Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Garmin Speak combines turn-by-turn navigation with Amazon’s voice assistant

Garrett Hulfish
By

GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin, have required a good deal of hands-on operation. Unless a second passenger is in the car, entering a new address requires the driver to pull over or risk an accident. This all changes with the new Garmin Speak, a hands-free device with access to the Amazon Alexa voice service.

At just an inch and a half in size, Garmin Speak is as compact as it is useful. It features a bright OLED display that shows guidance arrows while turn-by-turn directions stream through the vehicle’s stereo to guide drivers to their destination. Car running low on fuel? Drivers can ask the device for directions to the nearest gas station.

Recommended Videos

“We are excited to be the first to offer Garmin GPS navigation and Amazon Alexa’s intuitive voice service in the new Garmin Speak,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, in a statement. “The interaction between the two technologies offers drivers a truly unique opportunity to turn their words into action while keeping both hands on the wheel.”

Along with giving directions, Garmin Speak works just like any other Alexa device. Users can ask the always-ready device a range of requests spanning the news, weather, sports, traffic, and more. If a driver owns other smart appliances at home, they can operate it directly through Garmin Speak. For instance, a user could double check their smart lock on their front door or make sure the range on their smart oven has been turned off.

A long drive can be hard for even the most experienced drivers. Without a second passenger to talk to, driving can make people drowsy. With Garmin Speak, customers can play voice-based interactive games or listen to an audiobook to keep their mind busy.

Setting up Garmin Speak to work with Amazon Alexa is simple. After downloading the free Garmin Speak app on any smartphone, this navigation device uses the phone’s data connection to stream Alexa’s responses, music, and navigation via Bluetooth of AUX connectivity. This connection through the phone also offers convenient hands-free support for the phone too. Users can accept or decline incoming calls, so the phone never needs to leave the user’s pocket.

Garmin Speak is available now through Amazon or Garmin for the suggested retail price of $150.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Garrett Hulfish
Garrett Hulfish
Contributor
Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…
Amazon feature has Alexa speaking in voice of late relative
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

Whether you find it comforting or creepy rather depends on your disposition, but Amazon has found a way to get Alexa to speak in the voice of anyone -- including a deceased relative.

The feature was explained by Rohit Prasad, senior vice president and head scientist for the Alexa team, during Amazon’s Re:Mars conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 22.

Read more
Can your smart home save you money on homeowners insurance?
Nest devices grouped together on a counter.

Smart home devices provide more than just convenient assistance -- they also help us complete tasks more efficiently and protect our homes. And now, they may actually be able to save you money on your homeowner's insurance.

Homeowners insurance protects or aids you if an incident happens. Yet the best days are when nothing goes wrong, and life is easy for everyone. Smart home devices can be your first line of defense against things that could cause your home harm.

Read more
Amazon might be using Alexa to send you targeted ads
siri alexa feminist reboot amazon

It appears that Amazon might be using its speakers to send you targeted ads, according to a recent report published online. To collect the data required to send you personalized ads, Amazon has been sharing transcripts of your conversation with its Alexa smart assistant with third-party businesses.

This new report was produced by researchers from the University of Washington, the University of California - Davis, the University of California - Irvine, and Northeastern University. They published the information online and stated that Amazon and third parties share people's interactions with over 40 advertisers. That data informs Amazon's advertising partners about your interests and then influences ads you receive on your Alexa speakers and the web.

Read more