Garmin

Garmin's handy GPS navigators

By Paul Ridden

21:50 June 22, 2009 PDT

Whether you're just out for a leisurely stroll, out on the piste or on patrol in some remote tundra, Garmin's new personal navigation systems promise to make sure you know everything you need to know to get where you want to be. The Foretrex 401 and Foretrex 301 GPS navigators don't get lost thanks to new technology that allows them to lock on and keep track of positioning satellites even in the most testing of conditions, making these go-anywhere, do-anything, tough, waterproof personal travel gadgets much more than just big wristwatches. Read More

Garmin's new Oregon 550 and Oregon 550t GPS for in-car or outdoors

By Mick Webb

19:03 May 19, 2009 PDT

Garmin's latest handheld GPS offering for explorers who like to hit the open road - as well as veer completely off it on foot - crams a 3-axis compass, 850MB of on-board memory and a 3.2 megapixel, 4X optical zoom digital camera into a 6.8 oz., water and weatherproof package with a 3-inch touchscreen interface. Read More

Mercedes Benz releases new truck navigation system

By David Greig

03:41 March 25, 2009 PDT

Mercedes Benz has just released its new truck navigation system available on the Atego, Axor and Actros models. The system has maps available for 26 European countries, with a choice of 15 European languages for voice instructions. It takes into account the specific requirements of commercial vehicles (e.g. by providing information on weight restrictions, limited overhead and width clearances, special routes into town centers, etc.) and provides guidance to drivers in unfamiliar surroundings via arrow navigation on the instrument cluster and via arrow and/or map navigation on the 6.5" monitor. The dynamic route guidance courtesy of TMC (the Traffic Message Channel) enables traffic jams and problems to be bypassed, thereby potentially saving time. Read More

Garmin introduces long-haul navigation and delivery truck GPS system

By David Greig

22:13 March 18, 2009 PDT

Truckers have special requirements for on-road navigation that most of us wouldn't even consider and GPS units that cater for these needs make a good deal of sense. Garmin has now entered this niche with the announcement of the nüvi® 465T, the company's first portable navigation device designed exclusively for over the road long-haul navigation and delivery trucks. Read More

Garmin FR60 Fitness Watch

By Mike Hanlon

22:02 February 1, 2009 PST

GPS specialist Garmin has announced a new fitness watch that offers new levels of functionality and convenience using wireless connectivity at the 2009 ISPO Winter trade show in Munich. While you exercise, the easy-to-use FR60 accurately tracks your time, calories burned, heart rate and other data from wirelessly linked fitness equipment, then once you’re within range of your computer, the information is wirelessly transferred and stored for later analysis. Read More

Hybrid yacht combines diesel, solar and wind power

By Emily Clark

23:12 November 2, 2008 PST

Island Pilot has used this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to debut its new hybrid motoryacht - the DSe Hybrid12m. Combining diesel, solar and electric power (hence "DSe") and with wind-power to be added to the production model, the 40ft vessel can take advantage of a sunny day by cruising at speeds of up to six knots indefinitely using only solar power. Not only does this save fuel, it eliminates the rumble of diesel engines to bring one of pure-sailing's greatest attractions to the motoryacht format - silence. Read More

Garmin GPSMAP 600 series: one for the road... and the sea

By Noel McKeegan

19:21 October 5, 2008 PDT

Garmin has combined elements of marine GPS navigation with a touchscreen user interface derived from the nüvi line of automotive units for its latest multi-functional offering - the GPSMAP 600 series. The GPSMAP 640 and GPSMAP 620 (which is designed for markets outside the US) both feature a ruggedized, waterproof 5.2” WVGA touchscreen display and come preloaded with both street maps and marine charts. Read More

The Garmin eTrex that survived a bomb blast

By Tim Hanlon

01:14 July 30, 2008 PDT

July 30, 2008 Ever wondered just how rugged Garmin's eTrex GPS actually is? Take a look at these photos of fully functioning eTrex that's been through a bomb blast of sufficient magnitude to completely write off a Humvee. Read More

Garmin's waterproof nuvi 500 / 550 GPS for the explorer

By Tim Hanlon

20:08 July 22, 2008 PDT

July 23, 2008 If you're the kind of explorer who tackles driving, cycling, boating and hiking in the space of a day or weekend, Garmin's new nuvi 500 series is the GPS you shouldn't leave home without. Read More

Cessna SkyCatcher prototype nears completion

By Kyle Sherer

16:13 February 26, 2008 PST

February 27, 2008 The Cessna SkyCatcher, which has been attracting a steady stream of attention since the program was officially launched last year, will have a prototype ready to fly in the coming months. Read More

