MSN Direct service only available til January 1, 2012

Now that stinks.. BIG TIME !

Not only did I buy a 780 and an 885 because they had the MSN receiver with them, But I also bought several os the MSN LIFETIME cards.

I know they had orginally said service was not guaranteed beyond 2010, but then they announced they would guarantee service to 2014.

So I fugued the Lifetime woul dstill be a decent buy if the serive lasted to at least 2014.

So now what ? Not only will I have useless receivers, but I have now way overpaid for the subscriptions.

I wonder if I can mail them to Microsoft and they will send me my money.... YA... RIGHT !

Seriously.. I wonder if Garmin will offer to swap your GDB50 receiver for the FM GTM-20 ?

Your answers should be in the link posted above. Read it then ask your question(s).

I'm not surprised.

What a colossally damaging thing for Microsoft to do to their loyal customers. I guess they figure "lifetime' is three years because refunds will be offered for customers with less than three years of service for lifetime. So, I buy a lifetime MSN service a few months ago and it will last for a little over two years...then, I guess they will refund me a prorated amount, equal to roughly one year or 1/3 of my cost of $119.00......$39. JUst another reason not to rely on Microsoft. I don't see how thay can legally change the date from 2014 to 2012..I thought I was safe at least til then. Grrrrrrrr. And what about the receivers that people bought...who reimburses that? Now I guess I'll have to go out and but a receiver for FM traffic.

I did read it and it did NOT answer my questions.

Where did it explain what Garmin intended to do about this development, if anything ?

How about reading MY post before taking jabs at a contributing member.

Most of my post was a tongue in cheek and obviously beyond your comprehension.

But apparently you prefer to try to slap posters without any regard to the actual exhange.

Thanks for a lame attempt at being the forum police... NOT !

Isn't everyone familiar with DOS and Windows?

My sincerest apology, with all due respect. I see only two questions in your original comments. The first is answered in the link:

You wrote:
“So now what ? Not only will I have useless receivers, but I have now way overpaid for the subscriptions.
I wonder if I can mail them to Microsoft and they will send me my money.... YA... RIGHT !”

MSNDIRECT wrote:
"1. I paid for a subscription to MSN Direct. Will I get my money back?
"...One-Time Payment customers will continue to get service until 01/01/2012. One–Time Payment customers on the service less than 3 years as of 01/01/2012 will automatically receive a prorated refund for any unused service. Customers wishing to cancel their service can contact customer service at 1-866-658-7032 for details and refund eligibility."

It then procedes to answer other potential questions people might have, including about refunds.

As for your second question, this seems to be an MSNDIRECT issue and not a Garmin one but I'm sure Garmin would be happy to answer you directly if you choose to contact them.

Well, that certainly explains the cancellation of the lifetime subscription plans . . .

I gather that provision of free lifetime traffic and limited market coverage were some of the factors. And with Garmin (and others) now supporting a cellular-based data distribution model (admittedly with a much higher cost), I guess they figured that they could see the end of the road for the technology and decided to exit sooner, rather than later.

While I believe that Microsoft SHOULD have lived up to it's promises to operate the service to a least 2014, (and could likely be forced to if someone had the cojones to take them to court in California), the decision is obviously strictly business.

I have two MSN Direct receivers, one expired, which is how I learned that lifetime subscriptions had been discontinued . . . they came with my navigators - and for a slightly higher price than the lifetime sub I can buy a traffic receiver that has lifetime service (but for how long?).

The question is whether Garmin will be releasing details on the cellular-based services soon and whether they'll be useable with older navigators (the ones with the proper screen resolution and GUI) - the answer probably being 'no.

So I'll either go to traffic-only, or I'll have to look for a manufacturer with a decent product (and Garmin is no longer that company) or do without those features.

You know, Microsoft COULD minimise the impact by selling a 'limited subscription', based on the $33/year model and sell prorated subscriptions that run to the shutoff date in 2012. I'd probably subscribe until then on that basis.

Garmin has already released it's Google Traffic service at $5/mo which uses the same traffic sensors. Of course we all want to be able to surf the internet when driving.

