Garmin-Asus Launches the A50 Android Navigation Smartphone

Garmin-Asus Launches the A50 Android Navigation Smartphone

Fusing the ultimate in personal fast, precise navigation with complete communications capabilities on a single elegant device for the mobile professional

Singapore/ October 6, 2010  — Garmin-Asus, a co-branded alliance between Garmin^® Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), and ASUSTeK^® Computer Inc. (TAIEX: 2357), today announced the launch of the Garmin-Asus A50 – a professional-focused Android-powered smartphone that delivers to sophisticated users the speed, power and versatility of a robust app-centric smartphone platform, with seamlessly integrated Garmin professional pedestrian and vehicle navigation technology – in an elegant form-factor of class-leading industrial design.

“The A50 exceeds what is expected in a smartphone indispensible to today’s mobile professional, by combining class-leading connectivity and processing power with a robust app-centric smartphone platform that delivers hundreds of popular business-applications available for download,” said Andy Chen, Regional director of Garmin Asus SEA. “The A50 redefines professional smartphone usage with the close integration of personal navigation features, opening up new possibilities for geo-specific business communication and content such as in contacts, messaging, routes, and much more.”

The A50 comes preloaded with the NAVTEQ® map of Singapore and Malaysia. NAVTEQ® is the world leader in premium-quality digital map data and content. Powered by NAVTEQ map data, navigation on A50 provides accurate turn-by-turn, step-by-step directions when driving or walking. Other NAVTEQ map content on the A50 includes speed limit information to enable warnings of potential speed violations while providing information about maximum speed on a road. In addition, intuitive visual cues such as extended lane information helps guide drivers into the most appropriate lane as they approach complex intersections, avoiding difficult last-minute maneuvers.

“The Garmin-Asus A50 aims to deliver superior navigation experience and NAVTEQ is uniquely positioned to support Garmin Asus through its high quality map data and innovative map content.” said Ogi Redzic, Vice President, Business Development, APAC, NAVTEQ.

Full Featured Smartphone

The sleekly-designed Garmin-Asus A50 comprises a full-function Android 2.1 smartphone, with a vibrant 3.5” HVGA TFT LCD capacitive touchscreen which is ideal for car navigation and accessing the versatile features the device has with intuitive user interface. A50 is geared with 4GB of internal storage, including 510MB reserved for ultra-fast download and quick access to applications. The A50’s CPU operates at 600MHz, and features L2 cache for expedited performance and navigation on the A50 does not entail additional GPS data charges.

Navigate with Ease

The Garmin-Asus A50 brings together the power of an Android smartphone and the professional Garmin navigation which is comparable with Garmin nüvi 1460 worth $379*. With voice-prompted and turn-by-turn directions that speak street and place names to the destination, and realistic looking Junction View and Lane Guidance to guide for an approaching turn or exit. The Garmin-Asus A50 delivers the true in-car navigation experience to a smartphone. The device also comes preloaded with detailed street maps and a comprehensive point of interest (POI) database for on-board navigation. With enhanced navigation capabilities, A50 is a perfect travel companion for different travel modes – driving, walking, and public transportation*. Positioning of a new destination or Time To First Fix takes a mere 30 seconds to register and all travel modes feature automatic re-routing should travel conditions change.  Additionally, the A50 features high resolution 3.5” touch-screen that can switch between day and night modes for perfect viewing at all times. The uniquely-designed car mount** automatically enables the speaker mode so that the smartphone can serve as a hands-free handset while driving. Incoming calls do not stop navigation so that one can always stay focused on the road and enjoy hands-free calls. The phone even saves the location if you are still receiving satellite signals when the device is removed from the car mount – very useful for getting back to your parking location.

Lifestyle-Centered Design

Geo-tagged photos for future reference and navigation — the easiest way to come back to a much-enjoyed spot. Geo-tagged pics can be easily shared on various social media, or sent directly via email and MMS. In addition to a large built-in point of interest (POI) database, the A50 provides real-time location-based information on weather*, movie showtimes*, public

transportation*, and more. A50’s ‘click and go’ function enables turn-by-turn navigation to the venues listed in the connected services. The A50 also boasts smart integration of Google™ mobile services, including Google™ Voice Search*, Google™ Maps with Street View*, YouTube® and the Android Market, where users can find thousands of applications to enhance the user experience and personalize their phone to fit their lifestyles.

Availability 

The Garmin-Asus A50 will be available from end October all major telco shops and retailers. Retail price will be $568 with car kit included. Additional information on Garmin-Asus products can be found at sg.garminasus.com.

Specifications

*Product specifications, features and services subject to change without prior notice. Some features may only be available in select markets.

Garmin-Asus A50 Car Mount **Features:

a. When the A50 is mounted, the car mount will automatically recharge the phone.

b. It automatically switches the A50 to hands-free mode.

c. When the A50 is dismounted, it will automatically record the final GPS location.