Garmin nuvi 3700 is pocketable, gesture aware

Garmin launched one of the largest nuvi updates in recent memory on Monday in the radically redesigned nuvi 3700 series. The design is much thinner than usual GPS units at 0.35 inches deep and may be the only one to use a capacitive multi-touch screen. Navigators can double-tap or pinch to zoom as well as make two-finger gestures to switch between 2D and 3D or rotate the map.

The entire line uses a 4.3-inch widescreen display with lane assist, ecoRoute calculations, remembered frequent destinations and the option of customized photos both for the wallpaper and points of interest along the way. The 3750T acts as the base, while the 3760T adds Bluetooth and free live traffic updates. Picking the range-topping 3790T adds full 3D terrain support and full voice activation that includes a wake-up phrase to start GPS without having to leave the GPS turned off in normal conditions.

Garmin hasn't provided ship dates and pricing for the nuvis.

The device is part of an ongoing, concerted reaction to the sudden rise of GPS navigation through competing smartphone apps, especially those on the iPhone and Google's free Maps Navigation. While they have limitations, the cost savings over a dedicated GPS unit and the constant Internet connection have led to a falling out of favor with dedicated GPS firms like Garmin. The company has already hedged its bet by producing nuvi-equipped smartphones.

By Electronista Staff