Garmin announces the nuvifone

That's right folks -- Garmin has just announced its new iPhone-like smartphone, the nüvifone. The device features full browsing, PIM, phone and of course, GPS functions. It's an HSDPA, quad-band phone, also equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth and a somewhat familiar ultrathin design with full touchscreen support. The unit will use Garmin's proprietary OS which is based on the UI its GPS units utilize, and sports a 3.5-inch LCD display... not unlike certain PNDs you know and love. There's no word on price or release date, though the company swears we're going to be hearing about it soon.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 4th 2008 7:06PM]

Let's see, proprietary OS. So that means little or no third party software. I wish, I wish, I wish, someone would give me an alternative to Microsoft that also gives me the ability to add the programs that I want. That's what makes Microsoft the OS we all love to hate. Sorry, but until someone gives me a smartphone with GPS and the ability to add a wide range of programs like Microsoft Windows Mobile 6, or Vista, or XP, etc, etc, I will be running through life cursing Microsoft everytime I boot up my computer (or Smartphone).

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 8th 2008 7:35AM]

Its ugly!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 1st 2008 10:45PM]

Where is the Voice over IP? If it has Wifi then it could be used for voice calls without using cell. Drop in an application like mCUE and Voice-over-IM would be an incredible feature set. i.e. with GPS, friends on your buddy list could have location information, so you could browse to their locations, do voice conferencing, etc..

[bahoo Posted Feb 2nd 2008 11:10PM]

i got to hold a few of these tonight when i went to garmin...and i'm impressed...I even held an iphone right next to one. I'll have to say, the nuviphone will give the iphone a run for its money in the size department...i think the nuviphone is a hair smaller. The UI looks reall sharp, but i wasn't able to mess around with it too much...i can't wait to see the UI as it improves.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 4th 2008 2:02PM]

Tinu @ Jan 30th 2008 7:42PM wrote

"I wonder if Apple will sue because Nuviphone has the word "iPhone" inside it :-P. j/k."

But Nuvifone is written with "f" but NOT with rhe "ph" like in iPhone so Garmin should be free of charge :-)

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 30th 2008 11:33AM]

Girls, Girls, Girls & mostly geeks,
Just remember, it's only a phone, at one time all you needed was two shillings in yer pocket to make a call. Now you want the world. Garmin are pedigree, unlike the rest of the wannabes, any sucker can make a phone, get it! Garmin have made another fantastic GPS with a phone on the side. If you lot ever left your mummies lap I could see you needing a GPS, otherwise leave the GPS/phone to the men.
P.S.
Apple WTF!!! ..... thats lunch!