Garmin Int'l Unveils New Navigation App For Xperia Smartphones

(RTTNews) - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (GRMN) Sunday unveiled a new navigation app for Xperia smartphones, with an extension for Sony SmartWatch 2.

The app extension for the SmartWatch 2 in Google Play allows users to receive navigation information via Bluetooth from an AndroidTM smartphone running the Garmin Xperia Edition or the NAVIGON Android app.

The Garmin Xperia Edition features new navigation which seamlessly integrates with Sony SmartWatch 2 to display walking directions, providing users navigation information right on their wrist and without having to hold a phone.

The Garmin Xperia Edition features onboard maps stored locally on the smartphone, which allows users to navigate even in areas where cell phone coverage is spotty.

The app also combines an onboard database with other sources such as Local Search, Wikipedia, Foursquare, or addresses from the user's phone contacts.

The app also offers advanced features like the Active Lane Guidance, which displays an animated graphic next to the map view that uses brightly colored arrows to indicate the proper lane needed to make a turn.

Traffic Live feature allows users to get routed around gridlock, while Clever Parking provides information on nearby garages. Urban Guidance integrates public transportation, while The Last Mile function automatically saves the position of the parked car and switches into pedestrian mode to provide walking directions.

Both Garmin Xperia Edition and its extension for the SmartWatch 2 are expected to become available in March 2014 for a monthly subscription price of $2.95.