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The proliferation of GPS-specific apps on iPhones and Android phones has led to a stark rise in GPS related technologies in general. Because of the increased use of GPS iPhone apps, ABI Research recently predicted that GPS tracking technology will soon be in wide use in watches and other types of clothing. As consumers have been made more aware of GPS technology over the past few years, the demand for such a technology has drastically increased.

While personal GPS tracking devices’ sales have gone down as a result of smartphones like iPhones and Android devices, this recent research indicates that the market for GPS tracking devices has not faltered; in fact, far from it. The GPS tracking device market has actually expanded as a result of iPhone and android phones.

An example of this growing trend: Garmin, one of the major tracking device manufacturers, pulled in 40% of its operating income from devices such as fitness watches, which track exercise and help the user determine how fast he or she is running.

According to ABI Research, Garmin’s Outdoor and Fitness division, which sells items such as fitness watches, represented 40% of the company’s total 2010 operating income.

Patrick Connolly with ABI told Connected World Magazine: “The GPS watch market has yet to hit the mainstream, with form factor, pricing, and awareness remaining major barriers to uptake. TomTom and Nike are the forerunners of a wave of new design, marketing, and retail channels that will help to bring these devices to a wide public and generate significant revenues.”

As the established manufacturers create new markets for their GPS-related goods, expect even more entrants into these new GPS tracking device market categories.

Article Written by Greg Minton