A:AnswerNo SIM Card is needed, Garmin Speak connects to a compatible Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth, and uses the phone's cellular data connection to access the internet. Garmin Speak can also use Bluetooth to connect to a vehicle's audio system simultaneously. Thanks, James
A:AnswerNo it does not require any paid subscriptions from either Garmin or Amazon. Basically, consider this a mini Amazon Echo Dot (complete with the blue ring) that connects to the internet through your Bluetooth enabled smart phone, with the added benefit of a voice turn by turn GPS. If you already use Alexa at home then this is your next logical step. It will sync with your Amazon Alexa account and allow you to use the same voice commands to control the items in your smart home that you can do with the other Amazon Alexa devices. (Echo, Echo Dot, etc.) The Speak does have a minimal OLED display that shows upcoming turns (distance to with direction arrows) when the GPS is in use. All processing and functionality are done using your phone's built in GPS and over your phone's data connection, although I stream IHeartRadio and use the GPS for hours a day and the data usage isn't really that much. (probably a gig or two a month maximum with EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE use)
If you search, there are some videos on both Garmin's website and YouTube that could give you a better idea of what you can do with the Garmin Speak. I bought mine as soon as it was available and LOVE it. I also have my house running with a couple of Amazon Echo Dots, Sonoff Wi-Fi dongles on every light, a Honeywell smart Wi-Fi thermostat, an August Smart lock, and a Logitech Harmony Hub, so I have the ability to use Alexa voice commands on my Garmin Speak to 1) turn on my porch light at night before I get home. 2) unlock my front door. 3) turn on some lights inside. 4) turn on my home theater and set the channel on the TV to whatever I want. and 5) change the thermostat to whatever temp I want to prepare for my arrival.
A:AnswerYes, unlike other Amazon Alexa solutions designed for home or office, Garmin Speak is the only device that integrates in-vehicle Alexa Voice Service with exclusive Garmin GPS turn-by-turn navigation. Garmin Speak is designed to use exclusively in your vehicle. Thanks, James
A:AnswerWe used this device while crossing Wyoming on I-80 which in places has pretty poor reception, and into Nebraska, which is not much better. The system will glow red when it does not have an adequate data connection; to use a pun "we saw very little red". We did not use it to stream music during the trip, but did use it for directions, and it always seemed to have enough bandwidth to work. In a metropolitan area, with T-Mobile data service, I have had no problem whatsoever at any time. i recommend it highly.
A:AnswerYes, to get information about traffic along your route through the device, say: “Alexa, ask Garmin, how’s traffic?”. The device will then notify you of any traffic detected along your route at that time. If a delay less than 3 minutes, traffic will not be avoided. If the delay is over 15 minutes, the device will automatically reroute.
A:AnswerIt has a speaker built in, but can also connect to your car speakers via Bluetooth. It does not announce traffic info as far as I know unless you ask Alexa. Hope this helps. I have owned mine a couple of months now and really like it.
A:AnswerGarmin Speak can be used to receive phone calls, but it cannot be used to make outbound calls. Outbound calls can still be made using your phone and Garmin Speak can be used as a speakerphone.
A:Answeras long as you have the gamin app available on your phone, which is how it works, I'm sure you can use it but I would go on the gamin website to ask before hand.
