Our e-mail this week comes from M. Smith: "I recently purchased a nüvi 260 and know nothing about GPS systems." As proof of the popularity of all of the new vehicles we're adding to the Garmin Garage, topping our e-mailer's to-do list was downloading new vehicle icons. "Can anyone help me?"
Absolutely. Not only is it easy, it's free! We have a cheat sheet for installing new vehicles, and we'll explain the steps in detail later in this post. In less than a minute, you can be cruising in style. For those who spend their days helping others, we have the popular service vehicles bundle. We also cater to outdoor enthusiasts, Elliott Sadler fans, or anyone looking for something sleek or pink or futuristic.
We're on the move again... and this time we're rollin' in on 18 wheels! We've hitched a ride with Circuit City and their huge Roadshow Rig, and are coming to a city near you. This weekend kicks off the tour in Atlanta, Georgia, at Supercross. Step inside this incredible ride, and you'll have the opportunity to check out twelve Garmin devices - nüvis, zūmos and Street Pilots of all shapes and sizes! If you want to get a taste of the action, video race games are also on board. This tour makes around 40 stops at Supercross events, local Circuit City stores, CC grand openings, and Good Guys events, so it's likely this rig will cruise into a town near you. Keep it tuned in here for more pictures and event locations. And hey, if the rig comes to your town or you pass it on the road, take a picture of you and the rig and we'll send you some Garmin schwag. See the rig, test a nüvi, score some schwag... nice!
Ok. Hopefully by now, you’ve seen Garmin’s Super Bowl commercial. If you haven’t, now’s your time to check it out. It’s ok. We can wait . . . . . ok. Seen it? Great! While some people may try to tell you that Napoleon is the focus, we all know that the car is the real star. So, we hopped across the pond and brought Domino back with us after filming. And now is your chance to have the very same icon that was used in the Super Bowl commercial. Before we could release
Domino into the wild, we had to make sure he’d do well on a nüvi. Needless to say, he passed with flying colors. So Domino had his major debut on Sunday and now he’s ready for you to download for free today! Grab him while you can, though, we have a lot more in store for the Garmin Garage this year!
Super Bowl XLII was the most-watched Super Bowl ever, and the ratings for those companies who had a spot during this advertising mecca are still coming in. That aside, many of you are still wondering what the French lyrics to Garmin's Napoleon commercial translate to. While there have been many guesses, one one has quite cracked the code. So before you go booking a flight to Paris to ask one of the locals, we'll let you in on the translation instead. Thanks to everyone who attempted to translate the lyrics, and for all the kind comments we've received since the spot!
"Under the sun, it's perfect, with my friends we drive, on the highway to paradise - alright - let's go in my car - the life before us is a beautiful sight, oh baby, here we go, let's go to paradise - alright - Garmin-Garmin-Garmin!"
Now that he's made his television debut, Napoleon (Garmin's nüvi driver from our Super Bowl campaign) wants to get to know the Garmin fans a little better. Since the big game, he's taken the next social step by entering the MySpace scene, and wants to be your friend. And to be fair, he wants you to give the Garmin fans a chance to get to know him a little better, too. That's why we've been busy posting an entire slew (about 90 or so) behind-the-scenes pictures of the filming of our SB spot onto Garmin's Flickr account. Here you can view the beautiful French scenery and take a gander at what life's like for Napoleon with a nüvi in hand. So go on, add Napoleon to your MySpace entourage... then you'll be able to tell everyone that you're friends with a historical icon!
As you can see from the posts below, we've had a pretty busy week around here! And since it's Friday (and just days away from the big game) we've decided to keep the fun going in full force. So in true Garmin-Blog fashion, we're sweetening up our SB commercial announcement for our blog readers, with a little extra incentive. Be one of the first few people to translate the lyrics to the 30-second commercial, and you'll score some sweet Garmin schwag. Watch the spot, and the making-of as many times as it takes here. Then post your English translations below and we'll let you know how you did come Monday after the commercial makes it's television debut. Good luck!
