Garmin Developing Google Android-Based Mystery Phone

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

6:00 am on December 23, 2008 | Category: Mobile Devices, Cell Phones, Software

Garmin, a maker of personal navigation devices, which is currently developing its own mobile phone and recently joined Google’s Open Handset Alliance, has publicly acknowledged plans to offer another phone based on the Google Android operating system.

As part of a pre-earnings statement yesterday, Garmin said that it does “have an Android-based phone under development,” but did not provide any time frame or pricing information.

Garmin dispelled rumours that its forthcoming Nuvifone device (which recently obtained regulatory approval in the U.S.) would be based on Android software, saying that that product would be based on Garmin’s own adaptation of Linux.

While there is no doubt that Garmin is enthused by Android, it seems that the company has chosen to hedge its bets as it enters the highly-competitive mobile phone market.