A satellite-navigated history lesson

By Noel McKeegan

18:26 December 6, 2007 PST

December 7, 2007 Sick of leafing through travel guides planning your next tour? Now you can be informed about hundreds of historical sites without leaving the comfort of your car. Inspired by hand-held audio guides, the RoadTour SatNav application marries GPS functionality with a lesson in history, alerting drivers to places of historical interest as they motor through the countryside. Read More

Volvo cleans-up in car portable satellite navigation

By Noel McKeegan

16:48 November 21, 2007 PST

November 22, 2007 In an effort to introduce portable satellite navigation without the clutter of wires or the use of unsightly suction cups, Volvo has developed a new mounting bracket for Garmin’s latest satellite navigation unit that can be fitted to all new Volvo cars. Read More

Garmin Edge's new killer apps for cyclists – wireless route sharing and SRM power compatibility

By Mike Hanlon

21:25 August 29, 2007 PDT

August 30, 2007 The humble cycling computer is fast approaching the realms of scifi in its ability to deliver real-time critical information to the cyclist and Garmin’s announcement today of the Edge 705 and Edge 605 deliver … well, short of blood testing, everything we can think of. The range-topping 705 is an integrated personal training system with a 2.2” colour display providing mapping capabilities, street navigation and it tracks vertical profiles, climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, time, cadence and heart rate. But wait, this is the clincher – through collaborative efforts with SRM, it will also monitor power output on the same display. Not satisfied yet? The 705 also enables users to share their information – including courses, waypoints and workouts – with other users through ANT+Sport wireless technology. Read More

Try to get lost with a Garmin Rino GPS radio

By Tim Hanlon

May 14, 2007 Garmin have updated their Rino line of two-way GPS radios with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that promises fast acquisition and high accuracy in environments typically disruptive to GPS, like dense forests or deep canyons. The Rino 520HCx and 530HCx feature a patented location-reporting function that uses Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) spectrums to beam your location to other Rino users up to 14 miles away. If you're ever trekking in remote parts of the Amazon (or taking your kids to Disneyland), a Garmin Rino or two could be the paddle for your proverbial "fecal creek" situation. Read More

Garmin GPS-based Edge cycling computer touring California

By Mike Hanlon

February 18, 2007 The Garmin Edge has now been around for more than a year, but as the first GPS-based cycling computer and personal trainer and it’s a rich source of accurate and instant numbers on all the key variables in a way that hasn’t been provided before – time, speed, distance, heart rate, cadence, altitude and grade. One very interesting new capability for a cycle computer, and one that begins to bring game technology into the convergence mix in a very useful way, is the Edge's Virtual Partner feature allows the cyclist to keep pace with a digital person that performs at a programmed pace, duration or distance. Users can customize the display to show up to eight different data fields, as well as altitude and a map view. It attaches to either the stem or handlebars of the bicycle, and is designed for easy removal at the end of a ride. Californian athletes wishing to get a good look at the Edge might find a convenient location over the next week as Garmin is the sponsor of the internationally sanctioned professional cycling road race, the 2007 Amgen Tour of California, running February 18-25, 2007. Read More

Garmin’s Astro GPS Dog Tracking System - release the hounds and know what they're up to

By Mike Hanlon

January 5, 2007 Using GPS-enabled devices to keep track of your assets has been going on for a while now, but with miniaturisation and engenuity and increased sales enabling such devices to become affordable and very portable, it’s now possible to keep track of your pets, children and other high-investment animals. Accordingly, we’re thrilled to see yet another useful application developed in Garmin’s Astro GPS Dog Tracking System, designed specifically for sporting dogs and their owners. The Astro system consists of the dog's transmitter (DC 20) and the user's handheld receiver (Astro 220). The DC 20 is mounted into a lightweight neoprene harness that straps to the dog's collar, around its chest, and behind its front legs. Users can also thread the unit directly onto a standard one-inch collar so that the unit fits on the back of the dog's neck. It requires very little configuration straight out of the box and there is no subscription or setup fee required to use the device. Astro shows the precise direction and distance to a dog, indicating if it is running, sitting, on point, or treeing quarry. It can track up to ten dogs per receiver at once, and location updates can be as often as every five seconds. Read More

zumo navigation device for motorcycles

By Mike Hanlon

July 20, 2006 Just when we figured the established GPS navigation systems had given up against the Tom Tom juggernaut in the motorcycle market, Garmin has announced the debut of zumo, a new from-the-ground-up design that even at a distance has some commendable features that indicate it’s more than just a ruggedised automotive unit. Firstly, the oversized touchscreen buttons can be operated with gloved paws and secondly, the thing is designed so it can be used with the left hand while your right hand keeps the go-juice flowing. There’s also display which can be easily read in sunlight, a Bluetooth “hands-free-to-helmet” wireless technology capability, and a rugged, dependable locking mount. The Zumo is expected to be available in October 2006. Read More

