Garmin unveils “nuvifone”: slick navigator/touchscreen phone

Posted January 31, 2008 at 09:36 AM by JG Mason

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Mobile, Gadgets / Other, GPS/Navigation

Meet the nuvifone, Garmin’s latest entry in the phone space.  The slick little unit is touch-screen dependent and packed to the gills with features.  I am not sure what I am more impressed with: the slickness of the nuvifone or Garmin’s gumption to enter a tough market they’ve not had success in before.

Announced last night at a press event Gadgetell attended in NYC, the nuvifone looks to be a little thicker than an iPhone but even more featured.  Some of the early specs released include: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5G, camera for stills and video, integrated Google Local Search and more.  Expect this to be a player come Q3 at an undisclosed price with service from undisclosed carriers.  And as you’d expect, the nuvifone has access to Garmin’s real time information like traffic, gas prices and weather.

While just two phones were displayed, Garmin officials offered some a chance to get their hands on it.  The consensus was it was a little thicker than the iPhone but similar in weight.

Designed to be a seamless transition for Garmin fans, the phone’s UI is based on their nuvi navigation devices.  Garmin officials promised the ability to sync contacts and calendar events to the nuvifone.  We’l have more details as they emerge.

Company site: [Garmin]