My-Cast weather data on your iPhone

Got an iPhone or iPod Touch? If so, we have a new beta app for you to check out. My-Cast is a popular weather application for mobile phones that has been created by one of our subsidiaries. With it you can check current and predicted National Weather Service data for your immediate location, your travel destination, or virtually anywhere else in the continental U.S. My-Cast is much more than your typical phone weather app because it gives a moving map with NEXRAD data, lightning tracker, automatic alerts when a storm is within 20 miles of your current location, and a host of other features that you won't want to live without.

We've been exploring what we can do given the unique capabilities of the iPhone and iPod Touch and we'd love for you to take a peek! The weather information has been formatted especially for the large touch-sensitive screen and the weather imagery feels familiar as it responds to panning and pinch zooming. You can access the beta app here. We're always looking for feedback, so let us know what you think!

Search with Google Maps and MapQuest, send it to your Garmin

Planning a business trip? Curious to try a new restaurant you found on the Internet? If you're a web surfer and want to navigate to a destination you found online, Garmin's new Send-to features give you plenty of options. Using MapQuest.com (effective April 15) or Google Maps (as of April 1), users can search, send, save and navigate from their computer, complementing the millions of pre-loaded points of interest. Making it possible to enter locations using a keyboard or the device itself is just one more way Garmin continues to give you the tools to make traveling easy and efficient!

Garmin on Your Cell

Vegas is home to the largest U.S. cell phone show this week, CTIA Wireless, and we're here to show people how you can bring all that Garmin goodness to your cell. After all, it seems like people often fall into one of two categories -- those who want one device that does it all and those who want separate devices that focus on doing one thing. Whatever your pleasure, we're here for you. All of you.

In case you missed the press releases that went out yesterday, here's a quick rundown in no particular order. First, your BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows Mobile smartphone will now look a lot more like your nuvi thanks to our new user interface. Plus, we've added Google Local search that gives you access to millions of additional web-based POIs. If you're based in the Midwest or Southeast and use a BlackBerry with Centennial Wireless as your carrier, it's your lucky day. Centennial is even offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out Garmin maps on your phone before you buy. Our third announcement is about helping nTelos wireless customers navigate their day with ease. This is the first time we've implemented a BREW application (a cell phone "language") of Garmin Mobile, so the nTelos news has extra special meaning for our team. Yesterday we also announced that Samsung customers can start using Garmin Mobile XT -- our plug and play maps -- on Samsung devices. This announcement is being rolled out in countries around the world, so you'll want to visit the web for more details.

As you can see, our Garmin Mobile team has been busy and the show has just begun. More CTIA show news will be coming your way, so stay tuned to the blog or if you're at CTIA you can visit our booth #6639.

Ask Garmin: Calling made easy with Bluetooth

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from Tom who is wondering about Bluetooth connectivity. Well Tom, it's convenient, safe and many of our devices boast this hands-free phenom. First, let's talk about what Bluetooth does for you. Once your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone has been paired with your nüvi, Street Pilot or zūmo, you'll be connected to the world of hands-free phone calls, one-touch dialing to reach points of interest (POI) and the ability to find and dial numbers from your phone book or call history log. Then, not only will you be able to use your Garmin to look up the closest movie theater after dinner, but you can even make a hands-free call to check the show times. After the movie, call home to check on the babysitter, or call your friends for a night on the town - all while staying focused on the road. If a 2-wheel ride is more your style, connect your Bluetooth-enabled headset/helmet and cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls. To find out if your phone is compatible, click here. Then check out the list of Bluetooth-compatible Garmin devices to find the perfect match for you.

That's all for today ... if you've got a question, make sure to Ask Garmin and check back every Monday for the scoop.

Garmin wins Kansas' business award

At Garmin, we take a lot of pride in what we do. And it's moments like these, that we're glad we have the opportunity to share it with others. Tonight we're pleased to have the honor of receiving the Ad Astra Award by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's 2008 annual dinner. This prestigious award is given for business and civic excellence throughout the state. "The Ad Astra Award is the state business community's highest honor presented to a business that exemplifies excellence," Kansas Chamber President and CEO Amy Blankenbiller said. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible!   

nüvifone or bust!

