The GPS Divide: Age Makes a Difference in Navigation Device Usage
Younger and older Americans use GPS devices differently, according to a recent survey of US consumers conducted by ABI Research.
"When younger GPS users are compared to their older counterparts, thereÃ's clearly an age divide not only in what types of devices they use, but in how they use them," says ABI Research director Janet Wise.
Among the age-related differences observed:
- While portable navigation devices (PNDs) are, across all ages, the most commonly-used type of navigation device, mobile phones or PDAs with navigation service are much more likely to be used by those under age 35.
- Significantly higher percentages of those under age 45 use one- or two-way connected PNDs.
- Significantly higher percents of younger users download location-based search and traffic information.
"With navigation solutions quickly spreading to all age groups in society, it becomes increasingly important for navigation vendors to offer products which address the different needs of the different age segments," adds ABI Research director Dominique Bonte. "While younger age groups are willing to adopt new connected navigation form factors and services, older groups clearly prefer no-frills, affordable, easy to use, ‘working out of the boxÃ' non-connected PNDs."
The online survey, which was conducted in August 2008 and included responses from 750 in-car navigation users, was focused on navigation form factors, use cases, navigation feature usage, and brand satisfaction.
Posted to the site on 20th November 2008
