Live Traffic for Smartphone Link now Free?

 

I don't think this has been discussed on POI Factory before.

While checking out the new 2017 Garmin Drive models, it appeared to me that they had eliminated the FM and HD traffic receivers and were just advertising Live Traffic through Smartphone Link. In discussing this in another forum I learned that Live Traffic is now free. I updated my copy of Smartphone Link on my Tracfone to the latest version and I now have Live Traffic on my 3597 without paying for it.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
<<Page 3>>

yes

Preroll wrote:

If I were to use the GTM-60 cable, would I need to disable BT and not run the Smartphone App for it to work?

Yes, if you want HERE FM traffic or HERE HD traffic.

dobs108 smile

I See

dobs108 wrote:
Preroll wrote:

If I were to use the GTM-60 cable, would I need to disable BT and not run the Smartphone App for it to work?

Yes, if you want HERE FM traffic or HERE HD traffic.

dobs108 smile

Thanks. So if I wanted to run OTHER Smartphone Link features such as Weather, I'm out of luck 'cause it needs to be disabled for the GTM-60 to function I'm assuming?

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Traffic Function

Preroll wrote:

Thanks. So if I wanted to run OTHER Smartphone Link features such as Weather, I'm out of luck 'cause it needs to be disabled for the GTM-60 to function I'm assuming?

I did not test for this specific issue, but we have to assume that when Smartphone Link is running and paired with the GPS on bluetooth, it will take over the traffic function also. The GTM-60 would not be receiving traffic data.

dobs108 smile

I'm curious

Preroll wrote:
dobs108 wrote:
Preroll wrote:

If I were to use the GTM-60 cable, would I need to disable BT and not run the Smartphone App for it to work?

Yes, if you want HERE FM traffic or HERE HD traffic.

dobs108 smile

Thanks. So if I wanted to run OTHER Smartphone Link features such as Weather, I'm out of luck 'cause it needs to be disabled for the GTM-60 to function I'm assuming?

I'm curious why you would want to have the GTM 60 traffic over the Live traffic when the Live traffic is much better? The data usage is minimal at best (only used 15MB for the month for me when I use it every time I'm in the car).

3rd test

3rd test with Android Smartphone Link app off and bluetooth not paired with nuvi 3597. Receiving traffic from GTM-60. Started Smartphone Link app. A popup on the phone said it is not paired with the GPS.

In lower left corner of Smartphone Link, touched Last Connection triangle icon. The icon turned to a red square and displayed, "connected to the GPS."

Checked in Settings/Traffic and Traffic Provider is grayed out with Smartphone Link under that.

The conclusion is that Smartphone Link overrides the operation of FM or HD Traffic from the GTM-60. You can't get weather and use the GTM-60 at the same time.

dobs108 smile

Thanks!

dobs108 wrote:

3rd test with Android Smartphone Link app off and bluetooth not paired with nuvi 3597. Receiving traffic from GTM-60. Started Smartphone Link app. A popup on the phone said it is not paired with the GPS.

In lower left corner of Smartphone Link, touched Last Connection triangle icon. The icon turned to a red square and displayed, "connected to the GPS."

Checked in Settings/Traffic and Traffic Provider is grayed out with Smartphone Link under that.

The conclusion is that Smartphone Link overrides the operation of FM or HD Traffic from the GTM-60. You can't get weather and use the GTM-60 at the same time.

dobs108 smile

OK...had a feeling one would override the other. Thanks for checking!

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Not seeing the Last Connection icon

dobs108 wrote:

3rd test with Android Smartphone Link app off and bluetooth not paired with nuvi 3597. Receiving traffic from GTM-60. Started Smartphone Link app. A popup on the phone said it is not paired with the GPS.

In lower left corner of Smartphone Link, touched Last Connection triangle icon. The icon turned to a red square and displayed, "connected to the GPS."

Checked in Settings/Traffic and Traffic Provider is grayed out with Smartphone Link under that.

The conclusion is that Smartphone Link overrides the operation of FM or HD Traffic from the GTM-60. You can't get weather and use the GTM-60 at the same time.

dobs108 smile

I am not seeing the Last Connection triangle icon on my iphone. Is it possible that this shows on the Android app only?

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

last connection

It is possible that Last Connection is Android-only. On the other hand, if the iphone Smartphone Link app has never been paired with a GPS, there would be no "Last Connection." Try pairing the devices and unpairing them. Last Connection may show up the next time you want to pair them.

