Computer Support Blog

Every good idea has its time and what is groundbreaking at one point in time soon becomes the standard.  Just as having a tape deck in an automobile was once considered audacious, yet is now tragically out-of-date, with the announcement and demonstration of the new Apple iOS 6 operating system, it is possible GPS systems are about to go the way of the audio cassette.

Integrated into the iOS 6 operating system is a whole new Apple mapping program.  Intended to help Apple compete with Google Maps, the mapping function of iOS 6 is fully integrated, meaning it is a part of the basic operating system, not an additional application.  That means that as developers and programmers work with the new operating system, they will be finding ways to integrate location-based technology and mapping functions into their new apps and designs.  Already, the voice-recognition and response “virtual butler” application Siri interacts with Apple’s mapping function on the iOS 6.

That means that every iPad and iPhone that is outfitted with iOS 6 and Siri may now be used to look up location information using only vocal commands.  It means that an Apple iOS 6-driven device is capable of providing turn-by-turn directions and telling you where local businesses are.

It is hard to see how Garmin, who was one of the big players in Global Positioning System technology, will be able to compete with that.  For sure, Garmin has niche products, like the Astro, which allows one to track their dog.  It is unlikely that Apple will ever make an iOS-driven device that is cost effective to be attached to your dog.  However, it is entirely probable that a technology manufacturer will find a way to develop a transmitter and an application that would mirror the function of niche products like those that Garmin still sells.

Will Tom Tom, another leader in GPS devices simply be relegated to selling alternate voices for its GPS devices before it is ultimately made obsolete?  Tom Tom, which is more popular in Europe than in the United States, may be able to fend off its demise by capitalizing on markets where Apple mobile devices are less popular, but that is not a viable long-term solution.

Even Google has reason to feel shaken by the introduction of iOS 6.  Google Maps seemed innovative, but it does not (currently) respond to voice commands or give directions aloud as one travels.  Unless a significant flaw is rapidly revealed in iOS 6 or the mapping function of the operating system, it appears Apple has won a significant victory in changing the way people use their mobile devices.

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