Garmin-Asus A10 Features “Pedestrian-Optimized” Garmin GPS Receiver

 28 Apr 2010 - By Omar Mariño+
 omar@myddnetwork.com


Garmin has long been one of the top contenders in GPS devices worldwide but only recently stepped into the mobile smart phone arena when it teamed with Asus and released its Android enabled Nuvifone M10 and A50.  While the previous devices were received with lukewarm applause, Garmin-Asus hopes to make a bigger splash with their new kid on the block.  The Garmin-Asus A10 features all the bells and whistles you’d expect on a smart phone but its boots were made for walking.  It’s the first handheld smart phone to feature “Pedestrian-Optimized” GPS.

Garmin-Asus A10
With the 3.2” HVGA screen it won’t win any awards for picture size or clarity but the long-lasting 1,500mAH battery and autofocusing 5 megapixel camera (equipped with automatic geotagging) make this little hand-held wonderful for trekking across the wilderness and snapping photos for mobile upload.  And by wilderness I mean big cities and well-known urban areas.  As of now, the only “pedestrian-optimized” feature listed on the device’s spec’s is the cityXplorer maps which integrate public transportation systems for ease of route mapping.

One bright note is that the device does come with pre-loaded Garmin maps, saving download time and costs, which enable a unique “off-line mode” so your voiced turn-by-turn directions won’t disappear when you lose cell service.  Of course, if you don’t feel like hoofing it, the A10 also doubles as a fully-functional automobile GPS system and in that regard is pretty much on-par with any other device out there.

The Garmin-Asus A10 is scheduled for a mid-2010 release in Europe and Asian markets with no western release scheduled as of yet.  Also, there’s no word if additional map support of other “pedestrian” features will be in queue for post-release download.






Disclaimer - Category: Android, Asus, Cell Phone