On Android, Last Connection is on the bottom of the main page, the page that displays first when the app is started. In the lower left corner is a black triangle icon followed by the text "Last Connection." When this is displayed it means there is no bluetooth connection with the GPS.

Touch the black triangle and the app will try to pair the GPS and the phone. In the GPS Settings/Traffic/Phone, touch the radio button for the phone and then Save.

Once the bluetooth is paired, the black triangle changes to a red square followed by the text "Connected to (the name of the GPS)."

dobs108 smile

Yep, this seems to be....

dobs108 wrote:

It is possible that Last Connection is Android-only. On the other hand, if the iphone Smartphone Link app has never been paired with a GPS, there would be no "Last Connection." Try pairing the devices and unpairing them. Last Connection may show up the next time you want to pair them.

On Android, Last Connection is on the bottom of the main page, the page that displays first when the app is started. In the lower left corner is a black triangle icon followed by the text "Last Connection." When this is displayed it means there is no bluetooth connection with the GPS.

Touch the black triangle and the app will try to pair the GPS and the phone. In the GPS Settings/Traffic/Phone, touch the radio button for the phone and then Save.

Once the bluetooth is paired, the black triangle changes to a red square followed by the text "Connected to (the name of the GPS)."

dobs108 smile

...an Android feature. I just tried this with my iphone and there is no triangle. With the iphone, it seems that after you start the app, it will try to pair with the GPS automatically. Interesting how the two platforms differ.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Who is paying your smart

Who is paying your smart phone bill? If you don't use data on your smartphone, like I don't have mine on unless I specifically need it for SHORT periods, Garmin just increased my cost of traveling by eliminating the FM data.

On the iPhone, if you click

On the iPhone, if you click the Smartlink Icon in the upper left corner, connected or not, it will tell you n th popup dialog when the last connection was.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Data use

ruggb wrote:

Who is paying your smart phone bill? If you don't use data on your smartphone, like I don't have mine on unless I specifically need it for SHORT periods, Garmin just increased my cost of traveling by eliminating the FM data.

I understand your concern. I have only used the Smartphone Link Traffic a few times in the past couple of weeks. I didn't have it installed until Garmin made it free. So I don't have much experience with it yet. I did use it a couple of days ago on a 2 hour trip (1 hour to destination and 1 hour back home). It used a total of 0.2 MB on my Tracfone. If that rate holds consistant and if you drove a 12 hour day, it would still use under 3 MB. I guess if you used it every day for 12 hours, it would add up, but it does seem to be pretty efficient with data usage.

In my local driving area, it is a no brainer as there is no FM coverage. So I am used to driving with no traffic notifications. But now with Smartlink, I can at least get traffic alerts if I want them.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

It is Possible...

ruggb wrote:

Who is paying your smart phone bill? If you don't use data on your smartphone, like I don't have mine on unless I specifically need it for SHORT periods, Garmin just increased my cost of traveling by eliminating the FM data.

If you are concerned about the minimal amount of data used by Smartphone link, it is possible to use it without affecting you data plan at all.

My neighbor uses the app via WiFi. He simply stops at one of the many thousands of businesses along the road that offer free WiFi and checks for traffic / weather issues along his route. He plans his trip with stops for fuel, food etc. at these locations.

Although they haven't been updated lately, there are 30 files here at the factory that list free WiFi hotspots:

http://www.poi-factory.com/taxonomy/term/28

Another free option

bdhsfz6 wrote:
ruggb wrote:

Who is paying your smart phone bill? If you don't use data on your smartphone, like I don't have mine on unless I specifically need it for SHORT periods, Garmin just increased my cost of traveling by eliminating the FM data.

If you are concerned about the minimal amount of data used by Smartphone link, it is possible to use it without affecting you data plan at all.

My neighbor uses the app via WiFi. He simply stops at one of the many thousands of businesses along the road that offer free WiFi and checks for traffic / weather issues along his route. He plans his trip with stops for fuel, food etc. at these locations.

Although they haven't been updated lately, there are 30 files here at the factory that list free WiFi hotspots:

http://www.poi-factory.com/taxonomy/term/28

Another free option after a small one-time purchase is to buy a smartphone through FreedomPop (which uses the Sprint network). Once a phone is purchased and activated, it can be configured to offer 200min talk, 500 texts and 500MB of data each month at no cost at all. I've tried this with a FreedomPop Android smartphone, and it works with Garmin Smartphone app and pairs with my nuvi just fine. The 2nd smartphone could be used as a backup cell phone and primarily used only for Smartphone Link app activity.

