Garmin Launches PND with DAB+ Traffic in Germany

GPS device manufacturer Garmin has launched in Germany a new PND range that includes real-time traffic information provided by digital radio using the local DAB+ standard.

The real-time traffic content broadcast over DAB+ is provided by Nokia HERE (NAVTEQ Traffic). When the device is out of DAB+ coverage it automatically switches back to a premium RDS-TMC stream. Germany is the second country in Europe where Garmin uses digital radio broadcast for traffic. The company started in 2013 in the United Kingdom (read here4239).

The so-called “nüvi x8“ range includes four devices nüvi 2548 (5-Inch screen, 22 countries map,€199), nüvi 2598 (5-Inch display, 45 countries, Bluetooth, €229), nüvi 2798 (7-Inch display, 45 countries, Bluetooth, €329) and nüvi3598 (5-Inch multitouch display, sleek design, 45 countries, Bluetooth, €329).

Existing users
Those who already own a recent Garmin navigation device are also offered an opportunity to upgrade their traffic service.

Indeed Garmin announced that “the reception of live traffic information via Smartphone Link is free from now on.“ This service is enabled via the connection to a smartphone for a number of Bluetooth-enabled Garmin Nuvi devices (nüvi 2495LMT, nüvi 2595LMT, nüvi 3490LMT, nüvi 3590LMT, nüvi 2497LMT, nüvi 2597LMT, nüvi 2797LMT, nüvi 3597LMT).

In addition, owners of nüvi x7 series - that were using an external RDS-TMC traffic receiver - are now offered to purchase a DAB+ replacement for €39 instead of €89 if they register thei device online with Garmin.