14 DAY TRIAL // Garmin-Asus, the co-branded alliance between Garmin Ltd. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc., announced the release of the nuvifone M20, a device that includes mobile web-browser and premium navigation system besides phone functionalities, running under a Windows Mobile operating system. The new handset will be showcased at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week.
The Garmin-Asus nuvifone M20 is the first handset from the alliance to run Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional with enterprise email. The sleek and colorful device has been developed to fulfill the needs of all on-the-go professionals in need of a smartphone for the management of both their work and personal life. The handset includes support for dual-band 3.5G/tri-band GSM connectivity, as well as Wi-Fi capabilities, an Internet browser, push email, document viewing, multi-media capability, Bluetooth and Garmin sat nav.
The mobile phone comes with a full QWERTY soft keyboard that delivers easy to send and receive SMS, MMS and emails. At the same time, the device allows syncing with a computer so that contacts and emails are always available. Messages can be sent and received fast even when having attachments, due to HSDPA wireless connectivity and enterprise grade Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) support.
The new nuvifone M20 also includes location based services (LBS) and is able to deliver one of the most advanced LBS experiences of any Windows Mobile phone. Navigation functions are connected to applications that are commonly used, including calendar, contacts, email, or Internet apps, so as to simplify the user experience.
The handset can support download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, and includes a desktop-style web browser. Users are enabled to use their fingers to zoom and pan web pages while viewing information either in portrait or landscape mode. At the same time, the navigation to an address on a web page is possible with only a few taps of the screen.
When it comes to GPS features, the nuvifone M20 comes with preloaded maps and POIs for North America, Eastern and Western Europe, or other regions. Users can easily select a destination by simply entering the specific name or address of an establishment or search by category. The handset delivers turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions and also announces when a turn has been missed. In addition, the device keeps the information about local merchants and attractions continually updated.
Other specifications of the handset include a 2.8” TFT touch lens display, built-in microphone and speakers, built-in 4Gb/8Gb My Storage, as well as ActiveSync for Outlook, Microsoft Office and multimedia synchronization. The display delivers a 640x480 resolution and can leverage users experience while playing videos. The nuvifone M20 also comes with a 3-megapixel camera and includes geo-tagging capabilities.
