Garmin "Send to GPS" - Google and MapQuest

Garmin is getting hooked up with a couple of online giants as the GPS maker is tying the knot with the online map and directions providers. While it may seem like a small step forward, the bottom line is that millions of searches for direcitons and locations are done every day on these mapping portals. Maybe the Send to GPS capability will open consumers' eyes to the idea of the interactivity between the mapping sites and the GPS.

This follows on the heels of MapQuest announcing a deal with Inrix to provide traffic data through the mapping portal.

MapQuest Announcement

MapQuest, Inc. and Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced plans for the upcoming launch of a new feature that will allow consumers to send trip planning results from MapQuest.com, the #1 online mapping website,* directly to their Garmin personal navigation device.

Through the partnership, users can find a place, as well as plan and research routes, at MapQuest.com, then send the locations directly to Garmin GPS units by utilizing the "Send to GPS" drop down option. Users will then be able to easily access previously sent location data from their Garmin device without needing to input information directly on the device.

"Garmin is the clear leader in satellite navigation and our partnership further establishes MapQuest.com as the go-to site for destination planning," said Christian Dwyer, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MapQuest, Inc. "GPS-enabled navigation devices are becoming increasingly prevalent. Offering users the option to plan online from the convenience of their computer and send information to these devices is a natural progression and an important, time-saving resource."

"Our relationship with MapQuest gives our users even more of what they've come to expect from their Garmin products - ease of use and an array of options," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "Planning a trip, whether it's to a new restaurant, a business meeting or a family vacation, has never been easier or more efficient."

The new Send-to-Garmin feature will be available in April and expands on MapQuest Send-To capabilities which currently enable consumers to easily send directions from the MapQuest.com site to their mobile phones. The ability to send planning results from the vast and dynamic MapQuest database to Garmin supplements Garmin's extensive collection of preloaded destinations.

Google Announcement

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that users can now send locations found on Google Maps™, an innovative online mapping service, directly to their Garmin personal navigation device.

"Given the amount of time we all spend at a computer or in our cars, teaming with Google Maps gives users the versatility of planning their travels at their keyboard in addition to their Garmin device," said Dan Bartel, Garmin's vice president of worldwide sales. "There's no need to waste time printing, scribbling or e-mailing locations and directions when you can use Google Maps to search for and save everything you need with just a couple of clicks."

The process is quick and easy. Users begin by searching Google Maps for a specific business or a broader category - "Kansas City barbecue," for example - and the results will appear on a map. The desired location can then be saved directly to the Garmin device through the Send-to function. This reduces delays, including delays that can be caused by intermediary software, so that users can immediately resume their search for more places or get in their car and go.

"This is part of our ongoing effort to connect Google services like Google Maps with Garmin products," explained Giorgio Scherl, a product manager for Google. "We continue to add progressive features, such as user-generated content, to make Google Maps more compelling and useful in an increasingly mobile world."

March 31, 2008

Garmin "Send to GPS" - Google and MapQuest