T-Mobile Announces New Android Garminfone for Navigation - Page 2
Some might find Garminfone's operating system a shortcoming. It's running on Android 1.6, while the bulk of Android phones now run on 2.1. Even the older phones can get an upgrade to 2.1. This could be a problem when selling the product.
Not so, Wakefield says. "The development timeline for Garminfone was in line with Android 1.6. Garmin has built a customized and enhanced experience on top of Android 1.6, (that) includes many of the same features as 2.1. Garmin leveraged the flexibility of the Android OS while adding the customization that differentiates the Garmin experience that customers desire." In other words, if it's a Garmin, fans of the product really won't care that much.
What it all comes down to is, would you rather have a navigation device that you also can pop into your pocket and use to make phone calls, take pictures, watch You Tube, etc.? Or do you want a killer cell phone that just happens to show you where to find a street now and then? That's the choice to make. Before Garminfone, there wasn't such a option available.
Garminfone will be on the market in select T-Mobile retail stores and online. There will be an unlocked phone available for $449.99 but don't expect to hear T-Mobile representatives discuss it much. More details are available at the T-Mobile site.
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