Garmin nuvifone G60 Preview

AT&T has finally released the Garmin nuvifone G60, smartphone with a focus on personal navigation.

I recently got some time with this new device, and recorded a video of a Garmin representative showing off the high points.

An Overview of the Garmin nuvifone G60
As the first nüvifone is built around its GPS receiver, it has the same core features as a high-end Garmin nüvi, and comes preloaded with maps and millions of points of interest (POI) for North America. It also comes with everything needed to be used as an in-car navigation unit, including a dashboard and windshield mount.

The navigation software offers turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions that speak street names. If a turn is missed along the route, the device will automatically recalculate a route and get the user back on track.

Unlike many of its competitors, because the maps reside on the phone, users will always have access to navigation.

But the G60 is more than a standard GPS unit; It can access AT&T's 3G network, and include a full HTML WebKit-based web browser to take advantage of it. Users are also be able to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots.

For business users, this device is able to synchronize its address book and calendar information with Microsoft Outlook, and also let users view Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files.

The first nüvifone has 4 GB of on-board storage, plus a microSD card with support for at least 16 GB cards

In addition, there is also an MP3 player and a 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus. 

This will be Garmin's only device running a specially developed version of Linux. Future models in this line will run Google's Android OS.

Pricing & Availability
The nüvifone G60 is available in AT&T stores or at www.wireless.att.com for $300 with a two year service agreement after $100 mail-in-rebate.

nüvifone Premium Connected Services -- which includes traffic updates, white pages, weather, movie, local events and fuel price content -- will be available for $5.99/month after a 30-day trial.

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