Maybe you should think twice about skipping an update
 |
    15 years
|
There has been some talk here about Garmin's presence in the GPS automotive market lately and that they are decreasing new models, map updates, etc. due to decreasing sales
I would like to point out that most major companies track "page hits" and "downloads" and use that data for various reasons.
By skipping any update you are telling Garmin that possibly a unit is no longer in service or not very active.
The factory GPS units that are in today's new vehicles are nowhere near as user friendly or as versatile as Garmin's dash units. Installing POIs can be a challenge and in my 2016 Sierra, POIs only show up as a blue dot with no text or an icon. Map updates can cost well over $100 USD.
So, if you want to help keep Garmin in the automotive market, let them know that their units are being used by downloading all updates.
Excellent point!
and I agree on the factory units not being particularly friendly. I have a 2013 vehicle that when I sort by distance, say a list of restaurants, it gives me the furthest at the top of the list. So while in Philadelphia, if I search for locations of Texas Roadhouse, and sort by distance, a location in San Francisco will likely head the list.
When I went to the dealer they said an update was coming out to fix the behavior. Six months later I did the update...not fixed. After the warranty expired the dealer comped me a free update...still not fixed. I gave up, currently an update is $149 (DVD).
John from PA
Interesting point
However, I don't think that Garmin listens to its consumers with regard to its products or maps.
The Average Do Not Care. We're Not Average.
In my thrift store shopping every Garmin I have purchased needed firmware updates, map updates, or - most commonly - both. The couple of devices I acquired off ebay and Facebook Marketplace? Both needed firmware and map updates. Straight out of the box my DriveSmart 65 needed both a firmware and a map update.
I totally agree we should not miss taking any updates, and I made sure every one of my thrift store finds as well as the other units got their required updates. However, the sad truth is that the average consumer of these devices simply does not care. They use them until the maps go out of date, and instead of taking the time to update them simply throw them in a drawer until donated or advertised on ebay or Facebook Marketplace.
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams
Interesting point, I do
Interesting point, I do think the Garmin need more active.
I agree we're not the average Garmin customer...
Garmin will go where the growth/money is and it isn't in Automotive stand alone units. Missing a download likely means very little because it makes Garmin no revenue. It's sales of new units or revenue that matters. Most people don't bother plugging in their GPS for an update when Google Maps works without any work/effort on the users part. Ultimately Garmin would need to have the ability to update via wifi and/or cellular. Most updates are far behind Google Maps and others. I still use my Dezl for work but wouldn't use it at all if/when I retire. I go to areas to area with new roads/construction frequently and it could be a year or more before Garmin has the info.
"Where does Garmin make most of its money?
As per recent company data, Garmin earned 11 percent of its revenue from the automotive segment in 2022, whilst the combined outdoor and fitness segment earned 54 percent of the revenue."