Garmin launches zumo 660 to its biker line
Garmin’s zumo 660 launched at CES 2009 today, a follow-up to the zumo 550. Designed like a nuvi, but built specifically for a motorcycle, the zumo 660 has a 4.3-inch sunlight-readable, customizable touchscreen that sports glove-compatible operation, left-handed controls, and oversized buttons. Completely waterproof, the zumo 660 comes pre-loaded with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico complete with over 6 million points of interest. Other features include spoken street names, voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, Bluetooth-compatibility, lane assist with junction view, and 3D urban transparent views.
Trail junkies will be pleased with the zumo 660’s compatibility with Garmin’s MapSource US Topo off-road maps. You’ll also be able to use zumo connect to find other riders online and share your trips, plus plan trips on Google Maps or Mapquest which can then be sent to the GPS device.
The Garmin zumo 660 will hit shelves in the first quarter of 2009 for $799.99. The release is after the cut.
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Garmin® z mo® 660, Designed by Bikers for Bikers
LAS VEGAS –(Business Wire)– Jan 07, 2009 Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, announced today the z mo 660, a new motorcycle device that integrates the slim and sleek design of the nüvi® with specific features made exclusively for motorcyclists. The z mo 660 was announced in conjunction with the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Garmin booth, South Hall 4, #35832).
“The z mo can change your entire experience of touring or everyday rides because it helps you find amazing places to explore,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Whether you’re charting your own course or you plan your trip from your computer and download the route to your GPS beforehand, your ride will be more enjoyable and stress-free because you’ll have peace of mind knowing the z mo will help you find your way home.”
Ideal for a weekday ride or weeklong trip, the z mo 660 has features motorcyclists will appreciate like a 4.3″ sunlight-readable and customizable touchscreen display, glove-friendly design with left-handed controls and oversized touchscreen buttons. The ruggedized and waterproof (IEC 529 IPX-7 standards) device comes loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that have over six million points of interest including gas stations, lodging, restaurants, attractions and more. The z mo 660 speaks street names so riders will receive turn-by-turn, voice prompted directions, such as “turn right on Main Street,” via the built-in speaker or through a compatible Bluetooth helmet or headset.
The z mo 660 also comes equipped with advanced routing capabilities. Lane assist with junction view guides riders to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, and realistically displays road signs and junctions on the route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. In some major metropolitan areas, surrounding buildings are displayed in a 3D transparent view. A new multiple routing feature customers can see a map preview of the proposed fastest route, shortest route and off road route prior to choosing to navigate it. This capability gives riders additional situational awareness before they begin their journey.
The z mo 660 also has enhanced Bluetooth Wireless Technology (A2DP) that amplifies audio for a crisp sound, and makes it possible to receive and place phone calls as well as receive navigational cues wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled headsets or helmets. The z mo supports over 200 Bluetooth enabled phones so riders can retrieve and dial numbers using a supported phone’s contact list or from the phone’s call history log. A user can also make calls from z mo’s huge points of interest database.
While riding, it is easy to access trip information directly from the z mo’s trip information page like speed, heading, altitude, and a customizable fuel gauge that can be modified to the motorcycle’s maximum fuel range. If a rider wants to leave the pavement for the trail, the z mo accepts Garmin’s MapSource® U.S. Topo maps for off-road navigation. Sharing rides with others or keeping a detailed log of trips is also easy thanks to z mo Connect, an online community of routes and riders. Z mo owners can also plan routes online through Google or MapQuest and send the routes or points of interest to the z mo before they begin their journey. In addition, riders can swap routes and waypoints with other z mo owners via the unit’s microSD card slot.
Like other members of the z mo family, the z mo 660 has many security features. The mount is designed to withstand the severe vibration environment commonly experienced in motorcycle riding. The z mo also includes Garmin Lock®, a unique theft prevention system that disables the z mo from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location. If the user does not know the PIN or secure location, the z mo will be inoperative.
The z mo 660 is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2009 at $799.99. Additional information is available at www.garmin.com.
About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications - most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin, MapSource, nüvi, z mo, and Garmin Lock are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
