Garmin and TomTom to get into the cell game

[dnuggett]

Not anything official but it looks like digitimes is reporting that sources suggest TomTom and Garmin are getting into the cell phone business.

Link here

 

[uli2000]

Personally, I think they would be better off getting deals with other manufactures to provide their software with the phone, and advertise it like "The new (insert device here), now with GPS powered by tomtom/Garmin". I could see tomtom partner with a euro manufacturer like Nokia/SE, and Garmin partnering with HTC, or maybe with MS and make a deal to include it in the next version of Windows Mobile as a standard part of the rom (core apps on the rom, maps on dvd to be installed in flash memory/storage card), with reduced price map updates (like $30/yr).

 

[laketrout]

I don't know. The GPS devices they make are a pretty clear indication that they know how to make stuff beyond just software. If they can make a cellphone half as good as the new TomTom 720 they will be money. The 720 that I'm using right now is probably the best GPS unit on the market, goes bluetooth, has an mp3 player, Map Share, etc... If they can want to get into the cell phone business - I'm sure that TomTom will at least have a lot of people interested.

 

[intogamer]

Seems like everyone wants a piece in the Celluar market share. Time to invest in some stocks. I don't think Garmin and TomTom will succeed by replicating the iPhone. what uli2000 mentioned is a much better option.

Invest in Mobile Technologies! Just look at Japan.

 

[dnuggett]

Originally posted by: uli2000
Personally, I think they would be better off getting deals with other manufactures to provide their software with the phone, and advertise it like "The new (insert device here), now with GPS powered by tomtom/Garmin". I could see tomtom partner with a euro manufacturer like Nokia/SE, and Garmin partnering with HTC, or maybe with MS and make a deal to include it in the next version of Windows Mobile as a standard part of the rom (core apps on the rom, maps on dvd to be installed in flash memory/storage card), with reduced price map updates (like $30/yr).

I didn't think they made the software... I thought that was companies like SIRF.

 

[laketrout]

Some outsource their map data, some don't. I don't think thats a big deal. I think it will be determined by what picks up faster - car gps devices or gps on phones. If car gps keeps getting more popular then the phones might not be what everyone wants. If gps software for phones picks up then guys like TomTom will probably try to jump in further with their own phones. But who knows. I don't need gps on my phone but I love having it in my car, but thats just me. One thing though is that they will all have to be compatible. The TomTom 720 has bluetooth and in the future they all will have hands free dialing, etc. 720 is a money unit because it already has a lot of these features, but soon they will be standard I bet.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: dnuggett

Originally posted by: uli2000
Personally, I think they would be better off getting deals with other manufactures to provide their software with the phone, and advertise it like "The new (insert device here), now with GPS powered by tomtom/Garmin". I could see tomtom partner with a euro manufacturer like Nokia/SE, and Garmin partnering with HTC, or maybe with MS and make a deal to include it in the next version of Windows Mobile as a standard part of the rom (core apps on the rom, maps on dvd to be installed in flash memory/storage card), with reduced price map updates (like $30/yr).

I didn't think they made the software... I thought that was companies like SIRF.

I thought the SIRF was the locator processor?