- Lane Assistance. This feature informs the driver which lane he or she should be in in order to make the appropriate turn. While some GPS users find this feature useful, it must be remembered that remaining alert and paying attention to the road is critical.

GPS devices are a great tool for the modern driver. Everyone has a million places to go, and GPS devices are an affordable and practical way to aid the modern driver. The above list is not exhaustive, but rather is an introduction to some common features of GPS navigation systems. Hopefully you find it helpful in your selection process!

Global positioning systems, better known as GPS units, help drivers navigate to their destinations. If you are always getting lost or you hate trying to deal with unwieldy and confusing maps while you are driving, you should invest in a GPS unit. Before you buy a GPS, however, there are a few things that you should take into consideration. Here are five issues you should think about before you make your final decision.
1. Price

Before you go shopping for a GPS, think about how much you are willing to spend. You can find many inexpensive GPS units, but these usually only have basic features, and lack the advanced capabilities of the more expensive GPS options. If budget is an issue, you can also save money by purchasing a GPS when it is on sale. Make sure that you read reviews of each GPS you consider purchasing. A bargain unit will not save you money in the long term if it gives inaccurate directions and continually gets you lost. Driving around and looking for your destination can waste gas and wastes money as well.

2. Voice Commands

Some GPS units can be operated using just your voice. You give the unit verbal commands and it calculates routes and gives you directions. This lets the driver keep their hands on the wheel of their vehicle at all times. Voice command capabilities can make using a GPS while traveling much safer. Voice commands are not usually available on lower end GPS systems.

3. International Capabilities

If you plan to use your GPS unit in another country, make sure that you purchase a unit with international capabilities. Some GPS units come preloaded with international maps, while others require that you load international maps onto the unit yourself. Extra maps are often available for a fee, and you can usually download them from the GPS manufacturer’s website. Make sure you know which maps you can download before you decide which GPS is right for you.

4. Battery Life

You should check each unit and see how long its battery life lasts. You want your GPS battery life to last for at least a few hours, so that you can keep using your unit even when it is not plugged into your car’s charger. You will probably need to charge other electronics at some point during a long car trip, such as your cell phone. Your GPS unit should be able to run on battery power for some time without needing a recharge. Additionally, your GPS could come in handy during an emergency situation, so purchasing a GPS with a long battery life is a wise idea.

5. Fun Bonus Features

Many GPS units allow you to download fun, novelty voices. You can even download celebrity voices so that your favorite Hollywood star can give you directions to your next destination. Check to see what fun bonus features come with a GPS. GPS owners find that they appreciate any extra GPS features that make a long car trip a little more interesting.

Buying a GPS unit can make driving less stressful, and a GPS can help you reach your final destination without getting lost. As long as you keep these five issues in mind while you are researching your GPS options, you will be able to choose a GPS that will be perfect for you.