GPS-based navigation devices maker Garmin’s last phone didn’t please critics or consumers. But that isn’t stopping the company from offering a similar device–this time using the Android operating system.
The Android phone called Garminfone will be available exclusively on T-Mobile but the two companies have not disclosed pricing or availability.
The Garminfone is fairly ordinary in its technical specs. The device has a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, a 3 megapixel camera, music player, Wi-Fi and all the standard Google services such as Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps.
But where the Garminfone hopes to shine is with its navigation centric design. The smartphone has voice and on-screen turn-by-turn directions for walking, driving or public transit. It also offers real-time traffic and weather information, nearby gas prices and allows users to to record custom voice directions from family and friends.
There are some extras such as flight status and local search and the device comes with a charging dashboard and window mount.
All of this would have been impressive had it not been for the fact that Google has built many of these features into the latest version of the Android operating system. Android 2.1 has turn-by-turn navigation and is now available on devices such as Motorola Droid and HTC Nexus One.
To stand out, Garmin needs to offer a really zippy device that blows consumers away in either its technical prowess or ease of use. Or its latest phone might just meet the fate of its predecessor, the Nuvifone G60, a device that lacked charm and was difficult to use.
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Photo: Garminfone/T-Mobile
