Garmin - Speak with Amazon Alexa

The Garmin Speak is only as good as Garmin's Navigation maps, your cell signal strength, and the interface provided. I am a huge fan of Waze and I don't think Garmin is as accurate and up to date navigation/routing-wise. To be frank, this device isn't easy to use as a GPS using only voice, but as an "echo" device this excels. You have to go to unsaved addresses using the Garmin Speak app by keying in the street address then pressing go. It has potential, but I am unsure of how quickly Garmin developers will do their part improving this device. It lacks the ability to save places aside from the 3 locations provided: Home, Work, and School. Let's dive deeper into this thing. I will review this in two separate aspects: as an Alexa device and as a navigation device. -=Setup=- If you already have an Amazon account, this will be easy to setup. You need to download the Garmin Speak app and Garmin skill to link it to your account. I was up and running in under 5 minutes. There was an update to the device immediately after linking it to my phone so I am sure this addressed some of the other concerns listed in prior reviews. You can use the provided USB cigarette lighter cord, or you can use a USB port to power this device (which I tried and it worked). The next step is to stick it to the windshield and you are done. -=Alexa Capabilities=- First, this uses the Bluetooth you established in your car or the AUX port to tap into your car speakers. There is a bit of delay (maybe 1-2 secs) before you can hear the Garmin speak in your car if you aren't already connected and listening to something. This is normal. If you like Alexa, you will like this in your car. You get all the functionality you're used to at home minus the "drop in" feature and calling using Alexa. The Alexa portion is fast and provides things like your to do list, calendar, and shopping list while you are on the road with a simple command. You have access to your home automation you have setup which is a huge plus. I can unlock my front door while it's raining so I can reduce time getting wet. I can turn on lights and turn them off with the same commands I use at home on my devices. Have you ever thought, "did I forget to lock the front door?" Using your command (if available with your lock skill), you can ask Alexa and then lock it if necessary. This whole thing works using your data through a Bluetooth connection between the Alexa app and the Garmin Speak app. This is where it can be spotty of you do not have more than 3 bars of signal. -=GPS Capabilities=- I must say I am disappointed with the entire experience as a GPS. You cannot simply say "Alexa, ask Garmin for directions to and a street address". You will be required to type it into your phone and send it to the Garmin Speak. What is the point of having a voice assistant if you still have to use your device to enter an address? Very disappointed. The GPS signal is spotty and relies heavily on your cell signal strength. If you go under 3 bars… you get the lost connection red ring of death until you get better signal. -||What I love||- + Battery Saver - I love not having to have my cell phone sucking up battery with the screen on for directions. This uses its own power source and uses Bluetooth transitions which saves your phone. + HUD Display - You can put this literally ANYWHERE you want as long as your USB cord can reach. It provides clear instructions including lane guidance and a green ring to get your attention when a turn is coming up. + Alexa - I just love Alexa and having it with me on the go is a major plus. It makes any car smart. I am a sales person who travels and I like hearing my agenda and to do list while my eyes are on the road. + Home Automation Access - You get access to your home automation through your Alexa skills you have setup. -||What I Would Change||- - Garmin Speak app - I won't be too hard on this, but the app is SOOOOOOO BASIC. There isn't much you can do with it. It doesn't integrate with Alexa and you have to remember the correct syntax to get it to work. Using "Alexa, enable Garmin" seems to help with voice directions since it prompts you for where you want to go. - Audio Routing - I wish Garmin would separate the directions from the Alexa/Media setting. I would rather have my Garmin Speak give directions and use my Bluetooth in my vehicle for Alexa functions and media. - No Turning off Guidance - This is a simple fix, make an option for those who do not want to hear voice guidance. There is visual feedback so audio isn't always required for every user. Not providing that simple customizable option shows a lack of planning on Garmin's part. - No Location Saving - Garmin allows you to save a Home, Work, and School address that is all! Are you telling me you don't have the option to save a place on your regular GPS units? Poor planning and execution again! - Lack of Additional Mounts - Are you telling me you thing someone will buy one of these for each car they have? Do they do that for the REGULAR GPS units you sell? You provide a removable mount and an option to mount it somewhere else. You include a simple piece of iron to mount, why not provide another so we have options? - Connectivity Issues - There must be a way to not rely on a cell phones signal strength for GPS positioning. You are using Bluetooth from the phone for everything including data transmission, there has to be another way for GPS position information. - Uses Cell Data - Unlike a regular GPS unit, this uses data from your cell phone plan. If you are one of those who do NOT have unlimited data like I do, this may not be for you. -=The Verdict=- With all the negatives here, why will I keep it? I believe this product will be better with time since it is Garmin's first attempt at Alexa in a car. Most of my complaints are with the software. Software can easily be updated and so can the Garmin skill. There will be bugs, and if you are an early tech adopter you know this. Short and sweet, buy if you want Alexa on the road with you… wait if you need a GPS unit or just buy a standard GPS device.

