Preview: Android-based Garminfone coming from T-Mobile

Garmin is getting more aggressive in targeting the burgeoning smart-phone market. Earlier this month, the navigation giant announced the Nuvi 3700 PND that appears to draw direct inspiration from the Apple iPhone. Now, Garmin is preparing to launch a follow up to their Nuvifone. The just-announced Garminfone is a touch-screen phone with traditional Garmin navigation software.

The Garminfone is based on the Android operating system on a 3G smart phone coming this spring from T-Mobile. (T-Mobile ranked well in our recent cell-phone service ratings.) Meanwhile, chief rivals Navigon and TomTom have focused on iPhone applications, rather than integrating into a specific phone.

The Garminfone will provide WiFi and 3G connectivity, along with common smart-phone features such as Microsoft Exchange e-mail, contacts database, calendar, instant messaging, music player, and 3-megapixel camera. In addition, it provides Google Search by voice, along with Google Maps.

However, the navigation functions focus on integrating Garmin interfaces with the smart-phone connectivity. For instance, the Garminfone enables navigation searches by clicking on a text message, e-mail, contact, or Web page. In addition, it will provide real-time traffic, weather, and gas prices.

The navigation routing provides car, pedestrian, and public transportation guidance with voice (spoken street names) and on-screen instructions. It includes North American maps, enabling guidance with or without cell coverage.

A fun feature, the Garminfone includes Garmin Voice Studio, which allows users to record and share custom voices for directions.

A dashboard mount is included.

The Garminfone is set to launch later this spring. Pricing has not been announced. Once it becomes available, we'll see how it performs as both a phone and a navigator.