Garmin "getting very close" to a US Nuvifone launch... or so it says

If you've a proven track record of delivering solid products to consumers (much like Garmin has), we'll cut you some slack for awhile if you happen to hit a snag or two along the way while bringing a completely new device to market. But after more delays than we care to count and a 1.5 year gap between announcement and right now, the benefit of the doubt vanishes. To that end, we couldn't be happier to report that Garmin's president and COO Cliff Pemble feels that it's "getting very close" to a carrier launch (AT&T, perhaps?) in the US. Said statement was given at a shareholders meeting today, and he also mentioned that the Asian market would see the Nuvifone "this month or in early July." We appreciate the update, but at this point, the burden of proof is squarely on you, Garmin.

[Via Electronista]

[Sg. Grant @ Jun 5th 2009 5:50PM]

i have full garmin gps software in my incite. i'll stick with that for now.

[iphonerulez @ Jun 5th 2009 6:05PM]

Ooooh! The Garmin VaporwarePhone ready to do battle with the big boys. One more company that's going to try to gain traction in a horrendous economy and against the growing tide of Android and now WebOS handsets. I know Garmin lost a lot of cash on their GPS devices and introducing this NuviPhone isn't going to help them much. Far too much competition from seasoned veterans and noobies alike.

[hated @ Jun 5th 2009 5:52PM]

For some reason this causes zero excitement for me
Maybe cuz iPhone v3 is just 2 days away,

[Idlemind @ Jun 5th 2009 6:01PM]

Yup.... I feel like a 5-Year old waiting for Christmas in my footsie pajamas...

[murmermer @ Jun 5th 2009 8:02PM]

you're right, this would have been great 2 years ago BUT with TbT directions from the OS 3.0 there is no point in changing to this device... you had me Garmin, now you lost me

[DT @ Jun 5th 2009 5:53PM]

Why would anyone want this phone over a pre or iPhone? I just don't see where the market is here.

[JS @ Jun 5th 2009 6:02PM]

GPS features and hopefully cost (though I doubt it). Also some people may not be interested all the apps etc. that Pre and iPhone have.

Competition is good .. I hope it's low priced and does well.

[Idlemind @ Jun 5th 2009 6:03PM]

I guess they figure....

Good Phones have so so GPS technology....


Maybe someone wants a Good GPS with a so so phone

[Wonderkid @ Jun 5th 2009 6:01PM]

Garmin had a fantastic opportunity to use their leadership in GPS technology to produce a hybrid location aware phone, not only ahead of the 3G iPhone, but even the original iPhone - the Nuvifone has been in the wings for eons, and looked promising. Both Google's Android and the next iPhone, not to mention Nokia's GPS offerings provide an attractive developer opportunity. I fear too little, too late. A great pitty, and the one upshot of Microsoft's policy of 'getting stuff out the door' and fixing any problems with V1.1. (Not advocating that, but if you wait forever, you die, broken.)

[Eric Foor @ Jun 5th 2009 6:03PM]

I bet it gives voice instructions on how to work the phone.

[giantenemycrab @ Jun 5th 2009 6:04PM]

Come on, Garmin! I really want this phone.

[VillaPanda @ Jun 5th 2009 6:08PM]

no one wants this phone, its the biggest flop in the entire history of flops!

[Timm @ Jun 5th 2009 6:34PM]

I want it too! I've been waiting for its release since last year and in the mean time I have given away my iPhone and discontinued service on my G1. This phone is going to kick ass.

[turtlesoup @ Jun 5th 2009 7:15PM]

Sweet! This means Verizon will have it by 2023! My contract should be up by then I and I can get my "New Every 2,000" $5 discount!

[Craig @ Jun 5th 2009 7:39PM]

Unless it runs webOS, I'll wait.

[YouFaceTheTick @ Jun 6th 2009 1:32AM]

Tick tock Garmin...your business is about to implode. You're the equivalent 1980s Texas Instruments...

[STP @ Jun 6th 2009 2:25AM]

agree

[xXChEzZzZXx @ Jun 6th 2009 6:14PM]

I think they are delaying the Nuvifone because Garmin is not satisfied with the product. I feel the wait will be well worth it to consumers; and I am pretty excited about this phone at this point.