Garmin's Mobile XT turns your phone into a GPS superstar

Garmin -- your favorite GPS team ever -- is to drop some serious map-styles all over your mobile phone. The company today announced a new set of microSD cards preloaded with its navigation software and standard maps of the US or Europe. The cards will turn your average, boring, ugly phone into a bona fide GPS superstar. Dubbed the Garmin Mobile XT, the card will tout all of the features of a typical hardware Garmin GPS unit, like turn-by-turn directions, route planning, and voice prompts. Additionally, the card provides access to the GPS-maker's online service, which lets you get real-time fuel prices, traffic reports, and weather updates. We know, you're thinking all of this sweet and easy action is going to cost you an arm, leg and first-born... but you're wrong. The company is offering the card right now for the painfully affordable price of $99, with no monthly fees or other costs, thus making this purchase seem attractive even if you don't really need it.

[snowglyder @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:04AM]

Waiting for the files to be hosted...

[HineyWipe @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:08AM]

Ah yes, inaccurate maps now on your cellphone for $99.95. Sign me up for not asking where to go.

[randy @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:08AM]

The fact that Apple prevents me from using Bluetooth modules with my iPhone just sickens me.

[randy @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:09AM]

(wireless GPS receivers)

[chris fredette @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:20PM]

the iphone has no sd slot so it doesn't matter

[randy @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:19PM]

true, but it's got this thing called 'internet', will that work?

[Pete @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:09AM]

Dang that would go well with a BB Pearl

[joey @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:54AM]

hack this sucker to be on the iphone and I am all over that like butter on bread

[rodnig1 @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:12AM]

Not blackberry compatible... darn!

[Kerry Saylor @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:13AM]

Too bad the Garmin site doesn't have any information about it. They have the link and it shows up in search, but, it goes nowhere!

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=138&pID=11413

[mordechai luchins @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:18AM]

The link says this device will "add full-featured navigation to your GPS-enabled smartphone". Um... but if it's already GPS-enabled why would I need this?

[John @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:30AM]

Try this link
https://buy.garmin.com/gmbg/start.faces

There are a number of blackberry devices supported.

[potato @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:33AM]

I think it's more for the whole directions, recommendations, and nearby amenities features. This is pretty clearly targeted at people who have GPS phones but no good software for them as of yet.

I dunno about you, I'd like instant access to restaurant reviews, traffic reports, and fuel prices on the go.

[comrade @ Oct 3rd 2007 4:28PM]

When I go through the link it tells me that the IP-830W by Samsung isn't GPS enabled and so it needs to use the Garmin GPS receiver. I'm pretty sure the 830W has GPS.

Is this just Garmin's way of saying they don't have the software written for you phone?

Is there any phone in the list that this works with without the garmin gps receiver?

[Matt @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:31AM]

Ahh, how is this news? I have running this on my 8525 for about a month. And it been out a long time, I would guess about a year already. I bought mine at J&R in NYC about 30 days ago.

Runs on q9h great as well.

[ttran97 @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:37AM]

This sounds cool. I already have a Garmin my car, but I think having it on my phone would be quite handy. Does this use your phone's airtime minutes? Do you have to pay data fees to your cell phone provider (like Verizon)?

[TrevynPaige @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:26PM]

Really? On your 8525? I have one and I thought that they lacked GPS chips in them. If I was wrong (please tell me I'm wrong, but don't lie) I am going to get one of these.

I mean...shite.

[Eric @ Dec 17th 2007 3:20PM]

I have the 8525 also. gps is available as a external bluetooth adapter. btw. the att or cingular subscription for the phone is ok for a pinch for directiuons. but i have something like this on a micro sd card from tomtom. It just has the maps preloaded so it doesnt use data to download them. As far as the garmin goes. the traffic and other goodies are a plus on my nuvi680. but to get them on the phone for no subscription would be better.

[Matt @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:42AM]

Yes, it does use data, for the garmin online, traffic, weather. But for routing and POI, its on the software.

[Ian @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:45AM]

Hmm no Far East maps covering say Singapore.

[Nick @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:35PM]

My Helio already does this!

[pstelman @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:48AM]

Garmin gives a list of which phones work with the software, but every one I choose also requires an external GPS receiver.

Is there a list somewhere of phones that already have the GPS receiving capability built in? I don't want to have to hook up to some extra device every time I need GPS. I might as well just carry one of my portable GPS units in addition to my phone, like I do now.

[ScOObyDoo @ Oct 3rd 2007 11:49AM]

Doesn't seem THAT hot to me. $99 for an SD card with maps, or a Garmin nuvi 200 for $200? $100 more gets you a complete nav system.

[Truman @ Oct 3rd 2007 12:06PM]

All things considered, it's a pretty good deal. Maybe I'm just a sucker for Garmin products, or maybe I have the distinct pleasure of having used Garmin products in the past with great results. Either way, I'll likely purchase it simply for the sake of having one less device in my life.

[Andys @ Oct 3rd 2007 12:46PM]

The nuvi 200 doesn't give you traffic. This does and it's FREE. Anything that shortens my commute is a must have.

