vaguelyaware.com

with gps systems becoming more popular - and the data to run them getting more expensive to maintain as more roads are built, businesses moving, hurricanes relocating half of the state, and construction closing other roads - i really think some company needs to take the initiative and build a solid gps routing system bundled with a cellular data connection and license it to auto-manufacturers. whats the point you ask. well here it is, you the consumer get a solid gps routing system that gets weekly updates to the maps and business location data, as well as (through the cellular connection) real-time traffic density reports and auto-rerouting to avoid delays. this advanced system will also help alleviate the delays as more people find alternate routes. how does it make money is the next obvious question. well if you havent guessed by now, along with the weekly updates to maps, you also get new ads, thats right, what is more annoying than pop-ups while you are driving? no it wont be like that, ads based on vicinity, if you need gas, gas stations can advertise deals and/or discounts for stopping in, stores running special promotions can alert you as you drive by, nothing invasive, but something the consumer would value. is that useful? well, im not an expert, but i can say that most of the difficulty in any advertisement is getting the consumer to respond. companies spend thousands to put ads in the papers to announce sales, the problem being that some people will forget by the time the sale starts, or will sleep through it or wont want to leave the house to go, or various other reasons. here is where the system is beneficial, the customer is already awake, out of the house, made aware of the sale while the sale is going on, AND the customer is right nearby with directions on how to get there. how much easier could it be. now that is targeted advertising. Note on how it is targeted, the advertisers wont know who you are or where you went, it is proximity based, a central database serves them just like google ads, and does not track your driving or spending habits. also, next time you are driving around and realize it is mother’s day (May 8 ) you can quickly ask your GPS system for the closest florist, just like a yellow pages, and yes, companies pay big bucks to be listed in yellow pages. if the system had a good licensing volume, it too could charge $$ for listings. and your mom gets flowers rather than an excuse for mother’s day.