(2009-11-06) Google Gps Disruption

Google is disrupting the GPS data-business with its free turn-by-turn navigation service backed by its own (plus Public Domain) data. While it is obvious that this maneuver creates a problem for the multi-billion dollar GPS market, it also poses real challenges for the leading smart phone players - RIM's Blackberry and Apple's IPhone. Without access to their own mapping data, these vendors now face an interesting dilemma. Do you risk flying naked without free navigation or do you suck it up and swallow the above average royalty fee for each and every handset?

Also, I then asked my friend, "so why would they (TelCo) ever use the Google (non Open Source) license version (of Android)." (EDIT: One of the commenters below pointed out that all Android is open source, and the Google apps pack, including the GPS, is licensed on top. Doesn't change the argument, but wanted the correct data included here.) Here was the big punch line - because Google will give you ad splits on search if you use that version! That's right; Google will pay you to use their mobile OS. (Less Than Free, Free Stuff)