You just got to buy a new unit to handle it

Bought the top of the line 885T for MSN Direct and now this. What a kick in the a##. Does Garmin have a simular traffic service?

wow

NO.

Most of us do not have details on the newest service delivered over cellular and if you ask Garmin their answer would be on the order of "It's evolving."

The other services are traffic only such as Navtec and XM. No gas prices, show times, stock alerts, weather, and the many other things available through MSN.

I bought MSN Direct receiver last January. The service was quite good in Toronto area but now it going down hill. They removed all regional roads from coverage. Even 400 series highway coverage is not that great. I was already thinking of not renewing it. Let us what comes next..

Yeah, this stinks. I have been quite happy with my 680 and the MSN service I've received in the Phoenix area. I don't really use the movies, but I do use the gas and weather functions.

You still do not understand my questions.

I still do not see where MSN Direct answered my question about refunding the price of GDB receivers.

As far as the subscription issue, they did not address any questions about proration or refunds for UNACTIVATED subscriptions.

And as far a Garmin answering my questions, I have already sent them an email and they responded with the quote that MSN Direct put out about terminated the service.

Part of my q's were somewhat rhetorical and you don't seem to understand that.

Once again, you would rather berate posters than state something useful.

This makes me wonder if Navteq and Clear Channel will do the same as MSN Direct. Can the advertising really support the Navteq lifetime over the long run? Also, it seems many users are finding the the traffic service of marginal value with it's limited coverage and innacuracies ... just my .02

October 27, 2009 to January 1, 2012 = 2 yrs, 2 months and 5 days, not including the end date, or 796 days until MSN pulls the plug on Direct. That is an eternity in the electronic evolutionary age.

I too purchased a 780 about six months ago and subscribed to the Lifetime service as my trial period ran out. The way I look at this situation is I paid my money and I took my chances. I hope my 780 works for the next 796 days but with the way electronics and technology makes strides, or the effects of Murphy's Law, I am sure I will probably be replacing my NUVI and MSN Direct with something faster, smaller, more efficient and probably with greater AI or interactive abilities before MSN Direct goes away.

I enjoy both the 780 and the services of MSN Direct, but hey, if they were to go away tomorrow instead of January 1, 2012, the Big Blue Marble would continue spinning around the galaxy and rather than complicate my life with stress I will sit back and savor the ride.

Prazert wrote: "You still do not understand my questions." Oh, but I believe I do.

1) You bought a 780 and 885. (Two units.)
2) You bought "several os the MSN LIFETIME cards."
3) The MSNDIRECT market is terminating.
4) Nobody wants your cards now. Am I close?

You had one question in your first post:

1) "So now what?" (...do I do) This is addressed by MSNDIRECT to include a telephone number for customer support.

"I wonder if Garmin will offer to swap your GDB50 receiver for the FM GTM-20 ?" (This is more of a thought than a question but nonetheless I suggested you contact Garmin.) I fail to see the problem. You bought two Garmin units that allowed you to receive and display MSNDIRECT's content. You are now doing that and it appears you will be able to beyond the warranty period of the Garmin units. What other obligation does Garmin have to you?

and one new question in your second post:

"Where did it explain what Garmin intended to do about this development, if anything ?" ANSWER: It didn't and why should it? MSNDIRECT and Garmin are two seperate entities. As such, I fail to see where MSNDIRECT is obligated to speak for Garmin on any issue or non-issue. And as indicated above, I don't see that Garmin has any further obligation to you as this is MSNDIRECT's decision to terminate service.

Garmin sold units with the understanding of traffic services for the life time of the unit. I guess they forgotten to mention or until the service provider (MSN Direct service) discontinue the service!
It is my guess that Garmin was aware of something like this and forgotten to mention in order to put more units out. If they discontinue the service they must have an alternative or give the money back and more for the blander!

Falcao

Falcao, the fine print for the MSN Service always said:
"service is not guaranteed beyond 2010."

At least when I purchased the receiver almost two years ago that was the fine print.

