GPS company Garmin will work alongside BMW to create a new line of GPS units designed specifically for motorcycles.
The two companies have created the latest line of BMW Motorrad Navigator GPS units, with a custom touchscreen designed so it can support input by gloved riders. The unit will have millions of points of interest, including restaurants, hotels, ATMs, gas stations along with specific addresses.
The 4.3-inch unit also will make it possible for riders to place calls or listen to music using a built-in Bluetooth connection. GPS owners also have the ability to share ride routes and other information with one another.
"Garmin and BMW are known within their respective industries for providing high-quality, high-end products with superior customer satisfaction and support,” Garmin OEM and mobile marketing director Roger Jollis said in a statement.
It should be interesting to hear what riders think about the new "glove-friendly" GPS unit, as it can sometimes be tiresome to quickly use a GPS with clothed fingers. Other units, especially non-touch screens, can be very difficult and dangerous to use while riding, which is something both companies have worked hard to try and resolve.
Garmin and BMW expect the unit to be released sometime in the third quarter this year for North American and European BMW motorcycle owners. Pricing for the unit wasn't disclosed by Garmin or BMW.
