iPhone 3G GPS Not So Amazing

The early results show price is the leading factor to adoption of the new iPhone 3G, coupled of course with speeds that are twice that of the original iPhone. Apple included GPS in the iPhone 3G, but why no fanfare surrounding what should be a groundbreaking feature? There are more than a few smartphones that feature GPS, but the clarity and size of the iPhone's screen would certainly make it a killer feature. Steve Jobs doesn't miss a chance to point out extraordinary features of Apple products, so why the missed opportunity?

There were no announcements of real-time navigation. For the most part, the demonstration (seen here at Apple's site) was not that far off from what you can do today using the first generation iPhone.

• Find your current location? Check!
• Find local pizzerias? Check!
• Get directions to a specific pizzeria? Check!
• Check for traffic Check!
• Track your iPhone as you proceed to your destination. Well, you'll need an iPhone 3G for this.

For some reason, Apple appears to be closing the door on software applications that offer real-time navigation. AT&T has more than a few phones that have a built-in GPS and they offer their TeleNav. TeleNav software coupled with a phone such as the BlackBerry Curve 8310 offers real-time turn by turn navigation. The AT&T Tilt, made by HTC, offers the ability to bypass the monthly fee by purchasing software made by TomTom. In recent days, there have been reports that TomTom has software ready to go for the iPhone 3G. Okay, so surely Steve could have pulled out a demo of how the iPhone will replace all those popular GPS units flooding stores like Best Buy. Cue the music from the iPhone commercials about now, "This is not just a map of the United States. It's a map that will take you anywhere you want to go, so you'll never get lost. It's a GPS device, all on your phone." Just imagine if there were some powerful copy with images reminiscent of portable GPS units all on the iPhone. Smartphones are all about convergence and having real-time navigation on the iPhone would be as Jobs would say, "Amazing".



TomTom Navigation software might not find it's way to the iPhone

Does anyone want to track their progress? If that's the net of what I'll be able to do with the GPS, then why include it? I'm guessing Location based services? Shouldn't I be able to do something along those lines with my first generation iPhone? Here I am, now find me a Starbuck's.

In the past few days, TomTom has changed their stance when it comes to the actual release of their navigation software for the iPhone. They simply do not know if they will be able to sell their application in the App Store. The iPhone SDK has some very clear verbiage when it comes to real time guidance apps. "Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time guidance." The dark clouds appear to be forming around what could have been a killer application for the iPhone 3G. Then again, perhaps Jobs is waiting for the launch of the App Store to release iPhone Navigation or perhaps Google Navigation for iPhone. Jobs doesn't miss an opportunity, but left me waiting for something amazing.