Another new personal navigation device to emerge from the stables of Garmin is the Garmin StreetPilot c580 which is equipped with a super-bright 3.5-inch touchscreen. The Garmin c580 integrates real-time traffic reports, gas prices, weather conditions, and movie times from Microsoft’s MSN Direct network and will be displayed at the CES 2007.

The Garmin StreetPilot c580 measures 11.3 x 8.2 x 5.6 cm and has a battery life of up to 8 hours. It has a highly sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver under its hood and also integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone.

One also comes across a comprehensive set of maps and POIs including,hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. The adjustable mount makes it easier to use the device with variety of vehicles and the Garmin StreetPilot c580 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Thanks to Garmin's link up with MSN, one can access real traffic updates for major cities across the United States and the MSN Direct traffic data helps in selecting alternative routes for avoiding traffic accidents, road closures, and construction. One can also make those long road trips fun thanks to multimedia features like; MP3 Player and a FM Transmitter. The StreetPilot c580 is expected to be available in February 2007 for $799.99 (MSRP).

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On the heels of the CES show next week, Garmin has announced yet another new GPS system - the Garmin Astro GPS Dog Tracking System. The new system is designed especially for sporting dogs and their owners.

The Astro GPS Dog Tracking System is composed of two distinct parts: the dog's transmitter (named DC20) and a small handheld receiver (named the Astro 220). The DC20 transmitter is easily attached to your dog's collar, while the receiver features a color screen that allows you to track your dog on the screen. The device tells you exactly how far away the dog is and whether it is running, sitting, on point, or tree quarry.

You can set the system to update automatically, which will thus provide you with the dogs exact location every five seconds. If you have more than just one dog, the Garmin is the perfect solution as it can track up to 10 dogs in a five mile range.

The battery life on the DC20 collar is about 17 hours, while the battery life of the Astro 220 receiver is over 20 hours - perfect for those long hunting trips. The entire Astro GPS Dog Tracking System includes a DC 20 transmitter, Astro 220 receiver, harness, user’s manual, power/data cables, Trip & Waypoint Manager CD, and a carrying case.

It is expected to be available in June 2007 for a suggested retail price of $649. If you'd like to get a glimpse at the product before then, it will be unveiled at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas beginning January 8th at the Garmin booth (#36212). It will be viewable again at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida beginning January 10th at the Garmin booth (#1117).

Via: Mobile Magazine

Garmin International Inc today unveiled its new personal navigation device, the Garmin 680 which incorporates real-time traffic reports, gas prices, weather conditions, and movie times from Microsoft’s MSN Direct network. The Garmin nuvi 680 will be exhibited at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The Garmin nuvi 680 is equipped with a 4.3-inch touch-screen and includes',an intuitive interface, travel and entertainment capabilities, spoken street names, pre-loaded maps of North America, a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, Bluetooth hands-free calling capability, an FM transmitter etc.

The unit measures 12.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm and has a battery life of 3 to 7 hours. It entertainment feature set reads like this;MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters and more.

One will also be able to receive traffic updates for major cities across the United States and the MSN Direct traffic data helps in selecting alternative routes for avoiding traffic accidents, road closures, and construction. The nüvi 680 with MSN Direct is expected to be available in early 2007 for $999.99.

Remember the Garmin nuvi 670 we had introduced a few weeks ago? Well, Garmin finally took time off from their busy schedule and unveiled this pocket-sized GPS device. Boasting a wide screen and FM transmitter, it comes with cool featuers such as traffic alerts and hands-free calling.

The Garmin 670 comes pre-loaded with street-level maps of North America and Europe. Get a view in 2D or 3D along with voice directions for every nook and corner on the way. It comes with a huge database of POIs for hotels, restaurants, fuel stops and ATMs among others.

The 4.3" color touch screen provides easy viewing (well, you better concentrate on the road and not the device!). Thanks to the integrated MP3 player, your journey just got a bit more interesting. You can even pair the nuvi 670 with your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone for hands-free calling.

With an FM TMC traffic receiver, stay up-to-date on the road ahead, with options to detour in case of traffic pile-up or road construction. There's also an audio book player and JPEG image viewer. The device can take in SD cards for switching between languages or taking on travel guides on your next road trip.

The Garmin 670 features a USB interface. Priced at US $1,178.56, this cool device is available in Q1 2007. Check out the feature set in the extended entry.

From North America to Europe...

You're covered with Garmin's new transtlantic Personal Travel Assistant - the nüvi 370.

