Olathe, Kan. –Garmin
introduced a dual-purpose aviation/car portable GPS device that uses a touch
screen.
In addition, Garmin announced a new OEM platform for in-car
navigation systems.
While Garmin has supplied dual purpose aviation/automotive portable
navigation devices (PNDs) in the past, its new Aera series is this is the first
to use the simple nuvi user interface (that reads “Where to?” and “View Map”)
and it is also the first touch screen device in this class.
The Aera lets users transition between aviation and automotive by
one touch. It uses a 4.3 inch QVGA
screen with ruggedized and waterproof construction and street maps for the
U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. It is shipping now at expected street prices
starting at $799.
Garmin’s new OEM device, the GVN 54, is a configurable black box
that includes, for the first time from Garmin, built-in GPRS/EDGE connectivity.
Car navigation devices may connect to the Internet to access local searches for
points of interest, as well as traffic, weather, fuel price and other
information.
The new GVN 54 system was announced in conjunction with the SEMA
Show, which opened today in Las Vegas.
Garmin currently supplies
in-car navigation options for Volkswagen, Ford Work systems and the 2011 Chrysler
Jeep.