(Sorry over-sea's bloggers, this schwag giveaway only applies to our readers in the States)
As you may have heard, last night was a big night for us in the Big Apple. We invited more than a hundred financial analysts, media, and industry muckety-mucks to a party at Gotham Hall, a beautiful space in midtown Manhattan. Ostensibly, the purpose was to unveil our Super Bowl ad and to discuss "the future of Garmin and its products." Seems tame enough.
But we had a trick up our sleeve -- the nüvifone. It's safe to say we took the audience by surprise -- ok, that's an understatement. As we made the announcement, the audience collectively reached for their BlackBerries and iPhones to send the big news back to their offices. In fact, there was so much wireless activity that it momentarily conked out our presentation! No worries though, we recovered and the audience was dazzled.
With all the excitement around Garmin today, we've decided to treat our blog readers to an advanced viewing of our Super Bowl Sunday commercial. Judging from some of your emails, quite a few of you didn't want to wait until Sunday to see our spot. And, being the nice bloggers we are, we didn't want to make you wait. So we figured we'd show it to you early. That's right - days before Sunday. Take a look now and then surprise your friends with your knowledge of the spot on Sunday. Be sure to stop by the minisite and take a look for yourself. We hope it's as much fun for you to watch as it was for us to make.
Good, because we've got even more behind-the-scenes takes from the shooting of the SB commercial. With three teasers down, do you think you have an idea of what's to come? Stay tuned to see where we'll take you next...
Well, the countdown to our Super Bowl ad continues. And in keeping with our three-day old tradition, we’ve got another clip ready for you to review. We’re only a few days away from the big game and we’re pretty excited. Around here, most groups are pretty divided about who will win. Are the Patriots going to run the table, or will the Giants stop the streak? What do you think? Let us know and stop by our minisite to check out our newest clip. And remember to check back often ... we’ve got a lot planned and we don’t want you to miss out on any of the excitement.
And, what would another teaser clip be without some more behind the scenes footage? Here's a few more pictures to tantalize your senses as the big game quickly approaches. Have a look and keep checking back for even more clips and tips!
Blog readers got a quick glimpse of our first Super Bowl teaser on Monday and now we’ve launched another clip today. We’ve already seen a lot of traffic heading this way, so we may have to release a few more goodies for you tomorrow. So far, you've got two clips and a few pics to review. Any guesses as to what’s going on? Let us know what you think. And be sure stay tuned! Things are happening quickly around here and you never know what you'll see next . . .
In addition to the minisite's teaser clips, here are some behind-the-scenes takes from the making of Garmin's Super Bowl commercial. We'll keep 'em coming as the days pass, but in the meantime, stay tuned to the blog for your next sneak peek at what's to come during the big game!
As some of you may have already read, Garmin is airing a commercial during Sunday’s Super Bowl. While we don’t want to let you know exactly what you’ll be seeing, we do want to give you a few hints about what to watch for. So we’ve created a minisite and released a teaser clip for you to view. We’ll have three teaser clips in all, so you’ll have to stop by every day and see what’s new. And for all of you who are curious about a possible encore performance of Maposaurus, we can definitely say that’s not going to happen. He’s taken an early retirement and was last seen searching for geocaches with his new Colorado. Stop by the minisite today and see our first clip!
If life is more about the journey than the destination, you should take the nüvi 700 series along for the ride. Not only will the 750, 760, 770 and 780 guide you to any of six million preloaded points of interest, now they can take you on scenic drives as well. Garmin has teamed with MAD Maps to make a wide variety of breathtaking routes available for download at garmin.com, and they can be used with the nüvi 700 series and the 450 or 550 in the zūmo family of motorcycle products.
Click here to learn more about MAD Maps, and start planning your spring getaway today!
