Mio to take on Garmin with own 3.5G GPS-enabled touchscreen handset

Mio Technology, which hails itself as “one of the leading players in the mobile GPS industry,” is said to be working on a new Windows Mobile-powered handset for release in the first quarter of 2009. One of its biggest selling points will no doubt be its GPS capabilities, but much more will be shoehorned into its diminutive handheld package, according to a report.

While Mio already has at least a couple so-called GPS PDA phones in its stable (like the A702, pictured here), the new Windows Mobile-based GPS handset is said to be powered by 3.5G chipsets from Qualcomm, and enhanced by the company’s own touch user interface called the “Spirit.”

Like some of its currently existing GPS handsets, Mio’s upcoming touchscreen model will come with a 3.5-inch screen, 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera, and possibly the latest version of Windows Mobile.

It is said that this product is scheduled for release during the first quarter of 2009, and alongside it will be a GPS-enabled MID “7- or 8-inch TFT-LCD display, support 3G technology and run on Windows CE OS.” (which is, or is not, sweet depending on your preferences.)

Coincidentally, Q1 2009 is also when Garmin is expected to launch the GPS-enabled Garmin Nuvifone. We’ll see which of the two handsets is better then, come their launch dates.

Via DigiTimes

Enjoyed the story? Get the news and updates as we publish them. For instant updates as we press the "Publish" button, click here to follow us on Twitter . To subscribe to RSS News Feed click here , for daily e-mail updates click here .

If you liked the post, you might find these interesting too:

Posted on 30 Nov 08 - Filed in Wireless - Comments - Written by David Gonzales

blog comments powered by Disqus

« Taiwan’s Chungwa Telecom plans to sell 50,000 iPhone 3Gs in 3 monthsSkinny phone concept could make for a nice T-Mobile G1 2.0 »