Dash produces an Internet-connected GPS navigation device for in-car use.
Description of user contribution system
The Dash Express monitors users’ locations and speeds, which are sent to a server via the cellular network and shared with other Dash users to optimize routing based on traffic conditions. Unlike traditional traffic measurement systems, Dash works without using expensive infrastructure, such as sensors embedded in roadways.
Traffic data provided by competitors relies on a variety of sources, including commercial traffic data providers and road sensors. Downsides to commercial traffic data include:
- Cost to the company (it must be purchased from commercial data providers)
- Limits coverage to areas where traffic sensors are installed
- Can be unreliable (as many as 1/3 of sensors experience problems on a given day
“Mobile probe” technology has enabled Dash to provide better traffic data at lower cost to its users. As a Dash owner drives, the device communicates speed and location information to Dash, and the company gathers this data from all users in a given area to get traffic information. The community of Dash owners benefits from improved routing from this real-time traffic data. In addition, Dash is beginning to expand its offerings to include user reviews—Dash users can read user reviews drawn from Yahoo Local. The latest is always available through the live Internet connection.
Benefits for the users
Dash users get substantially more detailed and useful traffic info, in places where other traffic data may not be available. They also can access other user-contributed information (such as Yahoo Local reviews) through the Dash Express’ internet connection.
Benefits for the creators of the system
Dash enjoys a favorable competitive position versus other GPS manufacturers, due to the enhanced coverage their model offers. It also need not rely on other parties to install costly and unreliable roadway sensors, as the traditional model does. These sensors cost $50k-100k each up front, with maintenance costs of 20% the up front cost each year. Every day, 1/3rd of these sensors experience a problem.
History of the idea
“Our first investor, Mike Farmwald, was frustrated with the limitations of his GPS system. He imagined a world where every navigation device could capture and communicate traffic information. Mike Tzamaloukas, an expert in wireless communications, took up the challenge to found Dash Navigation on the premise that one day all cars will be part of the Dash network. Over time, our vision of a "social network on the move" evolved to include capabilities that allow the driver to search for and download information about destinations using the Internet. In that process, we've developed an architecture that fundamentally changes what you can do in your car.” (Dash company website)
Scale
How big is this system? Do you know anything about revenue it generates? If it is a small experiment, or rolled out across all product lines?
More resources
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.