Garmin nuvifone Smartphone with GPS Passes FCC

nuvifone.jpgThe FCC has approved the Garmin nuvifone. It is being tested on 1900 MHz and 850 MHz bands.  No carrier announcements have been made yet.

The smartphone is expected to include web
browsing and data connectivity, Garmin GPS applications.

Their original news release stated:

The nuvifone is an all-in-one device offering unmatched integration
of utility and function in a single mobile device," said Cliff Pemble,
Garmin's president and COO. "This is the breakthrough product that cell
phone and GPS users around the world have been longing for -- a single
device that does it all."

The nuvifone is an all-in-one device offering unmatched integration
of utility and function in a single mobile device," said Cliff Pemble,
Garmin's president and COO. "This is the breakthrough product that cell
phone and GPS users around the world have been longing for -- a single
device that does it all."

The nuvifone has a wide range of advanced yet easy-to-use features.
The all touchscreen device is the first of its kind to integrate
premium 3.5G mobile phone capability with an internet browser, data
connectivity, personal messaging, and personal navigation functions in
one device. When powered on, the 3.5-inch touchscreen display reveals
three primary icons -- "Call," "Search," and "View Map" which allow the
user to effortlessly master the nüvifone's functions.

The nuvifone is the ultimate multi-tasker. Calls are easily
initiated by tapping the "Call" button and selecting a name from the
contact list or by using the on-screen keypad. When the user is trying
to juggle talking on their phone while entering their vehicle to start
a trip, the nuvifone makes the transition simple. When the nuvifone is
docked onto the vehicle mount, it automatically turns on the GPS,
activates the navigation menu, and enables hands-free calling so that
the user never misses a beat in the conversation and is able to begin
routing to their destination with ease.

We saw the phone at CTIA and were not allowed to touch it.  It looks kind of like an--- iPhone.