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No it does not require any paid subscriptions from either Garmin or Amazon. Basically, consider this a mini Amazon Echo Dot (complete with the blue ring) that connects to the internet through your Bluetooth enabled smart phone, with the added benefit of a voice turn by turn GPS. If you already use Alexa at home then this is your next logical step. It will sync with your Amazon Alexa account and allow you to use the same voice commands to control the items in your smart home that you can do with the other Amazon Alexa devices. (Echo, Echo Dot, etc.) The Speak does have a minimal OLED display that shows upcoming turns (distance to with direction arrows) when the GPS is in use. All processing and functionality are done using your phone's built in GPS and over your phone's data connection, although I stream IHeartRadio and use the GPS for hours a day and the data usage isn't really that much. (probably a gig or two a month maximum with EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE use) If you search, there are some videos on both Garmin's website and YouTube that could give you a better idea of what you can do with the Garmin Speak. I bought mine as soon as it was available and LOVE it. I also have my house running with a couple of Amazon Echo Dots, Sonoff Wi-Fi dongles on every light, a Honeywell smart Wi-Fi thermostat, an August Smart lock, and a Logitech Harmony Hub, so I have the ability to use Alexa voice commands on my Garmin Speak to 1) turn on my porch light at night before I get home. 2) unlock my front door. 3) turn on some lights inside. 4) turn on my home theater and set the channel on the TV to whatever I want. and 5) change the thermostat to whatever temp I want to prepare for my arrival.
I would recommend:
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.No
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.no it does not
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.No paid subscription. You must have a smartphone with data in order to use the accompanying app.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Not that I am aware of. I use the Garmin part for directions.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.No, there is no subscription needed.
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