You’re looking at a shiny new Garmin Approach G6 GPS golf device. Here’s the scoop:
Too expensive? Older models, such as Approach G3 and Approach G5 must be a whole lot cheaper by now. Too big? Check out Garmin Approach S1 which is just a wrist watch.
I think Garmin is doing a good job focusing in markets other than just end-consumer vehicle navigation. They have really great products for avionics. They just announced the GTN 650 and GTN 750 which are panel mounted touchscreen avionics units. They are certified and ready to fly GPS/NAV/COM systems that provide graphical flight planning with victor airways and high-altitude jet routes, remote transponder, remote audio control (750 only), SafeTaxi and electronic chart capabilities (750 only).
Apparently the GTN 650 and 750 are the first touchscreen avionics certified for general aviation aircraft. The biggest difference between these two models and the previous (430W, and 530W) is the screen size. GTN 650 has a 4.9″ screen giving 50% more area, and GTN 750 has a 6.9″ screen which is twice as much screen space.
The interface with the new GTN’s is also greatly improved. They have a shallow menu structure, audio and visual feedback, finger anchoring bezel, but still support the old knob’s for the most basic tasks such as setting a route, and changing COM frequencies. Other features includes enhanced situational awareness with built-in terrain, mapping and obstacle databases, high resolution presentation of the surrounding area, and even a built-in terrain elevation database that shows color-coded alerts when potential terrain conflicts are ahead.
You can also extend the features of Garmin GTN 650 and GTN 750 by adding sensors, XM WX Satellite Weather, lightning, and traffic system inputs.
Both units are approved for a long list covering most Part 23 fixed wing aircraft. They already started shipping. How much?
(Via NaviGadget.)
Don’t get so excited! This doesn’t really apply to you unless you are planning on buying a new helicopter. But Garmin just unveiled G1000H, an all-glass avionics system designed for the VFR Part 27 helicopter market. The G1000H get your flight data, navigation, communication, flight instrumentation, weather, traffic, identification, terrain, and diagnostics and maintenance computer — and presents it digitally on large, high-resolution displays that are capable of real-time 3D images.
We’re not really experts on integrated aviation system so we’ll just quote the features:
…the G1000H seamlessly integrates control and presentation of virtually all flight data, sensor and instrument functions in one comprehensive ‘big picture’ package. The G1000H includes features like single or dual integrated solid-state attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS) that can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts and handle highly dynamic flight maneuvers; full reversionary capabilities allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display; integrated digital audio control system; and integrated Mode S transponder that interfaces to Garmin’s TIS capable transponders and ADS-B transceivers…
First in line to get the new G1000H is Bell Helicopter that will install the system on their 407GX… (Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin GPSMAP 62, 62S, and 62ST now on Amazon
Not too long ago we talked about the new Garmin GPSMAP 62 series. The new series consist of the base model Garmin GPSMAP 62 which is now available for pre-order on Amazon
The difference between these latest models is that GPSMAP 62S adds microSD card slot, electronic compass, barometric altimeter, wireless data sharing, high speed USB to the base model whereas the 62ST tops everything off with a preloaded 100K topographic maps for the entire US.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin just announced new chart capabilities for the GPSMAP 695 and GPSMAP 696. Soon you will be able to refer to georeferenced Garmin FliteCharts. With its 7″ portrait style screen pilots will be able to view the entire approach plate, and see their plane’s exact position while monitoring other tidbits of information on approach charts.
With Garmin GPSMAP 695 and 696 if the current approach is known, it will automatically select the correct chart based on the flight plan.
You will have to wait until 4th quarter of 2010 to get your hands on the new georeferenced version of Garmin FliteCharts. It will cost one-time fee of $500 and can be enabled at fly.garmin.com.
Garmin-Asus Announces the A50 for Australia
Aussie’s can now find their way on their giant island thanks to Garmin. Garmin just officially announced Garmin-Asus A50 for Australia; partnering with Optus. A50 was already out in other places for a while now including USA, Taiwan, etc.
Feature set of Garmin-Asus A50 haven’t changed much. It still likes to geotag anything and everything, offers 3.5″ touch screen, 3MP auto focus camera, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, USB 2.0, and a 1150mAh battery.
A50 is quite competitively priced in Australia. It costs $0 after a 2 year contract starting today and online starting August 2.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin G500H Helicopter Flight Display
There’s no vehicle Garmin won’t put their gadgets in. The latest is the Garmin G500H Helicopter Flight Display which recently got FAA’s approval.
It’s an all-glass avionics system designed for VFR Part 27 helicopters. Its PFD can either be on the left or right and it can display attitude, airspeed, vertical speed, altitude, and heading information. The MFD shows moving maps, helicopter’s current position in relation to terrain, chart data, and flight plan routings.
G500H is already available for an introductory price of $25000. Yes, that’s 25 thousand dollars.
This is the wallet friendly nuvi GPS navigation system from Garmin for those on a budget. It is called the Garmin Nuvi 1100. This specific model found itself a place on Garmin’s site rather quietly - without a press release or anything. I guess they don’t want to advertise a GPS navigation system that lacks pretty much every modern day feature.