A Personal Travel Assistant is basically a pcoket-sized device that contains mapping software that allows users to navigate through unfamiliar streets. The nüvi 370 comes built-in with street mapps for both North American and Europe and includes a database of useful services such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and ATM machines.

An integrated FM TMC traffic receiver allows users to stay clear of clogged road ways or and locate alternate routes. But the device isn't just for navigation.

In fact Garmin has packed in a host of entertainment features into the device sch as an MP3 and audiobook player, JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, currency converter and calculator. It also works as a USB flash drive. We're not sure though if users will want or need this on this kind of device but it is a welcome addition nonetheless .

The device will be available in US markets sometime in the first Quarter of 2007 and will go for about $964.27 (you pay for all the extra features).

Via Garmin.

In conjunction with the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Garmin International Inc. announced the release of a new version of the zūmo motorcycle GPS system. The zūmo™ 450 was designed specifically for motorcycles, and has many unique features that riders will find adaptable for both cruisers and sport bikes.

The zūmo™ 450 was built with safety and convenience in mind, featuring left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons that are also glove-friendly. The device, powercord, and data connections are waterproof and can withstand the worst of elements. It comes pre-loaded with a full North American map provided by NAVTEQ™, which integrates over 6 million points of interest within the continent, including such destinations as restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and more. Users may also specify customized points of interest.

The display shows riders their current speed, heading, and a customizable fuel gauge that allows them to define the bike's maximum fuel range. Owners can access trip information via the devices trip information page, and can download favorite trips using the accompanying MapSource Software. Riders can plan their routes on a computer, and then download it to the zūmo™ before hitting the roads. Zūmo™ owners can also share their favorite routes and waypoints with other zūmo™ owners by utilizing and swapping the device's SD card.

Those who purchase the zūmo™ will appreciate the device's advanced security features, including a locking motorcycle mount and GarminLock, a specialized theft prevention system that disables the zūmo™ until a 4 digit PIN is entered correctly. Without the correct PIN, the device will not work, rendering it useless.

The zūmo™ 405 by Garmin is expected to be available for purchase in March 2007 at the retail price of $799.

We are still in November, but that doesn't stop us from drooling over gadgets that will be showcased at next year's CES 2007 trade show. One of the honoraries that will be showcased in January is Garmin's yet-to-be-announced nuvi 670 GPS device.

The nuvi 670 is the world's first GPS device with MSN Direct to offer real-time geo-referenced information. Thanks to its link-up with the MSN Direct network, the nuvi 670 brings you traffic conditions, weather forecasts, fuel prices and even movie times right on your GPS screen.

Is that convenience or what? We recently saw the Garmin nuvi 660 GPS getting the FCC nod, but the 670 beats it at several levels.

Of course, at the moment there's no word on its pricing or availability. But we'll just have to wait and see.

All those water babies out there, meet the new Garmin 4kW GMR 18 "a space-saving 18-inch radar" which packs quite a punch regardless of its puny size. The 4kW GMR 18 was unveiled at the 2006 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam and this small wonder is capable of transmitting four thousand watts of power!

The 4kW GMR 18 best in-class range is 36 nautical miles and it includes a 5-degree horizontal and 25-degree vertical beamwidth for maintaining accuracy in target acquisition and separation. The onboard digital signal processor helps to digitally process all radar data and it also supports MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) capability for tracking bearing, course, speed and predicted closest approach (by both time and distance) of multiple targets (number varies by MFD).

The radar is capable of communicating with Garmin Marine Network via a waterproof 100-megabit plug-and-play proprietary network and some other features also include; automatic and manual sensitivity and tuning controls, including gain, sea clutter, and rain clutter. Users can also subscribe to the XM WX Satellite Weather and XM Radio to access info pertaining to GPS, radar, sonar, and near real-time graphical weather data and audio channels via the GMR 18 in conjunction with Garmin Marine Network.he GMR 18 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007 for a suggested retail price of $999.99. For more info visit: http://www.garmin.com/marine2007/

Garmin is undergoing an overhaul, and launching its flagship retail store in Chicago. Slated for a November 11 2006 opening, the Garmin destination store is expected to be a one-of-a-kind retail outlet giving consumers a never before GPS experience.

The store will have on display about 50 Garmin products covering a wide market, including automotive, marine, aviation and outdoors. It features two floors for customers to indulge in Garmin's GPS devices. The store also boasts of a theater where one can attend workshops on GPS technology and Garmin's latest products.

For more info, head to the re-designed Garmin website.