I had no problem activating or using my FreedomPop phone but will warm potential purchasers that FreedomPop really tries to get you to enroll in premium services with monthly costs so it takes a bit of work online to un-enroll from the free trials of several premium services offered when activating the phone.

On the other hand, several of us here using a Tracfone smartphone find the minimal data used by the Garmin app is a tiny expense, if an expense at all, given our usage habits.

Blue tooth connection issues

I have the same problem with Bluetooth not reconnecting cleanly with my 2595 after a stop, power down, etc. I am specifically talking about pairing with my phone. It's a big hassle and sometimes requires re-discovering or a manual re-pair of the two devices to get the talking in. I have another GM car with their Intelliilink system and they pair almost effortless and connect quickly upon startup with no intervention so I know it's the Nuvi that has the problem This despite the fact that my phone is pretty old now. It pairs and connects with the Intellilink system flawlessly and uploads all of my phone contacts. Something the Nuvi has never been able to so. I don't think Garmin has ever updated the Bluetooth firmware in the 2595 in the 5 years I have owned it despite the fact that it has a lot of glitches. (such as whacky volume problems when trying to use it as a hands-free device.

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"Primum Non Nocere" 2595LMT Clear Channel and Navteq Traffic

Blue Tooth Connection Issues too

Same issue as williston, my iPhone Bluetooth connection is not reliable when using the Smartphone link app.

iPhone 6s running the latest iOS 10 version.

Worse case it takes down the regular phone Bluetooth link too, which normally runs fine. I can not live with that, so the app has been removed.

You are right

phranc wrote:

On the iPhone, if you click the Smartlink Icon in the upper left corner, connected or not, it will tell you n th popup dialog when the last connection was.

I did not know this. As I've been saying for a long time; if you want to know something, throw it out there and someone will know the answer. I was looking at the bottom left corner and wasn't seeing anything. I didn't think about using the SmartLink icon. Thanks for the info phranc. You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

I have to throw things out

I have to throw things out there myself, sometimes.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

been using smartphone live

been using smartphone live traffic for a while.. it has been good so far..

So far...

the app and live traffic work fine for me on Android. Paring the phone with my 2598 is another issue. LOL. Like others here paid for the live traffic a few years ago.

--
Nuvi 2598 | Nuvi 350 | eTrex Vista | eTrex 30x

Update

Garmin Smartphone Link for iOS has just been updated to 2.3.3

--
"There's no substitute for local knowledge" nüvi 750, nüvi 3597

Just updated

TXRVer wrote:

Garmin Smartphone Link for iOS has just been updated to 2.3.3

Seems to be working OK.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Iphone 7 Issues?

Any issues with Smartphone link I need to know about before installing it on my iPhone 7+

It works just fine with

It works just fine with iPhones.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

SmartLink and Here traffic

I know it has been discussed about SmartLink taking precedence over any other traffic provider and I recently emailed Garmin and that is what they told me. However, I made a 200 mile trip this past weekend and the Nuvi never did pick up on SmartLnk. I plugged the GPS into vehicle power using the traffic cable. It displayed HERE traffic as the provider. I stated SmartLink and nothing happened. I figured maybe that as soon as I got out of range for the HERE traffic, it would pick-up on the SmartLink. Nope, didn't happen. The only thing the GPS did was search. It searched the entire time until we got back in range of the HERE traffic provider here in Cincinnati. Now, if I start SmartLink before I get in the car and plug in the GPS to vehicle power, it will pick up on SmartLink. I don't understand it. Does anyone have any ideas why this is happening? It has me baffled. Thanks for any thoughts that you may have.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

Not paired

maddog67 wrote:

Does anyone have any ideas why this is happening? It has me baffled. Thanks for any thoughts that you may have.

When the nuvi displays "HERE traffic or "searching for traffic," that means the nuvi is using FM traffic. That means Smartphone Link in the phone is not paired with the nuvi using bluetooth. Smartphone Link cannot override FM traffic unless bluetooth is paired.

