Garmin Showcases New GPS locator, nuvi 2400 Series And iPhone Apps at CES 2011
Garmin today announced its first turn-by-turn navigation app for iPhone, StreetPilot, as well as the GTU 10 GPS locator and the Nüvi 2400 series of personal navigation devices.
New iPhone and Android Apps
The StreetPilot App has been sesigned specifically for iPhone giving iPhone owners unlimited use of Garmin’s navigation with traffic alerts. The interface greets users with two simple options: "Where to?" and "View Map." Users can easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to their destination.
The StreetPilot App includes many of the same high-end features available on Garmin’s standalone automotive GPS devices like free traffic alerts that enable drivers to steer clear of traffic accidents, road closures and construction; lane assist with junction view that directs drivers to the preferred lane and displays realistic images of upcoming complex junctions; and speed limit indicators that display speed limits for most major roads.
The StreetPilot App also integrates with a driver's iTunes music library; integrates with their address book so they can navigate directly from their contact list; and uses the multitasking ability of iOS 4 to allow them to take a phone call while the navigation continues to work in the background.
The StreetPilot App is available now for $39.99 from the App Store on iPhone or at www.itunes.com/appstore.
Garmin Tracker: Available soon for iPhone and Android, the free Garmin Tracker App works in conjunction with the Garmin GTU 10 tracking devices allowing users to track the things that mean the most to them – a child, pet, boat, car and more – and see its location from the convenience of their smartphone.
myMechanic: Auto aficionados can now know their car’s specific performance metrics including horsepower, torque, G-force, and more. Available for download from the Android Marketplace beginning in February 2011, myMechanic’s information is available when paired via Bluetooth with Garmin’s ecoRoute HD module.
My-Cast Lite: In addition to the lineup of My-Cast apps currently available for iPhone, a new, free My-Cast Lite application is available now for Android users which provides radar, current conditions, hourly and extended forecasts and more.
Garmin GTU 10: New GPS locator
Garmin also announced today that it is entering a new market – personal and property tracking – with the introduction of its GTU 10 GPS locator and web-based Garmin Tracker service for computers, smartphones and compatible Garmin nüLink devices.
Small (3"x1.3"x.8"), lightweight (1.7 oz.), waterproof and packaged with a carabiner clip and pouch, GTU 10 is easy to attach to a backpack, dog collar or anything else you want to track. Once you register your GTU 10 at my.Garmin.com, the tracking service is enabled. Tracking data is delivered across AT&T’s wireless network. When you’re on your computer, Garmin’s Tracking website helps you manage your GTU 10 and map its location. For even more convenience when you’re on the go, you can download the Garmin Tracker application for your mobile device to see the location of GTU 10 and how it relates to your current location. Compatible Garmin nüLink devices can automatically route to the GTU 10’s location with turn-by-turn directions.
GTU 10 owners can create up to 10 geofences (virtual boundaries) for your device so that when it enters or exits a geofenced area, Garmin can send an email or text message notification to you or authorized friends and family members. It’s also easy to view a track history of where your GTU 10 has been. And because there are numerous ways to use GTU 10, it’s easy to customize battery settings for optimal performance. The built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery can last up to four weeks between charges, and low battery/powered off notifications through the tracking service let you know when it’s time to recharge or when the device has been turned off.
GTU 10’s tracking capabilities are a result of combining high-sensitivity GPS with a connection to AT&T’s wireless network. GTU 10 has a suggested retail price of $199.99, which includes one year of Standard Tracking. Providing access to 10 points of daily track history, Standard Tracking can be renewed at an annual rate of $49.99 after the first year of complimentary service. For those who want a more detailed history, the Deluxe Tracking service plan ($4.99 per month) can access 7 days of track history. Each service plan includes the option to automatically renew upon expiration, and there are no early termination fees, no activation fees and no contracts.
Nüvi 2400 Series
Garmin also announced today the nüvi 2400 series of personal navigation devices, featuring a five-inch display and a new range of optional features like voice-activated navigation, lifetime traffic and map updates, and advanced route planning and calculation with Garmin’s nüRoute technology.
The nüvi 2400 series is comprised of four models: the nüvi 2460LMT, nüvi 2460LT, nüvi 2450LM, and the nüvi 2450. Models featuring voice activated navigation let users control nüvi by voice, so they can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Simply wake up nüvi with a customizable voice command and begin speaking menu options that are displayed on the screen. Bluetooth connectivity lets users make and receive phone calls when paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. Lifetime traffic-enabled models help notify drivers of traffic delays and road construction and suggest detours around them. Units featuring lifetime map updates let users download the most up-to-date maps and points of interest up to four times a year.
All models feature nüRoute with trafficTrends and myTrends predictive routing. With trafficTrends, nüvi automatically learns traffic flow trends to improve route calculation and better predict the estimated time of arrival based on time of day and day of week. With myTrends, nüvi will, over time, begin to anticipate a route to favorite destinations as soon as the device is powered up.
The nüvi 2400 series lets consumers customize their unit in new ways as well. Users can give a one- to five-star rating to any point of interest. When the unit is connected to a myGarmin account, they can submit their ratings and receive an updated community database of ratings from other users. Owners can also customize their device’s main menu to display their most-used icons for quick navigation.
Priced from $249.99 to $349.99, the nüvi 2400 family is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011.