Maps Versus Apps The Eternal Struggle

For centuries, explorers purchased maps to travel the planet. These written and drawn records demonstrate the relative locations of different places on Earth. With a map and a compass, anyone will get a general idea of their location.

Such tools existed for generations with out a true predecessor for the common consumer. Now, smartphones are threatening to force maps into permanent obsolescence. Why can you purchase a map when you could just download a mobile app that takes benefit of the GPS functionality in your iPhone or Android Market smartphone?

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Maps aren't the only tools facing extinction as a result of the smartphone. Mobile applications are so diverse within their utility that lots of older devices are getting into their final days. For instance, why buy a flashlight when iPhone and Android apps can accomplish the same purpose?

With music available on cell phones, other audio devices have become less relevant. The Rolodex was overwhelmed by digital address books a long time ago. With tweets and news apps delivering the latest current events from around the world, conventional magazines are struggling to find subscribers.

Why Do We Still Need Maps?

Last-mile wireless service isn't where it could be. There are various places throughout the world where mobile phone service is unavailable. In these locations, maps could be quite useful.

As a result, the primary purpose of the map in society is as an emergency measure. A car accident or natural disaster might render technology useless in a particular case, and this is the type of situation where a map still has value.

Will Maps Become Completely Obsolete Due to Mobile Apps?

Only time can truly answer this question. However, their utility has been greatly diminished, in fact it is unlikely that most consumers will buy maps once smartphones are more popular. Many cell carriers are offering devices just like the iPhone or Android Market phones for free with a fresh contract. This will enable even the poorest people in advanced economies to begin with using mobile apps.

The tradition of the conventional map will likely continue to some extent after a while. However, for the normal consumer, mobile apps with GPS technology have become the principal navigation tool. Technology makes our lives easier, and mobile apps ought to be counted being among the most impressive consumer innovations to come out in recent memory. For check here being, it is still smart to keep a map readily available for those occasions when your phone doesn't get service.

Mike Barry from Gazzmic writes articles about new media technology, mobile apps, and the music industry. For individuals interested in investigating the most recent in online technology for bands and musicians, please visit: [1]

Gazzmic is really a revolutionary new content management system for bands that seeks to reinvent the music industry entirely. Gazzmic is currently seeking artists to take part in an invitation-only closed beta program. Participants will undoubtedly be given the opportunity to market their music over a free of charge mobile app platform for the iPhone and Android Market. Musicians can make an application for the closed beta by contacting Gazzmic on the business's website.