In the third quarter of 2008, Garmin is planning on releasing the Nuvifone, a 3G smartphone designed with its own operating system with GPS navigation at its core. Finding technical details about the Nuvifone is difficult, so it’s rational to assume that development is still underway.
It offers some things not available on the iPhone such as voice directions, preloaded maps, and a built-in database with “millions” of points of interest. It will also provide unique services, for example, when used with a vehicle mount, it will be able to help drivers find their car by automatically marking the position where it was last removed from the vehicle.
Currently, Garmin has no plans on releasing an SDK to allow developers to create custom applications. This suggests that any software used on the phone will have to be corporate-approved or unlicensed hacks. This will put the NuviPhone at a distinct disadvantage to the 3G iPhone, which will provide an SDK and open OS.
After all, can a smartphone be considered “smart” without an open OS?
Nuvifone doesn’t have a carrier yet, so Garmin has the option of selling it as an unlocked device for use with any telecom provider. However, without carrier subsidies, the price may simply be too high to gain a large market foothold. Perhaps, it will be marketed to consumers not subscribed to AT&T.
Instead of being a challenger to the iPhone, the Nuvifone appears to be better positioned to be a competitor against Dash Express. Personally, I would like to see Garmin partner with Google to create a GPS-centric device to contend with the 3G iPhone.
The world awaits a smartphone where GPS is more than an afterthought.
Tags: Dash Navigation · Garmin · GPS · iPhoneNo Comments
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