GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin, have required a good deal of hands-on operation. Unless a second passenger is in the car, entering a new address requires the driver to pull over or risk an accident. This all changes with the new Garmin Speak, a hands-free device with access to the Amazon Alexa voice service.
At just an inch and a half in size, Garmin Speak is as compact as it is useful. It features a bright OLED display that shows guidance arrows while turn-by-turn directions stream through the vehicle’s stereo to guide drivers to their destination. Car running low on fuel? Drivers can ask the device for directions to the nearest gas station.
“We are excited to be the first to offer Garmin GPS navigation and Amazon Alexa’s intuitive voice service in the new Garmin Speak,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales, in a statement. “The interaction between the two technologies offers drivers a truly unique opportunity to turn their words into action while keeping both hands on the wheel.”
Along with giving directions, Garmin Speak works just like any other Alexa device. Users can ask the always-ready device a range of requests spanning the news, weather, sports, traffic, and more. If a driver owns other smart appliances at home, they can operate it directly through Garmin Speak. For instance, a user could double check their smart lock on their front door or make sure the range on their smart oven has been turned off.
A long drive can be hard for even the most experienced drivers. Without a second passenger to talk to, driving can make people drowsy. With Garmin Speak, customers can play voice-based interactive games or listen to an audiobook to keep their mind busy.
Setting up Garmin Speak to work with Amazon Alexa is simple. After downloading the free Garmin Speak app on any smartphone, this navigation device uses the phone’s data connection to stream Alexa’s responses, music, and navigation via Bluetooth of AUX connectivity. This connection through the phone also offers convenient hands-free support for the phone too. Users can accept or decline incoming calls, so the phone never needs to leave the user’s pocket.
Garmin Speak is available now through Amazon or Garmin for the suggested retail price of $150.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.
Missing out on the self-driving future is a tough pill to swallow, especially as a car enthusiast. But that is what Tesla handed us on Wednesday, without a hint of mercy.
During its October 21, 2026 earnings call, Elon Musk told investors the Cybercab is meant mainly as a ride service. Further, nearly all of them will be owned and managed by Tesla.