Garmin Discontinues GPS496, GPS696 Family | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.14.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.15.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.16.25

Airborne-FlightTraining-07.17.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.18.25

Fri, Apr 01, 2011

Garmin Discontinues GPS496, GPS696 Family

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

Advertisement

More News

Airborne 07.18.25: Will MOSAIC Be Announced Tuesday???, 12 Hot News Items

Also: DeltaHawk, Piper, Hartzell, High Flying Models & Bob Hoover Legacy, SUN n FUN26 and Affordable Flying Expo 2025 -- and MUCH More. In an exclusive interview earlier this m>[...]

Airborne-Flight Training 07.10.25: ATC School, Air Race Classic, Samson School

Also: Sully v Bedford, Embraer Scholarships, NORAD Intercepts 11, GAMA Thankful Middle Georgia State University will be joining the Federal Aviation Administration’s fight ag>[...]

Airborne 07.18.25: Will MOSAIC Be Announced Tuesday???, 12 Hot News Items

Also: DeltaHawk, Piper, Hartzell, High Flying Models & Bob Hoover Legacy, SUN n FUN26 and Affordable Flying Expo 2025 -- and MUCH More. In an exclusive interview earlier this m>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (07.16.25)

Aero Linx: Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association (MSPA) We are the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association (MSPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering sea>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (07.16.25): Preferred IFR Routes

Preferred IFR Routes Routes established between busier airports to increase system efficiency and capacity. They normally extend through one or more ARTCC areas and are designed to>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC