14 DAY TRIAL // Today, wireless carrier T-Mobile USA announced the near launch of the Garminfone, the first Android-powered smartphone with integrated Garmin premium navigation. According to the carrier, the new device is set to become available for purchase later during spring, delivering a large 3.5-inch touchscreen display, 3G connectivity options, and enhanced navigation capabilities.
“The Garminfone brings together two increasingly popular devices in one state-of-the-art package, delivering a rich, unique experience that no other smartphone or standalone navigation device can offer,” said George Harrison, vice president, marketing product innovation, T-Mobile USA. “Busy people balancing personal and professional lives are increasingly seeking smartphones, and the deep integration of Garmin navigation into the smartphone features of this device helps them do more with one device to more simply navigate their busy lives.”
The features and specifications list of the new handset include a 3-megapixel photo snapper with auto focus and geo-tagging, integrated navigation and smartphone experience, easy uploading and emailing of photos, integrated Google mobile services such as Google Search by voice, Google Maps, and YouTube, access to the Android Market, a mobile Web browser with pinch and zoom capabilities, and more. The Garminfone utilizes text-to-speech technology, and can deliver enhanced navigation via Garmin's integrated solution.
Cliff Pemble, president and COO, Garmin International, said, “As the North American leader in Personal Navigation Devices, Garmin sought to partner with the leading carrier of Android smartphones, T-Mobile USA, to bring our first Android device to market. Garmin’s advanced, user-friendly navigation technology is used by millions of people every day, and the combination of Garmin’s rich navigation services on the Android platform simply makes Garminfone a must-have device for families, individuals, travelers, commuters, and professionals alike.”
The upcoming Garminfone comes with support for fast data speeds via the 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity options packed inside it. Easy access to personal and corporate email accounts is included among the handset's features, as well as support for Microsoft Exchange e-mail, contacts and calendar. Moreover, the device comes with social networking features, instant messaging and music player. The new mobile phone will become available for purchase in the US exclusively via T-Mobile during spring.