Mio Technology will launch a new version of its MiBuddy 4.7-inch touchscreen Internet and navigation device next year running Google's Android mobile software, a company representative said Tuesday.
The next generation MiBuddy will be a mobile Internet navigation device (MIND), complete with Internet browsing and a keypad that slides out from the underside for real touch typing.
[ Dive deep into next-gen mobile with InfoWorld's 20-page PDF featuring hands-on reviews, analysis, and insights from our editors. ]
The MiBuddy aims to fill a few roles. It fits onto a car dashboard mount so it can perform all the functions of a car GPS (global positioning system) navigation device, and it's also made to be carried around as a personal navigation device as well as used for comfortable Internet browsing on a screen bigger than most smartphones, the representative said.
Current MiBuddys use Microsoft's Windows CE operating system exclusively. Windows CE will continue to be offered for the next generation MiBuddys coming out next year, in addition to Android.
MiBuddy works with a number of wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and has a built-in microphone, speaker and media player. The next generation MiBuddys will be offered with WiMax wireless broadband as well.
Details on the price of the device and exactly when and where it would hit markets globally were not immediately available.
Google developed Android as an alternative operating system and software pack for the smartphone market. The Linux-based OS has been adopted on a number of new handsets by several major manufacturers, including High Tech Computer (HTC), Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Motorola and Acer. One aim of the OS is to make Internet browsing easier, as well as connect to Google services online including Google Maps, Gmail and more.
Shipments of Android smartphones are forecast to reach 6.5 million this year, according to Taiwan's Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute, a publicly funded researcher.
The MiBuddy navigation device joins a growing list of gadgets Android is being installed in outside of smartphones, including netbooks such as Acer's Aspire One with Android, Arm processor-based mini-laptops called smartbooks and some home entertainment devices.
Get the independent advice and expertise you need to support a virtual workforce.
The increase in Linux popularity has increased the frequency and sophistication of malware attacks. Read this 2 page white paper now to learn how you can protect your Linux environment with real-time protection that is certified by all major Linux vendors.
Download now »
Ensuring acceptable application delivery will become even more difficult over the next few years. As a result, IT organizations need to ensure that the approach that they take to resolving the current application delivery challenges can scale to support the emerging challenges. This handbook elaborates on the key tasks associated with planning, optimization, management and control and provides decision criteria to help IT organizations choose appropriate solutions.
Download now »
A common misconception is that mid-range storage requirements are dramatically different than that of a larger enterprise. Mid-range storage users may require less capacity, but they have similar functionality and management requirements. This ESG paper examines mid-range storage needs and reviews a new solution that adjusts size while retaining value, performance and functionality.
Download now »
Sign up to receive InfoWorld Resource Alerts
18 Recommendations
