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Garmin to Launch a Range of Mobile Phones
Navigation device manufacturer, Garmin has teamed up with Taiwan's ASUSTeK Computer to launch a range of navigation optimised mobile phones. The two firms say that they have already begun joint development on a diverse mobile phone product line, which will be known as the Garmin-Asus nüvifone series, with the first models expected this year.
"We believe that converged devices are an emerging opportunity," said Dr. Min Kao, chairman and CEO of Garmin. "This alliance is advantageous to both companies because it allows us to combine our resources and establish a strong foundation from which we will innovate and introduce the world to the benefits of LBS-centric mobile phones. We've been working with ASUS for over one year on the initial nüvifone that was announced in 2008 on the basis of an ODM relationship."
All Garmin-Asus nüvifone devices will continue the product vision of the original nüvifone and will be LBS-centric devices that seamlessly connect, communicate and navigate. The original Garmin nüvifone that was announced in 2008 will be re-branded as the Garmin-Asus nüvifone G60.
The Garmin-Asus nüvifone G60 is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2009.
LBS functionality is core to the Garmin-Asus nüvifone series, which will offer the same turn-by-turn, voice-prompted navigation features found on high-end Garmin portable navigation devices (PND). It has preloaded maps and millions of points of interest that allow drivers to quickly find a specific street address, establishment's name or search for a destination by category. In addition, the nüvifone includes quick access to online points of interest through internet enabled local search. The nüvifone harnesses the power of the worldwide web and information about local merchants and attractions is continually updated.
Posted to the site on 4th February 2009