The Garmin Nuvi is a great little gadget. It helps millions of people with their daily car journeys, from families on vacation to pizza delivery boys, there really isn’t anyone who would not find an in-car GPS device useful.
Not everyone is aware that it’s possible to update the Garmin Nuvi with new content, fresh maps, and other customized options that will make it not only work for you better, but also stand out from all the other standard GPS devices that your friends and family might own. Here’s a short overview of what you can do in order to customize your Garmin Nuvi GPS.
Download Free Garmin Map Updates
The most popular and easiest upgrade possible for a Nuvi GPS is to make sure that the maps on it are 100% up to date and current. Thankfully the process of installing free Garmin map updates on the product is easy – and what’s better – costs nothing. All you need to do is head on over to the Garmin website and register your purchase. Once you’ve done that you can check for new maps for the region that you drive in and then begin the download process and get your new free maps, routes, and directions.
Change the Blue Car on the Nuvi Screen
That little blue car on the display of the Garmin GPS is cool enough, but how much cooler would it be to change it to something a little bit more sporty or even something like a plane or cartoon character? It’s possible – and it’s free – just like the free Garmin map updates. There’s a section on the manufacturer website called the Garmin Garage. Do a Google search for that and you will have access to loads of different car and vehicle icons. As long as you can connect via USB between the PC and the sat nav then you are ready to get going.
Sick of the Voices? Then Make Your Own!
Garmin Nuvi’s come with a few standard voices… but what if you get tired of that woman always saying “turn right”, “turn left”? Well it’s possible for you to download a free app called the Voice Studio. This software lets anyone with a PC and microphone record their own voice prompts in to replace the pre-packaged ones that come on the unit. Imagine your kids surprise when they hear their grandparent’s voice coming out of the Garmin Nuvi?
Don’t Want to Use Your Own Voice? Then Download Someone Elses!
You don’t have to record your own voice directions in though. You could buy Darth Vader or Yoda meaning you can really “use the force” on your next drive to the baseball or basketball game. There are also other voices you can purchase – like Dora the Explorer and other popular kids cartoon characters. Some Garmin countries even offer famous sports people telling you which way to turn and drive.
So as you can see, there are many different ways in which you can make your drive just a little bit more interesting when using a Garmin Nuvi GPS device. Check some of them out and see how far you can customise your product.