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CES 2009 preview: GPS

CNET editors give you a preview of what they expect to see in the GPS and portable navigation category at CES 2009.

Bonnie Cha Former Editor
Bonnie Cha was a former chief correspondent for CNET Crave, covering every kind of tech toy imaginable (with a special obsession for robots and Star Wars-related stuff). When she's not scoping out stories, you can find her checking out live music or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California.
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Bonnie Cha
TeleNav Shotgun
TeleNav Shotgun Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive

Portable navigation devices (PNDs) continued to draw a lot of interest in 2008 as more and more consumers became aware of the advantages of in-car GPS and they became more affordable. We think prices will continue to drop in the new year since the market is oversaturated with these navigation aids and the GPS manufacturers compete to get new customers. However, it's going to take more than an alluring price tag to keep the industry going.

With most PNDs offering the same core features and with the pressure and increasing popularity of GPS-enabled cell phones and location-based services, GPS manufacturers are having to step up their game by coming up with new technologies and features. That's why we expect to see more connected devices like the Dash Express and TeleNav Shotgun in 2009, bringing the most up-to-date maps and real-time data to drivers at all times. Finally, we believe voice commands, traffic capabilities, advanced lane guidance, and 3D building/landmark renderings will continue to makes their way to more and more GPS.