Going the way of the Ford Edsel and Pepsi One, the first Wi-Fi GPS device the Dash Express has been discontinued after less than a year on the market.

According to a press release by Dash Navigation, the maker of the Express, "the company is shifting its focus from delivering connected navigation devices directly to consumers to licensing its application and service to run on platforms such as onboard navigation systems, smartphones, PDAs, mobile internet devices, and other consumer electronics."

Although GPS reviews and tech experts applauded the company's integration of web searching with navigation, the company has had a hard time gaining a footing in the industry. But as GPS World reports, the shift in strategy shift accompanies the elimination of more than half its workforce, which hints at financial trouble.

"Even if Dash Navigation's plans always involved licensing its technology and its own gadget existed mostly to demo the idea's value -- and I'll bet that was the game plan all along -- I can't imagine it intended to get out of the hardware business after eight months," Technologizer writes.

GPS World says the Express was considered "the next-big-thing in the booming consumer navigation market; it was considered to be the next stage of evolution in the consumer navigation device."

The Washington Post agrees, but recognizes the first problem in the offing: money. The Express "was notable for its robust and seamless Internet connectivity (via GSM cellular and Wi-Fi networks) that supported real-time searches, live traffic reports from other Dash users, and easy data entry via the Web. But it was pricey."

The Dash Express was first released in March to the tune of $599. Consumers didn't take the bait and the company quickly slashed its price to $299, not including a monthly subscription fee of approximately $12.

"Dash never really found its footing, despite its innovative technology," Wired says. "With its new strategy, the company may have found the only way to stay alive."

Although the company will be shopping its software, it will continue to provide software and technological support to current Express users.

According to Twice, "Dash continues to claim that its users are very happy with the product. The company said it will continue to 'run the service' and support the products in the field with software updates."

It also leaves the industry speculating on the fusion of GPS devices with web search and other convenience features. As Technologizer says, the future "will see fewer successful makers of hardware -- especially small ones, like Dash Networks -- but will have plenty of room for smart software and service companies. And even though I now know I'll never own a Dash Express, I hold out hope of using the Dash technology in some form someday."

Read additional GPS reviews and get more advice and insight on your next portable navigation device purchase from our GPS pages