There are many reasons why the compact car segment is gaining momentum, most importantly better fuel-efficiency. But you might be wondering how smaller cars stack up against their bigger siblings when it comes to infotainment. The new Volkswagen up! is a great example, showing that you don't have to sacrifice your infotainment options when opting for a smaller car: The next-generation maps + more portable infotainment
device from Garmin provides a comprehensive
infotainment package, including navigation, a media player, vehicle information
and Bluetooth hands-free capabilities. maps + more live  adds connected services, such as real-time traffic and
weather information, local search provided by Yelp as well as safety camera
warnings. Users simply connect their smartphone to the device via Bluetooth to
enable the services[1], utilizing their existing data
plan. The portable device features a five-inch touchscreen and is fully
integrated into the vehicle. maps + more live is available now as a factory-installed
option for Volkswagen up! vehicles in Australia and Europe. 

“maps + more live packs the features of a fully integrated
infotainment system into a portable device that is connected, can easily be
updated and provides excellent value,” said Peter Schubert, vice president
automotive OEM at Garmin Würzburg GmbH. “We’re thrilled to partner with
Volkswagen on such an innovative project and look forward to delivering our
leading infotainment technology to Volkswagen up! customers.”

To learn more, read the full press release here.

Source: Garmin
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Garmin Portable Device for VW up! Redefines Infotainment for Compact Cars

Source: Garmin
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Team Papotanic Wins Sertoma with a 49.76 lb. Kingfish

With summer travel season in full swing, we today announced our first navigator designed for the RV lifestyle. Now, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road plus the convenience of traveling with a friendly guide. RV 760LMT offers RV-friendly features that are advanced though easy-to-use. 

The 7-inch GPS device
is packed with signature Garmin navigation features as well as RV-friendly
functions to guide RV drivers with confidence. Preloaded with detailed maps, the
RV 760LMT creates custom routes based on the size and weight of an RV[1].
It is the only navigation device that features America’s RV Parks &
Services Directory, making it easy to find repairs, RV parks and campgrounds. Navigation
features include voice-activated navigation, Garmin Real Directions™, free lifetime traffic[2]
as well as Active Lane Guidance with voice prompts. To make sure
RV drivers have access to the latest weather and other real-time trip
information, Garmin Smartphone Link provides access to live services[3].
Completing the package, the free BaseCamp™ software allows users to plan
trips ahead of time and transfer them to the RV 760LMT for directions.

Source: Garmin
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Garmin RV 760LMT, a New Navigator Made for the RV Lifestyle

With the unofficial beginning of summer behind us, it’s officially time to break out the sunscreen, fill the inflatable pools, and finish those dreaded spring cleaning chores. But if I may, might I suggest adding to your list for spring-related chores?

This time of year is a great time to update your avionics, both certified and portable. Our flyGarmin website offers a whole host of supplemental databases that complement your flying needs, whether they include regularly flying for business or attending the occasional weekend fly-in.

Jeppesen’s navigation database is available on flyGarmin for our entire aviation product line. NavData is the database utilized when inputting your flight plan into your Garmin GPS. Information such as airport identifiers, navigational aids, intersections, and airspace information are all included in this important database.

Garmin FliteCharts are also available for purchase and download on flyGarmin.  FliteCharts allow pilots to display the government instrument procedure charts right on their Garmin avionics. An updated charts database also has the technology to geo-reference your aircraft position right on the approach chart, enhancing situational awareness in unfamiliar environments. It is important to note that depending on the size and display of your Garmin navigator, FliteCharts are not available for every unit.

An obstacle database is available as an optional download for many of our aviation products. Simply put, the obstacle database may be loaded to your GPS and will display man-made obstacles 200 feet AGL (above ground level) or greater.

Terrain is also available and enhances the safety of any flight. The terrain database consists of all non-man made features such as mountains. Alerts may be set up on many of our aviation products, which notify pilots of potential threats as they relate to either obstacle or terrain.

Airport Directory may be uploaded to many of our avionics which is just as good as having the Airport Facility Directory on board! The airport directory database offers information such as ATC tower hours of operation, traffic pattern altitudes, pertinent communication and navigation frequencies, as well as names and phone numbers of thousands of FBO’s at airports around the world.

SafeTaxi features a geo-referenced airport diagram right on many of our Garmin aviation GPS devices. This is helpful at busy and unusual airport layouts, as SafeTaxi will aid in your awareness and offer an additional level of safety.

Just in time for the summer flying season, these updates may be performed on any PC operating Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 or 8. Adding to the convenience of the database update process, flyGarmin has also been Mac compatible for over three years! The latest database pricing is listed by product on our database price sheet along with the database cycle, which can both be found on flyGarmin.

While I hate to add to your list of spring-cleaning chores, you’ll be thankful you have a fresh update in your avionics next time you receive an odd departure procedure or taxi clearance. And when you do, don’t forget to thank Lucy!

Source: Garmin
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Lucy’s Logbook: How to freshen up your avionics

“We’re pleased to extend our
partnership with MINI to provide an integrated,
next-generation portable navigation device for MINI vehicles around the globe,”
said Matt Munn, Garmin managing director automotive OEM. “This new device makes
it easier than ever to follow directions with Garmin’s new Real Directions and
Active Lane Guidance features. It also integrates seamlessly with the interior
of any MINI.”

Learn more here.

Source: Garmin
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Upgrade Your MINI with an Integrated Garmin Navigator

The Amgen Tour of California got underway this past week and world class riders, many whom train and ride in much cooler European climates, were greeted with temperatures well into the 100 degree range. Teams have been going through 150-200 water bottles during the stages to keep their riders hydrated and to keep 
them safe. One team, who ran out of water during stage 1 had to make a stop at a gas station along the course to buy out their water supply. Teams have also been handing ice cold sponges, out car windows, to riders to place in their jerseys– to attempt to regulate body temperatures.

Garmin's Lachlan Morton, using the NEW special edition Edge 510, recorded a max temperature of 111.2 degrees and an average of 102.1 degrees over the 126 mile, 9,000 ft. of elevation gain stage 2. Even in these brutal conditions, Morton managed to average close to 24 mph and had a max speed of 56 mph! (see full stats below)

The boys in argyle are using the special edition Edge for the first time in
California and I'd have to say they look pretty sweet on their Cervelo bikes! Some riders are choosing the standard stem mounts while others like Morton are opting for the out-front-mount.
Action continues in California today and the Team has its eyes set on Friday's time trial, where specialist Dave Zabriskie will look for a stage victory in his home race.

Source: Garmin
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Edge 510 Records Scorching Temps At The Tour Of California