[foobarino @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:28PM]

I've had the Garmin Mobile XT (bluetooth) with my T-Mobile Dash for about 5 months and I've been pretty impressed with it. Considering:

-The Dash with WM6 is kinda slow
-It works with the t-zones hack for hotels.com and gas prices
-You only need to remember to bring the small BT receiver

Other than that, there haven't been any map updates since I bought it (AFAIK), but it'd be nice if there were small incremental map updates (like the I-35W bridge not being there in MPLS). It'd also be nice to get European maps for less than 3x what I paid for the thing in the first place.

[TrevynPaige @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:31PM]

This is so true. My sister was using it when she came into the Mini-Apple a week ago to see me. Her GPS would have had her in the drink...it hadn't registered the fact that the bridge was gone at all.

She, being from Virginia, didn't know that it was out right ahead of where she was going and would need to detour. Thankfully, MOST people are capable of ignoring a device to actually driving according to road signs and what not..but still. An update would be nice.

[tarik @ Dec 8th 2007 10:33AM]

Hello, I have not been able to connect to garmin server (fuel prices, hotels etc.) using t-zones. Could you please elaborate on the hack that you are mentioning?

Thanks

[foobarino @ Dec 8th 2007 11:01AM]

I just have it setup using the FAQ from howardforums.com.

[Elliott @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:01PM]

How is this new? I have had the Garmin Mobile XT program for almost a year, it comes with the Garmin Mobile 10 GPS system that works with Palm, Windows Mobile and Blackberrys. For $150 I got complete North American Maps and a SirfIII Garmin GPS (which I use with my Palm, Bluetooth connection)

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=139&pID=10901

[Rob Royse @ Oct 3rd 2007 2:02PM]

This IS significant, and EXACTLY what I have been waiting for! Previously, Garmin REQUIRED you to use their bundled hardware GPS (the only way they offered it for Windows Mobile) even if your PDA/Phone had a built-in GPS. I have been suffering along on my Kaiser/TyTN II using the piece of crap that is TomTom.

[Elliott @ Oct 3rd 2007 4:07PM]

Thats not true, its been available for Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile

Huge list of phones this already works with: https://buy.garmin.com/gmbg/start.faces

The only thing thats new about this is that it will now let you use your built in GPS. That could be a plus or a minus depending on how good your integrated GPS is. For another $50 you also get a Bluetooth GPS reciever.

For PDA (Comes with Maps on DVD)
http://www.thenerds.net/GARMIN_INTERNATIONAL_Garmin_Mobile_10_Bluetooth_GPS_Receiver.0100057900.html

For PDA (Maps preloaded)
http://www.thenerds.net/GARMIN_INTERNATIONAL_Garmin_Mobile_10_Bluetooth_GPS_Receiver.0100065400.html

[archgen @ Oct 3rd 2007 4:46PM]

google maps is free and does everything that this does, this is exactly groundbreaking. the only problem with g-maps is the fact that you need a data plan on your phone.

[rhogan @ Oct 3rd 2007 5:11PM]

Google maps does not update the routing as you drive, like for instance if you miss a turn, the garmin software will reroute for you. Also google maps does not give you audio prompts as you drive.

[agreli @ Oct 3rd 2007 3:56PM]

Your phone has to be GPS ready. It does not turn just "your average, boring, ugly phone into a bona fide GPS superstar"
Am I wrong?

[Rob Royse @ Oct 3rd 2007 4:14PM]

It is true. Until just now, if you bought the Garmin Mobile XT, it was LOCKED to looking only for the Garmin hardware. It didn't matter if you had an internal GPS and wanted to use it, the software would ignore it and only talk to their hardware. I am so glad to see you can use it with your own (internal, in my case).

[Cleoz @ Oct 3rd 2007 5:16PM]

