TV and parking spots: new GPS navigation systems

By Thomas Schoerner Aug 8, 2010, 12:38 GMT

Stuttgart - Just about any GPS navigation system can get you from point A to point B. That's why an entirely new set of features has come to define the differences between top models. Beyond gimmicks like TV, the latest generation are being marketed with internet connections to provide functions like assistance in finding parking spots and comparisons of fuel prices.

The trend is clearly toward so-called live services. 'The GPS unit receives its data through a GSM module,' says Dirk Gulde from Germany's Auto Motor and Sports magazine. The devices also receive information via the cellular networks. Manufacturers like Navigon, Garmin and TomTom already offer services of this kind.

Cellular services are most helpful when you're trying to avoid traffic. Traffic warnings that are broadcast via radio waves also provide information about the situation on the streets, but usually only at certain time intervals.

'The big innovation for GPS receivers is intelligent routing functions that are used to avoid traffic that occurs at certain times of day,' says Sebastian Stoll from computer magazine Connect.

A recent test of live services by the German consumer testing organisation Stiftung Warentest found that TomTom had the best program in place. 'TomTom HD Traffic' offers detailed traffic reports and, in Gulde's view, a precise picture of the current traffic situation.

This is made possible in some countries through a cooperation with Vodafone, which draws anonymous data from the British company's cellular network and combines it with radio reports to form a dynamic image of the traffic situation.

Another trend is location based services. 'This lets drivers find free parking spots or check fuel prices along the route they've planned,' notes Gulde. This real-time information benefits high- mileage drivers most of all. Navigon offers services like 'Clever Parking Live' and 'Weather Live.'

Many GPS navigation units also include travel guides and city- specific information to provide details about sightseeing highlights on the map. 'Experience dictates that the information tends to be kept brief,' says Stoll. Gulde also sees the added elements as not particularly crucial.

'When it comes to city guides, you have the impression that nobody really cares. The print version of the guide only costs an extra couple of dollars more,' he says.

GPS navigation systems can also be helpful outside the car. A feature from Falk, for example, offers travellers to major cities information about public transit.

It's easy to call up schedules for the subway, light rail and bus. It even provides scheduling information for the national railways. And the integrated Google search on Navigon devices makes it possible to find restaurants, museums or stores in the area.

Most drivers can test the live service offerings from the device manufacturers for free. TomTom, for examples, offers a free 12-month trial subscription with each device it sells. Thereafter, the service is available for a small service fee each month or for an annual fee. Navigon offers a three-month trial with prices of about 60 dollars a year thereafter.

The navigation market is hard-fought in all fronts, including the live services. Smartphones appear to be the next wave, although they won't be able to completely replace portable systems, says Stoll. One indicator of this: 'In many cases, navigation apps for smartphones are being offered by the major manufacturers themselves.'