Garmin has introduced its Monterra outdoor handheld GPS device with WiFi and Android. This is not the company’s first Android device as the navigation firm has partnered with Asus to create the nuvifone and Garminfone few years before. But this is Garmin’s first WiFi-enabled outdoor handheld GPS running Android. The unit is rugged with IPX7 waterproof.
As a GPS device, the Monterra comes equipped with high-sensitivity, dual-band GPS and GLONASS receiver for finding its location quickly and precisely. It also gets built-in 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro for detecting user’s direction, barometric altimeter for tracking pressure change and pinpointing altitude, and a built-in UV sensor for monitoring the intensity of sun. WiFi, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC and ANT+ connectivity are included for sharing maps, waypoints, tracks and routes.
The Android handheld GPS features a 4-inch sunlight-readable 272 x 480 touchscreen with LED backlight, and a 8 Megapixel camera with LED flash and 1080p Full HD video recording. Running Sangfroid, users can download location and outdoor-related Android apps from the Google Play Store. It includes the 3D MapMerge mapping feature that allows you to combine two maps, such as TOPO, basemap, or BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, then view the new unique map in three dimensions. There are also built-in FM radio and NOAA weather radio, and built-in speaker.
Coming in Q3, the Monterra is priced at $649.99.
[Garmin]