You heard right - in conjunction with the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the latest and greatest Garmin devices have just been announced! At Garmin, innovations like speech recognition, enhanced dynamic content through MSN Direct and multi-destination routing, continue to allow users to effortlessly enhance any type of travel. So, without any further ado, it's our pleasure to announce the seven newest additions to the Garmin family:
nüvi 880: Using speech recognition and enhanced MSN Direct content, this nüvi makes traveling easier and safer than ever
nüvi 780: Dynamic traffic, weather, stocks and news updates through MSN Direct, along with "Where am I?" and "Where's my car?" features
Forerunner 405: Function meets fashion, while a touch bezel puts fitness at your fingertips
Colorado series: Revolutionary thumb-driven Rock 'n Roller wheel, vivid imagery and "Wherigo" enhance any outdoor experience
nüvi 5000: 5.2-inch touchscreen with multi-destination navigation puts you in control of the road
nüvi 260W: Widescreen pocket-sized navigation that gets you from point A to point B with street names
Garmin Mobile PC: Turns laptops and mobile PCs into navigators with "Where to? and "View Map" interfaces
Click here for details, and stay tuned for more in-depth product reviews, interactive video and everything CES... coming soon!
Happy New Year, everyone!! With the dawn of 2008 upon us, we'll only spend a moment reflecting on 2007. It seems the financial wizards over at Forbes are raving about our success story.
"The best Platinum performer last year, Garmin rose 122% during the last 12 months," Forbes reports. "One year ago, Garmin was also our selection for best-managed company in Technology Hardware & Equipment. ... Garmin reported gains in sales of 74% and earnings per share of 73%."
And we'll have more to celebrate, if Motley Fool's forecast is accurate. Check out their Best Stock for 2008: "As the old year draws to a close, and you search for advice on which stocks to buy in the new year, I've got just one word for you: Garmin."
It's thanks to your enthusiasm and feedback that we can continue to evolve, and we have many exciting projects planned for 2008. So bookmark our blog and visit often. And have a great '08!
Get out and vote! No, we're not already talking about the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election... we're talking about the 2007 Engadget Awards, of course. That's right, it's time to nominate your favorite GPS device of the year, and with such an impressive list of features and benefits, we're certain you've got a favorite Garmin product or two. Maybe it's the nüvi 200W's bright widescreen display that revs your engine? Or perhaps it's the nüvi 760 you love with it's traffic alerts, Bluetooth capabilities and multi-destination routing?
And I don't think we need to remind you about the times your Garmin kept you from getting lost on your family vacation, or when it found the lowest gas price or the latest traffic updates... You wouldn't want to deprive your favorite device from this wonderful opportunity, would you? If it's your favorite, nominate it today!
GPS users all over the world got an early present on December 21st. The United States Air Force launched the fifth modern NAVSTAR GPS satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Other than adding new channels to the military side of GPS for better accuracy, the new satellites will also increase strength of the GPS signal and add a second civilian signal. The Air Force is in the process of updating the GPS satellite constellation.
Also the FAA recently announced that WAAS signal is now active in Mexico and Canada. For you pilots that fly North and South of the borders on a regular basis you will shortly start to see GPS WAAS approaches showing up on approach charts in Mexico and Canada. The FAA worked with NavCanada and Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacío Aéreo Mexicano (SENEAM) and signed agreements with both countries to operate the new WAAS stations to supplement the USA systems.
Merry Christmas from all of us at the Garmin Garage! Today we have an extra-special free vehicle for you to download. We’ve been working on Smokey for quite a while and we’re excited to finally be able to release him to everyone. When we first opened the Garmin Garage, emails and comments poured in requesting a fire truck. So we worked quite a few late nights to make sure Smokey would be ready for Christmas day. Smokey has been a lot of fun to have around the Garmin Garage and we’re sure you’ll enjoy him, too. So grab Smokey today and let him lead you and your nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot. And keep those comments coming! We love hearing from all of you. Happy holidays everyone! Be sure to tell your friends and family that the Garmin Garage is giving away free vehicle icons all year long!
