Garmin has thrown its cap into the mobile phone ring with the Nüvifone, an iPhone look-alike primed with 3G mobile broadband connectivity and GPS.

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) and the world’s leading GPS manufacturer, today announced its entrance into the mobile phone market with the nüvifone, an all-in-one, sleek and slim, touchscreen device that combines a premium phone, mobile web-browser, and cutting-edge personal navigator. The nüvifone is a work of art in features, design and functionality and is destined to transform how individuals connect, communicate and navigate their life.     (more…)

          A lot of companies are really riding on the popularity of iPhone. And since this mobile unit from Apple is still unavailable in Asia, iPhone clones in this part of the world have sprouted like mushrooms, especially in China.

           Asians eager to get their hands on the iPhone have resorted to buying iPhones look-alike even if they know the quality and features of the clones are far below the original Apple iPhone. And since these clones also come with prices hitting rock bottom, they have sold like hotcakes in the Asia Pacific region.

           And what do Chinese manufacturers call their iPhone clones? What else but ChinaiPhone (as if these are iPhone manufactured in China, how apt).  The clone looks like iPhone minus several functionalities. If you are an Asian waiting for the arrival of the iPhone, I suggest you save your money for now rather than buy this fake. It’s a useless expense I should say.        (more…)

AT&T, the exclusive carrier of Apple’s iPhones in the US, revealed they have registered around 2 million iPhone users last year and expects that the figure will increase this year.

Although iPhone hackers were quick to map out codes to unlock the iPhone in the US, AT&T officials said this did not affect sales for the year 2007. The carrier also said they are expecting huge sales this year with the introduction of iPhone in Asia.

Yes, iPhone will only be introduced in Asia this year but I have seen a couple iPhones already here, unlocked and usable. There are also iPhone clones from China that have become a hit in the Philippines although these clones don’t have the exact specs as that of iPhone.

If there’s one luxury that I would like to have this first quarter of the year, that would be the iPhone (well, it’s really a battle between the iPhone and a new Mac notebook). Any offer?