This device is not compatible with express - Garmin Nuvifone A50

At this point, I would say that if you are up to date on express, still getting that error message please call us so we can see exactly what is going on. Our Mobile team has informed me that they have had reports of problems updating some of these devices.
http://www8.garmin.com/contact-us/

Albert

Today (3 September 2014), I contact the official support number of GarminAsus in Australia. (+61 1-800-552-608). Garmin Australia does the support for GarminAsus in Australia. Your offices was closed at the time.

According to the technical advice received from Garmin Australia, Garmin no longer has the tools available to update the Garmin Asus Nuvifone A50. According to Garmin Australia the A50 is no longer supported, and no further map updates will be available.

I am not happy with this, as the A50 was sold with lifetime map updates. There is nothing wrong with these phones and they are able to work with the latest maps.

Previously I was able to see if a new map update was available by logging into MyGarmin.com. The latest map update (Australia 2015.20) does not show on MyGarmin.com.

I updated Garmin Express today to the latest version (Ver. 3.2.18.0), but the problem still occurs. I am still receiving the error message : This device is not compatible with Express

If the device (A50) is no longer supported by Garmin (map updates), Garmin Express should give a message "Map updates no longer supported", and not a message "This device is not compatible"

MVHEIJST

I sent you a PM. I will email you when I have more information on your situation.

Curt

The official response I received from Garmin:

I am sorry for the troubles with Garmin Express and the nuvifone A50. Unfortunately the information I found out only confirms the answer from Garmin Australia. The A50 is not and will not be compatible with Garmin Express. For this next map update you can use the Garmin Map Update application from the link below. Please save the application to your computer and use it to update the maps as long as you can. It should work for the the next couple of map updates and maybe longer. However, since the A50 is no longer supported and Garmin Australia may handle things differently I cannot guarantee compatibility for any length of time.

Garmin Map Updater for PC:


Garmin Map Updater for Mac:


Again I am sorry for the troubles. Please contact Garmin Australia with any other questions or to inquire about any type of replacement program as only they can make those arrangements with you.

Customer Care - Software Team
Garmin International - US

Garmin Map Updater software was not able to update the lifetime maps on any of the two A50 devices. Garmin map updater was able to update the maps in the past, but it is currently unable to do the update. (Used the latest version of the software). It appears if Garmin Australia stopped supplying the lifetime maps to the A50. Garmin Australia stated yesterday "they no longer have the tools available to support the A50", what ever that means.

On the official website of GarminAsus, as well as on mygarmin.com, you are being re-directed to the Garmin Express software for software updates of the Garmin Nuvifone A50. None of these sites state the product is no longer supported. There is also no confirmation the maps will no longer be available. The error message on Garmin Express (This device is not compatible with Express) gives the user the impression of technical problems.

I am not happy with the support Garmin gave to the Nuvifone A50 :

1. First Garmin Australia crippled functions of the phone by stopping the "Premium connected services" after the phone was a year old. The included subscription expired and you were not able to purchase a renewal. The services ended on one phone, whilst it was still available and working for approximately another year on a different phone (purchased and activated later).

2. Garmin apparently stopped supporting the lifetime map updates for the A50 in Australia. The phone is still perfectly able (in technical capabilities) to use the latest map updates.

The GarminAsus Nuvifone A50 was probably the best GPS Navigation device ever made. No other single Garmin device available today can completely replace it. I have a new 3xxx series Nuvi, and it's a great device (with a nice screen), but the A50 had excellent capabilities (due to the Internet access), especially the search functions (e.g. Google Places, Fuel Prices). Garmin's Navigon software feels like second grade software, and it has a horrible user interface and search function, but excellent routing. Navigon has no willingness to fix user complaints of the Navigon user interface (e.g. speed indicator) and is therefore not a viable option. The high end 3xxx series stand-alone Garmin GPS is in my opinion currently the best and most usable & reliable GPS device, but it lacks internet access. As a mobile phone uses the Bluetooth of the vehicle, it's not practical and possible for a smartphone to connect to both the car radio and Nuvi 3xxx GPS device at the same time.

The cradle and power connection of the A50 phone is not available on any new smartphone. There is no new smartphone on the market which has such a useful and easy to use adapter. This was an excellent feature of the A50.

I really want Garmin to keep providing the lifetime map updates to the A50.

Garmin (including mygarmin.com) should not refer users to software (e.g. Garmin Express) if the software is not able to update a device. If a map has been discontinued for a device, Garmin Express, Mygarmin.com and Garmin Map Install should provide the necessary information or warnings.

The A50 was effectively killed by Garmin - R.I.P.

I have two A50 phones and have been able to update both to the latest 2015 maps with Garmin Express.
The key is to make sure the phone connects to the Mac or PC in "File Transfer" mode, this requires that the phone be unlocked and you will see a prompt soon after plugging in the USB cable.
Hope this helps!!

I've been battling with Garmin about this for a while and was told the only way to update maps was using the "manual" updater as linked below as Express says the phone is not compatible. That has worked fine for the last few updates but I haven't been able to download anything for a while and it states my device with 2015.10 is up to date.
Is that correct as I am seeing 2015.20 and 30 maps out there.?
This is for Australia maps....

MadKaw000

Our records indicate that your device has the most current mapping that has been released for your region, City Navigator Australia NT 2015.10. There has not been a map update released for that region since then. I recommend contacting Garmin Australasia for information on when a release may become available or what options you may have.

Lisa

Lisa

Thank you for the response although I'm not sure this is correct. City Navigator Australia NT 2015.10 came out in about April last year and at least 2 others have been released since (2015.20 and 2015.30) but do not appear to be available to the Nuvifone A50. I have not had a map update for nearly 12 months using the map updater program as its states my maps are up to date - (express states its not compatible with this device).
I have contacted Garmin Au and they have no idea and suggested I contact Asus. Contacting Asus will be useless as its software and maps from Garmin that I want..

MadKaw000

The information that was provided is correct. The current version of mapping for your device is City Navigator Australia NT 2015.10. This was the last mapping that was offered. There has been no newer map sets released at this time.

Mike