Automotive GPS devices are slowly making there way into the hands of more and more consumers. When these devices became available the consumer about 15 years ago, they cost several thousands of dollars and were extraordinary slow and cumbersome. Like most profitable electronics, they have made the huge leap from from mere gadget to mainstream, consumer friendly appliance in a relatively short amount of time.
GPS systems work by montitoring the positions global satelites that were sent up by the US goverment in the 1980's. The government released the codes for these man made space objects and thus allowed a new industry to flourish. I remember watching 1980's television shows that showed make believe GPS systems, most notably was the mapping system that K.I.T.T from Knight Rider, that David Hasselhoff used to find the bad guys.
Today's automotive GPS systems can act like a mobile concierge. Some allow a user to connect there bluetooth enabled device, such as a mobile phone/PDA and can be voice activated. Thus, the user can locate a point of interest and then call to find out more about it/make reservations without lifting their hands off the steering wheel.
An automotive GPS device can be extremely helpful someone traveling or moving to a new town, as it allows them to find their destinations on their own and some even allow for music storage. This can be a very handy feature, as it allows the user to bring with their own music on a trip, rather than being subjected to the local fare. Since 1995 the car rental company Hertz has offered NeverLost GPS units in some of there vehicles. Today's consumer can buy a portable unit for under 200 bucks and take it with them when they travel.
Some people consider GPS to be a safety device as well, since most units have a programable HOME button that will take the user back to their house no matter where they are currently located. Automotive GPS devices can also be used to track current/average/maximum speed, which means parents can track how far and how fast their teenagers are going in their cars. They devices can also be used as a locator/signal sender in some cars, thus making it easier for emergency personnel to find a car crash.
