Garmin, one of the world's largest manufacturers of GPS navigation systems, has come out with software that can turn some smartphones into a Garmin GPS device.
The software is called Mobile XT and it works on smartphones that have GPS chips built in to them.
According to TWICE, the software is on a microSD card that is preloaded with maps of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico or Europe. When the card is inserted, the visual seen on a typical Garmin navigation device appears on the screen.
The software also allows real time traffic alerts and fuel prices. Moreover, the software includes PeerPoints, a feature that allows users to send their position to any other phone. Finally, the Mobile XT software will work in areas where the smartphone does not receive service.
The software is priced at $99. There is no monthly service fees to received real-time traffic reports. Smartphones affected include the BlackBerry 8800 and Nokia N95.