Garmin-ASUS today announced two new handsets: The nüvifone A50 and nüvifone M10.
The A50 is Android device with a 3.5″ HVGA touchscreen display, 3 megapixel camera, HSDPA connectivity, QUERTY touchscreen keyboard, 4GB of internal memory, an SD drive and accelerometer. It’s navigation capabilities are steller thanks to its e-compass and GPS chipset that draws location signals from satellites as well as network and terrestrial sources. Garmin’s own pre-loaded turn-by-turn navigation software is superior to other phone GPS apps.
“The A50 brings premium navigation features to the Android operating system, offering users a seamless location based experience along with access to the wealth of applications that the platform affords,” said Benson Lin, vice president and general manager of ASUS’ personal mobile devices business unit, handheld business group.
“Location is relevant to everything you do,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO. “The A50 integrates navigation and GPS functionality throughout the device, which gives customers the versatility and reliability they need as they navigate their day.”
The A50 integrates Google™ mobile services with one-click access to Google Search™ by voice, Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, calendar, contacts and the Android Market™
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With a powerful, multi-touch capable WebKit browser, the Garmin nuvi A50 allows users to browse the web at quick speeds and view streaming content. In addition, it automatically identifies location information embedded within web pages allowing the user to quickly navigate to the locations published on the world-wide web.
Moving on, we have the M10. Running Windows Mobile 6.5.3, it isn’t as spec’d out as the A50 GPS wise, but it still can take on any other smartphone and even many dedicated GPS units. Physical characteristics include a 3.5″ WVGA display (resistive), Wi-Fi and HSDPA radios, 512MB of RAM and ROM, 5-MP Camera with GeoTracking and 4GB of in-built memory.
“The Garmin-Asus M10 is our answer to people’s need for work-life balance. The M10 runs Windows® Mobile, making it the ideal smartphone for business use, while its smart navigation capabilities, comprehensive social networking features and connected services enable users to lead a truly smart lifestyle. The M10 is the phone for the new Smart3 era.” said Benson Lin, Vice President and General Manager of ASUS’ Personal Mobile Devices Business Unit, Handheld Business Group.
“The Garmin-Asus M10 is a powerful time-saving tool that is designed for anyone who is tired of carrying numerous devices and instead wants to carry one device that gives them many of the same features found on a stand-alone phone, laptop, PND and digital camera,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and COO.
“Windows phones move seamlessly from work to play, creating new experiences through a variety of hardware, applications and services,” said Andy Lees, senior vice president of Mobile Communication Business at Microsoft. “We are pleased to work closely with Garmin-Asus to bring to market Windows phones based on the latest version of Windows phone today and look forward to our work bringing more Windows phones to market in the future.”
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The M10’s Billboard feature displays the most important information so users can review all at one glance. An intuitive 3D Task Manager also allows users to switch easily between running applications. The M10 is equipped with a 1500 mAh battery for hours of uninterrupted use, as well as a full QWERTY soft keyboard for speedy text input and can be synched to Microsoft Exchange® so that contacts, calendars and emails are always available and secure.
The M10 has advanced navigation features equivalent to a high-end Garmin nüvi® such as lane assist with junction view that guides drivers to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit and realistically displays road signs. It also has highway mode that tells drivers the next three upcoming street exits so they can plan ahead*. The M10 is ready for automotive navigation out-of-the-box, and it includes everything you need to use the device in a car, including a powered cradle and windshield mount.
Both the Garmin nüvifone A50 and the Garmin nüvifone M10 boast a range of social capabilities, including access to Facebook™ and Picasa Web Albums™. It also places real-time information on connected services* such as weather, safety cameras, traffic, flight status, and fuel prices at users’ fingertips.
The Garmin nüvifone A50 and the Garmin nüvifone M10 will be available in Europe in the first half of 2010. Specific availability and pricing details will be given in the future. Additional information about Garmin-Asus products is available at www.GarminAsus.com.
