Android OS-powered Garminfone Now Available from T-Mobile

T-Mobile is now offering Garmin's first smartphone running Google's Android OS. Not surprisingly, the Garminfone comes with a suite of navigation software, but it also sports a range of communication and entertainment applications.

The smartphone gives users driving, walking and public transportation navigation with voice and on-screen directions and automatic re-routing. Users can locate an address by clicking it from a text message, email, contact, calendar appointment or web page.

Applications for real-time traffic, weather local events, movie listings and gas prices are pre-installed, and the device can also remember where the user's car is parked.

The Garminfone is the first to feature Garmin Voice Studio, an Android application that allows customers to record and share custom voice directions from family and friends.

Its 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus automatically geotags images, and the smartphone offers overlapping positioning technologies: GPS and cell tower location.

The phone comes with a window and dashboard mount (shown here), allowing users navigate and charge the phone’s battery simultaneously.

It's a Smartphone, Too
As the Garminfone runs the Android OS, it goes beyond just mapping and navigation, and come with a suite of communication, entertainment and productivity software. It includes Google Search by voice, a YouTube player, support for Microsoft Exchange email, contacts and calendar, software for social networking and instant messaging, and an advanced music player.

The smartphone's advanced web browser and other Internet-related software take advantage of T-Mobile's 3G network as well as Wi-Fi hotspots.

In addition, it gives users access to the Android Market, which has nearly 40,000 apps and ringtones, among other items.

Pricing and Availability
The Garmin-Asus Garminfone costs $200 with a qualifying two-year voice and data service contract and a $50 mail-in rebate. Those who wish to skip the contract can buy the device for $450.

It is available now on T-Mobile USA's website.