Garmin HD traffic vs Smartphone Link Live Traffic

 

I just bought a 3490lmt (to replace my stolen 765t) that comes with HD traffic. I am also considering purchasing the Live Traffic through smartphone link. It is to my understanding that both services cannot be used at the same on the device, so can anyone offer any experience as to which one is more accurate? I know the HD traffic coverage pales in comparison to the live traffic, but in areas that HD traffic has coverage, is it better than the Live traffic service? Has anyone ever tried both in the same area? Another option I noticed that I have is to buy a Clear Channel traffic subscription (which is actually compatible with the GTM 60 HD traffic cable, I checked), which covers most areas that the HD traffic does not, but then again, Clear Channel uses the outdated FM traffic technology.

On a different note, has anyone been able to connect a 3490 or one of the other slightly older nuvi models to smartphone link with the iphone version of the app?

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Garmin Nuvi 3490lmt, 765t with Lifetime maps and Clear Channel traffic

3490 not supported on iOS

rame1012 wrote:

On a different note, has anyone been able to connect a 3490 or one of the other slightly older nuvi models to smartphone link with the iphone version of the app?

Only the 2013 models are supported on iOS.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garmin-smartphone-link/id567...

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Nüvi 2595LMT

Garmin 3490 is supported on Android

Hello Rame1012, I have Android phone and as per Google Play "Smartphone Link works with select Bluetooth®-enabled 2012 and 2013 Garmin devices, including the RV 760, nüvi 2475, 2495, 2595, 2595, 3490, 3590, 2417, 2517, 2597, 2467, 2567, 2797, 2497, 2577, and 3597**. Some of these nüvi models require a software update, available at www.garmin.com/myDashboard.".

Secondly, I am in Canada where we have no HD traffic coverage. I use Smartphone Live traffic on my 3597. Live traffic coverage is lot better than FM Traffic in Canada. It covers all Highways and some major roads.

Last August, I had opportunity to cross border to Buffalo New York and Pittsburgh area. I switched HD traffic as soon as we entered Buffalo area. It was really good, I could see lots of roads incidents etc.
Then I tried in Pittsburgh, it was good but then you lose it many times then it is no good. Then I tried Smartphone Live traffic in Pittsburgh, it was lot more superior with traffic flow info etc.

So this is my experience with both services.

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Iphone XR, Drivesmart 61,Nuvicam, Nuvi3597