Garmin Nuvifone

When we talk about Garmin, I think most people notice that this company is one of the main player in GPS devices. On January 30, 2008, Garmin has announced its entrance into mobile phone market with nüvifone. It is a truly sat-nav smart phone with iPhone size. Many said this could be iPhone killer as it has functions and design that similar to iphone except for GPS navigation. Most people don’t want to carry separate GPS device with them and any integration GPS and mobile phone/PDA will make life much easier.

This sleek and slim nüvifone comes with 3.5in touchscreen make it easy to navigate and view map. The menu screen has three main icons, Phone, Search and Navigation make it easy to switch between three main functions. The navigation button will automatically switches to GPS, activates navigation menu and enable hands-free calling when in its car cradle. It also has side panel which give you quick access to Browser, SMS, Email and Tools.

When it comes to connectivity nüvifone powered with HSDPA or 3.5G connection make it ideal for browsing internet. It web browser runs in landscape mode and uses the same simple menus. It also includes Google Local Search, will let you search for locations and then navigate via GPS straight to the location selected. It also have the usual functions of sms, instant messaging and email.

The Nüvifone includes preloaded maps of North America, Eastern and Western Europe. You can search via street address, place name or category using the nüvifone’s built-in database with millions of points of interest. Navication will be turn-by-turn and voice prompted and if you miss a turn along the route, nüvifone automatically recalculates a route and gets them back on track, speaking the names of the streets along the way. ‘Where Am I’ features gives your position and what’s around you.

The nüvifone also includes numerous mobile entertainment applications. The built-in 3MP camera allows individuals to take a picture that will automatically be tagged with the exact latitude and longitude reference of where the image was taken. The user may then save the image so they can navigate back to the location, or email the image to a recipient who can navigate directly to the location. The nüvifone also provides direct access to millions of geo-located landmark and sightseeing photographs available through Google’s Panoramio picture sharing site. The Panoramio photo search feature enhances the enjoyment and adventure of sightseeing in an otherwise unfamiliar location. Other multimedia functions of the nüvifone include a built-in video camera, MP3 and MPEG4/AAC.

The nüvifone will be available in 3Q 2008. Specific details about pricing and sales partners will be announced in the future. Additional information about nüvifone is available at www.garmin.com/nuvifone.