Mio plans to launch 3G GPS PDA phones in 2008

Taiwan-based GPS navigation device maker Mio Technology is expected to expand its product mix to include 3G GPS PDA phones in the second half of 2008, according to market sources.

Mio's move is a countermeasure against the strategy adopted by a number of handset vendors, including High Tech Computer (HTC), Asustek Computer, E-Ten Information Systems and BenQ, who have all extended their smartphone product lines to include 3G GPS smartphones, the sources noted.

Mio's 3G GPS PDA phone is expected to be built using the 3.5G platform from Qualcomm and will feature integrated application services, including photo navigation, TMC (traffic message channel) and LBS (location base service), indicated the sources.

Rival GPS vendor Garmin reportedly has been seeking cooperation with handset makers, and the company is expected to roll out its own-brand GPS handsets in the near future, speculated the sources.