Garmin says Nuvifone isn't Android-based, but Android stuff is on the way

So Garmin's coming out swinging in response to that Digitimes piece this morning suggesting that Android-based devices are on the way -- sort of. The company says that "the story contains a number of inaccuracies in both sales figures and product rollout schedules," and while it does say it has "an Android-based phone under development," it also reminds us that Nuvifone won't be it; instead, Garmin's first modern entry into the world of telephony will be based on a proprietary build of Linux, as was originally planned. We have to question the wisdom of this two-pronged approach since it almost obsoletes the Nuvifone before it's even released, but then again, maybe they're just pushing to get something out the door -- we've been waiting for this puppy for a year now, after all. See the full statement after the break.

CAYMAN ISLANDS/December 22, 2008/Business Wire – Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, is disputing a Monday, December 22 report in the DigiTimes trade publication entitled, "Garmin expects to ship 18 million GPS PNDs in 2008." The story contains a number of inaccuracies in both sales figures and product rollout schedules.

"Black Friday sales from our customers were what we expected and gross margins remain relatively strong," said Kevin Rauckman, Garmin's CFO and treasurer. "However, the December sales environment is weaker, which we attribute to our retail customers' desire to exit the year with lower levels of inventory."

As is customary, Garmin will update investors during its fourth quarter 2008 earnings call, scheduled for February 25, 2009.

[Ayle @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:12PM]

The more I look at that android mascot and the more I think that it looks like the zero punctuation mascot.

[Game_playa @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:32PM]

They do look similar

[Hashbrown Hunter @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:13PM]

And they're both awesome, What's not to love?

[Ryan @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:16PM]

I'll believe Garmin is developing a phone when I actually see one....

[Ryan @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:17PM]

eh......you know what I mean. :)

[Taylor. Yes, Taylor. @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:22PM]

You mean like when they showed it off last year?
Or on their official website?
http://www8.garmin.com/nuvifone/
google is your friend.
-Taylor

[eggothewaffle @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:25PM]

"We have to question the wisdom of this two-pronged approach since it almost obsoletes the Nuvifone before it's even released, but then again, maybe they're just pushing to get something out the door -- we've been waiting for this puppy for a year now, after all. See the full statement after the break."

Indeed...Why bother with a proprietary OS and ecosystem (or in this case, the lack of one) when you could use Android?

[Verythrax @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:31PM]

Nah, my interest in nuviphone just died.

[Hashbrown Hunter @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:18PM]

I think the one above me is controlling the one below and brainwashing him so that they can say the same things. It's scaring me.

[Brian @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:31PM]

There goes my interest in the first Nuvifone >.

[Sisyphus @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:35PM]

Dear Engadget,

Please find another f*%$ing stock photo for Android-related posts.

[Chris Ziegler @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:38PM]

That's right... let it all out!

[Sisyphus @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:40PM]

Hey, at least I wasn't bitching about Apple bias.

By the by, consider that your holiday gift.

[BlurMagic @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:38PM]

Personally, that party hat fuckin sucks.

This is the hat I wear to parties...

http://www.gagsandgoods.com/index.php?categoryID=84

SILVER BULLET BABY!

[Boarderwoot @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:36PM]

Android's still missing his noisemaker....

[Johnny @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:42PM]

There are no "proprietary builds of Linux." Linux is licensed under the GPL.

[grabbydad @ Dec 22nd 2008 1:52PM]

: Garmin timed out.
>>>Please shutdown and return in 1 year>>>

*Grabbydad enters a form of deep sleep for 1 year for all things Garmin*

[Chris @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:03PM]

I have been waiting for the Nuvifone because I wanted a great GPS more than a great phone but don't want to lug around both. Is there another handset that does GPS really well?

[Patriks7 @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:00PM]

Definitely the new iPho..
Nah, not really.
But I liked maps on my old Nokia, and looking at the N85, N96 or N97, which have a 2.6, 2.8 and 3.5 inch screens make them good enough to view the maps, you just need to find your price range and taste of design..

[D.S = digtal shit @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:44PM]

This phone better have a good GPS system i am sick of carrying around both a phone and GPS

[Quikboy @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:26PM]

I hope they consider doing some WinMo phones too. I like Garmin products, and it'd be nice if they could make their own WinMo phone.