   

We know (we hear it every day!) gadget gurus and navigation nerds everywhere are excited and anxiously waiting to get their hands on the Garmin nüvifone. Well for the mobile tech buffs that attended The Mobile World Conference in Barcelona this week, nüvifone wishes and sneak peeks were granted. The video below is a hands-on look from Phone Scoop. To accompany the video, here are a few more Garmin sightings from around the event as the final day approaches. It's been a busy few days!

Mobile World Congress: nüvifone buzz

The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is underway and word of the Garmin nüvifone has spread across the world! With many of our colleagues across the pond showing off the Garmin goods, we've got a sneak peek at the action for those who couldn't attend. Along with all of the nüvifone buzz, Garmin Mobile XT has also made a splash, as we've announced new search and photo capabilities with Google. Have a look below to get a taste of the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry.

 

   

nüvifone on the Big Screen

The nüvifone has received lots of buzz since its NY unveiling. If you were lucky enough to be at the debut, you heard from Garmin executives and saw two nüvifone videos. We're sharing the electrifying nüvifone videos with all our faithful blog readers so that you can stay up to speed on this great all-in-one device.  Enjoy!

Napoleon's lyrical guide

Super Bowl XLII was the most-watched Super Bowl ever, and the ratings for those companies who had a spot during this advertising mecca are still coming in. That aside, many of you are still wondering what the French lyrics to Garmin's Napoleon commercial translate to. While there have been many guesses, one one has quite cracked the code. So before you go booking a flight to Paris to ask one of the locals, we'll let you in on the translation instead. Thanks to everyone who attempted to translate the lyrics, and for all the kind comments we've received since the spot!

"Under the sun, it's perfect, with my friends we drive, on the highway to paradise - alright - let's go in my car - the life before us is a beautiful sight, oh baby, here we go, let's go to paradise - alright - Garmin-Garmin-Garmin!"

Napoleon on the social scene

Now that he's made his television debut, Napoleon (Garmin's nüvi driver from our Super Bowl campaign) wants to get to know the Garmin fans a little better. Since the big game, he's taken the next social step by entering the MySpace scene, and wants to be your friend. And to be fair, he wants you to give the Garmin fans a chance to get to know him a little better, too. That's why we've been busy posting an entire slew (about 90 or so) behind-the-scenes pictures of the filming of our SB spot onto Garmin's Flickr account. Here you can view the beautiful French scenery and take a gander at what life's like for Napoleon with a nüvi in hand. So go on, add Napoleon to your MySpace entourage... then you'll be able to tell everyone that you're friends with a historical icon!

Watch the commercial... win some Garmin goodies!

As you can see from the posts below, we've had a pretty busy week around here! And since it's Friday (and just days away from the big game) we've decided to keep the fun going in full force. So in true Garmin-Blog fashion, we're sweetening up our SB commercial announcement for our blog readers, with a little extra incentive. Be one of the first few people to translate the lyrics to the 30-second commercial, and you'll score some sweet Garmin schwag. Watch the spot, and the making-of as many times as it takes here. Then post your English translations below and we'll let you know how you did come Monday after the commercial makes it's television debut. Good luck!

(Sorry over-sea's bloggers, this schwag giveaway only applies to our readers in the States)

Garmin's New York Surprise

As you may have heard, last night was a big night for us in the Big Apple.  We invited more than a hundred financial analysts, media, and industry muckety-mucks to a party at Gotham Hall, a beautiful space in midtown Manhattan.  Ostensibly, the purpose was to unveil our Super Bowl ad and to discuss "the future of Garmin and its products." Seems tame enough.

But we had a trick up our sleeve -- the nüvifone.  It's safe to say we took the audience by surprise -- ok, that's an understatement.  As we made the announcement, the audience collectively reached for their BlackBerries and iPhones to send the big news back to their offices.  In fact, there was so much wireless activity that it momentarily conked out our presentation!  No worries though, we recovered and the audience was dazzled.

Stay glued to this space for more reaction to both the nüvifone and the Super Bowl spot.

Are you ready for some footage?

Good, because we've got even more behind-the-scenes takes from the shooting of the SB commercial. With three teasers down, do you think you have an idea of what's to come? Stay tuned to see where we'll take you next...

More scenes from the shoot

And, what would another teaser clip be without some more behind the scenes footage? Here's a few more pictures to tantalize your senses as the big game quickly approaches. Have a look and keep checking back for even more clips and tips!   

The making of....

