Optus first with Garmin-Asus smartphone

Optus will be the first telco in Australia to offer the Garmin-Asus A10 smartphone when the phone is released on the 7 June 2010.

The result of a collaboration between navigation company Garmin and electronics manufacturer Asus, the A10 smartphone is based on the Android platform, and integrates Garmin’s navigation software, which can be used for both in-car and pedestrian navigation.

The navigation software will feature integrated maps and map updates, though it is unclear whether users will have access to all future map updates for free. Optus will also include a Fuel Search app, providing the location of nearby petrol stations and price information.

“GPS devices are hugely popular in Australia but until now we haven’t seen a combined navigation and mobile phone solution that provides the detail and quality of stand alone GPS units," Optus consumer marketing director, Austin R. Bryan, said in a statement.

Garmin-Asus Australia national sales and marketing manager, Matt DeMoss, said that, “because the A10’s navigation functionalities are deeply integrated into the device, users can, for example, navigate to an address which is stored in an email, text message, on a web site or in the contact list.”

The phone works on Optus' 900Mhz and 2100Mhz bands, and offers a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen.

Optus plans for the A10 start at the ‘yes’ Social $29 plan, with 200MB of monthly data quota.