Garmin Making Big News On Last Day of March
April 1, 2008 Category: GPS, Travel No Comments »
The first announcement yesterday was a new “Send to GPS” option now available for Google Maps and MapQuest. Available today, just plug in your Garmin unit via USB and send your waypoint(s) with the click of the button. Of course this isn’t as cool at doing it wirelessly with the new Dash, but I have a feeling that soon enough Garmin, along with the other GPS manufactures, will be sporting the same wireless coolness. This would most likely mean Garmin could take wires out of the equation.
Garmin’s other big news comes in the mobile phone GPS category. Samsumg mobiles equipped with GPS will be using the Garmin Mobile(TM) XT platform for their interface. It features Nuvi-style operation with “turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions.” The Garmin Mobile app is receiving several updates on WinMo, BlackBerry and Symbian OS’s, including Google Live Search.
Hit the jump for press releases and links.
Google Press Release
LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that users can now send locations found on Google Maps(TM), an innovative online mapping service, directly to their Garmin personal navigation device. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061026/CGTH082LOGO) “Given the amount of time we all spend at a computer or in our cars, teaming with Google Maps gives users the versatility of planning their travels at their keyboard in addition to their Garmin device,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “There’s no need to waste time printing, scribbling or e-mailing locations and directions when you can use Google Maps to search for and save everything you need with just a couple of clicks.” The process is quick and easy. Users begin by searching Google Maps for a specific business or a broader category — “Kansas City barbecue,” for example — and the results will appear on a map. The desired location can then be saved directly to the Garmin device through the Send-to function. This reduces delays, including delays that can be caused by intermediary software, so that users can immediately resume their search for more places or get in their car and go. “This is part of our ongoing effort to connect Google services like Google Maps with Garmin products,” explained Giorgio Scherl, a product manager for Google. “We continue to add progressive features, such as user-generated content, to make Google Maps more compelling and useful in an increasingly mobile world.” The Send-to-Garmin feature is available at Google Maps, as of April 1. Garmin will have information about Google Maps and other new announcements available at garmin.com and at its CTIA Wireless trade show booth (#6639) in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 1-3, 2008. To learn more about using the new Send-to-Garmin feature, visit http://www.garmin.com and http://www.garmin.blogs.com. About Garmin International Inc. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications — most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at http://www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Google and Google Maps are trademarks of Google Inc. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Notice on forward-looking statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
MapQuest Press Release
LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- MapQuest, Inc. and Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced plans for the upcoming launch of a new feature that will allow consumers to send trip planning results from MapQuest.com, the #1 online mapping website,* directly to their Garmin personal navigation device. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061026/CGTH082LOGO) Through the partnership, users can find a place, as well as plan and research routes, at MapQuest.com, then send the locations directly to Garmin GPS units by utilizing the “Send to GPS” drop down option. Users will then be able to easily access previously sent location data from their Garmin device without needing to input information directly on the device. “Garmin is the clear leader in satellite navigation and our partnership further establishes MapQuest.com as the go-to site for destination planning,” said Christian Dwyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MapQuest, Inc. “GPS-enabled navigation devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Offering users the option to plan online from the convenience of their computer and send information to these devices is a natural progression and an important, time-saving resource.” “Our relationship with MapQuest gives our users even more of what they’ve come to expect from their Garmin products — ease of use and an array of options,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Planning a trip, whether it’s to a new restaurant, a business meeting or a family vacation, has never been easier or more efficient.” The new Send-to-Garmin feature will be available in April and expands on MapQuest Send-To capabilities which currently enable consumers to easily send directions from the MapQuest.com site to their mobile phones. The ability to send planning results from the vast and dynamic MapQuest database to Garmin supplements Garmin’s extensive collection of preloaded destinations. MapQuest and Garmin will both be in attendance at this week’s CTIA Wireless 2008 show, taking place in Las Vegas from April 1 through April 3. MapQuest will be demonstrating the Send to Garmin feature in the AOL booth #2857 (Hall C4/C5). Garmin will be located in booth #6639, and more information is available at http://www.garmin.com. To learn more about using the new Send-to-Garmin feature, visit http://wireless.mapquest.com/send-gps.html and http://www.garmin.blogs.com. About MapQuest, Inc. MapQuest offers Internet, wireless and business solutions that help people find places. MapQuest.com is one of the most recognized and trusted brands on the Internet, and offers the leading consumer Web site for maps and directions, serving over 45 million* users in February 2008, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL LLC, is based in Denver, Colorado. About AOL AOL is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs one of the largest Internet access businesses in the U.S., and provides a full set of advertising solutions. A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., AOL LLC and its subsidiaries have operations in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com.” About Garmin International Inc. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications — most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at http://www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Notice on forward-looking statements: This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. All statements regarding the company’s future product introductions are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of Garmin’s Form 10-K can be downloaded at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Samsung
Garmin(R) Provides Navigator for Samsung Mobile Phones
OLATHE, KA UNITED STATES
LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Garmin International
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite
navigation, announced today that select Samsung mobile phones will have the
benefit of Garmin’s intuitive turn-by-turn, voice-prompted navigation
directly on the phone. Samsung Mobile Navigator by Garmin is based on the
popular Garmin Mobile(TM) XT navigation software, and Samsung phones with
this navigation capability are expected to be available in Europe and other
parts of the world in several months. Garmin will display the Samsung i780
and other examples of its mobile phone navigation solutions April 1-3,
2008, at the CTIA Wireless trade show in Las Vegas.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061026/CGTH082LOGO)
“Garmin is pleased to offer Samsung users a rich navigation experience
with the same intuitive user interface found on other Garmin personal
navigation devices,” said Roger Jollis, Garmin’s director of OEM & mobile
marketing. “Garmin’s on-board and off-board phone navigation solutions are
now available on over 500 different handsets, including Samsung mobile
phones.”
