Garmin Offering Lifetime Traffic Updates on Certain PNDs

August 27, 2008

Garmin has updated its premium 7x5 series and its entry-level 2x5 series Nüvi portable navigation devices (PNDs), offering lifetime subscriptions to the Navteq Traffic data service included in the purchase price.

The latest members of Garmin's 7x5 series of PNDs also get a lane-assist feature. The devices will provide guidance on upcoming maneuvers and specific driving directions, including road sign detail and arrows indicating the proper lane for navigation, the company said. The Nüvi 7x5 series also features accelerated map-drawing and routing capabilities, and makes screen zooming reportedly smoother than before.

The Nüvi 265T, 265WT, and 275T models are also getting Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling, in addition to the lifetime traffic alerts that will now be available on the 2x5 series, Garmin said.

In other news the company said it plans to launch its NüMaps Guarantee. After a customer purchases a Nüvi or Zūmo PND, they can check to see if they are eligible for a free map update by registering their unit at Garmin's website within 60 days of the first use of the PND. If new map data is available anytime during that 60-day period, the user can request and download the new data, free of charge, according to Garmin. The program will begin October 15. Anyone who first used their Nüvi or Zūmo PND on August 17 or later will be eligible for a free map update, provided the unit is registered with Garmin and a new map is available within 60 days of the unit's first use, the company said.

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