Nuvi 1100 has a 3.5″ screen and can provide turn by turn directions. Battery can last up to 4 hours. It does not do text-to-speech, lane assist, traffic updates, or speech recognition. However it is compatible with FM traffic, and MSN Direct.
We’re guessing this will be sub $100. If you find this on an online retailer let us know. Price not announced yet.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin just came out with a brand new GPS navigation system this last week called Garmin Nuvi 295W. It is already available for $280 from Garmin website. 295W is a very slim looking GPS navigation system that makes you want to hold it up to your face and make a phone call. But you can’t. Even though it very much looks like a smartphone it is not but packs most of their features.
First and foremost you’ve got the WiFi connectivity which lets you surf the net with its browser and also you can do webmail and POP3 and IMAP, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF attachments. You can also do Google Local Search.
Then you have the dual orientation 3.5″ glass touchscreen, a decent 3MP camera with geotagging feature, audio player, and a 2.5mm headphone jack.
Here are a couple of videos:
(Via NaviGadget.)
Not to be confused with garminfone or nuviphone M10 Garmin and Asus partnership just announced another Android powered phone called Garmin Asus A10.
Of course its focus is again on GPS navigation; however more so for pedestrians rather than drivers which probably means it’s probably not going to make it to the U.S. where driving almost always takes precedence. The press release actually says it will be available in mid-2010 in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Garmin-Asus A10 features a 3.2″ touch screen, electronic compass and a 1500mAh battery. Depending on your location the A10 will contain preloaded maps so you won’t have to rely on a data connection for maps which can be non-existent or just too expensive to use. Of course Garmin-Asus A10 will also work in your vehicle too - thanks to the powered audio mount.
Some other features of A10 include WebKit browser with multi-touch, 5MP camera with auto-focus, and auto-geotag, built-in accelerometer for horizontal and landscape views.
T-Mobile just announced their latest Android powered handset from Garmin-Asus called garminfone. It is pretty much the U.S. version of nuvifone A50. Here is everything you need to know in one place:
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin Nuvi 3750 is the entry level to the new brand new Garmin Nuvi 3700 series. It has the same form factor as nuvi 3760T and nuvi 3790T. Other than the amazing 9mm super slim body, 4.3″ touch screen with the ability to pinch zoom, there’s not much to see here except the $350 price tag.
You can go ahead and compare all the 3700 models and you’ll see nuvi 3750 is lacking voice command input, 3D building view, bluetooth, and even the FM traffic receiver.
However it can still do text-to-speech, lane assistance, and even some traffic information based on historical traffic data:
trafficTrends, your nüvi 3750 automatically learns daytime trends for traffic flow to improve your routes and better predict your estimated time of arrival based on time of day and day of week. And you get free trafficTrends™ updates every time you connect your device to myGarmin.
myTrends, when you save your regular destinations in your ‘Favorites,’ your nüvi 3750 will, over time, begin to figure out where you’re going even without your telling it! It provides time of arrival and relevant traffic information. So whether you’re driving to and from work or a regularly scheduled weekly event, your nüvi 3750 will help you get there on time.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin also just announced nuvi 3760T today. Different from nuvi 3790T, Garmin Nuvi 3760T does not accept voice commands and does not render buildings in 3D. Giving up these two features saves you about $50 and brings the price down to $400.
However the rest of the specs are still pretty impressive. You’ve got the 4.3″ full glass capacitive multi-touch screen with 800x480 resolution. Traffic updates for the lifetime of the product, 9mm body, bluetooth connectivity, powered windshield mount with the extra speaker, and bunch of other features you can expect from any decent GPS navigation system out there such as text-to-speech, lane guidance, traffic prediction based on historical data, and a lot more.
Brought to you by your GPS navigation site NaviGadget.
garmin nuvi 3760T
Garmin Nuvi 3790T is one of the latest additions to Garmin’s Nuvi lineup. Nuvi 3790T is the highest end of the three that just got announced (other two are nuvi 3760T, and nuvi 3750) today. Priced at $450 nuvi 3790T accepts voice commands, offers 3D building views, has bluetooth wireless, and gets updated traffic information for the lifetime of the product.
Some of the other features that are common throughout this new 3700 series are the full glass high resolution 4.3″ multitouch screen, ability to operate in both portrait and landscape modes, super slim 9mm body, and the windshield mount that now carries an extra speaker for even clearer voice guidance.
Here’s the ‘making of’ the new super slim 3700 nuvis.
Garmin just announced that they would include Synthetic Vision in their G3X. We’re not really sure what the heck Synthetic Vision does or what this G3X glass cockpit is capable of but it really sets Garmin apart from other names like TomTom, Mio, etc.
Aviation products has been a part of Garmin’s lineup since the 90’s and brings in a good chunk of their income. And do not forget their marine GPS units as well. In addition they have a really wide range of road GPS navigation units, offer one of the best solutions for athletes (even golfers), great handhelds for those who like outdoors, and, and, there’s that nuvifone.