Basically the same as saying buy at your own risk. That statement releases their liability and doesn't require them to reimburse or provide a replacement as long as the service goes through 2010.

how do you remove msn from a 765 or 760?

Garmin should provide an update that removes MSN from their units.

Pratzert you have been on this forum long enough to know that if any of us could answer your questions we would. Since none of us can answer to suit you, all we know is what is included in the Statement on the MSN site. So as they say "If you want something done right, do it yourself" call MSN, and if Garmin will not answer your email get on the phone and try and pin them down. Point your anger at those that created it, not at those attempting (without success) to help.

@jlboggs @mourton: When you use the original traffic receiver that came with the units, MSN "disappears" and the FM traffic "replaces" it.

Hi mourton.

Thank you for the suggestion. I have been in contact with Both MSN and Garmin and it's a case of finger pointing so far.

I haven't directed any anger at anyone who has attempted to help... in fact I am always very greatful for help and appreciate it.

But comments instructing someone to read a post are infantile and unhelpful and most certainly not an attempt in any way to "help.".

Garmin has mostly just regurgitated the MSN Announcement, and MSN said they will offer refunds on a pro-rated bases.

But neither Garmin or MSN had an answer to what they may or may not do for people who recently bought a MSN receiver, nor what they can or would do for people who have purchased the Lifetime cards but not yet activated them.

Best Buy, where I purchased my card, has a return policy that does not allow returns of "Subscription Cards".

I agree it is frustrating. I'm betting that many people made their decision on which GPS unit to purchase based on what receiver it came with. If a part is broken, I would expect Garmin to replace it with a working part. The difference here is that Garmin/MSN is telling you your "part" will break in January of 2012 after they told you it would "Possibly Break" in Jan.2014.

Yes, I know that it will still function as the power adapter, so maybe it's only half broken.... but it's still broken.

That is My opinion and I am sure that some will see it it a different light, but some have already joined me in my view baed on some of the posts.

No doubt there will be a lot of upset consumers.

pratzert - you are being a prat. Plain and simple.

prat... or brat :') ?

prat

While I can understand your frustration the simple fact is that the MSN service was never guaranteed past 2010. So look at it like you got an extra year for nothing!

Ya.. I agree that's one way to look at it for sure.

The progression of the MSN service started out supposedly lasting until 2010, and then I got excited when it was "extended" to 2012, and I finally became convinced to take the plunge to buy the lifetime card when they announced the service was "Guaranteed" thru Jan. 2014.

It was that last extension that probably pushed many to buy the subscription.

And believe it or not... I just bought one of the cards yesterday... the same day they made the announcement cutting the service back again.

I always had a little apprehension about getting a Lifetime, but once they said it would be good for at least 4 more years, it then made financial sense to get it as instead of the cost being $50/year, it would have reduced to $25/year even it did terminate in 2014.

I don't think that MSN ever hailed the $129 subscription as a "Lifetime", they seem to always refer to it as a "One Time" payment. That was probably a clue, but it still made sense to go for the "One Time" if you liked the service.

Garmin may be putting their rescources into the Information Delivery service using Cell Phone companies.( like the nuvi 1690 )

It does make sense to deliver info along with a cell phone signal as the network is huge/extensive and will be around for a long time.

Anyway... we'll see what happens next.

Regards.

golfnm8,

I apologize for my rants and I appreciate your suggesting I read the information in the link.

I have a nice stand-alone MSN Direct weather station at home. I guess that will be useless as well as my traffic receiver.

That sucks..

At one time or another we all get overly ticked.

I received an email from MSN today saying the same, that the service would be discontinued on 1/1/2012. I called today and they said they would issue a full refund. I had signed up for the $99.95 special before my introductory service was up. The rep. said I should get my refund in about 72 hrs. We'll see. Think I will just swap out MSN power cord for a standard one and go without. Bummer.....

To me this is just the way it goes with "lifetime" offers.

MSN traffic proved itself to be nearly worthless to me in the 3-month trial. I guess my only regret was choosing the 780 over its sister unit with FM traffic.....another nearly useless traffic feature.

