Garmin Nuvifone Still Scheduled for Release in 2009

Despite multiple delays, Garmin is still committed to releasing its nüvifone next year.

This GPS-enabled semi-smartphone was unveiled nearly a year ago, but has been delayed by the need to make changes to the design to meet the requests of wireless carriers.

But Garmin is not giving up, and said yesterday that the nüvifone will debut in the first half of 2009.

According to unconfirmed reports, it will be released by AT&T.

Is This Necessary?

When Garmin first announced the nüvifone, mobile phones with built-in GPS receivers were something of a rarity. In the many months since then, however, they have become increasingly common. This has caused some to question whether there's even a need to this device anymore.

What is likely to determine the success or failure of this product is how it works as a navigation device, as not all the GPS-enabled phones are the market are strong in this area.

More about the Garmin nüvifone

The nüvifone will be Garmin's first GSM featurephone designed to take advantage of its GPS knowledge. It will include a large touchscreen, GPS receiver, and built-in maps.

It will be the replacement for this company's line of GPS-enabled Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds. Because it will offer a constant 3G connection to the Internet, this device will offer features not available in this company's earlier models, such as real-time traffic and fuel prices.

This will be more than just a navigation device. The nüvifone will have a web browser, messaging application, multimedia options, and a camera.

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 Via Reuters