In addition to the minisite's teaser clips, here are some behind-the-scenes takes from the making of Garmin's Super Bowl commercial. We'll keep 'em coming as the days pass, but in the meantime, stay tuned to the blog for your next sneak peek at what's to come during the big game!

GeoTours: Now playing on a Garmin GPS near you

We love to hear of inventive new uses for our devices and GPS technology. Here’s one that started as an honors project for a couple of engineering students at Kansas State University three years ago. Scott Rock and Lane Roney developed a GPS-based tour of the KSU campus, complete with audio files noting historical facts and anecdotes along the way. Their tour guide was developed for use on Garmin’s iQue® 3600 PDA. These enterprising students didn’t let the tour end with an A in the class. They went on to launch a web-based company, Geovative Solutions, which provides GPS software and solutions. Check out their GeoTours product, where you can create media-rich GPS tours on various mobile devices. Pack your tour with audio, images and text descriptions, then download to your Garmin GPS and it’s on with the tour! See how one customer took GPS tours to new heights — helicopter tours of L.A. with a Garmin nüvi!

Gearin' up for Vegas - CES Annoucements galore!

You heard right - in conjunction with the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the latest and greatest Garmin devices have just been announced! At Garmin, innovations like speech recognition, enhanced dynamic content through MSN Direct and multi-destination routing, continue to allow users to effortlessly enhance any type of travel. So, without any further ado, it's our pleasure to announce the seven newest additions to the Garmin family:

nüvi 880: Using speech recognition and enhanced MSN Direct content, this nüvi makes traveling easier and safer than ever

nüvi 780: Dynamic traffic, weather, stocks and news updates through MSN Direct, along with "Where am I?" and "Where's my car?" features

Forerunner 405: Function meets fashion, while a touch bezel puts fitness at your fingertips

Colorado series: Revolutionary thumb-driven Rock 'n Roller wheel, vivid imagery and "Wherigo" enhance any outdoor experience

nüvi 5000: 5.2-inch touchscreen with multi-destination navigation puts you in control of the road

nüvi 260W: Widescreen pocket-sized navigation that gets you from point A to point B with street names

Garmin Mobile PC: Turns laptops and mobile PCs into navigators with "Where to? and "View Map" interfaces

Click here for details, and stay tuned for more in-depth product reviews, interactive video and everything CES... coming soon!

Forbes: Garmin the best of 2007

Happy New Year, everyone!! With the dawn of 2008 upon us, we'll only spend a moment reflecting on 2007. It seems the financial wizards over at Forbes are raving about our success story.

"The best Platinum performer last year, Garmin rose 122% during the last 12 months," Forbes reports. "One year ago, Garmin was also our selection for best-managed company in Technology Hardware & Equipment. ... Garmin reported gains in sales of 74% and earnings per share of 73%."

And we'll have more to celebrate, if Motley Fool's forecast is accurate. Check out their Best Stock for 2008: "As the old year draws to a close, and you search for advice on which stocks to buy in the new year, I've got just one word for you: Garmin."

It's thanks to your enthusiasm and feedback that we can continue to evolve, and we have many exciting projects planned for 2008. So bookmark our blog and visit often. And have a great '08!

Which Garmin device is your favorite?

Get out and vote! No, we're not already talking about the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election... we're talking about the 2007 Engadget Awards, of course. That's right, it's time to nominate your favorite GPS device of the year, and with such an impressive list of features and benefits, we're certain you've got a favorite Garmin product or two. Maybe it's the nüvi 200W's bright widescreen display that revs your engine?  Or perhaps it's the nüvi 760 you love with it's traffic alerts, Bluetooth capabilities and multi-destination routing? 

And I don't think we need to remind you about the times your Garmin kept you from getting lost on your family vacation, or when it found the lowest gas price or the latest traffic updates... You wouldn't want to deprive your favorite device from this wonderful opportunity, would you?  If it's your favorite, nominate it today!

Roger's Runway: Your GPS signal just got stronger

GPS users all over the world got an early present on December 21st. The United States Air Force launched the fifth modern NAVSTAR GPS satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Other than adding new channels to the military side of GPS for better accuracy, the new satellites will also increase strength of the GPS signal and add a second civilian signal. The Air Force is in the process of updating the GPS satellite constellation.

Also the FAA recently announced that WAAS signal is now active in Mexico and Canada. For you pilots that fly North and South of the borders on a regular basis you will shortly start to see GPS WAAS approaches showing up on approach charts in Mexico and Canada. The FAA worked with NavCanada and Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacío Aéreo Mexicano (SENEAM) and signed agreements with both countries to operate the new WAAS stations to supplement the USA systems.

12 Cars of Christmas: Day 9 – Shovelin’ Scooter

Well, we ended up with some snow at the Garmin Garage last night. So before Scooter could grab his snowboard and disappear all day, we’ve handed him a shovel and sent him outside to clear the driveway and sidewalk. We’ve been putting in quite a few late nights and we’ve got a lot of traffic around the Garmin Garage as lots of people are stopping by to load up on new icons for their nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot. So Shovelin’ Scooter is hard at work clearing the way for your visit. And Shovelin’ Scooter will also make a great addition to your Garmin GPS device if you’re traveling this winter – wherever you’re going, he’ll be leading the way with shovel in hand. Download Shovelin’ Scooter today and be sure to stop by tomorrow. We only have a few days left and we’ve got some great things in store at the Garmin Garage!

nuvi: Good for your Health

Looking for a healthy holiday gift for that special someone?  Fox News' own "Dr. Manny" has his own list of gifts that reduce stress and improve your health, and he's chosen the nuvi line of personal navigation devices as one such item.  No more stressing over getting lost or getting stuck in traffic!  Click here to see the video for yourself.

Navigation in the Palm of Your Hand

Several weeks ago we announced that we joined with Palm to provide Palm-ians with Garmin maps on Treo and Centros.  For just $249, Palm aficionados can turn their Palm into a high end navigator with turn-by-turn directions, millions of points of interest, real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices and more. As you'd expect, this new Garmin offering has been extremely popular with the Palm crowd. After all, if you always have your Palm smartphone with you, it makes perfect sense to add maps so that your device becomes brilliant (a huge step above smart on the IQ scale). Our buddies at TreoCentral.com interviewed a Garmin and Palm manager about the new GPS Navigator and have posted the interviews on their site. If you're a Palm-addict who is looking for some new direction, you won't want to miss this. Click here to watch the exclusive interviews.

Navigating through Cyber Monday with Garmin

The countdown to Christmas has begun! After the turkey dinner was cleaned up on Thursday, many folks headed to the closest shopping district for the biggest shopping day of the year, also known as Black Friday. And after fighting the crowds and checking out the sales, many shoppers will take to the Internet today and join the Cyber Monday craze - the biggest online shopping day of the year. If you're in need of some retail therapy, and searching for the great Garmin finds you spotted this weekend, have no fear...the Garmin Gift Guide is here! This one-stop shopping guide is stuffed with outdoor, marine, fitness, mobile, automotive, and aviation navigation goodies...perfect for anyone on your shopping list.

While you're giving a Garmin, check our our holiday commercials (posted in the Gift Guide) that depict what might happen if you don't have a nüvi as your co-pilot this holiday season. Look there's a moose... give a, give a, give a, Garmin. Happy shopping!

Give a Garmin: Holiday advertising has arrived cont.

Yesterday we brought you the first of the two new Garmin holiday commercials. After taking a wrong turn, unfortunate circumstances popped up for the man in the video without his Garmin nüvi. You will notice however, in the second spot that we're bringing you today, the commercial illustrates how a nüvi can solve life's little problems during the holiday hustle and bustle. The woman is calm, cool and collected as she flawlessly navigates to shopping, food and even the spa- all in one trip- with her nüvi. Take a look at how she does it below, and see how giving a Garmin to someone special in your life could make or break your holiday preparation!

Give a Garmin: Holiday advertising has arrived

Believe it or not, Christmas is less than 60 days away! And in addition, Nov. 23rd (otherwise known as Black Friday in the retail world), one of the busiest retail shopping days of the year, is just 25 days out.

According to Solution's Research's "Digital Life America" report, GPS gear was No. 5 on the wish lists of men, as the women ranked it No. 7 on theirs. So with the "year of the personal navigation device," we've got some fun GPS holiday cheer in store for you.

To jump start your holiday spirit, and hopefully put a smile on your face, Garmin's holiday advertising started yesterday during one of America's favorite pastimes - Sunday NFL football. This year's round of holiday commercials might look similar to those of the past, as we attempt to show you what happens if you don't have a Garmin nüvi this holiday season, while we give you the solution to the pesky problem of getting lost.

