The next step in convergence comes from Garmin, one of the leaders in GPS technology, as they launch their new Nuvifone. The Garmin Nuvifone also features a 3.5-inch touch screen, a Web browser, and e-mail capabilities. It's multimedia-friendly with MP3/ACC/MPEG4 support and a built-in camera/camcorder.
Read Garmin's press release here.
Large touchscreens are the latest wave, started by the wildly-hyped iPhone's innovative design. Comparisons to the iPhone are inevitable, but first looks suggests it has all the functionality of the iPhone with the addition of GPS technology and a better camera. It is expected to be slightly more expensive then the iPhone, but hopefully not limited to one network, as the iPhone is.
This type of convergence is a step discussed before, where instead of faster and stronger, technology will be smaller and combined.
This does leave a question that is sure to be raised about personal privacy. Having a GPS in the cell phone will leave many to wonder who is monitoring the whereabouts. Certainly parents of teenagers will be looking for technology like this to monitor their children, for better or worse, but many may question the possible invasion of privacy.
I, for one, is anxious for one less thing to carry around!
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