January 26th, 2009 by Emerging Technologies
A leading provider in navigation systems, Garmin recently released the first portable fully equipped voice recognition GPS device. The Garmin nuvi 880 features a widescreen navigator display with an array of pre-installed maps, an FM transmitter and hands-free capability. There is also real-time traffic, local weather, gas prices, movie times, stock market prices and much more.
Voice Recognition GPS
The voice recognition GPS feature of the nuvi 880 allows drivers to safely control the interface while keeping their hands on the wheel. Voice recognition can be activated by pushing a button on the remote control which conveniently attaches to the steering wheel.
MSN Direct
Aside from voice recognition GPS capabilities, the Garmin nuvi 880 also serves as a great personal travel assistant, as it allows you to access content from MSN Direct. Included with the package is a receiver and free trial to the MSN Direct service, which gives you the ability to check the traffic, weather, compare gas prices, obtain movie listings and stock details, along with local and national news events.
Widescreen Display
Garmin’s new voice recognition GPS device features a 4.3 inch display for easy viewing. The screen is designed with reflective technology which allows you to read directions despite sun glare.
Pre-installed Maps
The nuvi 880 comes loaded with street maps by City Navigator NT, along with tons of points of interests, including gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATM machines and more. This voice recognition GPS device goes one step further by announcing the names of streets and exits, allowing you to drive safely while keeping your eyes on the road. Additionally, the nuvi 880 supports custom points of interests, giving you the ability to add school zones and other areas.
Where am I?
Integrated into the nuvi 880 is a handy application called Where Am I, a feature that offers the best of voice recognition GPS. Simply speak the phrase “Where Am I” to locate the nearest gas station, police precinct, hospital, address or intersection.
Hands-free Calling
The nuvi 880 enables safe hands-free calls by utilizing Bluetooth technology, which is integrated into the speaker and microphone. When pairing the device with a compatible mobile phone, all you have to do is dial or speak the phone number into the system’s touch screen keypad and the call is made.
Convenient Design
The nuvi 880 features a thin design and built-in antenna, making this voice recognition GPS device easy to slide into your purse or pocket.
Extra Features
Garmin’s new device comes packed with several tools for traveling and entertainment. This includes an MP3 player, a JPEG image viewer, an audio book player, video games, an alarm clock, games and much more. With the FM transmitter, you can listen to a wide range of audio such as voice prompts, MP3 files and audio books through the vehicle’s stereo speakers. This voice recognition GPS unit also includes attractive features such as FM traffic alerts as well as an anti-theft feature called Garmin Lock. Furthermore, the nuvi 880 offers slots for microSD cards, which can be used to install Garmin Travel Guides for more detailed information on various attractions.
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December 3rd, 2008 by Emerging Technologies
In April of this year, AT&T revealed its voice recognition GPS navigation service known as AT&T Navigator. The new service is designed to provide drivers with visual and audible turn-by-turn directions. AT&T Navigator delivers moving maps in full color, enabling users to find their way much easier.
Voice Recognition GPS
This is far more convenient than using traditional or printed maps, as well as standalone navigation devices. Instead, drivers can pull up accurate directions right on their voice recognition GPS-enabled phones. This is an ideal solution for anyone, whether you are looking to get directions to a new restaurant, an important business meeting, or the family reunion out of town. According to Mark Collins, vice president of the company’s Consumer Data wireless unit, the AT&T Navigator service is personal mobilization at its best.
How AT&T’s Voice Recognition GPS Works
AT&T’s new voice recognition GPS service provides integrated speech capabilities for address entry, as well as points of interest search. All drivers have to do is press a button on their handset and speak the address or name of the business they want to find. From there, the AT&T navigator provides both on-screen and voice powered turn-by-turn directions to the spoken destination.
Another quality feature of the AT&T voice recognition GPS service is updated route information and real-time traffic updates. Users can gather an estimated time of arrival on each route, along with constant updates as they drive, allowing them to be more precise with daily commutes. The AT&T Navigator provides information on the speed of traffic along a particular route and incident details, such as highway construction and automobile accidents. With this voice recognition GPS solution, you can save a considerable amount of time by navigating around any problems on the road.
Features of Voice Recognition GPS
One of the biggest attributes of the AT&T Navigator is that it helps to steer you the right direction. This unique feature allows you to do the following:
- Obtain directions and compare fuel prices for the nearest gas station. Known as “Gas By Price,” this feature sorts the price of fuel from lowest to highest.
- Search the current route and find the nearest ATM machines, restaurants, Wi-Fi hot spots and more. This feature is powered by the YellowPages.com database, which offers millions of commercial locations.
- Plan trips in advance before even getting into the vehicle. This can be done by using a computer, entering an address online, and then syncing the information to a voice recognition GPS-enabled phone.
The AT&T Navigator voice recognition GPS service is currently available on a number of mobile handsets, including the AT&T Tilt, Motorola Z9, Motorola Q and BlackJackII, along with the BlackBerry 8310, 8800 and 8820. The service is also available to AT&T subscribers with compatible mobile phones as part of a free 30-day trial. Those who want to continue receiving the voice recognition GPS service can pay for it on a monthly subscription basis, which offers unlimited routes. Motorola Z9 users can enjoy the service with a daily pass option.
AT&T has plans to incorporate voice recognition GPS along with other features and services into more handsets in the very near future.
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