Smartphones become smarter with GPS Navigation and Bluetooth hands-free calling

By Mike Hanlon

March 9, 2006 The convergence mix is getting denser with each major trade show. At CeBIT in Germany today, Garmin has announced Garmin Mobile 20 – an automotive navigation system that delivers Garmin’s voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions using Bluetooth wireless technology on Nokia, Windows Mobile and Treo 650 Smartphones. Garmin Mobile 20 provides both data connectivity as well as hands-free capability and is packaged with the GPS 20SM, a new mobile phone mount with a built-in, highly sensitive GPS receiver and Bluetooth-enabled speaker and microphone. Garmin Mobile 20 will also be the first Garmin product to use the Garmin Online wireless data services that includes real-time traffic, gas prices, safety cameras, weather information, and other location relevant content. Read More

The Garmin nuvi is your handheld travelling companion

By Mike Hanlon

September 13, 2005 The Garmin nuvi is a Personal Digital Travel Assistant that combines a GPS navigator, language translator and travel guide capability, an MP3 player, an audio book player, a currency and measurement converter, a world clock, and a digital photo organizer -- all in one device the size of a pack of cards . One day, no doubt all the functionality we could ever wish for will be available in one device, but until then, companies such as Garmin will continue to recognise market opportunities for suites of functionality that are very compelling to a thin, vertical market – in this case travellers. Read More

Compelling new GPS-based training system for cyclists

By Mike Hanlon

September 2, 2005 It seems we are suddenly approaching the tipping point in the GPS market as the perception of GPS moves from an interesting high-tech novelty to a handy tool everyone can use every day. Garmin has introduced a new line of integrated personal training systems focusing on the needs of recreational and advanced cyclists. The Edge is a compact, lightweight, waterproof unit that has the ability to accurately monitor pedalling cadence, heart rate, calories burned, vertical profiles (via a a barometric altimeter), climb and descent, altitude, speed, distance, and time. Because the Edge is GPS-based, the information may be overlaid onto a cyclist's course map, including hills and curves, so the cyclist can easily analyse every aspect of their workout. The Edge 305 with heart rate lets you see whether you are training too hard or not enough. The heart rate monitor data is stored with each track point for post-workout analysis. There’s also “Virtual Partner” which lets you "race" a virtual competitor, making training fun and you can also "race" against a recorded course to try to match previously set speeds at every point along the way and a full “Training Center software” which gives you the ability to create workouts, manage and download courses, and create a detailed post-ride analysis that charts your performance. Read More

Garmin Adds iQue 3200 Palm-powered GPS Unit

By Mike Hanlon

Garmin International has announced the iQue 3200, which joins the iQue 3600 as the only Palm Powered personal digital assistants (PDAs) that offer fully integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. These products combine the portability of a PDA and the utility of an automotive navigation system in a sleek, lightweight design. Read More

Garmin handheld GPS shows terrain in colour

By Mike Hanlon

Garmin International is to release a portable aviation device that delivers colour topographic mapping and terrain advisory information. Thanks to its 256-colour, high-resolution (480x320-pixels) TFT transflective display, the GPSMAP 296 makes it easy for pilots to view and interpret navigation data in almost any lighting conditions. Fans of Garmin's pilot-friendly monochromatic GPSMAP 196 and colour ful GPSMAP 295 will notice that the GPSMAP 296 takes legacy innovations from these products and adds several significant features... Read More

Latest StreetPilot adds touch-screen interface

By Mike Hanlon

The StreetPilot 2610 portable GPS automotive navigation system features voice prompting, high-resolution touch-screen, remote control, ultra-fast map drawing and a compact design for simple transfer between vehicles. Read More

GPS-Enabled Personal Training System

By Mike Hanlon

Saturday August 23, 2003: The Forerunner 201 is an integrated personal fitness tool that uses a GPS sensor to provide users with a range of precise data including speed, distance, jogging pace and calories burned. The GPS sensor provides latitude, longitude and altitude data... Read More

Streetpilot III

By Mike Hanlon

The Street Pilot III features a pre-installed Australian base-map and 64MB plug in data card containing detailed street level maps of Australian cites, interstate highways and primary rural roads... Read More