Garmin Brings New Lineup of SmartDrive GPS Units to CES

 

Garmin announces a new line of SmartDrive units at CES 2019:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/garmin-2019-smartdrive-65...

Looks like the dedicated GPS is not dead yet.

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Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

whew ...

Glad to hear that for sure.

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Garmin Brings New Lineup Of SmartDrive GPS Units To CES

Well, good for them. I can't say I really see any "must have" new features, but at some point what more could they or should they add? It would be like going to a retailer and wanting additional features on a toaster. There is really only so much you can do.

Sweet!

That new Drivesmart 65 with 7" screen looks interesting. $270 for an automotive GPS is a bit steep these days though.

It is good to hear

It is good for consumer!

New Drivesmart Units

I am happy that Garmin is still doing development of new units.

I'll have to take a look at the new units when they come to a store near me.

Thanks for the info !

If I was looking to replace...

bdhsfz6 wrote:

That new Drivesmart 65 with 7" screen looks interesting. $270 for an automotive GPS is a bit steep these days though.

...my 3597, this would be the unit I would go for. Give it a few months and the price will drop somewhat.

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

Garmin Traffic

Good to see that they included the traffic cable on these new ones.

Better Prices

bdhsfz6 wrote:

That new Drivesmart 65 with 7" screen looks interesting. $270 for an automotive GPS is a bit steep these days though.

But those are the best New Intro prices from Garmin I've seen in a long time. Most were in excess of $300 and some over $400.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

CES 2019 Dates

CES 2019 will start on January 8th thru January 11th.

It will be interesting to hear what member Preroll who will be attended as he does every year.
Looking forward to read what he has to say.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

3D buildings and terrain.

It appears from the article that Garmin is bringing the 3d terrain feature back. If I recall, this feature was not included on the DriveLuxe and DriveSmart 50/51 models.

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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

Better displays also.

Checked the specs on the new Drivesmart 55:

Multi-touch, glass, HD color TFT with white backlight 1200 x 720 pixels.

New Garmin devices.

I am glad to know that Garmin has not completely abandoned the road navigation market, as that means we should see continued support with map updates, Smartphone Link, traffic, etc.

That said, I am disappointed that there is no offering of a device with a powered mount. That alone is enough to keep me using my 3597's instead of upgrading to the newer DriveSmart model. I am also disappointed that there is apparently no announcement about a Garmin navigation app (stand alone or Android Auto/Apple CarPlay enabled). I would be very happy if Garmin brought back a full featured Viago type app, especially if it was Android Auto enabled.

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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

Good to hear

Thanks for the headsup, T923347 and good to hear that Gramin is continuing the effort on bring out new PNDs.

Addiional information on Garmin Website about the new devices:

DriveSmart 65
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/612620/pn/010-02038-02#

DriveSmart 55
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/666927/pn/010-02037-02#

Looks like Gramin has brought back the 3D terrain view. Nice.

DS65 looks like the device I would inclined to get for my old eyes, if I ever want to get an updated PND.

Traffic.

It also appears that they have brought back a models with the built-in FM traffic receiver for folks who don't want to use Smartphone Link.

Edit: I also see a reference to downloading the Garmin "Drive app". Is that Smartphone Link renamed or something new just for these models? There is something in Google Play Store called Garmin Drive … separate from Smartphone Link.

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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

Yes. "The 2019 Garmin lineup

Yes. "The 2019 Garmin lineup will also include the 5.0-inch Garmin Drive 52, which lacks the edge-to-edge screen design and the Garmin Drive app integration." Yes, that is the SmartLink app.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Garmin Drive app

It appears this is a new app for only the new Garmin DriveSmart 55/65 and Garmin Speak devices.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-DRIVE-AP

It includes (for free) the advanced weather and traffic camera features that were paid add-ons for Smartphone Link. It also is Alexa capable using the Garmin Speak devices.

So … apparently this new DriveSmart series does not use the Smartphone Link app. That may not bode well for those of us with older devices.

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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

A quick look ...

alandb wrote:

It appears this is a new app for only the new Garmin DriveSmart 55/65 and Garmin Speak devices.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-DRIVE-AP

It includes (for free) the advanced weather and traffic camera features that were paid add-ons for Smartphone Link. It also is Alexa capable using the Garmin Speak devices.

So … apparently this new DriveSmart series does not use the Smartphone Link app. That may not bode well for those of us with older devices.

I have the DriveSmart 61, it uses the Smartphone link. A quick look at the Garmin Drive app and I'm not seeing any difference feature wise, except the ability to talk to Alexa? I may download the new app and see if I can get it to connect to my DS61.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-DRIVE-AP (new)

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/111441 (old)

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Great!

soberbyker wrote:

I have the DriveSmart 61, it uses the Smartphone link. A quick look at the Garmin Drive app and I'm not seeing any difference feature wise, except the ability to talk to Alexa? I may download the new app and see if I can get it to connect to my DS61.

I like it when someone (besides me) volunteers to be the guinea pig! Let us know how it turns out.

