Garmin Mobile Map

According to independent market analysts, Garmin are actually the world leader in relation to mobile navigation technology. After manufacturing a huge range of different GPS devices, the company have now started to release mobile maps that rely on their technology. With some of these applications carrying large price tags, Garmin have been sure to pack in as many features as possible so they can at least try and compete with many of the free mobile map services that are available for download.

Garmin Mobile Map Platforms

At the moment, Garmin have developed applications that run on the following three platforms:

iPhone
Android
Blackberry

iPhone and Android Application

Both the iPhone and Android platforms actually use the same piece of software in the form of StreetPilot. Garmin claim that they have developed this device with the same principles in mind as all of their standalone satellite navigational products, giving users the best possible mobile map experience. StreetPilot is currently marketed with the following feature set:

Garmin claim that their product is the first application to use real time photos to give users a better idea of junctions that are approaching
The application provides 3D images of all of the buildings that are surrounding the user
If a service station is approaching, StreetPilot will provide extensive details about what the establishment offers
Garmin update their traffic database three times a minute, meaning that users will be provided with the most up to date information and can use this to plan their journeys
The application will issue a warning whenever any speed cameras are on the horizon
Supports a range of languages including English, French, German, Spanish and Dutch.

With the application offering such a large set of features, Garmin have gone against the market grain and not made the product available for free. Instead, users will have to visit one of the mobile marketplaces where they will be charged a fee of £44.99 for the product.

Blackberry Application

The Garmin Blackberry application is not marketed as much as the other piece of software, yet surprisingly it retails at a much higher price. European users of the software will have to spend £79.99 to acquire it, which makes it one of the most expensive mobile map pieces of software available. The Garmin Blackberry mobile map includes the following features:

Maps are updated live, meaning that users will always be supplied with the most relevant information.
The application can interact with the phone’s phonebook, meaning that addresses can be loaded almost instantly.
Using the library from Panoramio, users can select an image and the device will set a route without the need for a typed address.

Garmin Mobile Map Summary

It is clear to see that Garmin are attempting to target the premium users of the mobile map market. While their prices are relatively high considering there are a lot of free applications out there, users of the software will at least be sure of being provided with a reliable, up to date mobile map service.