I see you are using an iphone. I have an Android. Others have stated that an iphone pairs automatically. That means on the phone end.

dobs108 smile

Change this setting in the nuvi

This setting in the nuvi could interfere with bluetooth pairing between the phone and the GPS:

dobs108 wrote:

Found a Smartphone Link setting on the GPS Home Page in Apps/Smartphone Link. There is a check box for Hands-Free Calling. It is checked by default so I unchecked it.
dobs108 smile

GPS settings/Traffic/Phone

dobs108 wrote:

In GPS Settings/Traffic/Phone, touch the radio button for the phone and then Save.
dobs108 smile

SmartLink

When I checked over the weekend the SmartLink app stated that it was connected and was transferring data to the Nuvi. I have unchecked the hands-free calling button and will give this thing a try just as soon as I can after dinner. Thanks for the info. I will post what I find out.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

It works

dobs108 wrote:

This setting in the nuvi could interfere with bluetooth pairing between the phone and the GPS:

dobs108 wrote:

Found a Smartphone Link setting on the GPS Home Page in Apps/Smartphone Link. There is a check box for Hands-Free Calling. It is checked by default so I unchecked it.
dobs108 smile

I unchecked the hands-free calling box, took the GPS out to the truck and low-and-behold it works. Upon plugging it in to vehicle power it showed HERE as being the traffic provider. After about three minutes it showed traffic as being provided by SmartLink. The hands-free calling option was creating the problem. Thanks dobs108 for helping out on this one. I was completely puzzled by this.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

great!

Glad the problem is solved. It was unknown whether the hands-free calling setting affected the bluetooth connection, and you proved it!

dobs108 smile

Garmin could never resolve

Garmin could never resolve their bluetooth issues. It is never Apple or Google at fault but it is Garmin. I have two devices Nuvi 3597 and NuviCam. Both devices connect with my iphone and both have bluetooth issues. I turned off bluetooth connection for phone calling on both devices to make life easier. On Nuvicam is was able to completely delete bluetooth connection and just kept BLE connection which is required for data transfer for traffic and weather. I have done similar thing in 3597. Now both devises connect quite normally provided the app is open on my phone. I believe at one point it used to open app automatically when you start nuvi but not anymore. I have opned ticket with Garmin but who knows when they will resolve the issue if ever.

--
Iphone XR, Drivesmart 61,Nuvicam, Nuvi3597

Common Problem

dobs108 wrote:

This setting in the nuvi could interfere with bluetooth pairing between the phone and the GPS:

dobs108 wrote:

Found a Smartphone Link setting on the GPS Home Page in Apps/Smartphone Link. There is a check box for Hands-Free Calling. It is checked by default so I unchecked it.
dobs108 smile

This issue has been going on for some time. I discovered it quite by accident when I bought my first 3597. Unless you have a very quiet vehicle, the 3597 (and many other GPS units) are not good hands free phone devices due to poor volume levels. The speakerphone feature on my iPhone 5s and new 7+ are far more effective.

To avoid conflicts, I unchecked the hands free option on the 3597 and the bluetooth connectivity issues I previously had with smartphone link disappeared. I assumed it was a phone related problem but now I see from this post the issue is far more common.

Doesn't Work for Me

Can connect Nuvi 3490LMT to iPhone 6s via Bluetooth. Both recognize connection. But when I go to SmartLink on iPhone, it shows not connected when tapping the icon in the upper left corner. Bluetooth setting still show connection to Nuvi. Running SmartLink version 2.3.3. Gotta be a bug...

--
Tuckahoe Mike - Nuvi 3490LMT, Nuvi 260W, iPhone X, Mazda MX-5 Nav

Will have to give ...

dobs108 wrote:

This setting in the nuvi could interfere with bluetooth pairing between the phone and the GPS:

dobs108 wrote:

Found a Smartphone Link setting on the GPS Home Page in Apps/Smartphone Link. There is a check box for Hands-Free Calling. It is checked by default so I unchecked it.
dobs108 smile

.... this a try on my 2598 as I've had problems from day one with that unit pairing with my Droid. Often had to delete the pairing on both devices, turn off/then on Bluetooth then repair the devices for the Smartlink app and the phone app on the 2598 to work properly.

--
Nuvi 2598 | Nuvi 350 | eTrex Vista | eTrex 30x

.

bennor3814 wrote:
dobs108 wrote:

This setting in the nuvi could interfere with bluetooth pairing between the phone and the GPS:

dobs108 wrote:

Found a Smartphone Link setting on the GPS Home Page in Apps/Smartphone Link. There is a check box for Hands-Free Calling. It is checked by default so I unchecked it.
dobs108 smile

.... this a try on my 2598 as I've had problems from day one with that unit pairing with my Droid. Often had to delete the pairing on both devices, turn off/then on Bluetooth then repair the devices for the Smartlink app and the phone app on the 2598 to work properly.

