The Fascinating Story of Garmin: The $7 Billion GPS Empire That Outsmarted Google Maps

This was interesting.

Thanks for sharing it.

Loved it, many thanks for sharing.

In addition to the Garmins I've used in the car when I drive, I've also used several different Garmins including the GNS430 and G1000 mentioned in the video, and the GNC355 coupled with a G5 instrument which replaces all of the standard "6-pack" analog instruments not mentioned in the video, all fully IFR certified, in the light GA aircraft I fly. Watching this video helps me understand why I like using them, and Garmin overall, so much.

Thanks, I found that very informative! I started using Garmin in the late 90s with one of the old original Street Pilots. I had no idea of the lengthy history of the company or its founders.

Very interesting.

I really enjoyed the YouTube.

The aviation part of Garmin remains strong.

I enjoyed the Garmin history.

I rarely watch anything on youtube but decided to check this out because of all the comments. I'm sorry, this didn't change my mind about youtube.

That was just like a boring slide show with a bunch of still pictures and narration that left a lot to be desired. I just skipped through it.

If you had the patience to sit through a half hour of that, then I salute you! But, actually, if he had just written an article about garmin, I would have read the whole thing and even enjoyed it. He could have used the same still pictures and I wouldn't have to listen to him!

Since I didn't watch the whole thing, just how did Garmin "outsmart Google"? I mean, I could see the case they were building for the early days. I guess the point was that Garmin flourished while TomTom barely survived (or something like that) and even though Google Maps was free, Garmin also survived? Fair enough, for all my criticisms, Garmin is a great company that brought many innovations and largely invented the gps as we know it.

But I don't think they have aged as well as they might have. Most of the advanced features on their newer automotive devices require a bluetooth connection to your phone (for stuff like traffic, parking, etc). It begs the question... why do we even need the GPS? Or why doesn't the GPS have a cellular radio itself? And why doesn't Garmin have their own app anymore?

Meanwhile, Google has literally eaten their lunch today. Aside from niche places like these forums, most people are using their phones for navigation. Yes, I know all the arguments, I've been there and you've seen the pile of expensive Garmin hardware that I still have. But it just is what it is. Garmin will continue selling automotive devices, and the DriveSmart hardware is actually very nice, with big bright 7" inch screens (I have two). I just don't think they have "outsmarted Google" - or if they did, then Google caught up.

Garmin will survive and they deserve a lot of respect for what they have done. I'm sure they will continue to innovate in other ways, but their new consumer focus is certainly not on automotive GPS, it's sports/fitness devices, from what I've seen.

Sorry to offend if you loved the video, but I've got to be honest. (FWIW, I have edited my original post, which I thought was overly harsh after re-reading)

Interesting story, but believe it's AI slop.

Look at their channel description. It's clearly AI slop. Easiest giveaway is the em dashes as well as the "it's not x, it's y", which is a stark contrast to the 1st grade grammar level replies that the youtuber is making in the comments.

I didn't even watch enough to notice it was AI. Actually, I'd think an AI video would be more interesting than that. Channel has 10,000 subscribers, that video got 2000 "likes". Just goes to show, put Garmin's name on something and certain people will love it, no matter what it is.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for somebody to explain how Garmin "outsmarted Google Maps"...

I think we all know the answer: they didn't.

I stopped using my Garmins simply because I have Android Auto in my car and Waze (owned by Google) for routing. That combination right there essentially eliminates any need for a dedicated GPSr. It's not a perfect solution: adding points of interest to Waze is not possible, and while adding points of interest can be done with Google, they don't display along your route as you drive.

The sad thing? Keeping an app on smartphones wouldn't help Garmin. Google Maps and Waze are both free and get the job done. That is all the vast majority of people care about. There are other options available such as MapFactor, Sygic and the like but they don't have the level of penetration Google Maps and Waze have.

The only way my Garmins would be used these days is on a lengthy road trip, and only because of the rest area POI files we have available here.

I continue to use my garmin for one main reason - ability to do custom routes ahead of time (with mapsource). Google maps (and most others) are still point to point mapping. Coming from the 2 wheeled world, p2p routes are not the path usually taken.

Then there's the spyware/tracking element.

I will use google maps/waze when traveling interstates for traffic information (alongside the garmin).

Good post! You're right: they didn't (IMO). But you're also wrong, because clearly "we" don't all know the answer.

And the responses are all more or less like "I still love my Garmin!"... which is fine, I have no problem with that. But it's beside the point, isn't it? The *title* of that video proclaims that Garmin outsmarted Google. So, if you watched the video and liked it... HOW did Garmin outsmart Google?

Study up, because there will be a quiz on Tuesday when school is back in session!

That's a question that will never get an answer. Garmin did pivot from automotive GPS as the main driver of their business to watches and outdoor devices. In that regard they arguably did outsmart Google, since it took a few more years before Google really went all in smartphones and smartwatches. The difference between the two is Google's smartphone and smartwatch business is little more than a rounding error on their balance sheet.

100%

Thankfully there's the "Transcript" button down at the bottom of most videos.

