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The onslaught of new smartphones equipped with satellite-navigation features is becoming a big threat to the dwindling behemoth in the personal navigation, Garmin.

While the beleaguered company blames the weak economy and that consumers seem to be more cost-conscious these days, you can’t dispel the blow created by the wireless industry. Today, personal navigation is no longer a special feature but a must-have for new mobile phones. Combine this with the power of mobile Internet and you will have a potent weapon to grab sizeable market share away from Garmin and other GPS players.

As the WSJ pointed out, this is reminiscent of the downfall of the Palm PDA with the entry of smartphones from companies like Nokia and BlackBerry.

Of course, Garmin is quite determined to put up a fight by release its very own iPhone-clone codenamed the Nuvifone. Unfortunately, we informed you a few days ago that its launch is delayed to first half of 2009 from the original timeline of of Q4 2008. Terrible news, indeed.

Again, this is a constant reminder for electronics companies to monitor the shifting market trends and continue its relentless efforts to improve its products.

Read [WSJ]

This is where we call out by names the actions and companies that seem odd, out of touch or just plain straight up smokin crack.  Technology is an odd realm where PR speak doesn’t hold a lot of water if the 1s and 0s don’t line up.  This week sees posturing, positioning and flat out insanity.  Here is what caught my eye this week:

iPhone 3G stock - Apple seems to be going to the Nintendo Wii’s model of avoiding any price deterioration: keep the darn thing out of stock.  Almost 3 weeks after launch and still lines in most stores to pick one up; if they even have the stock.  This doesn’t seem to be settling down; and it is looking like a huge customer grab for AT&T.  Amazing, either demand is just huge or Apple is playing with the supply figures.  Either way, crack is involved.

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In a statement released with Garmins earnings report, the Nuvifone has been pushed back from its original estimate of Q4 of this year to the “first half of 2009”.  Surely, it is not the navigation part of the convergence device that is slowing the team down, or is it?

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Today, Garmin announced two new GPS units that are similar to each other called the Nuvi 500 and Nuvi 550. The interesting thing about these GPS units is that they are both capable of helping when driving, or when outdoors such as hiking. One of the main differences between the 500 and the 550 is that the 500 provides US only maps, while the 550 comes with maps of North America.

Both of these devices sport 3.5-inch screens, full street maps, waterproof touchscreens, as well as handy topology maps. It comes with a swift toggle system to switch between maps, and it also comes with a compass. The topology maps and the compass should both come in handy when outdoors. They also have support to load photos as well as sharing photos. It has something called Route 66 guide, which means it will display special POI’s or landmarks along highways. 

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One of the things in this year’s tour that is really making an impression on me is riders choosing to make their bike heavier.  Normally, cyclists (or any endurance athletes) strive to have nothing extra.  No cost is too big, no weight savings too small.  So when you have more and more Tour riders choosing to put a Garmin GPS and a PowerTap hub, it deserves a closer look.

I had the chance to interview Jake Jacobson, Garmin’s Senior Media Relations Specialist, who was actually in France with the Tour riders, the lucky guy.  He was gracious enough to answer my questions despite moving from town to town in the French countryside.

I’ll point out here that saying Garmin’s hundreds of thousands of dollar investment in the Garmin-Chipotle team was a move into a niche market was probably not the wisest of moves for me.  Luckily, Jake didn’t hold against me and was gracious enough to answer anyway.

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These new GPS model from Garmin are pretty much meant for people who are outdoors a lot and need a GPS to get around. There are four models in the Oregon series, one being the base model, and then the other three models all have a unique special feature.

Basically, all four of the models come with a 3-inch touchscreen, and the system is designed to be waterproof, shock resistant and survive very harsh conditions. It comes with HotFix technology, which is a feature that allows the device to remember a specific location. In addition, it comes with a microSD slot, which allows you to add more maps if you want or need. 