I will actually appreciate not having my unit warn me of impending traffic "2 miles ahead" as I have been sitting in it for the last half hour.

I found the service to be just OK but $99 for "lifetime" use sounded like a reasonable deal. Since reading of the discontinuation, I thought I could put the money to better use. I called and received a prorated refund for the Lifetime Service plan which I had just signed up for in August. Without argument, the rep asked if I'd like to continue to receive the service, as a courtesy, until the shutoff date - 1/1/2012. Uh...sure, OK!

Based on KK60's experience, I just called to cancel my one-time subscription which was activated only a month ago. I am getting a full refund - and the complimentary continuation.

EDIT: I didn't ask for the continuation, it was given at the conclusion of the refund request. My suggestion is to let MS offer it rather than ask.

Maybe I misunderstood what the girl was saying. I didn't get a "complimentary continuation" out of the conversation. It sounded like I would receive my refund, pro-rated, after 1/1/2012. I chose to cancel in full and get my $99.95 back. If it were free for the next couple of years, why would they even ask if you wanted it?

Usually, MS enters a market and dominates it with low prices or gimicks. The competion closes shop and they can charge what they want. I guess they have been in court too many times now and the tactics are changing.

Anyway, this should certainly increase the cash flow for FM Traffic (which I luckily have).

I'm sorry you guys may be getting ripped off, but maybe now FM Traffic can add Weather, etc. since their revenues will start to increase. Hmmmm, wonder if they are making a profit now?

One must always be careful when technologies compete. Remember the 4-channel audio wars, VHS vs. Beta and just recently Blue-Ray won the HD DVD battle. And there was a battle over which HD TV system to use in the U.S. (fortunately there was a sort of contest that was held, before anyone used one of the formats).

Many people have bought a product through the years, only to have it become obsolete overnight.

I canceled my lifetime MSN service today and they Refunded $95.30 of the original $99.95 I paid in August and then she told me that the service would still remain active on that receiver untill 1/1/2012 when the service ends. Sounds more than fair to me, it's like having your cake and eating it to.

I should have stayed with my 660

For FM Traffic, you get a 25 digit code to enter into the receiver. It is specific to the serial number of the FM receiver, not the Garmin.

FM Traffic does not work like satellite radio or TV where the satellite is constantly sending out codes that authorize the receiver. If I remember correctly, a message popped up after I put in the Lifetime code saying that the subscription expired in 2059. The unit will be obsolete by then.

Is MSN the same? If so, they really can't cut off your unit. Maybe the "complementary" service is just a goodwill thing to say.

Of course, they could have some complex licensing code in the receiver that works off something in the transmitted signal, but I'm not familiar with how it works.

If they are no longer broadcasting content what difference does it make whether they "cut it off" or not? I assume the receiver will just become an awkward sized power adapter at that point.

Sucks to be on the bleeding edge.

This is why I buy the low priced GPS units that gets me around, without throwing out a lot of money for these fancy features that get turned off like this on a whim.

It isn't the same. They remotely authenticate the receiver and can send out 'shutdown' commands to specific unit IDs.

Having said that - I'm looking to buy a lifetime sub card so I can get my unit authenticated until the cutoff dste.

If you have one, please contact me - after this week they will no longer accept activations with lifetime subs . . .

is that the 3rd party can cancel at anytime. I still use my C530 daily...it works...it depends on nothing but the satellites staying in orbit and it still has the best GPS speakers in the business

I didn't order this last month when I was looking at it.

I wonder how soon Garmin will announce that it is discontinuing the models bundled with MSN Direct ... 285, 785, 885, any others?

They can change the traffic receiver. If you look at the Garmin site, all the units that can handle traffic (with the possible exception of the 1xxx models) can use any receiver with the proper plug on the unit end. If Navtec or Clear Channel is still operating in 2012, I'll probably buy a cord for one of them for my 885T.

I use both the MSN Direct Receiver and a FM Receiver with Clear Channel and Navteq Traffic lifetime services with my 885T so it will continue to have traffic service as long as at least one of the 3 services is still operating.