Garmin is the latest manufacturer to get on board the speeding Alexa locomotive. The company has just released a new hardware device that attaches to the windshield of any car and delivers both full Garmin GPS capability and full Alexa functions.
The Garmin Speak connects through Bluetooth to your smartphone to gain connection access to Alexa services, but provides the following:
- Stream music playlists and podcasts through your vehicle’s stereo, play audiobooks, check the weather, and listen to news, sports stats or traffic updates — all while keeping your hands on the wheel and your smartphone stowed away
- Place orders for home delivery of goods or food, create shopping and to-do lists, update your calendar, and remotely control smart home automation such as lights, locks and thermostat
- Access exclusive Garmin turn-by-turn spoken directions by saying, “Alexa, ask Garmin … ”; display shows lane guidance arrows and upcoming turns
- Choose from thousands of skills in the Alexa Skills Store
- Requires download of the free Garmin Speak app to your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone; Garmin Speak uses your phone’s data connection to stream Alexa responses through your vehicle’s stereo system via Bluetooth or AUX
The hardware also requires a special Garmin Alexa skill that has also just been released. The skill is available here: Garmin
The skill is required for the Garmin Speak to work.
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