My Android (hTC M9) pairs with 3597 for data typically without a hitch. The hand-free calls are acceptable and does not seem to hinder the other data links. I have however, occasional difficulties losing the link for hand-free calling. Reboot the 3597 usually fixed the issues. Once in a long while, the check-mark for hand-free on the 3597 SmartLink does get unchecked seemingly by itself. I still have not a clue of how it might have happened.

.

Tuckahoemike wrote:

Can connect Nuvi 3490LMT to iPhone 6s via Bluetooth. Both recognize connection. But when I go to SmartLink on iPhone, it shows not connected when tapping the icon in the upper left corner. Bluetooth setting still show connection to Nuvi. Running SmartLink version 2.3.3. Gotta be a bug...

It's not a bug. The SmartLink App for iOS isn't compatible with the 34xx series at all. Here is the compatibility list from the app's description:

• DriveSmart, DriveAssist, DriveLuxe
• nüvi 2417, 2467, 2497, 2498, 2517, 2559, 2567, 2577, 2589, 2597, 2598, 2599, 2689, 2699, 2789, 2797, 2798 with Backup Camera, 3597, 3598
• nüviCam
• RV 660, 760
• zūmo 590, 595
• dēzl 570, 770
• dēzlCam

--
nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

Something i just noticed

Something i just noticed yesterday. While trying to get Smartlink to connect with my 3597 and iPhone, I went to the traffic screen and an error message said " you are not authorized to access data in this location."
BS! I closed Smartlink and restarted it and it connected just fine. This is the second time i have found this error message, but i didn't connect this to the non connect issue.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

You still need a data connection?

alanb, what forum are you referring to? There is no info on Gpspassion.

Reading through this thread:

1. Am I under the impression that Garmin disabled HD FM traffic on their Nuvi receivers?

2. How does one now get FM Traffic then? I am in Canada. Do I need to downloaded the latest Smartlink App? I am using an iPhone and I have an older 2.2 version still sitting in my iTunes repository.
If not mistaken, you still need a data connection to use the live traffic?

For me, that's the real reason why I have a GPS. I don't use my data when travelling from Canada to the USA. If I had to use data, I would stick with using Google maps and download offline if I needed to use it where I had no cellular coverage.

I check Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and even Inrix just to name a few for traffic conditions and cameras. They're all free and have much more current info, I imagine than what Garmin would have?

I think if Garmin disabled a feature that might be grounds for some litigation because people paid and expected a service or feature and it was discontinued.

data usage

Waze or Google Maps use much more data than Garmin Live Traffic. There is just no comparison. Data usage cannot be checked while driving in heavy traffic, but for purposes of comparison, my phone remains cool while running Live Traffic. With either Waze or Google Maps the phone was red hot!

I have run all these apps in the traffic capital of the US, the New York City area. Live Traffic is just as up-to-date and accurate as the Google products.

dobs108 smile

?

Spaztic wrote:

alanb, what forum are you referring to? There is no info on Gpspassion.

I don't think I made any reference to GPSPassion in this thread. I think I originally picked up this information on GPS Review, but don't recall for sure which forum I saw it in. In any case, it is a fact that Smartphone LInk traffic is now free.

Spaztic wrote:

Reading through this thread:

1. Am I under the impression that Garmin disabled HD FM traffic on their Nuvi receivers?

No, I don't think I said or implied that.

Spaztic wrote:

2. How does one now get FM Traffic then?

You get it the same way you always have ... with a traffic enabled device and traffic reciever.

Spaztic wrote:

I am in Canada. Do I need to downloaded the latest Smartlink App? I am using an iPhone and I have an older 2.2 version still sitting in my iTunes repository.
If not mistaken, you still need a data connection to use the live traffic?

Yes, a data connection is required for Smartphone link, not for FM traffic.

Spaztic wrote:

For me, that's the real reason why I have a GPS. I don't use my data when travelling from Canada to the USA. If I had to use data, I would stick with using Google maps and download offline if I needed to use it where I had no cellular coverage.

I check Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and even Inrix just to name a few for traffic conditions and cameras. They're all free and have much more current info, I imagine than what Garmin would have?

I think if Garmin disabled a feature that might be grounds for some litigation because people paid and expected a service or feature and it was discontinued.

