According to a recent study, the average person in America drives about 25 miles, or spends close to 1 hour in their car each day.
Some have even gone as far as estimating that we spend close to 6 percent of our waking hours in a car, as a driver or passenger.
This may not seem like much, but when life is throwing more choices at you than a casino buffet, sometimes you need help making even a small fraction of your day a little more – simple.
Why not let us help make your time behind the wheel exactly that – with the new DriveSmart 66, 76, and 86 personal GPS navigators.
Now, using our smartphones for navigation can be convenient, especially in spur-of-the-moment situations but with the DriveSmart series
you get a device that was designed for use in a vehicle with navigation as its heart.
With various tools readily available while you’re on the road – all you have do is choose where you want to go, look ahead, and drive.
Just as important as what’s on the other side of the windshield, is knowing how you’re going to get to your destination.
I mean – that’s why you’re using GPS navigation in the first place.
So, obviously being able to see any instructions or alerts quickly and clearly is important.
In this DriveSmart series you’ll have the choice between three new units with high-resolution displays - easily identifiable by their varied screen sizes.
The DriveSmart 66 comes with a 6-inch display. The DriveSmart 76 has a 6.95 inch display.
And the DriveSmart 86 has not only an 8-inch display, but the option of dual-orientation for Landscape, or Portrait positioning.
All three DriveSmart devices come with preloaded mapping specific to the region where it was purchased.
So for example, those in North America - we’re talking at least the entire U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
And with built-in Wifi, updating maps or software doesn’t get much easier. Let me walk you through it.
First, you’ll want to connect your DriveSmart to a WiFi network.
On the device select Settings,
then Wireless Networks, and enable WiFi technology.
Your device should now begin searching for nearby networks, and once yours is listed on the display, select it, and enter the password if needed.
Now, let’s check for updates.
Since we’re already connected to WiFi we’ll go to Settings again, but this time select Updates.
The DriveSmart will check for any update that’s available.
If there are any, the text ‘Update Available’ will appear below Map or Software.
From here – select the option most applicable to you and choose Install All.
After reading and agreeing to the license terms just make sure you stay within range of the WiFi network and make sure the device is connected to an external power source until the update is complete.
By now the DriveSmart software is current. Maps are updated. Device is mounted and On, and you’re ready to drive.
Say you’ve had a productive day so far, and are now headed to pick up a gift for a loved one when you realize you need to pick up something from work.
You could use the touchscreen to change your destination - when stopped, safety first.
But - why not try Voice Activated Navigation? Simply say, “OK Garmin” and your DriveSmart is ready to assist.
Simply state where you’d like to go, the DriveSmart will pull up the location, ask to confirm your destination, then just say “Navigate”.
Many times, navigation instructions are provided by stating the name of the street where you need to take action next.
But, what if the street sign’s obstructed.
A number of things can affect the visibility of a sign 100 feet, or even 10 feet, in front of you.
With Garmin Real Directions Landmark Guidance you’ll receive instructions similar to having a friend sitting right next to you telling you where to go,
by using street or store names, and landmarks to get you where you’re headed.
While on the topic of possibly overlooking something important - this handy dashboard co-pilot helps increase your situational awareness with Driver Alerts,
giving you warnings for things like upcoming speed changes, sharp curves, or other potential hazards that could complicate things ahead.
And what’s something we all try to avoid when behind the wheel? Traffic.
Thanks to compatibility with the Garmin Drive app, Live Traffic is one of many useful features to help make your travels just a little bit easier when your smartphone and DriveSmart are paired together.
Other notable Live Services include parking, fuel prices, and weather.
While you’re paired up, why not remain in-the-know with on-screen smart notifications.
Or, if you’re going to visit a friend – help them make sure they’re ready by the time you arrive with optional LiveTrack location sharing.
There’s more than one reason we call this series DriveSmart – because the smart features just keep on coming.
Perhaps you just remembered you need to return an important call.
With Hands-Free Calling you can reach out to others while…well, keeping your hands free to tend to other matters.
Want more ways to continue this hand liberating experience?
Just ask Alexa
Once enabled, with Alexa built-in you can ask to do things like play music, listen to the news, set reminders, or even control other smart devices in your home.
These smart features certainly help elevate the overall driving experience, but we’ve also provided some very beneficial on-the-road content,
whether you’re staying close to home, or driving to another state.
With the History database you’ll be aware of notable historic sites ranging anywhere from museums to monuments,
as well as getting navigation to some of America’s most treasured natural resources thanks to the preloaded National Parks Directory.
Not only could this add some extra enjoyment to your travels – but maybe you’ll learn something cool along the way.
And to assist with the planning for your more common travel stops,
view traveler ratings from Trip Advisor for restaurants, hotels, and other attractions along your route, or near your destination.
There’s a lot going on when you’re in the driver’s seat, so any added perspective is more than welcome.
While backing up, easily keep tabs on what’s behind you directly on the display of any of these navigators – when paired with a Garmin backup camera.
And if you’re looking for a little more peace of mind – don’t forget to check out our latest Dash Cam series to provide a reliable eyewitness account of events should you need it.
Make the most of that 6 percent on the road - and simplify your drive with the new Garmin DriveSmart 66, 76, and 86.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to learn about the latest in the Garmin DriveSmart series.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.
Otherwise, that’s it for now.
I’m Matt with Garmin, hoping that wherever the roads may take you – we’ve helped you Beat Yesterday.