Despite the continued decline in sales of portable navigation devices (PNDs) and the alternative solutions from smartphones, smart watches and eyewear, the portable GPS-enabled device market is anticipated to continue to hold its own thanks to dedicated heads up display/eyewear, cycling, and health/tracking devices, according to a market research company.
Despite the continued decline in sales of portable navigation devices (PNDs) and the alternative solutions from smartphones, smart watches and eyewear, the portable GPS-enabled device market is anticipated to continue to hold its own thanks to dedicated heads up display/eyewear, cycling, and health/tracking devices, according to a market research company.
ABI Research’s quarterly GNSS Database forecasts that the overall dedicated GPS device market will grow from 33.3 million units in 2012 to 36.79 million in 2018, following a brief dip in 2013 as PND declines outweigh growth in other areas. Total revenues will undergo a brief period of fluctuation from 2013 to 2015, before rising to $7.14 billion in 2018.
The GNSS Database forecasts the new and emerging markets for GPS-enabled devices, and where the opportunities lie in terms of device formats and vertical markets. The report also considers the effects of competitive formats such as smartphone applications, wearable sensors, smart watches, and smart eyewear, providing a complete picture of drivers and inhibitors in this market.
Dominique Bonte, vice-president and group director for telematics & M2M at ABI Research, says, “The markets for cycling computers, health/elderly, and fitness are starting to get interesting. As application service providers decline and smart watches become a more established part of our lives, the addressable market will be eaten up, limiting the growth potential for dedicated fitness devices.”
Looking longer term, ABI Research is forecasting very strong growth for HUD/eyewear devices, particularly in the fitness, golf, and cycling categories. “It would not be surprising to see an acquisition in this space over the next 12 months,” Bonte adds.
These findings are part of ABI Research’s Location Devices Research Service, which includes research analyses, market data, and competitive assessments focused on the GPS/GNSS IC and devices markets.
