Navigation High End/Low End Grow

On the high end, NAVIGON, which the other day acquired NAVTEQ’s navigation software group, offers up a premium version of its code. The company claims its software is in many of the nav systems in the world. (Again, I just learned of the company yesterday.) With the MobileNavigator Premium(TM) “entry is easy and intuitive, predictive spelling speeds address input and a ‘city or street first’ option lets users enter the information they know upfront without impacting the final destination.” There’s a list of other goodies, too.

On the low end, Ingram Micro will distribute a new in-car nav system Navigator 1000 GPS unit from V7, which is expected to retail at $349. It’s got many features of higher end models (SIRF III chip, MP3 support) but no Bluetooth.

Finally, a study (can’t give details - don’t have a subscription) says: Mobiles to capture 25% share of navigation market.