Garmin announced a new Android device called Monterra. It’s not a smartphone, but a Wi-Fi enabled outdoor GPS unit featuring the company’s powerful location and mapping capabilities.
Inside, it packs GPS + GLONASS alongside other sensors like 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro, as well as barometric altimeter to track changes in pressure to pinpoint precise altitude, and monitor weather conditions.
In addition, there’s also a highly durable 4-inch mineral glass transflective display and even an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash for taking photos, along with 6GB of expandable storage (using microSD cards).
Perhaps more importantly, Monterra is fully ruggedized and has an IPX7 waterproof rating, and (the best part) can be powered both by a built-in Li-ion battery or traditional AA batteries. Pretty darn cool when you’re out of power.
When it comes to connectivity options, Garmin’s baby has Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth 3.0 and NFC capabilities, allowing users to share data, maps, waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches with other wireless devices. Additionally, Monterra is compatible with BaseCamp, a free software that lets you view and organize maps, waypoints, routes and tracks.
The Garmin Monterra will be available in Q3 2013 at a recommended retail price of £599.99 (about $927) with preloaded Rec Map Europe with Navteq roads. Kinda expensive though I guess “outdoor professionals” won’t mind spending an extra few grands for this kind of device…