Android Based Garmins

But for Garmin to change is unlikely. The 855 and 885 were attempts to use Linux as the operating system and the attempt was pretty much a failure on the support end. Not that the units didn't work (and still work well) it's the large number of existing units written using a different OS created a support nightmare. Code has to be duplicated and then maintained and tested against the different OS. What works in one may not in the other or what functions one way may react differently in the other.

Garmin's new Monterra handheld is Android based. They also have some experience with the failed Nuviphone. It would not surprise me to see an Android based nuvi or zumo in upcoming model announcements.

I have no inside information ... just speculating.

For smartphones and tablets.

Smartphones and tablet apps aren't for everyone. There are just too many of us that don't want go through the setup whenever we want to reset a multi-function device to perform a specific task. My Garmin on the dash means my smartphone is available for calls through my bluetooth without disturbing any navigation functions and I don't have a big honkin tablet cluttering up the driving area.