Asia Express - Mobile Communications
Asus-Garmin GPS-enabled Smartphones Available in India
October 15, 2009
Taiwan-based Asus and US-based navigation device maker Garmin announced on October 9 that they have jointly launched two co-branded GPS (Global Positioning System) Nuvifone Smartphone models, codenamed M20 and G60, for the Indian market, the Hindu Business Line reported on October 12. The Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M20 running on Windows Mobile 6.5 OS and featuring 2.8" touchscreen display will be priced at 31,900 Rupees (US$492.7; US$1 = 46.05 Rupees). Embedded with 3.5" touchscreen display panel, the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone G60 will be the only co-branded models running on Linux OS, with an estimated price tag of 29,900 Rupees (US$649.3), according to the same source. Aside from the Indian market, the Asus-Garmin Nuvifone G60 model was launched in the United States on October 4 through US-based telecom operator AT&T, with a price tag of US$549 (without two-year subscription plan)/US$299 (with two-year subscription plan), according to equipment update posted on AT&T's website on September 28.