Garmin Launches Garmin Speak with Amazon Alexa
Garmin has launched Garmin Speak with Amazon Alexa, an in-vehicle device with have hands-free access to the Amazon Alexa voice service and turn-by-turn GPS navigation from Garmin.
The Garmin Speak brings Amazon's cloud-based voice service to a device designed specifically for the car. At just an inch and a half in size, the compact device features an LED light ring and a bright OLED display showing lane guidance arrows with spoken turn-by-turn directions to guide drivers to their destinations. Garmin Speak secures to the windshield with a magnetic mount.
Thanks to Sensory's TrulyHandsfree Alexa trigger, Garmin Speak offers hands-free phone support, including the ability to ignore or accept incoming calls.
"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's 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 actions while keeping both hands on the wheel."
"Our vision is that the Alexa service will be everywhere our customers want it, including inside the car," said Ned Curic, vice president of automotive at Amazon Alexa, in a statement. "Alexa on the Garmin Speak can help customers with many things, like controlling their smart home from the road, getting news or traffic, listening to Audiobooks, adding items to a shopping list, and ordering dinner with just their voice."
Garmin Speak users can ask the always-ready device a multitude of requests that include news briefings, weather forecasts, sports stats, and traffic. Customers can also enable interactive games to entertain passengers on longer trips. Drivers can ask Alexa to remotely access smart home automation devices such as lights, locks, and thermostats.
To begin using Garmin Speak with Amazon Alexa, device owners must download the free Garmin Speak app. Once Garmin Speak is synched with the app, it will use the driver's phone data connection to stream Alexa responses, music. and navigation through the vehicle's audio system via Bluetooth or AUX connectivity.
Garmin Speak has a suggested retail price of $149.99.