Hi, and welcome to LBSfix.com There is a lot going on in the mobile LBS (location based services) space that it can be hard to keep up with the changing and growing market. I have not seen many Verizon Wireless commercials that do not promote their VZ Navigator service. Sprint continues to drive the market with the addition of their 3rd GPS based voice guided navigation application, Rand McNally's MONA. Telenav and Garmin are the others. MapQuest Navigator from Telmap is in the hopper too. GPS based mobile navigation seems to have reached a saturation point from an application standpoint, perhaps the next wave is going to be focused on marketing.
While the poster child for compelling GPS applications on a mobile handset, navigation is not the end of the story. There are some other pretty cool apps out there including Recently Sold by Smarter Agent, an app that allows you to get the prices of homes that recently sold in any given neighborhood (based on your location), Bones in Motion an active fitness application that will track your speed, distance, and time for any outdoor activity (think biking, running, etc.), MapQuest FindMe allows your cell phone to find different points of interest (POIs) based on your location. There are many more, and I will try to review them on this blog.
Beyond just the apps, I will cover the other issues that may be fueling growth in mobile LBS, and issues that may hamper expansion. I will endeavor to key in on such issues such as user privacy, advertising, search, and LBS for kids. If there is anything that you want me to talk about or establish dialog on, e-mail and let me know.
With any new adventure, I am not sure where this one will lead, but my goal will be to have fun along the way. I hope you join me and enjoy the journey.
Cheers,
Dan Gilmartin
maddec marketing llc
