Asustek to end smartphone collaboration with Garmin

The rumors are now a reality. Taiwan's Asustek Computer confirmed to Reuters it will end its mobile phone collaboration with Garmin. Reports of the Garmin-Asus demise have been circulating for a few weeks. More details on the breakup are to be announced by Asustek tomorrow.  

Asustek, which sells laptops and its own branded mobile phones, is expected to continue to build its own handsets, while Garmin will continue to make personal navigation devices. The two firms formed a partnership two years ago to create mobile phones focused on location-based services, but sales have been disappointing.

In September, a Garmin executive said the company would decide over the next couple of quarters as to the future of its struggling smartphone unit. He added that the firm was ready to exit the business if it does not achieve success.

The partnership's first phone, the nuvifone smartphone, was sold by AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T), and T-Mobile USA currently sells the venture's Garminfone.

For more:
- see this Reuters article

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