The only way I can tolerate Youtube at all.

A very interesting article, thanks for posting.

What it didn't mention though is, maps aren't really free for many. Those with OEM in dash nav systems have to pay for map updates in many cases. GM charges $450/yr to do the updates on my three vehicles. To make it worse, GM requires a $200+ yr Onstar subscription to use the nav after the warranty expires.

It gets worse. Starting in 2027, GM will no longer include Apple or Android car play in their dash displays to protect their pay to use nav systems.

Those of us with aging eyes are SOL, since we can't read a small, dash mounted smartphone screen and it's illegal in most states to use it hand held.

The only option is to get a separate Bluetooth screen to put on the dash in order to use apple or Android car play. If I have to get a dash screen, why not just keep the Garmin?

It looks like talking on the CB radios we used on the highway to share radar trap locations before there were mobile phones would be illegal now. According to Google, 30 million were in active use when this song immortalized them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5ZLJWQmss

In my state, hand held microphones are legal to use. It's an exception to the hand held law. Not sure about other locations though.

When using a CB radio, check on state and municipal laws. Distracted laws vary widely. Some have exceptions for commercial drivers, some for Ham radio operators. Others leave it open to interpretation.

Here's what some online digging came up with about using a CB radio in a private vehicle. NOT intended as a legal reference.

Alabama -- Hands-Free Law (AL Code § 32-5A-350.1), using CB radio, commercial two-way radio, or ham radio in private vehicle is explicitly exempt from prohibitions against holding electronic devices. Hand Mic probably OK.

Alaska -- Alaska Statutes Title 28. Motor Vehicles § 28.35.161, using traditional Citizens Band (CB) radio or two-way radio in a private vehicle is legal. Hand Mic probably OK.

Arizona -- Distracted driving statute A.R.S. § 28-914. CB radio is exception, ref AZ Dept of Public Safety. Hand Mic probably OK.

Arkansas -- Using traditional CB radio in private vehicle is generally legal and falls outside the strict definitions of cellular mobile telephone and texting bans. Hand Mic probably OK.

California -- Vehicle-installed two-way radios (such as CB radios) using wired hand microphone are not classified as wireless/cellular communication devices under CVC 23123.5. Hand Mic probably OK.

Colorado -- Senate Bill 24-065, dedicated two-way communication tools - CB radios - written into the law's exemptions. Picking up a standard CB microphone to talk does not violate the mobile device ban. Hand Mic probably OK.

Connecticut -- Illegal to hold or operate handheld mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving, even if you are stopped at red light or stuck in traffic. Gray area for CB. Ham has statutory exemption. Should use a hands free device.

Delaware -- Title 21 § 4176C. Cb not specifically exempted or prohibited. Personal CB radio MIGHT fit under traditional multi-use mobile radio/business exemptions.

District of Columbia -- D.C. Official Code § 50-1731.04. Picking up handheld microphone or unit to talk while moving can be interpreted by law enforcement as violation of the electronic device or distracted driving law. Should use a hands free device.

Florida -- Laws target "wireless communications devices" meant for text messaging, data storage, or cellular/internet connectivity, explicitly separating two-way radio setups. Hand Mic probably OK.

Georgia -- Traditional CB radios and two-way communication devices do not count as illegal wireless telecommunications devices under the distracted driving statute. Hand Mic probably OK.

Hawaii -- Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-137, operating motor vehicle while holding or using handheld electronic communication or portable data device is prohibited. Ignores FCC "License by Rule." Should use a hands free device.

Idaho -- ID Code Section 49-1401A (distracted driving law), CB radios (and their microphones) are explicitly exempted from the definition of prohibited "mobile electronic devices". Hand Mic probably OK.

Illinois -- IL law 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2, using CB radio in private vehicle is legal. Statute explicitly exempts CB radios. Hand Mic probably OK.

Indiana -- Hands-Free Law IC 9-21-8-59, holding handheld CB microphone or radio in private, non-commercial passenger vehicle while driving is illegal. Should use a hands free device.

Iowa -- Iowa Code § 321.276, CB radios are not classified as illegal handheld electronic devices under the statute. Hand Mic probably OK.

Kansas -- CB radio not classified as cellular phones or wireless text-messaging devices under traffic statutes. Hand Mic probably OK.

Kentucky -- Revised Statute § 189.292, laws regulating personal communication devices (such as texting and mobile phone bans for minor drivers) explicitly state the rules shall not apply to use of CB radio or amateur radio by motor vehicle operator. Hand Mic probably OK.

Louisiana -- Hands-free driving law House Bill 519 / Act 288, using traditional CB radio in private vehicle is legal. Dedicated CB radios and two-way vehicle-mounted radio systems not classed as restricted cellular/wireless telecommunication devices under the primary scope of the mobile phone ban. Hand Mic probably OK.

Maine -- Title 29-A, §2121 lists communications over CB radio as allowed exception to handheld device prohibitions. Hand Mic probably OK.

Maryland -- Hands-free and anti-texting laws specifically target wireless communication devices that access wireless telephone services or electronic messaging. Hand Mic probably OK.

