Garmin announced today the nüvi 1690, a portable navigation device (PND) with a built-in wireless module that lets customers tap into Garmin’s nüLink! service that provides direct links to certain online information like Google local search, traffic, weather, fuel prices, movie listings, flight status, local events, white page telephone listings and Ciao!, The U.S. version of the nüvi 1690 comes with two years of free Garmin nüLink! service, which makes it the first PND to offer an extended period of online features included in the purchase price of the device.

In addition to the local search capabilities, Garmin nüLink! offers a plethora of other online services. Local events and movie listings help customers find interesting activities wherever they might travel. Real-time flight status takes the stress out of traveling to the airport with up-to-the minute arrival and departure information for major air carriers.

The nüvi 1690 is also Garmin’s first mobile navigation device to transform traditional social networking into location-enabled social networking. Through Ciao!, a patent-pending social network application that links multiple location-centric social networks onto one application, customers have the option of sharing their whereabouts with friends and family.

The U.S. version of the nüvi 1690 has preloaded maps of North America and is expected to be available in the fourth quarter for a price of $499.99. In the U.S., the first two years of Garmin nüLink! is free, and after that, the subscription renewal price for data services is $5.00/month.

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