An increasing number of consumers in the U.K. are turning to mobile device-based navigation applications, according to published research by Strategy Analytics, which offers high frequency market intelligence on Automotive Electronics and Entertainment, Broadband Connected Home, Mobile & Wireless Products & Systems, and Virtual Worlds.

The findings of the report titled “U.K. Navigation: Mobile Devices Can Compete With PNDs” are based on in-depth one-on-one research sessions in London, England, in which consumers were asked to use and give their comments about two high-end Personal Navigation Devices (PNDs) as well as Nokia Maps and Vodafone Navigator.

Personal Navigation Devices or Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs) combine a positioning capability such as GPS and navigation functions.

Nokia (News - Alert) offers downloadable maps for more than 200 countries, and helps users plan their route street by street, city to city. As a powerful, user friendly satellite navigation system, Vodafone (News - Alert) Navigator works on GPS-enabled corporate PDAs and mobile devices. The system has been designed specifically for global enterprises, and reduces employee journey times.

Commenting on the research, Senior User Experience Analyst at Strategy Analytics (News - Alert), Chris Schreiner, said that consumers preferred Vodafone Navigator by Telmap over both PNDs in terms of usability. With an increase in the popularity of touchscreen-enabled mobile devices, more consumers will begin to use mobile devices for their navigation needs.

Kevin Nolan, vice president of the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice identified mobility and integration as the two key factors that drive consumers toward a mobile device-based navigation solution.