Philips launches GPS

The consumer electronic specialists are to begin making GPS systems, beginning with three new products in September. Following Sony’s step into the market back in January, Philips have now reconsidered the idea of Sat Nav that they abandoned seven years ago. The move means that the Dutch company will go into direct competition with their native rivals TomTom, who currently have a huge share of the Navigation market, second only to Garmin.

So skip all the analytical nonsense, what does Philips move mean for consumers? Well it supports the idea that in a year or two the GPS devices will be as common as radios or mobile phones, and possibly as cheap. However, when you actually look at the devices that Sony launched, the Nav-u, bears more than a striking resemblance to Garmin’s Nuvi. Unless Philips come up with something striking, unique or just plain cheap, I don’t think that TomTom will be quaking in their boots just yet.

Any thoughts? Post and let me know.