In today’s tough job market and rising unemployment, we felt it was newsworthy to pass on some potentially helpful information that just might land someone a job but also demonstrates that Garmin is definitely commited to some Android development. Garmin, a GPS powerhouse, is actively seeking Android developers in the Kansas City area. They are interested in developers with expertise in programming in C, C++, C#, Java, and other languages who will help them create navigation and location-based apps. If interested, check out the job listing here and pack your bags for Kansas City!

source: AndroidGuys

Stock performance today for Garmin and TomTom looked like a cliff following Google’s announcement of Google Maps Navigation for Android. It may have everything something to do with the fact that Google Maps Navigation will be included for FREE on Android handsets running 2.0.

The new Motorola DROID will have turn-by-turn directions provided by Google Maps, and other Android phones will receive it with the 2.0 upgrade. As a result of Google’s announcement, Garmin stock fell 17.2% and TomTom shares plummeted more than 20% respectively. It will be interesting to see how Garmin and TomTom respond.

source: Talk Android

As a joint venture, Garmin-Asus plan on bringing their Android smartphone to the market no later than Q1 2010. It may include GPS for geo-tagging photos, which seems fairly straight-forward since Garmin is involved. 

There was previous rumblings out of Garmin that they would have a phone ready for market sometime in 2009, but this now seems unlikely given this new announcement. For a world of Android fans thirsting for more handsets, it couldn’t come too soon. 

Source: AndroidCommunity