Olathe, Kansas — Profit in the navigation market extends well beyond car applications to include motorcycles and bicycles, if recent Garmin introductions are any indication.
Garmin expanded its bicycle computer/PND selection up in price point with a third model, which is the company’s first with smartphone notifications and first with a larger 3-inch screen. The company also expanded its motorcycle GPS line with its first model incorporating larger 5-inch display, Bluetooth control of smartphone-stored music and Pandora music, live traffic and weather radar via a smartphone app, and other new features.
In the Edge bicycle line, the company expanded its selection to three models with the top-end $599-suggested Edge 1000, due in the spring with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It retails for $699 when bundled with new speed/cadence sensors, among other things.
New features for the Edge line include a larger 3-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity such as incoming calls and text-message alerts. A new Edge remote control can be attached to the handlebar.
With its bike-specific navigation and round-trip routing capabilities, riders can enter how far they want to ride, and Edge 1000 will calculate up to three bicycle-friendly routes with turn-by-turn instructions. Riders can also review elevation profiles before making a route selection. Edge 1000 also calculates the most direct route to a destination.
Other capabilities include the ability to view start and finish point alerts. The device also provides performance monitoring and workout/training compatibility.
The IPX7 waterproof device can be used with gloves, and an ambient light sensor allows for night riding or riding through tunnels and in shade. The dual-orientation display can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
Edge 1000 is compatible with ANT+ sensors, including heart rate, and Garmin’s new speed and cadence sensors. Battery life is up to 15 hours.
Via smartphone connectivity, the device alerts users to incoming calls and text messages, and LiveTrack lets friends and family follow races and training activities in real time. Users can also share a ride on social media or download software updates via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The bicycle computer will be available through Garmin.com, Amazon, REI, Clever Training, Competitive Cyclist, and other bicycle stores.
For motorcyclists, the company expanded its zumo line with the zumo 590LM, due this month at a suggested $799. It’s positioned as a “connected infotainment hub” that accesses navigation maps, weather and traffic, and tire-pressure information while also controlling smartphone music and hands-free phone-call control.
Compared to other zumo models, it features the largest touchscreen in the zumo line at 5 inches. It also adds iPhone/ iPod and Pandora music control, live traffic and weather radar via smartphone app, 3D terrain, active lane guidance, round trip routing, and removable battery. Spoken directions are transmitted to a Bluetooth-equipped headset or helmet.
The device features the largest touchscreen in the zumo line. The screen is said to be glove-friendly, fuel-resistant and sunlight-readable, and it offers IPX7 water-proof rating.
The device features built-in MP3 player, controls music stored on smartphone, controls a smartphone’s Pandora app, and accesses weather and traffic information via the Smartphone Link app. The zūmo 590LM is also compatible with Garmin’s tire-pressure monitor system and Garmin VIRB action camera.
New navigation features include Garmin Real Directions, active lane guidance, and round trip routing. Real Directions uses local landmarks, local businesses, buildings and traffic lights rather than street names in delivering voice guidance.
Other features include bird’s-eye junction view offering a detailed view of interchanges from above. PhotoReal Junction View delivers realistic displays of junctions and interchanges along the route, including surrounding landscape.
The device also tracks tire mileage, tire changes, tire pressure, chain cleanings, oil changes, and spark-plug changes. It also records date, mileage and performed maintenance.
It comes with motorcycle mount and, for use in cars, an automotive mount and power cable.
Distribution includes Amazon and motorcycle dealers.