How to Download and Install Tom Tom GPS VoiceSkins

You might say that the big players in the GPS Industry are in panic mode trying to respond to the ever-increasing ability of mobile phones to mimic what they do. With the advent of Google Maps’ unique new Street View feature for Android-powered phones, it may even be appropriate to say that the dedicated GPS navigation system as we know it is an endangered species.

With their livelihood at stake, Tom Tom is releasing a line of exclusive “celebrity” voices (branded “VoiceSkins”) for its navi’s, which at the time of this writing include the legendary Homer Simpson and Snoop Dogg. In spite of the obvious targeting of my demographic, I must admit that these voices are very well done and entertaining, if a bit difficult to find and install. So I have prepared an easy, step-by-step guide to get your new GPS voice up and running fast.

Step One – Get Tom Tom’s Free “Home” Application

Not only is Tom Tom Home a one-stop-shop to keep your Tom Tom’s firmware, maps, and applications updated, but it’s also the best way to install the new voices to your system. Visit Tom Tom’s Website and download the right version of Home for your operating system: http://www.tomtom.com/services. The link to the home program is typically situated on the middle-right of the page after you choose your geographic location.

Before proceeding to the next step, be sure that Home properly recognizes your product when it is plugged in via a mini USB cable. If it does, you should see your device listed in the bottom right corner. You also might want to take advantage of any free map or software updates your device may be eligible for.


Step Two – Buy and Download the VoiceSkin You Want

Head over to http://www.voiceskins.com/ and scroll down to the available products, which currently include the previously mentioned Homer and Doggfather. You’ll have to create an account and pay via a third-party site. After you’ve confirmed your purchase, go back to the VoiceSkins site, click on “My Account” (at the top) to log in, then click on the “My Voices” Link on the left hand side of the account dashboard. You’ll see your product(s) listed along with an icon to add them to your Tom Tom.

I use Firefox, and upon clicking that icon I was prompted to open the attachment with Tom Tom Home, which took it from there.

Step Three – Configure the GPS

Again, I can only offer instructions specific to my model (the entry-level “One” I referred to previously) as far as configuring the VoiceSkins. I would imagine, however, that these instructions are pretty similar for all Tom Tom models:

1. Tap the screen to bring up the main menu
2. Click on the “Preferences” Icon
3. On my GPS, I have to scroll to the right one screen, where there’s a “change voices” icon
4. Scroll either direction until you find your purchased VoiceSkin and hit “select” to make it the default voice or “test” if you’d like to hear a sample.

That’s pretty much it. If you’re still having difficulties, I would recommend checking out this video, which, although specific to the Snoop voice, will work for any Tom Tom VoiceSkin. Finally, a quick thanks to the guys over at  http://www.SnoopDoggGPS.com/, whose installation guide was the basis for this one.

-JR

Jason Richard is a contributing editor to several informative websites.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/how-to-download-and-install-tom-tom-gps-voiceskins-1757054.html

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Portable GPS Keeps you Update with the Exact Location of the Vehicle

In a new city or any strange place, it is not an easy task to find a street or driving the car easily and hassle-free. At that time, people want to have a device or a way of navigating the city route easily. Portable GPS is a device that helps people to find a street 0r drive the car efficiently. Apart from this, it is the device that also keeps you protected from other problems such as traffic jam and others. These systems also known as GPS navigation systems are attached to the car dashboard that provides the drivers step by step direction; thus helping people to reach the destination easily. Talking about the working process of Portable GPS systems, all you have to do is just enter the address of the destination you want to go.

These devices will provide you correct information so that you can easily reach the desired location. It doesn’t matter, you are in the city for the first time; GPS navigation systems will help you in a unique way. It is a fact that these devices prove to be helpful when you get diverted from your route. Now with the growing demand of these devices, they are manufactured in different sizes. You can buy one according to your requirements and budget. In fact before buying a device, you are advised to keep some facts in mind. You should keep in mind that navigation functionality of the devices play a vital role in its overall performance. Others points that should keep in mind include built-in battery, speech capability and unit size.

