It seems that the rumor we posted a couple of days ago about Garmin releasing a number of new products is no longer a rumor. Today Garmin announced two of the GPS devices, I have mentioned in my previous post, the Nuvi 310 and the Nuvi 360 (pictured on the left). The Garmin Nuvi 310 will be sold exclusively in Europe while the Nuvi 360 will ship worldwide. Both of them integrate wireless technology and a microphone that allows you to make hands-free mobile phone calls using a compatible bluetooth phone. The nuvi 360 comes with preloaded maps of Europe or North America, while the 310 has only regional European map data. Both of them offer automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names, and a fingertip touch screen interface. Some other features include MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, travel alarm and a currency converter.

Here is a list of the features as provided by Garmin:

* Receiver: high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
* Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; bright, TFT display, 64K colors, with white backlight and touch screen
* Unit dimensions: 3.87″ W x 2.91″ H x 0.87″ D (98.3 mm x 73.9 mm x 22.1 mm)
* Weight: 5.1 ounces (144.6 grams)
* Battery: built-in lithium ion battery — between 4-8 hours of battery life depending on use
* Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling
* Supports FM TMC traffic alerting
* Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
* Voice announces streets by name
* Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe (Preloaded maps for one European region for the 310)
* Fingertip touch-screen interface
* Look up addresses and points of interest
* Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
* Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams
* Built in Travel Kit includes MP3 player with sample MPs, audio books, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, calculator and more
* Add optional software such as Travel and Language Guides to personalize nuvi
* SD memory card expansion slot
* USB interface for loading data

Both the 310 and the 360 are expected to start shipping in June and the suggested retail price for the nuvi 360 will be $964.27.

Garmin Nuvi 360
Garmin Nuvi 310
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