[NEW GADGET] Garmin-ASUS releasing Android-based Garmin-ASUS A10! Very interesting piece coming in from a co-brand alliance that used to make GPS-centric phones based on Windows mobile. Of course we all know it is not up-and-coming Windows Phone 7 but the now infamous Windows Mobile 6.5.
Android will mean a great deal to Garmin-ASUS and consumers alike. Garmin ASUS has always differentiate their products by presenting phones with strong navigating functions. It is a concept that, in my opinion, is liked by some consumers. But obviously the previous models from Garmin-ASUS hasn’t set the world alight or created strong sales figures.
The key to a successful mobile device is always two-fold; the hardware and the software.
It is not easy to create brilliant hardware of trendy and likable looks. But manufacturers are consistently getting better. Nokia with N8, Motorola with Droid (Milestone) or Samsung with Galaxy S. All great design with hardware of good specifications.
Garmin-ASUS with it’s A10, in my opinion, ranks well among competition. Based on the tried and tested design of full-touch screen and three buttons at the botton of the screen, Garmin ASUS A10 looks tidy and neat. Just about the looks of a 2010 smartphone but could potentially by let down by the 3.2” capacitive touchscreen which by today’s standards, is relatively small. More so considering the “navigating” theme of the phone. Everything else looks standard.
Garmin-Asus A10 Main Specifications:
- Networks: HSDPA DL:7.2Mbps
- OS: Android 2.1 (Eclair)
- CPU: Qualcomm 7227 600MHz
- Memory: 512 MB SDRAM + 512MB ROM, 4GB eMMC Flash
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, USB v2.0, WLAN 802.11b+g
- GPS: Qualcomm GPSOne–Gen7 (AGPS supported)
- Display: 3.2 HVGA TFT with capacitive touch , 65Kcolors
- Camera: 5 megapixel, Auto Focus
- Battery: 1500mAh Lithium
- Expansion Slot: microSD (supports SDHC, up to 32GB)
- 3.5mm earphone jack
On the software side, by going with Android, Garmin-ASUS has at least caught the attention of the ever-increasing Android audience. More importantly, Android OS can balanced up Garmin-ASUS’ concept of “navigating phones”. Garmin-ASUS’ past products seem to be caught in the case of bad usability due to the operating, read Windows Mobile 6.5. But with Android, it appears to me that this is A10 could yet really be a phone to reckon with and an excellent navigating system to boot.
Whether or not this is true depends usage of the final product but at least we are looking at a very good concept.
To add more chili to the laksa, here are some features of the Garmin-ASUS A10 which I find interesting.
- Powered by NAVTEQ map data, pedestrian navigation on A10 provides accurate turn-by-turn, step-by-step directions when walking or using public transit.
- Other NAVTEQ map content on the A10 includes speed limit information to enable warnings of potential speed violations while providing information about maximum speed on a road.
- The A10 is also preinstalled with the equivalent capabilities of Garmin 1460 PND worth S$499.
- A10 features Google Maps™ with Street View which enables users to take a detailed look at their destinations before embarking on navigation with just one click.
- A large built-in point of interest (POI) database in the A10 provides real-time information on weather, movie showtimes, restaurant guides and public transportation such as bus and SMRT services.
The A10 will be available in Singapore from 25 September 2010 at all major telcos and retailers.
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NEWS RELEASE
Media contact:
For Garmin-Asus, Singapore
Yamuna. S
Phone | + 65 9690 9273
E-Mail| yamuna@xpr.com.sg
Garmin-Asus Launches Pedestrian-Centric Advanced Android™ Smartphone with Multiple Navigation Modes
The A10 Delivers Professional Pedestrian and In-car Navigation
Singapore/ September 25, 2010 — Garmin-Asus, a co-branded alliance between Garmin® Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), and ASUSTeK® Computer Inc. (TAIEX: 2357), today announced the Singapore launch of the Garmin-Asus A10, a touchscreen smartphone running on the Android platform that boasts Garmin’s professional pedestrian and vehicle navigation. The A10 being sold in Singapore has Android 2.1 and is designed for urban professionals who travel frequently within city environments whether by foot, car or public transport with its top of the line navigation-centric system.
“The A10 is the only smartphone on the market today that not only offers multiple navigation options, but delivers one of the best experiences for pedestrian navigation to today’s urbanite – whether for shopping spree, sightseeing in the city, or just simply getting to your destination comfortably and fast,” said Andy Chen, Regional director of Garmin Asus SEA. “The A10 brings the professional navigation pedigree and power Garmin is renowned for into a sleek and compact form-factor.”
The A10 comes preloaded with the NAVTEQ® map of Singapore and Malaysia. NAVTEQ® is the world leader in premium-quality digital map data and content. Powered by NAVTEQ map data, pedestrian navigation on A10 provides accurate turn-by-turn, step-by-step directions when walking or using public transit. Other NAVTEQ map content on the A10 includes speed limit information to enable warnings of potential speed violations while providing information about maximum speed on a road. In addition, intuitive visual cues such as extended lane information helps guide drivers into the most appropriate lane as they approach complex intersections, avoiding difficult last-minute maneuvers.
“The Garmin-Asus A10 aims to deliver superior navigation experience. NAVTEQ is uniquely positioned to support Garmin-Asus through its high quality map data and innovative map content.” said Ogi Redzic, Vice President, Business Development, APAC, NAVTEQ.