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Bicycle technology continues to evolve and this year, we set out to find what new and/or interesting technology is being used to aid these athletes in pushing their bikes faster.  The answers may surprise you.  With a field of competitors with no stand out favorites, this year is surely anyone’s race.  Here is the tech that got us excited:

E-Dura Ace shifters: while not totally new (we’ve seen iterations for 3 years now) Shimano’s luxury shifters are getting some play by top riders.  Most recently on Gerolsteiner’s time trial bike, these shifters allow electronic push button shifting.  Normal shifters are mechanical and push or pull a cable connected to the derrailluer to shift the gears.  Electronic shifters have been pedaled for years by companies like Mavic, but have not caught on mainstream.  Worries of interference such as the guy in front of you shifting causing your gear to intercept the signal and you shift, are the oft cited complaints.

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Summer adventures require some serious gadgetry, enter the Garmin Colorado 400c.  Billed as a mariners best friend this GPS handheld meshes waterproofing, marine Blue Charts and innovative UI and controls.  I’ve got the Colorado in hand for some serious trialing.  My aim is to test it on the sea, land and if I can get it past the FAA, air.  The actual review may be delayed pending my arraignment.

Initial thoughts: wheel is very intuitive to use.  Seems capable for multi-use.  Reaction time is very good to changes in direction.  Satellite acquisition is quick.  Fun to use.

But on to the peep show.  (hit the jump for images)

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Garmin’s first try in the phone industry, the Nuvifone, finally has managed to partner up with a carrier, and rumor has it that it will be the same carrier as the historical iPhone, AT&T. We also previously knew that this phone would be coming in Q3 of this year, but now we also know the price, $500. A hefty price tag, but this phone is destined to go head-to-head with the iPhone, so the price seems fairly reasonable.

To recap what we already know about this phone, it comes with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth functionality, 3.5G, still camera, touch screen, video camera, and integrated Google Local Search. In addition, it was set to come with the same access as Garmin’s GPS’ have, such as real time traffic, gas prices, and weather.

Now what we just learned starting with GPS. It is set to come with 6 million POI’s, a touch screen that is comparable to other Garmin GPS’, and turn-by-turn directions. It can even find out where you parked your car in case you can’t remember. Of course, a normal Garmin GPS might be better suited to fulfill your GPS needs, however, this phone does a pretty nice job of at least meeting, if not exceeding your expectations. It also comes with audio and video playback, acting like a PMP, similarly to the iPhone. Moving onto Wi-Fi functions, it comes with high speed cellular internet, and, obviously, Wi-Fi. Garmin even says that the web on the phone is “PC-Like”.

Here’s the interesting part, a snapshot of a recent survey by Garmin asks a question to the person who was taking the survey.

“Now, how likely would you be to buy the Garmin nüvifone (for yourself or as a gift) if offered by AT&T for $499.99 with a two year contract? You would be required to have both a data plan that would include unlimited Internet browsing and unlimited Navigation for $19.99 per month and one of the standard voice rate plans for a monthly fee.”

What would your answer be to this question? If I were being asked, I think I would say “yes”, mainly because it comes with basically identical features as the iPhone, but comes with a reliable, and high quality integrated GPS. In today’s world, GPS is becoming a necessity, so that aspect will play a big role in drawing customers in buying such a phone. If you don’t feel like answering the above question, do you think it will be able to match the iPhone, in both popularity as well as quality?

Via [Engadget]

Suzuki has recently announced that they will be incorporating a free Garmin GPS in every 2009 SX4 as a standard option. Within the car will be a special compartment called “T.R.I.P”, in which the GPS will be housed. T.R.I.P stands for Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play, hey that’s clever, Suzuki. Otherwise, the GPS comes with Bluetooth functionality, for hands free calling, traffic updates, and MSN Direct, however, the MSN Direct feature is still unconfirmed as of now. Some speculation is that this Garmin GPS is a customized Nuvi 780. If you don’t want to purchase this car, and get another car, the same type of GPS will set you back $500 when purchased by itself. This sounds like a good plan to me to boost Suzuki car sales, however, I doubt people would be buying the car just for the GPS. Although, for customers on the fence about this car, throwing in the GPS might make people go for it. More important hopefully other car makers will see this as a good move and follow with similar offerings.

Via [NaviGadget]