CTIA: Garmin Teams with Mapquest, Google Maps

March 31, 2008

Garmin Ltd. today unveiled a "send-to" function for both Mapquest and Google Maps, enabling users of the rival mapping services to send locations directly to their Garmin navigation devices.

With the service on Mapquest.com, users can find a location as well as plan and research routes, and then send the locations directly to a Garmin GPS unit by using a Send To GPS drop-down option. The service for Google Maps works in a similar way; locations mapped in Google Maps can be saved directly to a Garmin device via a send-to function, the company said.

Both services will be available at the respective mapping sites in April, Garmin said.

Garmin Mobile Software Upgrades

In other Garmin news, the company also announced that its Garmin Mobile software is getting upgrades that include a new interface and Google Local search. These upgrades will be available on a variety of handsets and platforms including BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphones beginning in July, the company said. The company also said that Garmin Mobile XT navigation software would serve as the basis for Samsung Mobile Navigator, the navigation application appearing on certain Samsung phones available in Europe and other parts of the world later this year.

The new Garmin Mobile interface is similar to that found on the company's Nuvi personal navigation devices, the company said. When the application is launched, "Where To?" and "View Map" icons appear; once Where To? is selected, icons such as "Address," "Recent Finds," "Food and Hotel," and "Google Local" appear.

The Google Local search provides access to point-of-interest information via the Internet and the popular search engine, Garmin said. The company also has created a quick-search feature that lets users search Google Local via categories, such as food, lodging, and fuel, rather than typing a word or phrase into the search box. Once users select a location, they can save the destination to a favorites folder, call the destination, or navigate to it with Garmin Mobile.

The announcements came at the CTIA Wireless tradeshow, being held in Las Vegas this week.

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