Garmin Nuvifone, the gPhone?

... written for Panbo by Ben Ellison and posted on Jan 30, 2008

Garmin Nuvifone

Lusting after what looks like a breakthrough cell phone, Internet tablet, video/still camera, and PND (personal navigation device) is way more fun than fretting over FCC frustrations. Garmin surprised a lot of us when it introduced the Nuvifone in NYC this evening. Sure, it looks like an iPhone but the early info suggests that it has even more going for it, especially the GPS/navigation part, but also a tight Google relationship and fast 3.5G GSM cell data. 


WiFi and Bluetooth too; look at all those icons along the top of that browser screen below, and imagine the integration possible. No talk of land or marine navigation yet, but Garmin could add it in a blink and/or they could conceivably let in developers like ActiveCaptain (ACM would run stupendously on that 3.5” touch screen I’d guess). Engadget’s got most of the goods, and Garmin has started a special site, though didn’t include the gPhone in its elaborate Super Bowl ad.


Garmin Nuvifone web screen

Posted by Ben E on January 30, 2008 10:40 PM

Comments

I know 2.5G (Edge), 3G and LTE, what's 3.5G?

Posted by: Russ at January 31, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply

BTW, the timing is not such a surprise as the Barcelona Mobility Congress (formerly GSM World Congress, then 3GSM World) is in two weeks. It's the grand trade show for the cellular world.

Posted by: Russ at January 31, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply

Very interesting and has some real potential. You hit the nail on the head with a wish for a 3rd party developer API and I only hope they allow some sort of user generated content like the new DASH gps devices for cars.... but.. doing this through Active Captain would accomplish the same goal.

Posted by: John at January 31, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply

I see, they're calling HSPDA 3.5G.

Posted by: Russ at January 31, 2008 1:30 PM | Reply

Garmin announced they are getting out of the phone business..

http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/11/03/garmin.q3.marks.exit.from.smartphone.business/

Posted by: GPSNavX at November 3, 2010 9:15 PM | Reply

I'm not surprised.
I am very familiar with Garmin products,I have a GPSMap60CSX and a couple other devices.

But when I bought my ipad and loaded Navionics on it,I realized Garmin was way behind in the software side.

The software on the 60CSX seems incredibly clunky and slow now.

I always thought it was a mistake for them to use their own BlueChart..instead of just using Navionics or C-map.

However...The 60CSx comes with me on hikes and kayaking,
the ipad stays in the motherships cabin.

Posted by: Peter Coupland at November 6, 2010 11:19 AM | Reply

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