2007 is shaping up to be the year that mapping and navigation applications truly arrive on mobile handsets, reports In-Stat. For approximately US$10 per month, handset navigation offers similar, if not superior, functionality to Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs), at a lower price, the high-tech market research firm says.

"With a clear, targeted business strategy that focuses on capturing potential PND buyers, wireless service providers have an opportunity to capture market share from PND manufacturers," says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst.

According to In-Stat, the market for PNDs will reach 56 million units worldwide by 2011, up from 14 million in 2006. Market drivers include falling price points, enhanced features, stronger consumer awareness of PNDs, and increased marketing and promotion by leading PND manufacturers.

The analysts note that PND manufacturers significantly reduced prices in 2006, pricing entry models at less than $200.

About this study

The In-Stat research, "Personal Navigation Devices: Worldwide Shipment Growth to Slow as Handset Navigation Arrives" (#IN0703431ID), covers the worldwide market for Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs). It includes forecasts for unit shipments, average sales prices, and revenue through 2011. In addition, it includes results from a large-scale survey of consumer attitudes toward PNDs and mobile handset navigation applications.

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