Garmin will be offering free live traffic updates in the new range of Garmin nuvi sat-navs called Digital Traffic.
The service is subscription-free and allows users to receive more accurate travel information via DAB signals without an internet connection.
Digital Traffic is available on the new Garmin nuvi Advanced and Premium series sat-navs and allows users to access the best route for their journey, depending on the traffic issues ahead. New voice integration will alert drivers of any traffic jams or accidents up ahead that could cause delays and allows the Garmin nuvi to recommend an alternative route.
Traffic information is updated every minute courtesy of INRIX, the world’s largest traffic intelligence network, so users are constantly kept updated with any issues affecting their journey plans.
The new Garmin nuvi Advanced and Premium ranges with a lifetime of free minute-by-minute traffic updates are exclusively available from Halfords.
“As the UK’s number 1 sat-nav retailer we have seen these devices develop from a luxury purchase, when they were first introduced, into a necessity that drivers rely on,” said Dave Poulter, Head of Trading at Halfords. “Our retail position gives us a unique insight into the needs of customers and in response we have been working closely with Garmin for the past two years to help bring Digital Traffic to the high street.”
“From a desire for larger screen sizes, to subscription-free mapping and more accurate live traffic avoidance capabilities – we have been at the forefront of introducing innovative new technologies over the past decade and believe that Digital Traffic will raise the bar in terms of what customers expect from navigation products.”
The Garmin nuvi Premium range includes the Garmin nuvi 3597 LMT and is priced at £299.99 for the “superior navigation experience”. It has a 5-inch display and includes Digital Traffic, lifetime maps and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Garmin nuvi Advanced range sits in the mid-range category with a price tag of £149.99 and a screen size of 4.3- or 5-inches. It still offers Digital Traffic but doesn’t have the lifetime maps or Bluetooth of the Premium models. We’ve got the Garmin nuvi 2598 LMT-D model in for review, so look out for that in the coming weeks.
Garmin also introduced an entry-level Essential range with 4.3-inch screen sizes, but lacking any additional features like Digital Traffic.
Read our review of the last high-end Garmin satnav, the Gamin nuvi 3590 LMT.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