I installed in 2 vehicles and used on a couple road trips. Loved the navigation arrows with voiced lane guidance and light function to signify when to turn. I used Alexa to tap into my playlist and some Q&A just for the heck of it which worked out pretty well. I do recommend installing the APP before trying to install the speak unit. Installation in my older model car with Auxiliary connect function well. What I did not like is the many wires, well power and Aux cable which junked up my center console along with taking up the only power source I had. I could no longer charge my phone while using the Garmin speak unless I purchased an adapter with dual or multiple power ports. Installing in my 2017, well I really did not need as I have GPS and app functions tied in from my Iphone but tried to install via Bluetooth which did not work out for some reason so I had to fall back to the Aux cable/port connection. The upside is that the newer automobiles have multiple power source. Pros: • Small • Clear sound • Visual clarity • Responsive • Alexa on the move where ever you go • Alexa recognizes voice commands better than Siri Cons: • Price • Needs Smartphone/app to communicate and operate • Easy to install with Axe input, possible problem with Bluetooth connect • Needs constant power source • Single mount, single use mount pads • Power cable needs to be tucked in and hidden in the panels and ceiling cover • Not needed if you have a good provider and smart phone. I liked the concept but for the cost I would not recommend purchasing, if you have a good smart phone and or GPS installed in your car as it will cover all the functions the Garmin Speak unit provides.

Garmin was once a leader in navigation products. I remember when one would have to hide their navigation device so it wouldn't get stolen from the vehicle. Then smartphones came along and included navigation apps for free that are very smart and up to date with live traffic, automatic rerouting, lane assistance, etc. If you have enough data on your data plan, these are excellent choices for navigation. Most smartphones these days also come with some sort of personal assistant built in, also for free. Just ask your phone a question and it will try to answer it for you. Then there is the Garmin Speak, which does those things, not by itself, but in tandem with your phone. A problem with this is a) it doesn't really do anything that your phone won't already do, b) it requires long wires to be run along your windshield and dash/floor to a power outlet, and c) it still uses data from your phone's data plan. There is one saving factor for this product. If you can't find a safe place to put your phone so you don't have to take your eyes off the road while driving, this product gets stuck to your windshield so your eyes can better stay on the road. The Garmin Speak works best in vehicles that have Bluetooth enabled car stereos. If you can play music wirelessly through your car stereo, then you are good to go. You can still use the Garmin Speak if you don't have that capability in your vehicle, you will just need a second wire going from the 12v outlet plug to your stereo's aux input. If you don't have an aux input for your car stereo, then you will have to listen to the Garmin through its tiny built-in speaker. Unless only Alexa's help will do (as opposed to other smartphone assistants), or if you don't have a good place to keep your phone for safe usage of its nav features, then I would pass on this item. Otherwise it may be a good fit for you.

This small device needs some refinement. I thought by having an older car that this would bring my dated car up to speed without wires and hassle. So far that is all I see when I set it up. So if your car doesn't have Bluetooth built-in, or a AUX port then you'll have to listen to the commands over the built-in speaker. This device lacks a built-in FM transmitter. That would make this go the distance and to be able to stand going that distance. I'm not such a huge fan of having to permanently add an adhesive sticker to my windshield so that the Garmin Speak can sit. So that is a bummer. Looks cool, the colors are as bright as depicted in pictures and the box (if not brighter), the directions aren't as jazzed up as I thought. Their glow is washed out where I expected sharp white hues. The idea of something the size of a tennis ball guiding me through a busy city like mine is awesome because it doen't add clutter but after realizing i'd have to buy another cord to beam over audio to the speakers, buy new adhesive stickers when this one becomes loose and I didn't realize to use this i'd have to nearly open two apps at a time to manager the Garmin Speak App and the Amazon Alexa portion of it which means there is some refinement needed here. The plus side to the Garmin Speak is the Garmin Maps. I have used Garmin maps for over a decade and they are always updated, especially when you have a Garmin that has the traffic transmitter! I wish there was more to this little guy but it is the first of it's kind so hopefully there is a heartier, beefed-up version next time!