New Product Announcement
Garmin Mobile™ XT
Navigation for smartphones
Garmin International is pleased to announce Garmin Mobile XT for smartphones. Garmin Mobile XT is an all-in-one software solution preloaded on a
microSD card (with miniSD and standard SD card converters) that turns smartphones with built-in GPS into high-end Garmin navigators. Unlike other
mobile phone applications, Garmin Mobile XT requires no monthly subscription and includes access to premium real-time traffic alerts and other dynamic
content at no additional cost.1
The Garmin Mobile XT software provides the same high-quality mapping and navigation features found on other Garmin automotive devices. Users can
easily route to a specific street address or search millions of points of interest (POIs) – places like hotels, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions, with
one-touch dialing to call for more information. After selecting a destination, Garmin Mobile XT software automatically calculates the fastest or shortest
route to the destination and provides voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions along the way, all while showing a 3D moving map on the phone’s display. If
a driver strays off course, Garmin Mobile XT will automatically calculate the quickest way to get back on track. Garmin Mobile XT also includes several
power-user features such as saved routes, tracks, area or road avoidance, custom POIs and more. Map data for North America is provided by NAVTEQ –
a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
Garmin Mobile customers will also have access to powerful Garmin OnlineTM services such as dynamic traffic, fuel prices, hotel rates and weather
information at no additional cost1. The real-time traffic service from traffic.com identifies accidents, road construction, or other incidents affecting traffic, and
routes users around the congestion. The fuel prices feature displays helpful fuel information such as the filling station’s name, fuel price, type of fuel, and
distance to the station (U.S. only). View current hotel rates, ratings and availability information from hotels.com. Real-time weather information lets users
see weather conditions and forecasts at their current location or anywhere in the world.
Garmin Mobile XT also includes PeerPoints™, a powerful short message service (SMS) feature that enables users to send their position or information
about a POI to any other phone. Garmin Mobile XT will display received PeerPoints on the map and enable quick navigation to the location of POIs or
other users. Map screen shots can also be sent to other phones with multimedia messaging service (MMS). (PeerPoints requires SMS or MMS service on
the mobile phone.)
Garmin Mobile XT supports a wide range of smartphones including devices running Windows® Mobile, Symbian S60 (2nd and 3rd Editions), and Palm®
Treos with Bluetooth® wireless technology. Garmin Mobile XT requires an embedded GPS or a Bluetooth GPS receiver. For devices without embedded
GPS, Garmin Mobile 10 for Smartphones (010-00654-00) includes a portable Bluetooth GPS receiver and Garmin Mobile [phone]) includes an
all-in-one Bluetooth GPS receiver, handsfree kit, smartphone cradle and device charger, with the Garmin Mobile XT application and data preloaded on a
memory card.
1Requires wireless data service on phones that support internet access. See service provider for applicable charges. Not all services available in all areas.
Garmin Mobile™ XT for smartphones, North America
Package includes: microSD data card (with miniSD and SD adapters) preloaded with City Navigator® NT2 maps and navigation software, quick start
manuals
Availability: November, 2007

[boisvert00 @ Oct 3rd 2007 5:48PM]

Ok so I know the guy further up stated that his 8525 worked and to get the updates you needed a data plan. For someone who is cheap and not looking to pay for At&t's telenav, can you just use this without a data plan and intergrated gps on the 8525???

[mixmaven @ Oct 3rd 2007 6:23PM]

I have been using this product with my TyTN II/Kaiser for the past couple of weeks and it works great. I was lucky enough to be able to test the product and just as people wrote above, it is no longer locked to a garmin GPS, just the memory card. Great product, better than tomtom by far here in the US.

-mix

[John @ Oct 3rd 2007 6:24PM]

Garmin Mobile XT also includes PeerPoints(TM), a powerful feature
enabling users to send their position to any other phone as well as view
and navigate to the location of other Garmin Mobile XT users. PeerPoints is
the perfect way to keep track of friends and family and navigate to them
with the touch of a button.

pretty cool feature.

[Uuan @ Oct 3rd 2007 9:55PM]

I am very interested in this for my blackberry. Does this thing say "Turn left in 100 meters" or "Turn left at Roland Street"?

[KC @ Oct 4th 2007 8:58AM]

I like the concept - but on my 8100 perl it requires a dongle and the external GPS receiver bringing the price to $162US for year-1. Sounds like one more thing to get tangled and bend my connectors. I would opt for a standalone GPS.

Also, I couldn't find what the 'subscription' cost would be for the following year(s)... another reason to go standalone. If you have internal GPS - this might rock but the external 'parts' sent me walking.

[martinldart @ Oct 11th 2007 6:05PM]

List of phones at:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=11413

[DRAYCO @ Nov 25th 2007 7:32PM]

Would anyone happen to know if this "UNLOCKED" software would work on the integrated GPS of the Mio DigiWalker P550 PDA?

Also, can it load maps from the many Garmin MapSource mapping software databases they sell? I have both North America and Europe, would love if this did that, I would buy it right away.

Thanks

[Drew @ Nov 25th 2007 2:03PM]

Ok...the biggest problem I see with the Garmin Mobile XT is that it will only work with Garmin's supplied microSD card!

I have a 4GB microSD card plugged into my ATT Tilt and I was able to install TomTom Navigator 6 on my OWN card.

I have many other programs loaded on my 4GB microSD card, along side of the TomTom Navigator 6 program, and the TomTom runs just fine.

I'd love to give the Garmin Mobile XT program a try but having to pull out my own card and install the Garmin card everytime I want to use GPS is not an option for me.

So...am I wrong in stating that the Garmin Mobile XT will only run on Garmin's supplied SD card or can the program be installed on my own card?

Drew
Boston, Ma.

[David @ Nov 25th 2007 2:32PM]

Does Garming Mobile XT have text to voice? Specifically, does it announce turns such as "Turn right on Pine Street"?

[bushdogg @ Jan 16th 2008 4:08PM]

TTS is not an out of the box feature of Garmin Mobile XT...dissapointing but I still like the fact that it gives me traffic updates and I didn't have to purchase another device.

Does anyone know if Garmin plans on including TTS in an update/patch?

[bill @ Dec 2nd 2007 2:34PM]

In response to a couple questions:

-- No text-to-voice; it says "turn right in 100 yards", not "turn right on main st"

-- Garmin XT is locked to the sd card, but there is a workaround, go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=348003&highlight=garmi

it's a very long thread, important instructions are in post #68; plus the posts that refer you to mininova.org (u need to go there to download the software and detailed instructions)

hope this helps