Navigation firm Garmin has entered the handset market, launching a gadget remarkably similar to the iPhone. The nüvifone has GPS functions, full browsing, HSDPA, WiFI, Bluetooth and a full touchscreen reports Engadget. It will use Garmin’s proprietary OS, which is based on its GPS devices… A unique OS means there’s not much incentive for content companies to port their wares onto the gadget. Garmin has a deal with Nokia-owned Navteq for map data. Last month Telematics Reseach Group predicted that mobile phones would overtake dedicated navigation devices pretty soon, and this is Garmin’s first volley in an attempt to get a piece of that action. There’s a gallery here.

The Lenovo Group has announced it will sell its handset business, which targets the Chinese market. “Hony Capital, a private equity fund controlled by Lenovo’s parent, Legend Holdings, will buy the phone unit for $100 million,” reports NYT, although what exactly the fund can do to improve the business escapes me.

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