It's an obvious sign of things to come. Hyundai Motor America will begin offering Garmin's nuvi 360 personal navigation device across its dealerships in the USA.

With easy-to-use GPS navigation capabilities, the nuvi 360 boasts of an MP3 player, audio book player and even language translator. This versatile device provides a touchscreen interface and delivers voice-prompted directions including street names across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

When purchased from a Hyundai dealer, nuvi 360 also comes with Garmin Lock, designed to disable the unit in case it is stolen. It can only be enabled after a 4-digit PIN is entered. Thanks to Bluetooth and integrated microphone and speaker, you can use the nuvi to make and receive calls, and even look up the phone's call log history.

The Garmin nuvi 360 is priced at US $857 when bought separately.

On display at the CTIA in Los Angeles is the new Garmin Mobile 20, a car navigation system that provides voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions on compatible smartphones over Bluetooth. It offers a 3D moving map on the phone's display - which may cause a problem if your phone has a small display.

As usual, Mobile 20 recalculates your route if you miss a turn. One of the advantages of this system is that customers have free access to dynamic information, including live traffic and weather updates, via Garmin Online. Of course, this can be accessed only if your smartphone is set up to access wireless data services.

PeerPoints is a useful addition to the package. This SMS feature lets users send their current position or information about a particular POI to other phones, so you can keep track of your friends. You also get a datacard with maps of North America or Europe, along with Garmin GPS 20SM, a smartphone mount to cradle your device while driving.

Priced at US $299, the Garmin Mobile 20 package will be available in November 2006.

Garmin unveiled the new Garmin Mobile 10, a complete system that transforms your Bluetooth-enabled devices like laptops, smartphones, Pocket PCs and PDAs, into GPS navigators. The system includes the Garmin GPS 10x (whose FCC approval we reported), and either Garmin Mobile XT or nRoute navigation software.

The GPS 10x is equipped with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, and it transmits location data to mobile devices over Bluetooth. With the Mobile 10 system, consumers need not buy a GPS-only personal navigation device, but instead, can use their existing portable devices and use the GPS 10x for getting across to their destination.

It's easy to secure the GPS 10x onto your car, thanks to the removable clip. Powered by a Lithium-ion battery, Garmin claims a 20-hour life on full charge. It also includes a 12-V USB adapter for recharging. The best part about this device is that its battery is interchangeable with most Nokia phone batteries (the BL-5C).

The system includes either Garmin Mobile XT or nRoute on DVD, with full map coverage of North America or Europe. nRoute is available for laptops, while Garmin Mobile XT is designed to run on compatible smartphones or Pocket PCs.

Priced at US $199, the Garmin Mobile 10 system will be available in November 2006.

Garmin's new Mobile GPS 10x, a Bluetooth GPS receiver, just got the FCC nod. Pair it up with your PDA/computer and, as they say, never get lost. This is a class 2 device, so the range is limited to about 30 feet (10.5 meters).

The included CD has software for Windows Mobile and Palm OS devices. Sadly, Symbian devices are not yet supported. Note that GPS 10x talks to only one Bluetooth receiver at a time. Measuring just 80g, the body is rugged but not waterproof. Garmin claims a battery life of up to 12 hours.

The GPS 10x measures 1.77" (W) x 0.75" (H) x 3.46" (D), with an accuracy of less than 10 meters.

This deluxe navigator thanks to the Bluetooth wireless technology makes it much simpler for users and one can retrieve numbers from the phone's call history log or call list. Motorcycle users because of the wireless technology can receive or makes calls via the Bluetooth enabled headsets or helmets and one can even make calls from the Garmin 2820's vast points of interest database. Users can also opt for the Real-time traffic report either through the FM RDS-TMC (Traffic Message Channel traffic receiver or XM NavTraffic (U.S. only) receiver which calculate routes and alerts one of accidents, road construction etc.

The Garmin StreetPilot 2820 come preloaded with a huge database of points of interest (POIs) and the proximity alert feature makes one aware of the upcoming POI. A comprehensive MAP database has been provided by NAVTEQ and the 2D or 3D map perspective results in easy comprehending of the routes. The navigator is a pretty tough cookie since its water proof and includes a robust touch screen. The memory is designed to withstand cold, heat, shock, and vibration and other vagaries of life. The Garmin StreetPilot 2820 to make those long road trips entertaining also includes multimedia options like a MP3 player and an audio book player. Not only do they deliver great sound but also lets one browse the music by artist, album, song, or genre.

The Garmin 2820 should be available by June for an estimated price of $1184.60 U.S.D.
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