Garmin to launch GPS smart phone
February 4, 2008 – 11:37 amGarmin Ltd plans to launch a touch-screen mobile phone complete with Web browser and satellite navigation software. The Garmin Nüvifone -- a moniker derived from Garmin's existing Nüvi satellite navigation device range -- will combine 3.5G phone capability with an Internet browser, data connectivity, personal messaging and full personal navigation functions. The slim phone will feature a 3.5-in. LCD touch screen, built-in still camera for stills and video, and an audio player for MP3, MPEG-4 and AAC files. When docked in its vehicle mount, the GPS will automatically engage and the navigation menu will start up. The Nüvifone's hands-free feature will also kick in when the handset is placed in the cradle. Preloaded with maps of North America and eastern and western Europe, the Nüvifone will be Garmin's first device to include Google Local Search. Users will be able to search for locations by type, such ...