14 DAY TRIAL // Here's some more rumors and speculation on which other companies might be picking up on releasing mobile phones. Aside from Google, Dell, Microsoft and others mentioned before, it now looks like GPS-device vendors Garmin and TomTom might also be considering entering the GPS-enabled handset market with Garmin being said to have already held talks with Taiwan-based ODM handset maker Compal Communications.
For the time being, Garmin and Compal Communications declined to comment on the speculations, but according to market sources Compal has already built two portable navigation device models for Via Michelin, thus proving to be capable of manufacturing GPS handsets.
Most mobile phones are expected to come with GPS capabilities in the future, and when this happens, who will be interested in spending quite a large amount of money on a standalone GPS system?
Nokia has already launched two handsets, the N95 and 6110 Navigator, that aside from providing the user with navigation features, will also work for music playback, taking snapshots and more.
As a result, TomTom has already had an attempt of bringing its GPS systems closer to mobile phones by releasing their SIM-enabled GO 715 navigator. Moreover, the company's partnerships with Quanta and Inventec, both experienced handset makers would make things even easier for TomTom's debut on the mobile handset market. While this is just a rumor, it's one of the most believable so far.