dtrader

Garmin Plans to Launch Android Phone

sports528...Garmin will keep its standalone GPS product with its software but according to the article above it plans to introduce a new phone that runs on Android. I have to assume it will be running Googles GPS navigation.

I disagree with your characterization of Googles navigation as sub-par. I have watched their video and everything about their navigation system looks superior not inferior to Garmin's, to me.

I disagree with your assertion with GPS software you necessarily need hardware (antenna, LNA, etc.) but agree that GPS reception on a cell phone might be a key issue. For me this might be Googles key issue with their GPS navigation but the jury's still out until we see how it performs in the market.


On Nov 12 03:57 PM sports528 wrote:

> @dtrader - Just because Andriod can do GPS navigation, does not mean
> it is built in and all-inclusive, its just like an app on every other
> phone. Garmin would not replace its GPS for a sub-par navigation
> from Google, but rather replace it with their 'app'. What you mentioned
> made no sense. With GPS software, you need hardware (antenna, LNA,
> etc.). So instead of using Google's software and online maps, they
> use their own SW and stored maps along with their customized GPS
> hardware (since they built the phone).

Garmin Plans to Launch Android Phone

Android phone for Garmin? I don't get it. Isn't Garmin's claim to fame their proprietary GPS navigation system. Hasn't Google busted the GPS market by giving a great GPS system away for free with Android.

So Garmin's strategy is to put Android on their phone so customers won't need Garmin's premium GPS.

Hmm, first time I think I've seen a business helping the competition so unabashedly help to put nails in their own coffin.

Oh well, maybe they have some secret strategy? Maybe they're thinking of surprising Google with introducing a better search engine.