Discuss the pros and cons of gas finder apps from the consumer's viewpoint and the gas retailer's viewpoint. Do you think they have any impact on gas prices? Explain.
It seems a day doesn't go by without some talk about gas prices. Consumers are more keenly aware of the price now that it costs $40 to $100 to fill up the tank. And many consumers are using technology to help find the lowest prices in their area. While there have been Web sites available that map gas prices by zip code, smart-phone apps such as GasBuddy, Fuel Finder, and Cheap Gas and in-car navigation systems such as Garmin and Waze put price information at drivers' fingertips while on the road. That's because these systems are based on a driver's actual location based on GPS positioning information. This is an example of crowd-sourcing information, because these apps and systems rely on volunteers to update prices.