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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

so far no go ...

alandb wrote:
soberbyker wrote:

I have the DriveSmart 61, it uses the Smartphone link. A quick look at the Garmin Drive app and I'm not seeing any difference feature wise, except the ability to talk to Alexa? I may download the new app and see if I can get it to connect to my DS61.

I like it when someone (besides me) volunteers to be the guinea pig! Let us know how it turns out.

... but the GPS battery is real low, I'll have to power it up later and try again, but the initial test the phone kept searching and the GPS couldn't see the app.

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

No MP3...

I wish they would bring back the mp3 player function and the ability to play the sound through the car stereo. That's the only way I would upgrade from my old 760.

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

It is good news but I don't

It is good news but I don't see any new feature which will make you buy new device.

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Iphone XR, Drivesmart 61,Nuvicam, Nuvi3597

Soo.. Glad

That Garmin is going forward. We have a 40 foot motorhome, so accurate GPS is a total must. None built in, so we depend on Garmins and Rand McNally units that have some years on them. Updates make them pretty good, but always looking for the next generation.

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rvOutrider

According to Garmin, on the

According to Garmin, on the Compatibility page, Garmin Drive is not backwards compatible with the existing Drive Smart units or Nuvis.

Drive App-compatible Garmin devices (iOS or Android)

Garmin Dash Cam 45
Garmin Dash Cam 55
Garmin Dash Cam 65W
Garmin DriveSmart 55LMT
Garmin DriveSmart 65LMT
Garmin Speak
Garmin Speak Plus

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

nope

alandb wrote:
soberbyker wrote:

I have the DriveSmart 61, it uses the Smartphone link. A quick look at the Garmin Drive app and I'm not seeing any difference feature wise, except the ability to talk to Alexa? I may download the new app and see if I can get it to connect to my DS61.

I like it when someone (besides me) volunteers to be the guinea pig! Let us know how it turns out.

Both my Android Phone and DriveSmart 61 fully charged, still not "seeing" each other (GPS & new 'Garmin Drive' app) so the previous Drive GPSs seem to only work with the "Smartphone Link".

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. 2 Garmin DriveSmart 61 LMT-S, Nuvi 2689, 2 Nuvi 2460, Zumo 550, Zumo 450, Uniden R3 radar detector with GPS built in, includes RLC info. Uconnect 430N Garmin based, built into my Jeep. .

Nice

DriveSmart 65 could be a potential replacement for my 3590LMT if it ever stops working.

Drivesmart 55

I'm going to pick up the Drivesmart 55 to replace my Drivesmart 50LMT as soon as they are available.

Simplified Interface?

So, is "simplified interface" a euphemism for "no customization"?

I've had 4 or 5 Garmins, and they seem to always add a feature here, and take away another one there.

I would much prefer, given that the chips inside must get smarter every year, that they give me more features and function.

Customizable Dashboard (return of), and more button control would please me.

And I would really, really like to turn OFF all the built-in icons, and have just my own POIs. I don't need even the 3 that is the minimum allowed on mine (68lm)

Hmmm ...

Can you not switch the Up ahead layer off on the 68? You can on most other recent models.

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Where there's a will ... there's a way ... DriveSmart51LMT-S, DriveSmart50LMT-D, Nuvi 2508LMT-D, 1490LMT, 1310, Montana 650T, Etrex 20

I tried that but...

sussamb wrote:

Can you not switch the Up ahead layer off on the 68? You can on most other recent models.

I tried that on my 3597 when I first got it which did eliminate the built-in green icons but eventually missed the Custom POI icons. As far as I know, and maybe just for the older units like the 3597, it's either both or none. rolleyes

.

Glad to they are continuing to make new units

Thanks for the link

Thanks for the link

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

This is great news for us.

This is great news for us.

--
an94

Yup, I Also Tried That

CraigW wrote:
sussamb wrote:

Can you not switch the Up ahead layer off on the 68? You can on most other recent models.

I tried that on my 3597 when I first got it which did eliminate the built-in green icons but eventually missed the Custom POI icons. As far as I know, and maybe just for the older units like the 3597, it's either both or none. rolleyes

and Yes, it is both or none for the 68 series as well

Canadian Prices

Drive 52: $199.99
Drive 52 & Traffic: $229.99
Drivesmart 55 & Traffic: $319.99
Drivesmart 65 & Traffic: $369.99

Amazon Taking PreOrders for the New Drivesmart Series

Amazon is taking pre orders for the new Drivesmart series. Delivery is expected to be early Febuary.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-DriveSmart-Traffic-Hands-Free-...

The GPS Store is also taking orders but the products are shown as backordered.

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-DriveSmart-65-Traffic-wit...

Neither retailer is offering a price break though.

Let's see what comes out

Let's see what comes out that's practical and exciting

Great!

Hope they constructed a better power socket. The last one I had was positioned so every cable pull stressed the solder until it eventually lost connection.

I wish they would simplify

They keep adding features that I could never see using on a GPS. GPS is not a "Smart Phone", if they continue that route Smart Phones will win and GPS market will continue to decline. The "Niche" IMO is a small Nuve 7XX, 8XX GPS, $1XX.00 range with great navigation features, no WiFi, music , movies, back scratchers, etc..

