Garmin announces its new golf specific GPS handheld, the touchscreen Garmin Approach G3. Smaller, lighter and at a lower cost than similar models, Garmin Approach G3 was announced in conjunction with the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Weighing just 5.25 ounces, Garmin Approach G3 gets up to 15 hours of battery life from two AA batteries (NiMH or lithium are recommended). Preloaded with a database of more than 12,000 course maps (and growing), and powered by two AA batteries, the Garmin Approach G3 golf GPS is ready for a round just minutes after being taken out of the box. There are no subscriptions or annual fees that are common in golf technology.

Garmin announced the Oregon 450t and 450 touch screen GPS devices, the newest of Garmin’s next-generation outdoor handhelds now compatible with the online community at Garmin Connect as well as Garmin’s free Custom Maps utility for transferring paper or digital maps onto your compatible handheld. The Garmin Oregon 450t and Oregon 450 outdoor GPS handhelds are the latest breakthroughs from Garmin, which has spent 20 years developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ lives, making Garmin a household name in the automotive, aviation, marine, wireless, outdoor and fitness industries.

Garmin expands its relationship with BMW Motorrad, the companies have developed the next generation BMW Motorrad Navigator, the Navigator IV, a motorcycle-friendly GPS navigator that is based on Garmin’s zūmo 660. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV takes the best of Garmin’s navigation technology and adds exclusive, BMW specific features such as a customized mount, preloaded BMW dealer database, unique audio and Bluetooth handling capabilities, and more.

Garmin, leader in satellite navigation, announce the availability of Custom Maps, a free, simple process that helps users transform the maps they currently have - in paper or digital form - into downloadable maps for compatible Garmin GPS outdoor handhelds. “Free Garmin Custom Maps can be used by anyone wanting to bring their favorite locations to life,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “Potential users include new students on college campuses, experienced hunters on game areas, and the millions of visitors to zoos, amusement parks and botanical gardens.”

During a Q3 2009 business results presentation, Garmin revealed plans for a Garmin Android smartphone. The Business Update was presented by Cliff Pemble, President and COO of Garmin. In the update, it became apparent that Garmin is keen on the Google Android operating system. With the announcement that Garmin is going to focus on Android, it seems that Garmin has taken a clear decision to consider Android as an open source system. The Android Software Operating System is actually a competitor for Garmin’s own operating system, but given the speed with which the Android hype has taken over the market, it is not unwise for them to join the bandwagon as well.

GPS handheld devices provide the rambler with a lot of useful information. Also in the field of geo-caching, a number of interesting developments have taken place over the last few years. One of the applications of such devices is auto navigation. When I was asked to review the Garmin Nüvi 1240, one of the easiest car navigation models available, I expected to be done fairly quickly. However, this seemingly simple navigation system proves to have a lot more to offer, in order to make traveling to unknown destinations a lot easier.

• Read our full Garmin car navigation review.

Garmin, a manufacturer in satellite navigation, announced the aerodynamic Garmin Edge 500, an evolutionary leap in cycling technology. Weighing a mere 2 ounces, Edge 500 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, requires no calibration, can be switched quickly and easily between bicycles and connects wirelessly with ANT+ compatible third-party power meters.

Garmin, manufacturer in satellite navigation, announced the Garmin Dakota 10 and Dakota 20 handheld GPS navigators, packing a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, worldwide basemap and color touchscreen display into a compact, waterproof device with up to 20 hours of battery life. Lightweight, rugged and waterproof, Garmin’s new Dakota GPS handheld devices quickly acquire and maintain satellite reception - even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons - thanks to a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix, which automatically calculates and stores critical satellite information and can use that information to quickly calculate a GPS position.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., the global leader in satellite navigation, announced enhancements to their services on the website myGarmin, a convenient online portal that helps users manage software and map updates and displays information that is tailored to a customer's specific Garmin GPS product(s). MyGarmin helps customers maximize their GPS experience at every phase - from registering their GPS device to downloading new maps.

Garmin announced the Forerunner 405CX - the latest in Garmin’s popular line of GPS-enabled fitness watches, adding increased accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation and improved comfort to the Garmin Forerunner 405 model that took the fitness world by storm. The Garmin Forerunner 405CX was announced in preparation for world-class marathons in Paris and Boston, where it will be on display at Garmin booths in each location.