TomTom Not Making Its Own Phone

The wake of the announcement of the nuvifone, a GPS-centered phone that will bear the Garmin brand name, it's reasonable to ask if one of Garmin's top rivals, TomTom, is planning something similar.

The technology website DigiTimes did just that, and was told by a top executive of TomTom Asia that his company had no such plans.

Instead, it will work more with phone makers to include TomTom software in their devices. It is currently working with HTC and Asus on navigation services in their models.

Its primary focus, however, will remain on stand-alone personal navigation devices.

Garmin vs. TomTom

Releasing a GPS-enabled smartphone would be a departure for TomTom in a way that it isn't for its rival.

The nuvifone follows years of experimentation in this area, as Garmin released several traditional handhelds focused on personal navigation, even one for pilots.  TomTom, on the other hand, has never gone farther than making software for handhelds and smartphones.

Related Articles:

• Garmin nuvifone Price Leaked