Life on the road just became a lot more interesting. Whether you're heading across the country or out on a weekend road trip, you can now download MAD MAPS' scenic drives from Garmin.com for your zūmo or nüvi to find the road less traveled and more appreciated.
"Our road scouts and research staff identify funky, quirky, and fascinating places to visit along our routes," said MAD MAPS founder Jenny Lefferts, who started searching the Bay Area for scenic drives when she moved to San Francisco in 1987. MAD MAPS has since expanded across the country. In addition to Garmin’s preloaded points of interest, MAD MAPS’ data features a variety of specific points of interest associated with each route.
So click here, choose your next adventure and enjoy the scenery.
Now that Christmas Eve has arrived, we’re making some last-minute preparations around the Garmin Garage. We still have a bit of work to do as we get ready for tomorrow, but we wanted to share Special Delivery with all of you who may be hitting the roads in the next few days. Special Delivery may look a bit familiar to some of you. Prior to showing up in the Garmin Garage, Special Delivery spent some time gracing the pages of our Gift Guide. It had a good run over there but it was time for some more horsepower so we tricked it out and now it’s ready to tear up the roadways on your nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot. There’s only one day left, so plan on stopping by tomorrow to grab the last car of the 12 Cars of Christmas. And if you gave the gift of Garmin, be sure to let your friends and family know about the Garmin Garage. With so many new free vehicles showing up all the time, the Garmin Garage truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
Even though football season is starting to wind down, Sunday is still game day around the Garmin Garage. We usually take a break from swinging wrenches and gather ‘round the television to cheer for our favorite teams. And on the rare occasion when we're actually slow, we'll head out to the parking lot and toss the football around during a quick game of catch. So we thought Touchdown would be a great vehicle icon for your nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot. It’s perfect for football season and makes the ideal addition to any tailgate party. And no matter what the score is at the end of the game, you’ll always end up a winner with Touchdown by your side. Grab Touchdown today and plan on making another visit tomorrow. There are only two vehicles left and we can’t wait to share them with you!
12 Cars of Christmas: Day 8 – Snowboardin’ Scooter
Scooter’s back and this time he’s got his snowboard. While he’s only
been snowboarding for a year or two, he’s actually pretty good. Unfortunately,
there aren’t too many really big hills near the Garmin Garage so
Scooter doesn’t get to enjoy his snowboard as often as he’d like. But
between his board, his toboggan, and his tube, he seems to be getting
along just fine. In fact, he’s been spending so much time enjoying the
snow, he’s been skipping a few of his chores around the Garmin Garage.
You know - you may want to grab Snowboardin’ Scooter while you can because we might be
coming up with some more odd jobs for him soon.
Want some help haulin’ your holiday cheer this year? With the Garmin Getter, you'll get all the extra space you need. Just load it up with good times and you’ll be on your way to winter fun. The Garmin Getter always seems to attract a crowd around the Garmin Garage, so we’re kinda sad to see it go. But we know you’ll enjoy it just as much as we have – whether you use it for quick errands around town or long trips across the country. So grab it while you can, load it on your nuvi, zumo, or StreetPilot, and let the good times roll!
As you may have already guessed, Scooter is quite the winter sports fanatic. Whether he’s bombing the hills on his trusty toboggan or hitting the moguls on his terrifying ‘tube, Scooter is always up for an adventure. Of course, it’s not all play and no work for the little guy. We make sure his homework is finished and his chores around the Garmin Garage are complete before he’s out the door and on the slopes. But when the flakes are falling, you can see the twinkle in his eyes as he rushes through his tasks so he can get outside sooner. And as much as he likes sledding, he loves leading the way on your nuvi! Grab Tubin' Scooter while you can and let him lead you to winter fun no matter where you're going!
