Garmin-ASUS' new nuvifone M20 offers premium navigation on Windows Mobile

Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20

Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20

Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20

Today Garmin-Asus announced the nuvifone M20, its Windows Mobile 6.1 powered smartphone and premium navigation system. The dual-band GMS and tri-band UMTS supported handset is built around Garmin's advanced GPS technologies.

Users can utilize the smartphone's local search, geo-coded photo sharing, and geo-tagged SMS messaging. Drivers will appreciate the M20's navigation features that provide preloaded maps, turn-by-turn directions, traffic information, and gas prices. There's even a pedestrian mode for in-hand directions. The nuvifone's Ciao! social platform integrates with social networks to provide an immersive location-based experience. The nuvifone M20 features a vivid 2.9-inch VGA touchscreen display and a 3 megapixel camera for snapping photos. Storage is plentiful on the M20, with either 4GB or 8GB internal memory options.

For North American release, the M20 has dual-band GSM (850/1900MHz) support and tri-band UMTS (850/1800/1900MHz) support with HSPA for high-speed connectivity. An Asia Pacific and European release features dual-band GSM (900/2100MHz) support and tri-band UMTS (900/1800/1900MHz) support with HSPA. WiFi is onboard both models for connectivity with high-speed local networks.

The nuvifone M20 will be on display next week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Pricing and availability should be available in the first half of 2009.