Garmin intros BMW Motorrad IV motorcycle GPS
updated 11:45 am EDT, Mon July 6, 2009
Garmin BMW Motorrad IV GPS
Portable GPS device maker Garmin has recently announced the upcoming release of its BMW Mottorad Navigator IV, which is based on the company's existing $800 zumo 660. The device was developed in conjunction with BMW to work with its motorcycles, and therefore has a customized four-button mount, unique though unspecified Bluetooth capabilities and a list of BMW dealers preloaded into its point-of-interest database.
The fourth-generation BMW Motorrad Navigator sports a 4.3-inch, 480x272 resolution touchscreen display that can recognize gloved inputs. The flagship motorcycle offering has at least A2DP Bluetooth support, allowing riders to have hands-free phone conversations and receive spoken directions via their Bluetooth enabled phones or headsets. There is a 3D building view and lane assist with junction view as well as a digital fuel gauge that lets users know how many miles they have left.
A microSD memory card slot lets users transfer routes planned on their PCs into the unit or share them with other Garmin portable GPS users. As with other Garmin GPS units, the unit and its mount are waterproof and shockproof.
The device is expected to ship in the summer for both Europe and North America, though no prices have been revealed.
