"While the economic downturn is definitely a major factor, it is not the only reason why the PND segment is struggling," says ABI Research practice director Dominique Bonte. "The anticipated growth of connected PNDs has failed to materialize due both to a lack of compelling services and to inadequate business models."

At the same time handset-based navigation is gaining momentum, boosted by a wave of high profile touchscreen GPS-smartphone launches, the central role of navigation and LBS in handset market leader Nokia's OVI service strategy, and the growing availability of free ad-funded navigation in Europe.

However, ABI Research does expect growth in PND shipments to resume in 2010, as the market for optimized dedicated navigation devices is still largely underpenetrated. Innovative PND vendors such as TomTom which have invested in connected navigation services will finally reap the benefits, helped by a more mature wireless connectivity environment and declining price erosion.

In the longer term PNDs will face increasing competition from new form factors such as MIDs, portable media players, and multi-purpose large-screen connected portable devices.

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Las Vegas NV (SPX) Apr 24, 2009
PCTEL has announced the introduction of its Medallion GPS multi-band antenna platform. Along with GPS tracking support, the antenna covers 806-960MHz, 1710-2170MHz and 2.3-2.6GHz frequency bands for Wi-Fi, WiMAX and PCS/Cellular Technologies in one single unit.