Enjoyed have Alexa in the car so much I ended going back and buy one more. I only have two complaints. One, Alexa’s voice is to soft. If I turn up the volume to hear Alexa, then the music will be too loud when she stops talking. Two, Alexa stops functioning if cel reception is poor.

Got this product since we have a lot of Alexa enabled devices and it just made sense to get one for use in my car. Set up was easy enough and it basically worked with most skills you’ve enabled on your Alexa app. The display while small is bright enough even with my car’s sunroof open. Once paired with your car’s audio via Bluetooth the direction is gives are very clear. The display just helps you not look at your phone and just glance to see if you have turns coming. Playing music was easy too and even with loud music, when you say Alexa it lowers the volume and waits for your command. All is well and good last week until Apple released iOS 11.2 update. Now even with full bars on my iphone the Garmin displays poor internet connection and disconnects it’s BT connection. I’m made a call to Garmin and they said a fix is on the way in a few days. I’m going to check this Friday and see if there have a fix. So today Dec 5, I have a useless Garmin in my car. I cannot recommend this product until they issue a fix on why iOS 11.2 bricked the product. If a zero rating is possible right now that’s how I would rate the Garmin Speak. Once Garmin issues the fix I’ll put a new rating on this product.

Okay, I really like the idea of a small GPS device that can be interfaced with your phone, and can do much much more. The setup and apps needs help for people who are not in the mood for a more complex arrangement. You will need the Garmin Speak app, and the Alexa app, you'll still need to connect it to a computer so it can download any updates - if not, you'll continue to see a nag screen about connecting to a computer each time it powers up. My feeling is that if Garmin needs Alexa to run, there should be a single app that is developed so only a single app is being dealt with - and also, the app should not have to be open to make this device be able to be used. Too many times we close our apps on our phones before bed, but don't want to have to leave one of them open, let alone two of them, for a product to work as we rush off to work or elsewhere. Now, that all said, this has so much to offer, that the 2 app and leaving apps open thing may be worth it. You can use Alexa from Amazon as you would at home - it is linked to your Amazon account. You also link this to Pandora for example, so you can play music through that or your Amazon music app. Directions and traffic are courtesy of Garmin. This has a real GPS device inside of it, so it knows where you are based on the device, not your phone. Your phone is a conduit to the Garmin and Alexa worlds, using bluetooth to connect to the device and your phone's data plan will carry the data back and forth. You will get turn by turn directions, traffic delays, and all done through words vs. having to look at your phone's screen - a safety thing for sure. But also less complicated. You can ask Alexa to tell jokes, provide trivia, order something you forgot to order, play music, and the million other things Alexa can do for you -or you can ask her to get you directions, tell you the weather, and whatever else. It comes with a power cord to plug into a cigarette lighter plug, and has a jack to plug into the aux outlet in your car if you don't have bluetooth audio on the radio that is in your car. It has a window glass sticker that holds the device on via a heavy duty magnet. You can attach to the glass and then take it down via a magnet when it is time to bring inside or put in the glove box. Is this a worthy device for most? Yes! If you don't have the time or patience to run two apps, keep two apps open to allow this to work, etc. then you should consider other options to prevent yourself from being frustrated. It has countless benefits, yes. And it can provide hands free many things you would need to open by pressing apps and keys on your phone, a serious safety risk. This presents you with a safety device that will allow you to go through your travels more safely than tapping buttons on your phone or staring at your phone. Its voice recognition is very good, and responds to these words quite well.