With $300 you can buy a

With $300 you can buy a pretty decent smartphone (maybe 2nd hand). So I'd say the targeted user would be the one who's traveling to rural area (e.g. national parks) where cell signal is poor (or none).

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Garmin DriveLuxe 51 LTM-S

Drive 52 now shipping.`

The new Drive 52 is now in stock and shipping from several sources. It appears the DriveSmart 55/65 availability is still 1 to 3 weeks out.

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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

Not for everyone

helloguys wrote:

With $300 you can buy a pretty decent smartphone (maybe 2nd hand). So I'd say the targeted user would be the one who's traveling to rural area (e.g. national parks) where cell signal is poor (or none).

For me the Screen size, POI additions, and other features that are not available on a smartphone makes the Garmin my go to GPS in the car.

Lots of debate on Garmin vs Smartphone here, it's like politics and religion.... and should be left alone.

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I never get lost, but I do explore new territory every now and then.

Consumer Wins

Best result for Consumers.

--
romanviking

Not gonna happen

windwalker wrote:

They keep adding features that I could never see using on a GPS. GPS is not a "Smart Phone", if they continue that route Smart Phones will win and GPS market will continue to decline. The "Niche" IMO is a small Nuve 7XX, 8XX GPS, $1XX.00 range with great navigation features, no WiFi, music , movies, back scratchers, etc..

I don't think that it will happen at all. Market for electronics is set now for more and more "futures". Even if they are not usable at all. Most people will not check technical specifications or will not understand them. This is not marketable info for general public. But futures they will understand. And will be willing to pay for them, even if they are totally useless.

Right now device you have to buy must replace something else. Even if it makes no sense whatsoever. But that's the way marketing works now. Have you seen smartphone marketed as being able to make calls on different GSM standards? It's in manual, tech specs, but never in ads. In ad it will play music, take pictures, serf internet, be a GPS, etc. For tech specs you have to look yourself on internet.

GPS devices are doomed to go this same way. So they will pack bunch of usually useless functions in them. And if we are lucky it will still work great as GPS.

Garmin Brings New Lineup of SmartDrive GPS Units to CES

grzesja wrote:
windwalker wrote:

...Most people will not check technical specifications or will not understand them. This is not marketable info for general public. But futures they will understand. And will be willing to pay for them, even if they are totally useless...Have you seen smartphone marketed as being able to make calls on different GSM standards? It's in manual, tech specs, but never in ads. In ad it will play music, take pictures, serf internet, be a GPS, etc. For tech specs you have to look yourself on internet...

That is probably one of the reasons that I do research before I buy many things. I hate buyers remorse. You often have to do some serious digging to find the information you need, however.

Here is an example from last year. I knew I wanted, and needed, a new smartphone. I got a quite a bit of use out of my previous phone and knew it was time to start looking around.

One of my most import features was to get a smartphone that is universal, unlocked so that you can insert a SIM card from any carrier and it will work. I had to go to Howard Forums to find a list of those phones. https://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1909482-2018-Lis...

I also like getting good value for my money. So after I determined what smartphone I would get, I waited until it was on sale on Black Friday 2018.

That is really not a feature that the phone companies go out of their way to advertise. Many smartphones are locked to a specific carrier and often only have bands needed for operation on their network.

The next feature that I will seek out in a new smartphone will be the ability to have a SIM card from two carriers at the same time. It is not uncommon outside of the United States, but just now starting to catch on in the US. A couple of Apple iPhones allow that right now by having one physical SIM card and one e-SIM.

I personally happen to think the iPhones are overpriced. So, I will wait and either get an iPhone when the price drops, which is often when newer models come out. Or, some other companies add that feature. It is not a must have for me at this very moment, but I will more than likely get it eventually.

Now available to order on Garmin's website

I just ordered a 65!

SmartLink

I just went back and read the info on the 65. SmartLink can still be used with it. But you can also ADD Garmin connect to get some of the extras. Live Parking, Photo Live Traffic Cams. Plus annoying Notifications from your phone of texts, etc, that should be coming from your Bluetooth connection to your radio.

I think we were worried that SmartLink was going away, but it's not.

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Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

sounds good

let's wait and see...

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non-native nutmegger

I hope they work well

I hope they work well

I love the stand alone GPS

I love the stand alone GPS but I don't see anything ground breaking with the new ones.

I would think that the stand

I would think that the stand alone Garmin car GPS will be around for a long time.

These aren't one-offs, these units share a great deal of software and hardware in Garmin devices built for bicycles, motorcycles, dash units, marine units, airplanes and trucks.

The stand-alone portable car gps benefits greatly from being scaled off of the entire Garmin ecosystem. It will be a very long time, if ever, before it will lose it's economic viability as a product.

The incremental cost of taking a Zumo, Edge or whatnot and skinning it/tweaking it as a DriveSmart for a global market is the metric to measure against - and by that measure it's still obviously quite a profitable market.

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