Currently only a relatively small fraction of cars produced feature TV-sets, but this may change soon, if three largest makers of GPS navigation devices integrate TV functionality into their products. It is not clear how such TV-enabled navigation devices affect safety on the roads.

Garmin International, TomTom International BV and Mitac International, are rumoured to be considering integration of TV logic and antennas into their portable navigation devices (PND). The possible decision to improve functionality of GPS-based (global positioning system) navigation equipment will allow the aforementioned makers to be more competitive on the market, reports DigiTimes web-site.

Portable navigation devices makers reportedly say that consumers are currently “unable to fully utilize their PNDs as time spent on navigation is limited”. By integrating mobile TV support into navigation equipment the makers hope to create a new selling point for their products. However, it is uncertain whether such PNDs will be able to compete against new cell phones or even personal digital assistants with GPS support.

Besides, adding TV functionality into cars may not be welcomed by authorities in certain countries, as TV in the car may potentially attract attention of the driver, which may lead to increase of the amount of accidents on the roads.

Garmin International, TomTom International BV and Mitac International are the world’s top three PND makers. Amsterdam, the Netherlands-based TomTom commands roughly 37% of the market, U.S.-based Garmin has 25% market share and Taiwan-based Mitac supplies 20% of the world’s PNDs volume under its brand-name.