Android to replace Garmin-Asus' current Linux platform

John Chan | Jun 16, 2009

The Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 (left) and M20 (right).

At CommunicAsia today, Garmin-Asus showed off its nuvifone G60 and M20 devices. The former was first developed independently by Garmin and later rebadged with the new brand name after the two companies decided to collaborate on a line of navigation-focused smartphones.

The Linux-based G60 has been delayed for a while, but today Garmin-Asus announced that both devices will be commercially available in the second half of 2009. The company's regional director for Southeast Asia sales, Hektor Tung, said it will be as early as August for some markets.

When asked about the potential of Garmin-Asus' current Linux platform for future devices, Tung revealed that this will be used only in the G60. Future smartphones will either come with Windows Mobile like the M20 or be based on the Google Android operating system. He added that the brand's first Android phone will be unveiled at the end of this year, earlier than the Q1 2010 time frame mentioned by various reports a few weeks back.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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