Introduces iPhone 496 And iPad 696 Aps As Replacements

ANN April 1st Special Edition: Garmin said Friday that it would be transitioning from its proprietary portable navigation devices and focus on building apps for the iOS phones and tablets in conjunction with its Digital Cyclone subsidiary. The company said that the ubiquitousness of the iPhone and iPad made the GPS496 and GPS696 lines obsolete. Factory-installed OEM nav equipment will not be affected.

"So many people have these devices in their possession already, it seems like it's pointless to continue to come up with new boxes when we can concentrate on software,"  said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. "With all of our stuff moving to touch screens at this point, the smartphone and tablet platforms just seem like a natural extension of what we've been developing. It seems as if everybody has one at this point anyway, so if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." he said.

Kelley told ANN that Android tablets and smartphones would also be supported.

Kelly said that the company was developing new hardware which would transmit engine data to the iOS devices via bluetooth technology. "Basically, we take all that data and shove it into a transmitter that will talk to the smart device. Once it's paired, it is available as a menu choice on the user interface." He said that eventually, the same technology would be available for the automotive and marine markets as well, meaning that Garmin could bundle software and have the same interface for each different type of vehicle. "Ones and zeros are all the same," he said. "There's no reason that you'd have to have a different Garmin for your boat, car, and plane, when you're carrying around your iPad anyway. Just buy the appropriate Bluetooth dongle, plug it in, and you're all set."

Garmin expects to have FAA certification of the iOS transfer in the 4th quarter of 2011.

FMI: www.garmin.com