Alexa -equipped car navigation system "Garmin Speak" Hands -on: Good for those who are entrusted to Amazon's ecosystem
How is Alexa in the car?
GIZMODO's Andrew Liszewski reporter, Andrew Liszewski, a Navi Device with Alexa, a voice assistant Alexa released by GPS equipment maker Garmin (Garmin).The impression is "I can operate it with a voice but it is troublesome in context."What is that meaning ...?
The most convenient place to use audio assistants is not the office, kitchen, and living room.In fact, the most convenient place is a car that both hands and both eyes are blocked for driving.That's why Garmin would have installed Alexa on this skeleton on the bare navigation device.This means that you don't get lost, and you won't be lonely while driving for a long time.
Last month, BMW announced that it would be one of the world's first automakers in the car with Amazon's audio AI assistants somewhere in 2018.However, the cheapest BMW car costs $ 30,000 (about 3.37 million yen).On the other hand, Garmin's new device "Garmin Speak" costs $ 150 (about 16,800 yen), and any vehicles that have already owned or have access to the windshield and power supply.Can you attach it?
If you want to do it, if you use iOS or Android smartphones or tethering from your smartphone to mount Amazon Echo, anyone can access Alexa from the car.Of course, these are not a good choice.Instead, using this compact Garmin Speak, like a palm -sized miniature Amaon Echo, you should be able to call Alexa more easily while driving.Of course, it comes with a well -known Garmin high -performance navigation system.
The installation of Garmin Speak is very easy.Just attach a sticky magnet mount to the windshield, so you can easily remove and replace it.What was a little difficult was to put the power cable well together so that it would not hinder the field of view while driving.Garmin recommends putting a code in the surrounding gap and using it at the end of the windshield, but it was not possible to install it in my car.Therefore, the Speak power cable is hanging on the dashboard.It would have been more helpful if there was a sticky clip to be installed more firmly and the cable was placed well.
The power cable is connected to a car cigar socket, and if the car is not compatible with wireless communication, the AUX jack to pass the audio flowing from SPEAK through in -vehicle speakers is also on the adapter.However, since GPS and the Internet will rely on smartphones, it would have been a little more happy for the driver if there was an extra USB port for charging smartphones.Especially older cars.
If Speak is connected to a smartphone through a Bluetooth and Garmin app and installs Garmin's Alexa skills, you can immediately use Alexa like a general smart speaker.Any media in the Amazon Service can be accessed, so you can use them through a car sound system or a built -in small speaker.Of course, the sound of the built -in speaker has a terrible sound, so it can only be used only for Alexa's response.
When using SPEAK as a GPS device, it can be operated with a voice command.However, the command is a little cumbersome.When using navigation -related functions, you must always say "Alexa, Garmin."And I noticed that I forget this well while driving.Instead of scrolling the map with a smartphone, you will follow the instructions of a simple OLED display of black and white, showing the navigation voice and the direction of the direction of the direction.The LED circle, which is also used to indicate that Alexa is reacting, shines green when it encourages attention or needs special driving.
Even with Alexa's evolving intelligence, it was sometimes difficult to identify a specific destination just by operating the voice.If you are frustrated, you can open the Garmin Speak app and search in the manual, but if you are a good driver to protect the law, you will need to stop the car at that time.
I've been testing all GPS devices for a few years, but I don't think SPEAK's simplicity is more efficient as a device that displays a map on the screen.However, I was surprised at the ease of use of this device, except for one inconvenience that SPEAK ran on a toll road, lowered, and ran.I'm still not convinced that I have to ask Alexa with the command to use Garmin's navigation.This is an extra process, and you will probably forget this command even after most people use Speak for a while.It's not natural.I think this is a big difference between SPEAK and Alexa -equipped BMW car (including the price perspective).
Who is Garmin Speak a device for?It would be for those who rely on Amazon and Alexa for everyday life.If you are completely entrusted to Amazon's ecosystem, including music services and online shopping, you can easily call Alexa in a commuting car.It should be.
If SPEAK is $ 100 or less, I think it was recommended as a cheap option for smartphone users looking for in -vehicle navigation devices.However, if it is $ 150, it is the same price as a navigation device with a cheap touch screen other than Garmin.It's certainly fun to take Alexa to the drive, but I don't think Alexa is needed when looking for a gas station or a shortcut to the grandparents' house.
Image: Andrew Liszewski/Gizmodo USSOURCE: GARMINANDREW LISZEWSKI -GIZMODO US [Original] (DOGA)