I don't know where you get the idea that Garmin has disabled anything. I am suspicious that with the Smartphone Link traffic service now beimg free and with Garmin not including a FM receiver with their new devices, that FM traffic service is in decline, but AFAIK there have been no announcements from Garmin or anyone else that the FM service is going away.

That said, we do know that several years ago MSN Live services went away and the MSN receivers became useless for traffic reception. As I recall, Garmin gave users a year or more advance notice that the MSN service was ending.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

reason for smartphone link traffic

alandb wrote:

...I am suspicious that with the Smartphone Link traffic service now beimg free and with Garmin not including a FM receiver with their new devices, that FM traffic service is in decline, but AFAIK there have been no announcements from Garmin or anyone else that the FM service is going away...

FM traffic works only as a receiver of traffic information. Live Traffic using Smartphone Link also works as a receiver, but it goes beyond that. In my opinion, all of us running the app are providing crowdsourced traffic information just by driving down the road. Our position and speed is reported to a server keeping track of traffic conditions. This is how Waze works. I don't know why Waze is a data hog and Smartphone Link isn't.

dobs108 smile

Heading out to Florida..

dobs108 wrote:
alandb wrote:

...I am suspicious that with the Smartphone Link traffic service now beimg free and with Garmin not including a FM receiver with their new devices, that FM traffic service is in decline, but AFAIK there have been no announcements from Garmin or anyone else that the FM service is going away...

FM traffic works only as a receiver of traffic information. Live Traffic using Smartphone Link also works as a receiver, but it goes beyond that. In my opinion, all of us running the app are providing crowdsourced traffic information just by driving down the road. Our position and speed is reported to a server keeping track of traffic conditions. This is how Waze works. I don't know why Waze is a data hog and Smartphone Link isn't.

dobs108 smile

...in a few weeks. I will give SmartLink a try and see what kind of data usage it uses on the trip.

--
With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio

In the last 15 days, I have

In the last 15 days, I have used .27GB of data. That includes a 1600 mile round trip to Florida and back using Waze and Smartlink for the whole trip, both ways.

Waze, nor Smartlink, are data hogs. Quite the contrary. Note that I'm half way through my data month. The .27GB includes all my other data usage this month.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Oh Man!!!

phranc wrote:

In the last 15 days, I have used .27GB of data. That includes a 1600 mile round trip to Florida and back using Waze and Smartlink for the whole trip, both ways.

Waze, nor Smartlink, are data hogs. Quite the contrary. Note that I'm half way through my data month. The .27GB includes all my other data usage this month.

Come on now.. Find a nice channel like Netflix, youporn, perhaps some nice educational or religious channel to stream (or scream at) as you scar the atmosphere while traversing the little part of the globe you n' your vehicle have immediate access.

Then tell us about your data useage!razz

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Actually, I'm a very light

Actually, I'm a very light data user. My phone says on wifi, unless I go out. While I'm out, my phone mostly stays in my pocket.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

FYI...

dobs108 wrote:
alandb wrote:

...I am suspicious that with the Smartphone Link traffic service now beimg free and with Garmin not including a FM receiver with their new devices, that FM traffic service is in decline, but AFAIK there have been no announcements from Garmin or anyone else that the FM service is going away...

FM traffic works only as a receiver of traffic information. Live Traffic using Smartphone Link also works as a receiver, but it goes beyond that. In my opinion, all of us running the app are providing crowdsourced traffic information just by driving down the road. Our position and speed is reported to a server keeping track of traffic conditions. This is how Waze works. I don't know why Waze is a data hog and Smartphone Link isn't.

dobs108 smile

Not sure if everyone is aware that Waze keeps a log of where you have gone while waze is running. This data is on there server, not sure for how long but it is there. You can see this information if you go to www.waze.com and create a account. All your driving information will be there.

Just a FYI.

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

So does Google, Here, and

So does Google, Here, and Garmin.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Yes but..

phranc wrote:

So does Google, Here, and Garmin.

That is true, but can you turn off those choices (I know I did with Google and My Garmin device)

--
Bobkz - Garmin Nuvi 3597LMTHD/2455LMT/C530/C580- "Pain Is Fear Leaving The Body - Semper Fidelis"

Tried for First Time

Went on a trip to PA and tried out Smartlink. Traffic was incredibly accurate. When I used my Garmin without Smartlink, traffic was reported as light. When I brought up Smartlink, traffic was reported as heavy with a 7 minute delay. It was spot on!

I am really liking having Smartlink for free.

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Garmin Nuvi 2699 with 2017.30 Maps
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