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Updated November 6th, 2009 The first "connected GPS" that seemed to be well armed to break through thanks to its virtually unlimited "data plan" (2 years bundled with the unit) is having some issues. More reports are coming from users with sreen problems (models manufactured before October 16th) or of freezes, reboots, prompting returns...More details in the Nuvi 1690 GPS with nüLink - User Reviews topic of the nuvi forums.
Updated October 14th, 2009 - While a "connected GPS" (built-in GPRS module with SIM card) looks good on paper with its permanent access to live data, their history (available below) is littered with failures (Dash, BestBuy Insignia), cancelled models (Magellan 5340) or half-hearted efforts (TomTom GO 740). Is this about to change with the Garmin nuvi 1690 that has been available for a few days ? First reports from the road by...
Posted November 3rd, 2009 With the market for car-only GPS systems in turmoil du to fierce competition, price wars and announcements (see below), Garmin are continuing to push "crossover" models, the sports sytems, the "nuvi for the Sea" and now the aera 5x0 family of GPS systems, the 500, 510, 550 and 560 with various options and priced between $875 and $2199.
The new "aera" models replace the venerable GPSMAP96, 96C or 196 systems and add a touchscreen, always a challenge when you need to maintain readability in bright environments. They come preloaded with CityNavigator road maps to "go from runways to roadways". You can use the Garmin Aera 5x0 : Aviation/Auto GPS w/ touchscreen started by "deltatango" in the "Garmin Advanced Navigation Systems" forums.
Posted October 13th, 2008 - Crossover devices always look good on paper but don't always do well in the field or with users, as appears to be the case with the road/off-road nüvi 5x0 launched by Garmin last fall. Here come another breed of crossovers, the land/sea GPSMAP 620 and 640 that have been dubbed the "nüvi for the sea". They have a lot going for themselves with their ultra bright and...
Updated October 31st, 2009 - We've seen that WinCE based AIOs (All in One's) are generally quite "customizable" and "skinnable" and while Garmin systems are not as "open" you can also taylor them to your liking too. You can download extra vehicle icons, including the latest Halloween models, provided by Garmin as discussed in this thread and if you have some time on your hands you can make your own using these instructions and tools kindly provided by ezran. Enjoy !
Updated October 30th, 2009 The recent launch of the nuLink Service for the nuvi 1690 and nuvifone cast a shadow on the future of the MSN Direct service transmitted over FM. We'll never know if Garmin moved away from MSN Direct because they knew of its upcoming demise or whether MSN Direct called it a day because Garmin moved on, but the bottom line is that the MSN Direct service available on the nuvi x8x models will fold in 2012.
Originally the service was guaranteed until the end of 2011 so there is a slight "bonus". MSN Direct are also doing the right thing by offering a refund to recent subscribers while allowing them access until it folds. More details in the No more MSN Direct after 2012 topic of the Garmin nuvi forums.
Updated January 14th, 2008 - Wile it was the buzz of the 2008 CES show, "connected GPS" navigation is nothing new, it first started with the low bandwidth RDS FM for simple trafic information, then GPRS for Traffic and last spring Garmin introduced MSN Direct on the nüvi 680 and SP 580 models. Traffic was improved with traffic flow data in some areas and it added Gas prices, weather reports and movie listings. Now Garmin are launching MSN Direct v2 with enhanced features such as stock prices, news, local events and a send to GPS feature. Unfortunately...
Updated October 28th, 2009 Oops, Google have done it again...the announcement of Google Maps Navigation while not entirely unexpected, sent the stocks of the GPS players tumbling down 20% today. Is this an overraction?
While the market is always right and Google have clearly spoilt us with great apps over the years, we should keep in mind that this is an "off-board" application with all the data stored on a remove server, not locally like on an AIO, so 3G (or even 3G+/HSDPA) will be required for the data rich content. Also only the Android platform is getting it for now and it's limited to the USA. You can use the Google Launches Threat to GPS & Maps Powers of the "GPS and Mobile News" forums to discuss.
Updated February 25th, 2009 - Google regularly enhance their free geo-related applications and Google Maps Mobile has recently received the new Latitude feature that allows users to share their live position with friends. The position can be determined by various means, GSM, WiFi or GPS of course. It will even work in the background when you exit GMM, so make sure you turn it off for privacy...
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Updated November 6th, 2009
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