So, without further ado, below is one of the new spots for your viewing pleasure. This one illustrates what might happen if you get lost and take a wrong turn. Stay tuned tomorrow for the second spot, which promises to be equally as entertaining. Have a look and see for yourself, the wonderful world of giving a Garmin...

Navigating Through CTIA

This week was the CTIA Wireless IT and Entertainment trade show in San Francisco. Unlike the majority of people at the show, this fearless Garmin blogger wasn't texting messages every day and that's why it has taken until now to post about the show.  And speaking of texting, one of the staggering stats given at the show was that U.S. subscribers send an average of 1 billion text messages every day. Yes, that's billion with a "b".  Incredible!

In case you missed it, we announced that we're teaming up with Palm and will be providing navigation to their Treo and Centro lineup. Those who have a Treo 680, 700, 750, 755, or Centro can now get Garmin's turn-by-turn directions on their smartphone. Setup is plug-n-play easy -- you just slide our Garmin Mobile XT preloaded data card into your Treo or Centro. The application automatically installs and turns your phone into a high-end Garmin navigator. You can't get any easier than that!

The other Garmin product that was center stage was Garmin Mobile XT. We announced this product in early October, but CTIA was the first opportunity for consumers to see it in the flesh. All were very impressed, especially with the $99 price tag.

Garmin Mobile XT turns your phone into a "GPS superstar"

I think the crew over at Engadget said it best when they said, "the [Garmin Mobile XT] will turn your average, boring, ugly phone into a bona fide GPS superstar." That's right - the new Garmin Mobile XT will send your smartphone straight to the head of the class. This preloaded microSD card pairs with he phone's built-in GPS to offer customers North American or European navigation. Along with turn-by-turn navigation, Garmin Mobile XT includes access to Garmin Online with offers users real-time traffic alerts, fuel prices and weather alerts (just like the nüvi 680 we have all come to know and love so much.) And, unlike other mobile phone applications, Garmin Mobile XT offers this dynamic content with no monthly fees or subscription of any kind! To top it all off, customers can choose from millions of points of interest to find restaurants, hotels, ATMS, and gas stations... all from the convenience of your mobile phone! To make sure your phone is compatible, visit our buyer's guide to find the perfect Garmin Mobile solution for your phone today.

A Roaring Success at Garmin NASCAR Day

Graced by perfect weather with "Garmin blue" skies, we can safely report to you that NASCAR Day at Garmin was everything we had hoped it'd be.  Several hundred employees and curious onlookers converged on our parking lot to check out the #66 Best Buy/Garmin car, get an autograph from driver Jeff Green, and tour the cutting-edge electronics in the Best Buy Fun Zone.  Even Garmin ambassador and all-around fun guy Chet got in on the act!

Garmin had a supply of over 700 die-cast cars that we offered to employees for 10 bucks a pop -- with all proceeds benefitting the United Way.  We're proud to say they all sold out within just a couple of days, too.

Even if you weren't able to make the event today, you can see the #66 Garmin car charging hard for the checkered flag this Sunday afternoon at Kansas Speedway.

NASCAR Comes to Garmin

The Garmin campus in Olathe, Kansas plays host to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Jeff Green and his #66 Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet today.  Best Buy is already in the parking lot, setting up their Fun Zone, a tricked-out semi trailer that shows the latest in cool technology... including, of course, Garmin.

Later this morning and into the afternoon, Jeff and the #66 car will be on hand, and Jeff says he's excited to sign autographs and extoll the virtues of Garmin.  “You always want to be associated with brands you believe in, and I can honestly say I’m a big fan of Garmin,” notes Jeff, who uses our stuff while driving and also while hunting.

It's all in advance of this Sunday's LifeLock 400 race at Kansas Speedway -- so if you're in the neighborhood today, stop by and wish Jeff good luck... and be sure to catch the race this weekend!

Garmin on the Hugh Thompson Show

A few weeks ago, Garmin hosted Hugh Thompson at the beautiful Garmin Store in Chicago.  Hugh is best described as the irrepressible host of a tech-oriented talk show on the new AT&T Tech Channel.  We showed him the latest in GPS, and even dipped into our showcase of "used and abused" units. 

And if that wasn't enough, we introduced Hugh to the lovely and talented Karen Jacobsen.  Those of you who use Garmin probably know her better as "Australian Karen," the sultry guiding voice from down under. 

Click here to see the store and meet Karen.