The Only Smartphone to Offer Multiple Navigation Options
The A10 features distinctive pedestrian navigation functionalities and an electronic compass, making it ideal for city navigation. Both car and pedestrian navigation on the A10 does not entail any GPS data charges. The A10 is also preinstalled with the equivalent capabilities of Garmin 1460 PND worth S$499! Detailed maps powered by NAVTEQ are preloaded on the A10 so that users do not have to pay and wait for third party maps to download from a server. This also ensures that users do not lose their turn-by-turn, voice-prompted navigation even if they go out of range on their cell phone coverage. In addition, the A10 features Google Maps™ with Street View which enables users to take a detailed look at their destinations before embarking on navigation with just one click. The smartphone’s Junction View and Lane Guidance features lets users know the exact lanes to turn into at intersections. With its uniquely designed car kit, the A10 is ready for use in an automobile straight out of its packaging. The car kit comprises a powered audio mount that magnifies the volume of the handset’s voice commands. The car mount also automatically switches the A10 to hands-free mode when the phone is docked, and records the final GPS location when the phone is removed, enabling users to home in on their parking locations with ease. With the Fastest Satellite Positioning at 32 seconds^ and seamless integration of navigation features, the A10 boasts an unparalleled in-car experience.
Discovering the Real World: Robust Specifications and Location-based Services
The pocket-sized A10 has a bright 3.2” capacitive multi-touch screen and a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera that automatically geotags images with an exact location reference. A geo-tagged photo can be sent to friends who can then initiate navigation to the location by simply clicking on it. Designed to deliver a rich entertainment and productivity experience on the go, the A10 is equipped with abundant memory – 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM – for work documents, multimedia files and applications. The A10 is fitted with a 1500mAh battery that ensures uninterrupted navigation, outstanding standby and talk times.
A large built-in point of interest (POI) database in the A10 provides real-time information on weather, movie showtimes, restaurant guides and public transportation such as bus and SMRT services. These Connected Services can be accessed instantly via the A10’s ‘click and go’ function.
Connecting to the Virtual World: Comprehensive Online Capabilities
The A10 has everything users need to stay connected to the people important to them and to keep updated on the events in their lives. It integrates Google™ mobile services with one-click access to Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, Google Talk™, calendar, contacts and Android Market™, where users can find thousands of applications to expand and personalize their phone to fit their individual lifestyles. 510MB of memory is dedicated exclusively to applications making it ample for over 400 applications. The A10 also supports Wi-Fi sharing which enables users to access the Internet anytime, anywhere, through any Wi-Fi capable device. Packed with a comprehensive range of features and with its unique navigational-centric system, the A10 is the ideal smartphone for those who live on-the-go.
The Garmin-Asus A10 will be available from September 25, 2010 at all major telco shops and retailers. Additional information on Garmin-Asus products can be found at sg.garminasus.com.
Garmin-Asus A10 Main Specifications:
| Networks | HSDPA DL:7.2Mbps UL: 384Kpbs,UMTS 900/ 2100 EDGE/GPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900, |
| OS | Android 2.1 (Eclair) |
| CPU | Qualcomm 7227 600MHz |
| Memory | 512 MB SDRAM + 512MB ROM, 4GB eMMC Flash |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, USB v2.0, WLAN 802.11b+g |
| GPS | Qualcomm GPSOne–Gen7 (AGPS supported) |
| Display | 3.2 HVGA TFT with capacitive touch , 65Kcolors |
| Camera | 5 megapixel, Auto Focus |
| Battery | 1500mAh Lithium |
| Standby Time | 530-660 hours(2G/3G) |
| Talking Time | 560-710 minutes(2G/3G) |
| Expansion Slot | microSD (supports SDHC, up to 32GB) |
| Browser | HTTP / Google browser |
| Messaging | SMS / MMS / Email / Push email |
| Video | Video Playback: MPEG4/H.264/H.263/WMV @ 30fps VGA Video Recording: MPEG4/H.263 @ 30fps QVGA |
| Audio | Mp3/mpeg4/wma/aac, aac+, aac+/wav/midi/ogg/3.5mm earphone jack |
Garmin-Asus A10 Car Mount **Features:
● When the A10 is mounted, the car mount will automatically recharge the phone.
● It automatically switches the A10 to hands-free mode.
● A built-in speaker amplifies the volume of calls and of sounds from the handset.
● When the A10 is dismounted, it will automatically record the final GPS location.
^ Depends on environment and phone usage
About Garmin-Asus
Garmin-Asus is a co-branded strategic alliance that enables Garmin Ltd. and ASUSTeK Computer Inc. to combine their complementary resources to develop world class LBS-centric mobile phones.
About Garmin Ltd.
The global leader in satellite navigation, Garmin Ltd. and its subsidiaries have designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications since 1989 – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200.
About ASUS
ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,268 awards in 2009, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than ten thousand people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2009 was US$7.5 billion.
ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
Google, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is the leading global provider of maps, traffic and location data (digital location content) enabling navigation, location-based services and mobile advertising around the world. NAVTEQ was founded in 1985 and now supplies comprehensive digital location content to power automotive navigation systems, portable and wireless devices, Internet-based mapping applications and government and business solutions. The Chicago-based company is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, proudly supported by approximately 5,000 employees located in 211 offices in 48 countries.
Notice on forward-looking statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2010, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-Q is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