Anyone who has seen our holiday ads knows how much we love seasonal songs. So we were thrilled when a quartet of carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes sang to customers in the Garmin Store in Chicago for an hour Saturday afternoon. The best news? They're making an encore appearance this Saturday, Dec. 22, from 3 to 4 p.m. If you're lucky, they just might sing about your favorite moose or the ever-popular unibrow. And others are taking notice of the positive vibe at 663 N. Michigan Ave. A local concierge who was on assignment recording holiday hours for Michigan Avenue retailers said that Garmin's atmosphere was the best around.
So come check it out for yourself. If you're still undecided about which Garmin device is perfect for each person on your list, you can ask our helpful store associates and even try them out for yourself. Whether you're shopping for a runner, a hiker, a fisherman, a cyclist, a hunter, a pilot, a geocacher or just anyone who spends any time on the road at all, it's always a good plan to give-a, give-a, give-a Garmin.
Since the holidays are usually full of cookies, candies and so many other sugary delights, we thought Sweet Tooth would make the perfect addition to your nuvi during the winter season. It’s the ideal travel companion to help guide you to holiday party after holiday party. And even though it’s made almost entirely out of candy, we’re proud to announce that it’s 100% calorie free! So you can enjoy Sweet Tooth all season long and not have to think twice about putting on a pound. It’s a great jump start to any New Year’s resolution!
Some of our astute blog readers may recognize Scooter from the Garmin GPS Academy. Well, when class isn’t in session, he can often be found hanging out in the Garmin Garage. And when the snow falls, the fun begins. Scooter’s usually the first one to hit the hills on his trusty toboggan. From sun up to sun down, he is often making downhill runs at warp speed. And while he’s good at finding fun, he’s great at leading you and your nuvi on all of your winter trips. So make your way to the Garmin Garage and pick up Driftin’ Scooter this holiday season!
If you’ve already decked your halls this holiday season, here’s your chance to deck out your nuvi, too. Twinkle may have lost the rest of the holiday lights he was once grouped with but he’ll never lead you astray. He’s like your personal guiding light to get you through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And the best thing about Twinkle - you can keep him on your nuvi all year long and never worry once about getting that big electric bill in the mail! It truly is the gift the keeps on giving! Stop by the Garmin Garage today and let Twinkle light up your Garmin GPS device.
12 Cars of Christmas: Day 2 – Billy the Blue-Nosed Reindeer
While we hate to see Billy the Blue-Nosed Reindeer go, it’s time for him to head out of the Garmin Garage and make himself at home in your nuvi, zumo or StreetPilot. Sure, he may have chewed up the shop couch at the back of the garage, but we’re confident that he’ll treat your upholstery with the utmost respect. Plus, he's house broken and great with kids! And even though his nose may light the way, he relies on Garmin to get you where you need to go. So make your way over to the Garmin Garage and grab Billy while you can. He's more than happy to lead you on your merry way this holiday season!
While we’ve only been open for a few weeks, we’ve suddenly found a surplus of vehicles in the Garmin Garage. So to make room for the 2008 models, we’ve decided to have a 12 Cars of Christmas giveaway. Starting Friday, we’ll release a new icon every day leading up to Christmas. If you’re looking to get your Garmin GPS device in the holiday spirit, now is the great time to stop by the Garmin Garage. And if you want to be the first to find out when a new vehicle arrives, be sure to subscribe to our feed. Of course, the best part about the 12 Cars of Christmas – each and every one of our icons is free. How’s that for a holiday deal?
With so many gift guides going around this time of year, I hate to admit that I'm still stumped by a few key relatives. (Anyone else have a tween niece? Your help is appreciated.) It seems everywhere you look, you can find words of wisdom for picking presents. If this were late-night TV, I would shamelessly plug our own site's popular section for suggestions, but I want to focus on Fletcher's recent post over at GPS Magazine.
Our e-mail this week comes from M. Smith: "I recently purchased a nüvi 260 and know nothing about GPS systems." As proof of the popularity of all of the new vehicles we're adding to the Garmin Garage, topping our e-mailer's to-do list was downloading new vehicle icons. "Can anyone help me?"
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