Massachusetts -- Standard CB equipment doesn't issue federal operator license document, law enforcement may treat handheld CB mic same as mobile phone or unexempted device. Ignores FCC "License by Rule". Should use a hands free device.

Michigan -- Hands-free distracted driving law MCL 257.602b explicitly exempts two-way radios and CB radios from the broad ban placed on handheld mobile electronic devices like smartphones. Hand Mic probably OK.

Minnesota -- Distracted driving and hands-free regulations MN Statute 169.475, definition of prohibited wireless communications device specifically excludes two-way radios, CB radios, and amateur radio equipment used in accordance with FCC rules. Hand Mic probably OK.

Mississippi -- General voice communication - including talking on cell phone or operating CB radio - is not prohibited for regular adult drivers under state law. Hand Mic probably OK.

Missouri -- "Siddens Bening Hands Free Law" RSMo Section 304.822, traditional two-way radios and standard CB radios are legally exempt from ban on holding electronic communication devices while operating private vehicle. Hand Mic probably OK.

Montana -- CB radio is fully legal under state. *** Check for municipal rules.

Nebraska -- Distracted driving statute Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,179.01. Handheld microphone or unit for voice communication doesn't violate texting and electronic message restrictions. Hand Mic probably OK.

Nevada -- Distracted driving law NRS 484B.165, picking up and using a separate handheld CB microphone while driving is legally permitted under the specific two-way radio exemption. Hand Mic probably OK.

New Hampshire -- NH RSA 265:79-c, permits one-hand, non-cellular 2-way radio use. Hand Mic probably OK.
New Jersey -- N.J.S.A. 39:4-97.3, private vehicle drivers are barred from holding any non-exempt handheld electronic device while vehicle is moving or even temporarily stopped at a red light. Should use a hands free device.

New Mexico -- Distracted driving statutes NMSA § 66-7-374, no statewide ban on talking on handheld phone or using two-way radios. *** Check for municipal rules.

New York -- Traditional two-way radios (including CB and amateur radio gear) typically excluded from New York's definition of portable electronic devices banned under distracted driving statutes. Hand Mic probably OK.

North Carolina -- Adults free to talk on cell phones or use handheld CB/two-way radios. Hand Mic probably OK.

North Dakota -- Multi-function and two-way dispatching systems like CB radios are carved out from standard electronic device prohibitions. Hand Mic probably OK.

Ohio -- Hands-Free Law (ORC 4511.204), using handheld electronic communications device while driving is a primary offense. CB radios don't have blanket statutory exemption and picking up handheld microphone or unit can risk a traffic stop.

Oklahoma -- HB 2263. CB radios are traditional radio communication tools and distinct from cellular phones, mobile data devices and prohibited handheld mobile phones. Hand Mic probably OK.

Oregon -- Distracted driving laws ORS 811.507, specific, explicit exemption allows drivers to use two-way radios, including CB radios, while operating a motor vehicle. Hand Mic probably OK.

Pennsylvania -- Paul Miller's Law explicitly has exception for ham radio operators, but not CB radios. Should use a hands free device.

Rhode Island -- RI Gen. Laws § 31-22-30 and § 31-22-31, traditional analog two-way radios and standard vehicle-installed CB radios are generally excluded because the statutes specifically define the restricted items as personal wireless communication devices and mobile phones. Hand Mic probably OK.

South Carolina -- Traditional two-way radios, CB units, amateur ham radios, and medical alert devices are excluded from the restrictions of Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act. Hand Mic probably OK.

South Dakota -- SD Codified Law 32-26-46, legal definition of restricted mobile device explicitly excludes radios designed for CB service, amateur radio service, or commercial two-way systems. Hand Mic probably OK.

Tennessee -- Traditional push-to-talk and dedicated two-way or CB radio units are legally distinct from cellular mobile telephones under state traffic frameworks. Hand Mic probably OK.

Texas -- CB radios generally treated as distinct from cellular mobile phones under traffic framework. Hand Mic probably OK.

Utah -- UT Code 41-6a-1716, distracted driving and handheld electronic device restrictions, explicitly exempt two-way radio devices (including CB radios) from definition of prohibited wireless communication devices. Hand Mic probably OK.

Vermont -- CB radios excluded from definition of portable electronic devices. Hand Mic probably OK.

Virginia -- Explicit carve-out in VA Code § 46.2-818.2 applies to use of ham or CB radio. Hand Mic probably OK.

Washington -- CB radios not included in restricted electronic device rules. Using standard CB microphone doesn't violate Electronic Driving Under the Influence (E-DUI) rules. Hand Mic probably OK.

West Virginia -- WV Code §17C-14-15, ban on using electronic communications devices doesn't apply to two-way radios, mobile radios, or voice radios that use a push-to-talk or press-to-transmit function. Hand Mic probably OK.

Wisconsin -- WI Statute 346.89, traditional two-way radios and analog communication tools are exempt from specific cellular prohibitions. Hand Mic probably OK.

Wyoming -- WY Statutes § 31-5-237, doesn't ban CB, or two-way radio transmissions. Hand Mic probably OK.