By Chua Hian Hou

DRIVERS in Singapore are warming to the idea of getting voiced directions from their mobile phones, telling them where and when to make a turn in an unfamiliar neighbourhood.

Phone makers declined to share sales figures, though one manufacturer of such smartphones, Garmin-Asus, has reported 'very good' sales for its handsets since their launch last August.

Another sign of the appeal these smartphones have comes from a survey done last year by American digital map firm Navteq, which found that a little over seven in 10 motorists here have used a map application on their mobile phones.

Today's handsets have more powerful processors, bigger touchscreen displays and faster, more accurate location tracking through a combination of Global Positioning System (GPS) and 3G technology.

A major plus is that they have turn-by-turn navigation functionality: A voice directs the driver, which means he does not need to keep consulting the on-screen map.

It used to be that only dedicated car navigation systems had this feature.

Just three years ago, phone makers were rebuffed when they tried to tout cellphones as a possible alternative to navigation devices such as those made by Garmin.

Back then, phone screens were small and map interfaces sluggish. Using such phones also ran up charges for data and the maps, which were updated via the mobile network.

But advances in phone technology and business models have changed the game, said Nokia's general manager here, Mr Vlasta Berka.

To be sure, souped-up phones like the Nokia N900, the Google Nexus One, the Garmin-Asus M10 and the Motorola Milestone cost between $600 and $1,000, but they offer the convenience of a do-it-all device.

Such phones are now cheaper to use as 3G charges have come down. A phone plan which provides 12GB of mobile data runs up a bill of about $40, half what it cost a few years ago. Those with Nokia and Garmin-Asus phones get maps free.

This stepping up in functions for cellphones has eaten into the market for dedicated navigation devices, noted research firm GfK's general manager Shirleen Kok. 'Some users want a single multi-function device instead of having to carry around multiple gadgets,' she said.

One convert is IT professional Mark Chen, 38, who has a Garmin-Asus G60 smartphone. He was using a $400 Garmin navigation unit in his car, but when that broke down last year, he bought the G60.

He said the smartphone is not as good as the Garmin dedicated navigator, 'but it's good enough for me to get around town, so I have no complaints'.

Ms Kok said, however, that those who spend a lot of time on the road might find dedicated navigation devices a better choice because they have bigger displays and better visibility.

Another issue is battery life. Phones typically have a shorter battery life, especially when constantly in use.

But phones trump dedicated navigation devices in one area: They go where the car owner goes instead of being left sitting on the car's dashboard.

Mr Chen said: 'I've heard of people whose cars were broken into for the GPS unit. I sometimes would leave mine in plain view too, then worry about whether it would tempt a thief to break in.'

But while consumers revel in their all-in-one devices, the drivers among them should be reminded that it is illegal under the Road Traffic Act to use a mobile phone while driving.

Drivers should just let the voice navigator do the talking, instead of consulting the map or keying in road names while driving.

If caught, they can get up to 12 demerit points, fined $1,000 and jailed for up to six months. They may also lose their driving licence.

chuahh@sph.com.sg

Phone apps are more convenient but data charges apply. Which would you pick for driving - smartphone or a full-fledged GPS unit? Send your comments to a1admins@sph.com.sg or a1motor@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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