Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers have become ubiquitous as embedded functions in cellular telephones and wireless Personal Digital Assistants (PDA). But, according to a new report from IMS Research, the spread of GPS is only just begun. GPS chips are being included in laptop computers, digital cameras, and gaming consoles, according to the report "The Worldwide Market for GNSS/GPS Enabled Devices," now in its second edition. The different vertical markets each carries a set of requirements for location technologies, and IMS Research believes that companies will require a variety of different GPS, connectivity and indoor location technology combinations to address these growing markets effectively.

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According to Tom Arran, Market Analyst at IMS Research covering emerging and growing GPS markets, "GPS is a hot technology at the moment and collectively these markets represent huge potential. The non-cellular GPS market is set to increase over sixfold. However, GPS is not infallible and its proliferation is bringing indoor performance to the fore." In the camera market, for example, the research firm has felt that geotagging may be the next big trend. Already, online communities like Panoramio are hosting over 2 million photos which have been "geotagged."

IMS Research (www.imsresearch.com)