The GPS Insider

Something happened in the mobile turn-by-turn space a few weeks ago that didn’t get a lot of play in the news. But it was a shift that I saw as game-changing. Not a new feature or distribution channel, but a new price: sub $5.

MapQuest, in partnership with Telmap, is now selling MapQuest Navigator 5.0 to consumers through a new direct-to-consumer storefront on MapQuest.com. Customers who subscribe before December 31, 2007 can download the application directly to their handset and purchase the service for the “promotional price” of $4.99 per month for the life of the subscription. This new version is available for several Blackberry devices for Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T customers.

At this price and with the included set of features, Mapquest Navigator might capture a new segment of customers that is not willing to pay the industry-standard $10 a month. Indeed, a poll by Harris, conducted in May and June 2007, shows that with a price set at $11.99 per month only 4 % are extremely likely/very likely to subscribe; at $8.99 they are 6% and at $5.99 it grows to 19%. (read more here). Just one question: are BlackBerry owners that price sensitive? I’m inclined to think that they’re chasing the wrong segment with price cuts. The Telmap guys are sticking with the “promotional price” story, but we all know that it’s nearly impossible to raise the price on consumers (just ask GM about their 2005 discounts). At $5/month, there’s not a lot of pie to go around: application developer (Telmap), brand (MapQuest) and content provider (Navteq). Gotta sell a lot of apps at that margin…

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It’s true, AT&T launched the BlackBerry 8820 yesterday for $299. So if you own a now-outdated 8800 (like me), you are permitted to use your handset as a paperweight (skipping stone, doggy toy). Actually, WiFi is the only major new feature on the device, but it’s a big one. And according to AT&T, you need a qualifying data plan to activate WiFi functionality, although there is absolutely no technical relationship between the two. Rumor also has it that GPS is locked unless you purchase an AT&T-approved application (Telenav).

[via Engadget Mobile]

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BlackberryCool is reporting that AT&T will lock the GPS functionality of the upcoming BB 8820, allowing it to work only with TeleNav Navigator:

Apparently - and remember, this is coming from someone inside AT&T - the carrier didn’t want to launch a device that would seem superior (or be competitive) to the iPhone. RIM was apparently livid over the decision (and with good reason), but AT&T basically said “do it or we won’t buy the 8820 or any future devices from you” and RIM backed down. Our AT&T informant also said that this was a call made by top RIM/AT&T brass.

A rumor has already been circulating that AT&T will lock the WiFi functionality of the 8820 unless you subscribe to an EVDO data plan. This is indeed a dark day for quite a few stakeholders in the U.S. wireless industry. So when’s that FCC spectrum auction?

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Looks like the new Blackberry Pearl will include GPS on CDMA and WiFi on GSM. And as previously mentioned, the 8310 will have GPS, the 8320 will have WiFi, and the 8820 will have both. The Outsider claims that GSM carriers will have access to both Curve versions, but will likely offer only one of the models. My bet is on T-Mobile USA to offer the 8320 with their emphasis on WiFi convergence, while AT&T’s fear of WiFi (iPhone notwithstanding) might lead them to offer the 8310.

check out more details from The Outsider

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Vodafone Germany, that is. Are you confused yet with the model numbering?

• 8800 - GSM with GPS
• 8820 - GSM with WiFi and GPS
• 8830 - CDMA/GSM with GPS
• 8300 - GSM
• 8310 - GSM with GPS
• 8320 - GSM with WiFi

My sources tell me that Israeli application developer Telmap is powering this Vodafone Navigator service. They provide a similar service for Vodafone UK and Spain. Webraska runs the Vodafone Navigator service in Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece and Australia.

[via Boy Genius Report]

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Garmin announced today that Handmark, a mobile software distributor, will sell Garmin Mobile for BlackBerry devices enabled with GPS. The app will be priced at $9.99/mo. “We are pleased to offer Garmin Mobile through Handmark’s vast distribution channels because it will make it easier for BlackBerry customers to subscribe to Garmin Mobile, regardless of the carrier,” said Charles Morse, Garmin’s director of mobile and PND marketing.

The key phrase there is “regardless of the carrier.” Garmin, despite their enormous brand in the GPS space, has failed to make much progress in mobile. They are currently available only on Sprint, although Telenav is the carrier’s preferred partner. Garmin Mobile is relegated (along with MapQuest Mobile) to poor deck position. Looks like they are tired of waiting for the carrier to come around.

press release: Garmin® Teams with Handmark to Expand Garmin Mobile™ Distribution

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