Technology giant Apple has announced that it is to abandon the use of Google mapping for its iPhone, switching instead to its own software.
The move has the potential to threaten satnav manufacturers and has a potential duty of care implication as more users rely on Smart phones for navigation as opposed to using fitted in-car systems or mobile units with specific cradles.
David Quin, Head of Consumer Applications at ALK Technologies, which produces Copilot live GPS software said: “We expect that this announcement will further popularise the use of phone-based mapping and location-based services.
“That said, we are confident that there will continue to be substantial demand for full-featured in-car iOS navigation apps with automotive-grade maps. We have seen strong growth in paid downloads since Google announced free turn by turn navigation for Android and we understand that it’s been a similar story for some developers of paid Windows Phone nav apps too.”
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