marc (marcn) wrote, @ 2006-12-15 20:54:00

Google Maps + iPod car integration...
Just a little reckless speculation -- in a similar vein to the Nike+ extension of a previously know market characteristic (i.e. runners using their iPod) the wide adoption of iPod car integration might offer an opportunity for Google to extend their mapping application.

...I’d be surprised if this doesn’t happen via Microsoft’s Zune + Virtual Earth tag team.

If the oft-rumoured iPhone really is coming soon, then the presumed WWAN coverage could make this an even better fit than synchronising known travel routes. OTOH the former option may be more feasible, and accessible to users.


Of course the key problem with anything like this is an appropriate ‘interface’ in the vehicle, but a wireless iPod with GPS could present a customised iPod/GoogleMaps interface via the screen along with audio directions, it’s really not that much of a conceptual stretch from the Nike+ activities.

Google’s Video efforts, including YouTube, and their mobile interests, are another convenient element with relevance to Apple’s video-playing iPod.

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