Smart Phone vs. GPS Tracking Device

Cell phone technology has drastically changed in the past several years, providing more features and services to users. Gone are the days when cell phones are only used for calling and sending short messages as today these gadgets combine all the vital features of different devices like media player, camera, portable computer, gaming device, and even GPS tracking device. Because of this, more and more people are getting hooked with smart phones’ features and applications.

In Australia smart phone brands like Apple, Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, and Nokia have found loyal following because of the technological innovations they give to users. There are particular users in different niche markets that consider smart phones a necessity, such as car owners and drivers. Since iPhones, Android phones, and Windows phones have GPS system in them, they can be used for navigation, virtually replacing the traditional GPS tracking device. With the help of either Apple Maps (iOS phone/tablet users) or Google Maps (Android phone/table users), users can navigate their way to their destination via GPS tracking assistance.

Despite the popularity of smart phones with GPS system, not everyone is a fan since many still prefer vehicle GPS navigation device. Weighing this issue would lead to knowing the advantages and GPS tracking devices over smart phones.

Smart phones have not yet perfected navigation - Although Apple Maps and Google Maps are quite reliable, there are still plenty of rooms for improvement. Since these devices depend on the Internet too much, they can be problematic when the driver goes to an area where the Internet connection is having some issues. In short, if there is no Internet connection, it is impossible to find the right route via smart phone.

Updates do not come very often - Since smart phones brands have limited dedicated technology for GPS systems, the maps provided are only updated occasionally. For GPS navigation devices, companies makes sure that the directions and routes given are accurate and up-to-date, making sure that users will not get lost on their way to their destination.

Smart phones are not designed for GPS tracking -­- GPS tracking is not the main feature of smart phones; thus, the capability of their GPS system is limit

ed. Hence, it is safe to conclude that the GPS systems of smart phones should only be taken as an auxiliary to a GPS tracking device. With this, most drivers are more comfortable and confident with GPS device than smart phone.

Using GPS navigation device is more convenient - If you are using smart phone as your GPS system in your car, you may have experienced having to mount it when using it and removing it afterwards. This can be inconvenient at times. However, if you are using a vehicle GPS navigation system, this is not an issue because it is a dedicated technology and you may choose not to remove it after using or leave it as it is if it is a built-in car feature.

GPS on smart phones are only for personal use - Many Australian commercial companies with fleet use GPS tracking devices to monitor their deliveries. These companies only trust GPS navigation systems for their fleet as this technology has been proven effective. It is very unusual for large companies to make use of smart phones as their GPS guides. Companies that are serious in monitoring their logistics are more confident in using GPS navigation systems than smart phones.