GPS reviews, news, tips and tricks
UPDATE: A fix has been posted.
Been having problems locking satellites on your TomTom the last few days? Turns out you’re not the only one. It seems that a leap year bug has affected some TomTom models, although they aren’t saying which ones. Please chime in below if your’s is affected and tell us which model it is. The company is letting users know, via its website, that a fix (pardon the pun) is on the way…
After years of offering only crappy in-dash navigation and usurious map upgrades, we seem to be on the cusp of getting better options from the auto industry. Garmin today unveiled their first factory-installed infotainment system, letting you play songs from your phone’s jukebox or Pandora, access Garmin map updates, use voice commands, view a backup camera display and more. Now they just need to get the system on something besides a Suzuki. Oh, and I’ll add app integration and voice texting to my wish list.
Garmin has rolled out an updated version of their Smartphone Link Android app today, bringing three new free features – Garmin Tracker (seen above), dynamic parking and the ability to send addresses direct from the Google Maps application. To get the new functionality, you’ll need to update the app and your firmware. read more
I’m currently testing the Garmin nuvi 3590LMT, which has a 3-axis (AKA tri-axial) compass that allows the screen to rotate automatically. Which is nice, but it also rotates the map and position indicator, orienting them in the direction you are facing. This feature, found on the nuvi 2360 and the 34xx and 35xx series, makes these units ideal for pedestrian navigation. read more
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued “nonbinding, voluntary NHTSA Driver Distraction Guidelines.” Included in the guidelines is the call for the elimination of moving maps:
Most people seem to tolerate Garmin’s ad-supported traffic pretty well, and consider it a fair trade in exchange for free lifetime traffic. While it’s true that the ads aren’t very intrusive, some folks are really bugged by them, so let’s look at ways to avoid the ads:
Last August, the Garmin nuvi Prestige series was announced, promising us a new feature – Bird’s Eye lane guidance to show you the proper lane with an overhead perspective. While I haven’t been crisscrossing the country much lately, it seems to me that, just like Junction View initially, this feature has been slow to roll out. Well, in case you haven’t seen it yet, the screenshot above shows what you can look forward to. The bird’s eye image pops up right before the standard junction view visual. read more
I bet I’ve answered this dozens of times in our comments, so this is a long overdue post. Not that many years ago, most auto GPS units didn’t speak street names; you’d hear “turn right in 1/4 mile.” Nowadays, most models have text-to-speech capabilities and will say something like, “turn right on Oak Street in 1/4 mile.” read more
Garmin has posted some FAQs on their Android Smartphone Link app, and we’ve got the highlights for you…
TomTom has announced a new product line-up for North America, breaking things down into entry-level (TomTom Start series, pictured above), mid-range (VIA series) and high-end (GO LIVE). This is the first time the Start will be offered in the US, although a model similar to the European Start, called the TomTom EASE, was introduced on this side of the pond a couple of years ago.
GPS Tracklog is written by Rich Owings, author of GPS Mapping.
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