By We covered Garmin’s announcement of the Nuvi Smartphone Connect feature that allows you to use your phone’s data connection with Bluetooth-enabled Garmin Nuvi devices. The online services were nothing new but Garmin i1 making it convenient for folks who’d rather not have to pay for a separate data connection just for their GPS’s data-required features. On the actual navigation unit you can get things like gas prices, traffic, weather reports and more. There’s not much to it so take a look in the video above.
A GPS unit without these features is pretty redundant. This GPS unit with these more advanced features is still redundant. They gotta do something to remain relevant though.
You mean like release their GPS software for the various mobile platforms directly and just forget trying to compete against them… because they can’t? Garmin is not a competitor in the mobile market and they never will be. They don’t make phones; they make GPS’ and the software that runs on them. If they want in on the mobile market, they need to stop trying to compete against it and work WITH it.
I had a Garmin Nuvi 360 for a long time and that thing was a champ. Loved it. But it became unnecessary when I got a smartphone. Though I still prefer Garmin’s route-finding algorithms and TTS over Google’s. So I’d definitely pay for a Garmin app on my Galaxy Nexus.
I agree. Felt like an attack at first LOL.
We bought a 4.3″ Nuvi something back in August and then 2 months later I bought my GS2. Naturally the Garmin is collecting $100 worth of dust on my bookshelf until I go on vacation.
Why why is Garmin still making phones? I mean whats the point when youre phone already have gpa on it or just buy a inexpensive gps. Their last one was a complete failure.
Its not a phone.
this is great, i just got a nuvi for Christmas and i will occasionally use this as i am a heavy driver
I’m glad you asked about their (lack of) coordination with carriers. The Garmin rep made it clear that they had no contact with carriers regarding tethering their devices to smart phones. Are they really unaware that this violates the terms of service for most (if not all) carriers?
That is not the trend in Europe – most carriers have lifted restrictions and are even removing the extra charge per month that they use to make, for tethering
I really wish Garmin would just come out with software to use their topographical maps on smart phones. Be able to use the maps without data…. I know other companies are doing this but Garmin seems to have the best and largest database of topo maps out there.