Google Jumps into GPS Market

[speakeasy]

I wonder how long it will take them to have a marine product, or will they?

Google drives into new market with Maps Navigation beta for Android

[Vasco]

Garmin's stock took a hit!

[speakeasy]

No kidding, it's off 16%. I imagine this will hurt any company in the space. I remember listening to an interview on NPR with one of the founders, around the time of their IPO. A new fresh small hot company. In a few years they've become ubiquitous with their understanding of large numbers and how to market that knowledge. I wonder if they will end up virtually, or literally running the world? So far, they seem to be the best at slicing and dicing Mass Society's Communication. Monopolies make me itch.

Still, a cheaper better map technology would be nice.

[MarkJ]

I do wish Google would get into marine navigation!

[David M]

The day of overpriced chart cartridges may be near.

Wouldn't it be cool to be able overlay a Google Earth image with a real nautical chart for cheap?

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by David M

The day of overpriced chart cartridges may be near.

Wouldn't it be cool to be able overlay a Google Earth image with a real nautical chart for cheap?

Absolutely right.

I see no reason for Google not to enter the marine market. This is great news.

[Noname1]

Here ya go!

NOAA

[David M]

This Gizmodo article explains the reasons pretty well. Basically, Google owns the map data and licenses them to Garmin, TomTom, etc. They won't be able to charge for something that will be given away for free.

Google and the Deadly Power of Data - Google - Gizmodo