Mobile-Maps
It would be fair to say that over the last few years the mobile map market has advanced significantly. There was once a time where users of the software were simply presented with a large map that offered very little functionality. However, since then the industry has changed immensely and it could be said that it has become so sophisticated that it is now threatening other markets. As this article will highlight later, many mobile map applications are starting to use technology so advanced that they even can be used as standalone satellite navigational devices.
Mobile Map Applications
The mobile map industry appears to be constantly growing, with more and more developers releasing applications into the market. At the moment, the following software can be classed as some of the most popular in the industry:
- Google Maps
- Sygic
- Bing Maps
- AmAze
- Garmin
Mobile Map Features
Mobile map software is exceptionally powerful in today’s age, with users benefiting from a range of different features:
- Practically every single mobile map application will allow the user to plot a route between different locations.
- Some of the applications are providing maps in 3D view.
- The vast majority of paid mobile map software is starting to provide users with many functions that were previous only available on GPS navigators. Such features include step-by-step voice instructions, traffic updates, speed alerts and the ability to integrate the application with a car’s audio system.
- For those applications that are created by a large developer, users are given the opportunity to tap into their vast information database and search for reviews on local businesses.
- Most of the recent applications allow the user to integrate the software with their social network profile.
Price of Mobile Maps
Fortunately, the majority of mobile maps will not cost the end user a penny. The large developers such as Google and Bing have provided their users with a free mobile map application that still boasts many features. However, for those users that wish to get the most out of their software, they can turn to one of the premium applications. Developers such as Sygic and Garmin have created incredibly sophisticated products that contain many features which have practically made them into standalone GPS navigators. It is movements like this in the market which means that certain satellite navigation manufacturers are starting to feel threatened by the advances of the mobile map industry. With these products costing between £10 and £80, they are also significantly cheaper than the majority of standalone hardware.
Mobile Maps Summary
The mobile market is progressing at a scary rate, with users having a huge choice of products to download. The industry has changed from one that released simple maps to one that provides many other features such as directions, local business information and even advanced GPS navigation functions. What’s more, the majority of users will have their needs satisfied with a free download, although those wishing for a more sophisticated product can opt to purchase a premium version.