The Garmin Speak is an interesting product from Garmin. It combines Garmin’s strengths of navigation with Amazon’s Alexa technology to provide a voice driven navigation experience. First of all, I’m a huge fan of Alexa. My interest in this product was less for day to day navigation needs and much more about brining Alexa, and it’s existing integrations. Alexa in the car is a game changer, and while some manufacturers are bringing it to their cars, Garmin can add it right now though this tiny little device. And when I say tiny, it really is quite small. It’s only around 1” in diameter with a similar length. The included power cord is long enough to pretty much run anywhere. I mounted mine with the included sticky pad beside the rear view mirror and had feet of power cord to spare even after running it in the headliner and down the a-pillar and across the dash. Other than a spare sticky pad, and some included documentation, that’s pretty much all that’s in the box. You have the choice of running audio either using auxiliary or use your phone’s Bluetooth audio. Since my car doesn’t have an auxiliary I use the Bluetooth capability. That’s not much of a disadvantage due to the fact the device relies on Bluetooth from your phone to have a data connection. Once you start your car, it takes about 10-15 seconds for the device to be ready. You need to use the Garmin Speak app to connect up initially, and the device may need to update its software (which could take a minute or two) during next startup, but generally this process is pretty smooth. Once started up it announces itself via a tone and a message. The message is displayed on the small round 1” OLED screen. This screen has a decent resolution and great contrast. Due to the white on black - even in bright light, this screen is quite visible. This screen provides basic messages, but is primarily used for the Garmin navigation feature. As with almost any Alexa device, it has an array of LEDs forming a ring around the outside of the screen that provides visual feedback of when the device is listening and is also leveraged for navigation. The Alexa functionality works wonderfully (for the most part). If you are a prolific Alexa user, you will instantly appreciate the access to Amazon music via voice, home automation, and many other apps that is part of the ecosystem. I can’t emphasize how huge this is. Being able to turn on my outdoor garage lights as I approach home is a feature that’s hard to appreciate until you use it. Asking for jokes or my son’s favorite song is just as seamless as at home. If you follow the recommended mounting procedure the device does a great job,even in a somewhat noisy car. What’s most surprising is how well this device works given it must pipe its data through my cell phone. The fluidity and seamlessness are pretty incredible. As for the Garmin navigation feature, it’s quite good once you get a route. It makes great use of both the screen and the LED array. You get voice prompts in decent natural language, lane guidance using the screen, and distance to turn via the LED ring, which turns fully green starting from the bottom up to the top as the turn is approached. These touches make for a smooth experience and bring most of what a full GPS can give you. Another benefit of being connected is re-routing when traffic jams occur. I had this happen when heading home from an event. I arrived home 15 minutes earlier than my wife leaving from the same event. However, there are some rough edges. Probably the worst is getting guidance started. First of all you need to have Alexa ‘ask Garmin’ to utilize the navigation feature. That in and of itself isn’t horrible, but it surfaces essentially only a POI search. While POIs are important for a GPS, I find my usage scenarios to be more address specific. To put an address in the GPS, you need to use the Garmin Speak app, and type in the address. If you’re searching for a POI, you might get some crazy suggestions depending on what the Garmin’s POI search could find. For instance I could not find my workplace, even though I work at a Fortune 500 company. Searching for a chain restaurant in a city might return locations closer to you geographically, but not the one you’re heading for. The rough edges carry over to the Alexa functionality as well. More than once I’ve been prompted about a poor data connection - however only in poor cell coverage areas. The worst rough edge for me seems to be related to issues with audio apps on the iPhone. If I ask Alexa to play music 95% of the time the device prompts me to ‘open the Speak app’ as another app has control of audio. This occurs even when the Speak app is the running app. On the nit picky side, sometimes the Alexa voice feedback doesn’t seem quite as timed as on a native device. All in all, as a first generation effort, this product does a great job. I’m sure software issues will be figured out over time, however some of these may be platform related to mobile devices. A dedicated connection for data would be ideal, but probably expensive, unless we could get Amazon to convince carriers to have lifetime data like they do for their kindle e-readers. Either case, it works extremely well given how it has to work data wise. The Garmin navigation is quite good once you’re locked in, but it would be nice to be able to speak an address instead of having to manually enter it. If you can live with some of the rough edges, Alexa in the car is an amazing experience.