After building their own operating system for the Garmin nuvifone G60 caused the handset to take roughly a decade (in smart phone years, that is) to come out, it’s no surprise that Garmin-Asus is steering clear of that route. They announced back in June of last year that they’d be bring Android into the mix, and this latest handset reflects that.

The handset you see up top is Garmin’s first foray into Android, which they’ve lovingly dubbed the “nuvifone A50″.

They’re not saying which version of Android comes tucked in side (though Engadget has been tipped that it’s running 1.6, which seems perfectly likely), but here’s what we do know so far:

• Screen: 3.5 inch, Half VGA (480×320) capacitive touch screen
• Internal Storage: 4GB flash
• Camera: 3 megapixels with autofocus
• Hardware Features: microSD slot, accelerometer, compass, car mount and car charger included
• Software Features: Exchange support, Garmin navigation

There’s no word yet on pricing nor US availability, but look for it in Europe sometime in the next four months.

Garmin-Asus is getting real good at announcing products. The original Nuvifone was announced almost a year and a half ago. Then, just a few months ago, they announced the smaller version called the M20 and renamed the original as the G60. Now, the joint venture company is saying that we can expect an Android-powered smartphone sometime next year. Great, but we’re still waiting for the phones that are already announced. How about focusing on bringing those to market, eh?

Details about the upcoming Android model haven’t been released. We don’t know anything about it besides that the company is working on it. But this phone, and the other upcoming models, better pack some impressive GPS capability if the company expects the phones to be successful. The GPS stack within mobile devices are constantly being upgraded, and now TeleNav offers their turn-by-turn software for nearly every platform. (Android review here) All this means less available market for a Garmin-branded phone.

Garmin-Asus is getting real good at announcing products. The original Nuvifone was announced almost a year and a half ago. Then, just a few months ago, they announced the smaller version called the M20 and renamed the original as the G60. Now, the joint venture company is saying that we can expect an Android-powered smartphone sometime next year. Great, but we’re still waiting for the phones that are already announced. How about focusing on bringing those to market, eh?

Details about the upcoming Android model haven’t been released. We don’t know anything about it besides that the company is working on it. But this phone, and the other upcoming models, better pack some impressive GPS capability if the company expects the phones to be successful. The GPS stack within mobile devices are constantly being upgraded, and now TeleNav offers their turn-by-turn software for nearly every platform. (Android review here) All this means less available market for a Garmin-branded phone.

In light of MWC next week, Garmin-Asus has made a full announcement about the upcoming nuvifone product line. Which, btw, isn’t nearly as fun as spy shots and rumors, but we’ll take it. The original G60 that we have been hearing about for nearly a year seems like it will finally be released and might be a solid contender judging by the specs. Garmin-Asus is announcing a new player however, in the smallish WinMo 6.1, M20 handheld that naturally runs Garmin’s mapping software which might make a larger splash at MWC than its big brother. 

The original nuvifone, now called the G60, was announced, demoed, and delayed numerous times in ’08 but it is finally here. The OS runs on a custom flavor of Linux and it comes pre-loaded with your regions maps (North America, Europe, Asia) Plus, Garmin has a new location area software suite named Ciao! that seems similar to Google Latitude but built over the Garmin Maps and compatible with social networking sites.

• Quad-band HSDPA 3G connectivity
• Bluetooth & WiFi
• Accelerometer
• 3.5-inch touchscreen
• 3MP geo-tagging camera
• Pre-loaded maps
• Car dock included

The M20 might not run Linux like it’s big bro, but this little WinMo device seems to have the stuff to stand out. It’s smaller, retains the 3G speed, and available in cute colors. Everyone likes color options. Thankfully, Windows Mobile has been skinned with a Garmin-like home page with quick links to navigation and such. The M20 also comes loaded with Ciao!.

• Quad-band HSDPA 3G connectivity
• Bluetooth & WiFi
• Accelerometer
• 2.8-inch touchscreen
• Micro-SD card slot
• 4 or 8GB of on-board storage
• 3MP geo-tagging camera
• Pre-loaded maps
• Car Dock included

Pricing and availability has unfortunately been left out of the press release but hopefully we find those tid-bits out next week at MWC. Chances are that both T-Mobile and AT&T are interested in the 3G devices though, but it’s anyones guess which company would end up with the pair.

In light of MWC next week, Garmin-Asus has made a full announcement about the upcoming nuvifone product line. Which, btw, isn’t nearly as fun as spy shots and rumors, but we’ll take it. The original G60 that we have been hearing about for nearly a year seems like it will finally be released and might be a solid contender judging by the specs. Garmin-Asus is announcing a new player however, in the smallish WinMo 6.1, M20 handheld that naturally runs Garmin’s mapping software which might make a larger splash at MWC than it’s big brother.

The original nuvifone, now called the G60, was announced, demoed, and delayed numerous times in ’08 but it is finally here. The OS runs on a custom flavor of Linux and it comes pre-loaded with your regions maps (North America, Europe, Asia) Plus, Garmin has a new location area software suite named Ciao! that seems similar to Google Latitude but built over the Garmin Maps and compatible with social networking sites.

• Quad-band HSDPA 3G connectivity
• Bluetooth & WiFi
• Accelerometer
• 3.5-inch touchscreen
• 3MP geo-tagging camera
• Pre-loaded maps
• Car dock included

The M20 might not run Linux like it’s big bro, but this little WinMo device seems to have the stuff to stand out. It’s smaller, retains the 3G speed, and available in cute colors. Everyone likes color options. Thankfully, Windows Mobile has been skinned with a Garmin-like home page with quick links to navigation and such. The M20 also comes loaded with Ciao!.

• Quad-band HSDPA 3G connectivity
• Bluetooth & WiFi
• Accelerometer
• 2.8-inch touchscreen
• Micro-SD card slot
• 4 or 8GB of on-board storage
• 3MP geo-tagging camera
• Pre-loaded maps
• Car Dock included

Pricing and availability has unfortunately been left out of the press release but hopefully we find those tid-bits out next week at MWC. Chances are that both T-Mobile and AT&T are interested in the 3G devices though, but it’s anyones guess which company would end up with the pair.