Could GPS Phones Increase the Growth of Mobile Internet Use?

Thursday, May 17th, 2007 by Andy Beal

Could GPS Phones Increase the Growth of Mobile Internet Use?

Ask.com’s recent launch of Ask Mobile GPS could be a sign of things to come. While wireless networks and phone manufacturers race to figure out how to get us all to stare at our 2″ screens more often, the golden egg could be something that is already gaining traction – GPS enabled phones.

“One of the more compelling things that we might use every day is the integration of that information into knowing where my friends are,” he told the Reuters Global Technology, Media and Telecoms Summit in Paris this week.

Research suggests that 25% of mobile phones will have GPS by 2010 and this new feature could lead to the growth of mobile social networks – a concept we explored back in March.

I can certainly see how GPS could bring some much needed value to mobile internet access. If a phone knows precisely where I am, in relation to the nearest bank or restaurant, that’s very valuable to me. Likewise, if a friend Twitter’s that they’ve just seen the latest gadget on sale at Best Buy, how cool would it be to know which store he’s at and get directions to it?

That’s the kind of stuff that would get me excited about mobile. What other uses could you see GPS bringing?

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5 comments on “Could GPS Phones Increase the Growth of Mobile Internet Use?”

Stephen Welton Says:

May 17th, 2007 at 4:27 pm

I think that this will open the door to marketers and the local businesses with traditional store fronts and such.

The ability to get real time messages to mobile users who say “subscribe” to specific content and have authorized the local marketers to share relevant ads and information with them.

As far as public safety goes I this also as a huge advantage when appropriate to do so.

What’s next?
Stephen Welton Says:

May 17th, 2007 at 4:29 pm

Must have missed the spell check on that one. . . .

Being human is fun right?
Marketing Drome Says:

May 17th, 2007 at 4:29 pm

This post reminded me of that spot in Tokyo where, if you and someone in your phonebook are in the area at the same time, you’ll both get an SMS saying something like:

“Hey Rob, your friend Andy is in the area. Why not meet up for coffee with this… Starbucks coupon!”

Very Minority Report. I can’t wait
MyNetNuke Says:

May 18th, 2007 at 3:16 am

I think this would extend the marketing opportunities.
Darryl Says:

May 21st, 2008 at 9:39 pm

I foresee GPS applications being a big business in the next couple of years. Who ever can created the most dynamic applications to be add to gps phones and want not will make quit a bit of cash.

Darryl’s last blog post..Get the Most Out Of Your GPS with an Antenna

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