“We are pleased to provide Garmin’s advanced navigation feature on
Samsung’s i780 and other Windows Mobile based smartphones recently
introduced to the European market. As navigation features become rapidly
popular among various mobile features, Samsung is continuously investing to
provide the best of experience to our consumers,” said YongBae Lee, vice
president of mobile communication division, Samsung Electronics, of Samsung
Electronics.
Marketed in major European countries, the Samsung i780 has a sleek
design packed with the latest in business and consumer features including
global positioning system (GPS) navigation, fast HSDPA and EDGE
connectivity, Bluetooth, 802.11b and g wireless capabilities, full touch
screen with stylus, QWERTY key pad, Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0
Professional operating system, 2.0-megapixel camera and front camera for
video calls. The i780 also delivers full Internet browsing, MP3 music and
FM radio.
The Garmin navigation software is on a plug-and-play microSD card, and
once a customer loads the card into the phone, the software automatically
installs. Customers may then use their phone to receive voice-prompted,
turn-by-turn directions to their destination. A 3D moving map on the
phone’s display shows the user exactly where they are, and if a turn is
missed along the way, Samsung Mobile Navigator by Garmin automatically
calculates a new route. Users may key in a specific street address or
search millions of points of interest (POI) — places like hotels,
restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions. Customers can also dial the
POI’s phone number automatically — for reservations, hours of operation,
or other information.
Those using Samsung Mobile Navigator by Garmin also have access to
Garmin Online(TM), a free and subscription based online service that offers
dynamic content such as traffic, weather forecasts and safety cameras.
Garmin Online content varies by region.
Garmin Mobile, Google Live Search Press Release
Garmin Mobile(TM) Application to Offer New Features on BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile Smartphones OLATHE, KA UNITED STATES
LAS VEGAS, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Garmin International
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite
navigation, announced today upgrades to Garmin Mobile that include a new
user-friendly interface and Google Local(TM) search. These upgrades will be
available on a variety of handsets and platforms including BlackBerry,
Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones. These new features are in addition
to a long list of rich features and real-time content included with Garmin
Mobile’s current subscription based service that includes turn-by-turn,
voice prompted directions, as well as traffic, weather conditions and
forecasts, fuel prices and more. Garmin will display the Garmin Mobile
enhancements at its CTIA Wireless trade show booth (#6639) in Las Vegas,
Nevada, April 1-3, 2008.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061026/CGTH082LOGO)
When the new Garmin Mobile application is launched, customers will
first notice the new nuvi-like interface, with “Where To?” and “View Map”
icons on the smartphone display. Once “Where To?” is selected, colorful
icons such as “Address,” “Recent Finds,” “Food and Hotel” and “Google
Local” streamline the number of keystrokes required before selecting a
destination and receiving turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions. If a
turn is missed en route, Garmin Mobile automatically recalculates the route
based on the user’s current location. Garmin Mobile has an extensive points
of interest database — places like hotels, restaurants, ATMs, gas
stations, airports, and more — thanks to the over six-million integrated
points of interest and Google Local search. Garmin Mobile is also
integrated with the phone’s address book so that users can navigate
directly to a contact’s address stored on their smartphone.
The Google Local search capability lets users harness points of
interest information via the World Wide Web. It allows users to look for
locations by typing in key word searches as they would if they were on
their desktop computer. If looking for a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi
access, simply type the phrase in the search box and a list of venues will
appear based on proximity to the user’s current location. In addition,
Garmin has created a “quick search” feature that lets users search Google
Local via categories — such as food, lodging, fuel, and more — rather
than typing a word or phrase into the Google Local search box. Detailed
information can be displayed including descriptions, business address &
phone numbers, and a user-contributed rating, where applicable. Once the
user selects a location, they can save the destination to their favorites
folder, call the destination, or navigate to it with Garmin’s intuitive
turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions.
In addition to navigation, Garmin Mobile includes free access to
constantly-updating information like real-time traffic, fuel prices,
weather forecasts, and more.
Since Garmin Mobile is a subscription based solution, mapping data is
stored on Garmin’s servers, not on the device itself. Therefore, customers
have the advantage of the most up-to-date mapping information available
directly from Garmin’s servers. In order to access Garmin’s network, the
smartphone must have a data plan for network access.
[Giz > PRNewswire]
[Giz > PRNewswire]
[Giz > Google Press Release]
[Giz > MapQuest Press Release]
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