We always give them a hard time for being kind of expensive with their nuvi’s or zumo’s but it is not easy being a company that offers products that cost between $100 to $10000.
Keep up the good work guys. I hope you sell a lot of these G3X things.
two new colors for Garmin Edge 500
Garmin just announced two new color schemes for their Garmin Edge 500 devices - a highly popular device among pro cyclists. The two new colors are called argyle Edge 500 and the neutral Edge 500, both of which will be officially launched at the Tour of California, this coming mid-May.
Garmin Edge 500 first came out last September and has been selling for around $350. Some of the features of the Edge 500 includes ANT+ wireless, tracking things like speed, distance, time, elevation, and even calories. Since elevation data from the GPS signals isn’t all that accurate Garmin Edge 500 actually uses an barometric altimeter.
Garmin Edge also pairs wirelessly with Garmin speed/cadence sensors and features advanced heart rate-based calorie computation when used with a Garmin heart rate monitor. Edge 500 also displays temperature readings, changes time zones automatically and alerts riders if they’re moving but the timer is not running. With up to 18 hours of battery life, Edge 500 features a low-profile, quarter-turn mount that fits easily on the stem or handlebars. The new argyle Edge 500 is packaged with Garmin’s premium soft-strap heart rate monitor, speed/cadence sensor, bike mount, AC charger and USB cable. The neutral Edge 500 comes with the bike mount, AC charger and USB cable, and it can be paired with the other optional accessories when purchased separately to best suit each specific cyclist’s needs.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin Asus partnership has announced the brand new nuvifone A50 from the Mobile World Congress in Spain. The new nuvifone A50 is an Android powered device that claims to be more location aware than any other smartphone out there.
A50 has a 3.5″ HVGA capacitive touchscreen, 4GB internal storage, microSD card slot, and an accelerometer. Thanks to the Android platform you’ll have access tens of thousands of applications and if you wish you can sync with your work email thanks to Microsoft Exchange server.
Of course Garmin Asus nuvifone A50 comes with Garmin navigation preloaded and all the maps you need are actually on your device so you won’t have to wait for 3G coverage fairies to grant you access.
Other features of the device are the 3MP camera, and the E-Compass.
Garmin says the nuvifone A50 receives its location information from multiple sources including satellite, network-based and terrestrial sources…. Not sure what they mean but we don’t think any of those is a new technology.
It will be available in Europe first quarter of this year.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Another brand new phone we came across today is the Garmin Asus nuvifone M10. We talked about the M10 just a few days ago but it looks like the official word got out today.
As expected Garmin Asus nuvifone M10 will be a Windows device running Windows Mobile 6.5.3. It has a 3.5″ WVGA screen, 3D task manager, 512MB RAM, and 512MB ROM, and 4GB of storage.
You can expect a decent life from the 1500mAh battery which should get you at least a day on those HSDPA or WiFi networks you can hop on.
Of course Garmin navigation will be preloaded with almost all the bells and whistles of a standalone GPS navigation system.
Garmin Asus nuvifone M10 will come out in Asia and Europe first in first half of this year. Is anyone still interested in a Windows Mobile phone though?
(Via NaviGadget.)
We’ve complained here before about the price tag on Garmin’s previous Zumo models such as the zumo 665, and zumo 550 so we were hoping when Garmin said affordable the price would sub $400. But we’ll take any kind of price reduction off the $1000 price tag previous models had. Garmin Zumo 220 is going to have an MSRP of $600!
Let’s talk about the features of zumo 220 a little bit. Like all other zumo’s 220 is also rugged and water proof, and mostly oil spill resistant. It has a 3.5″ screen; provides text-to-speech, lane assist, bluetooth headset/helmet support. It even has options for on-road and off-road traveling.
Maps include United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and come with six million points of interests. Another neat feature is the customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to your bike’s maximum fuel range.
Wait until March of this year for the new Garmin Zumo 220.
(Via NaviGadget.)
Garmin just unveiled in Europe a new GPS navigation system called Garmin Nuvi 1490TV. As our readers with a moderate IQ level may already have guessed the ‘TV’ in the name is for support for digitally broadcast TV (and audio) channels. However the DVB-T terrestrial TV and radio is not very common in the U.S. of A just yet so don’t get your hopes up if you’re living on the west side of the Atlantic.
The good thing with DVB-T is that all the content is free which include 50 TV channels and 24 radio stations from all across Europe. Garmin Nuvi 1490TV has a 5″ screen and comes with mounts to make it easy to watch in your car, van, home, etc.
However the TV features of the device will automatically shutdown when you’re on the move. Obviously it is feature designed for safety but what about everyone else in the car? I hope Garmin gives the users (hopefully just passengers in the is case) the option to opt of this.
To make your viewing and listening pleasure even better nuvi 1490TV has built-in stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone output, a supposedly long lasting battery. It even has a composite video input for external rear view camera.
Some other features of the nuvi 1490TV include:
Garmin Nuvi 1490TV will be available across Europe in early April 2010 for GBP300/EUR300…
(Via NaviGadget.)