Talking about the unit size of the GPS, A 3.5 inch screen is considered as the standard and perfect size of the portable GPS navigation system. Apart from the unit size, speech capability of the device also matter a lot. A GPS navigation system that speaks street name rather direction is proved to be quite helpful for you when it comes to negotiating an unfamiliar area. Speech capability also helps you to concentrate on the road rather than looking on the screen map. When it comes to buy a GPS navigation device, it is extremely simple now. Today, there are numerous online agents available over the internet offering you these devices at affordable prices with detailed information. Apart from these devices, online stores also offer you printers and other computer hardware at affordable prices.

TheNerds.net offers a huge selection of computer hardware, Printers, ink cartridges and GPS units at the most aggressive prices. We also provide the latest GPS navigation systems and Portable GPS systems for you.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/portable-gps-keeps-you-update-with-the-exact-location-of-the-vehicle-1770998.html

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Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator

Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer Take a ride on a new route and explore the open road with the zūmo 660. This motorcycle-friendly navigator was built to lead you on all of your two-wheeled adventures. Whether you’re on a weekday ride just across town or a weeklong trip to an annual rally with friends, the zūmo 660 is ready to show you the way.

Whether you’re on a weekday ride just across town or a weeklong trip to an annual rally with friends, the zūmo 660 is ready to show you the way. Click to enlarge.

The zūmo 660 GPS motorcycle navigator features 3-D buildings, lane assist with junction view and a 4.3-inch sunlight-readable, glove-friendly touchscreen display. Both a motorcycle mount with hardware and an automotive mount are included, so your zūmo is ready to navigate right out of the box….no matter how many wheels it has under it.

The zūmo 660 offers full coverage mapping for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.

Designed By Bikers For Bikers
Featuring a bright 4.3″ touchscreen color display, the zūmo 660 puts all the information you need in an easy-to-read format as you travel down the road. The zūmo 660 also has a glove-friendly intuitive interface with large buttons and left-handed controls that make entering information as easy as shifting gears. In addition, the wide sunlight-readable display makes for easy navigation–whether you’re riding during a bright day or a moonless night. And with a rugged waterproof case that resists fuel sprays and UV rays, the zūmo 660 was built for life on the road.

Combined Trip Computer and Compass page with custom fuel meter. Click to enlarge.
Large key multiple page keyboard make typing with gloves easy. Click to enlarge.
Lane Assist and Junction View show you more of your surroundings and make sure that you’ll always know the right lane at the right time. Click to enlarge.

Go Your Own Way
Pick your path and hit the streets. The zūmo 660 is ready to go right out of the box. It’s preloaded with City Navigator NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) that include motels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and more. In addition, the zūmo 660 offers 3-D building view and lane assist to show you more of your surroundings and make sure that you’ll always know the right lane at the right time. The zūmo 660 also comes standard with a digital fuel gauge so you can keep track of how many miles you have left before it’s time to get gas.

Keep In Touch
The zūmo 660 features Bluetooth wireless technology so you can stay in touch while you’re on the move. With it, you’re free to safely talk on your phone without having to remove your gloves or helmet. Simply connect your zūmo 660 to your Bluetooth-enabled headset or helmet and then pair with your cellphone to make and receive calls on the go. You can also call POIs through the zūmo’s Bluetooth interface–perfect for last-minute change of plans or a quick pit stop for food and fuel. And with spoken street names functionality, the zūmo 660 will also transmit voice prompts to your headset for wireless and worry-free navigation.

Stay Entertained
Have a long ride planned? The zūmo 660 is your all-in-one entertainment center. Featuring an on-board mp3 player and advanced Bluetooth A2DP technology, you’ll enjoy crisp and clean stereo sound with your compatible headset. It’s also loaded with a picture viewer for taking friends and family on the road and it supports audiobooks to help break up the miles when you’re in for the long haul.

Plan and Share Your Rides
Found the perfect backroad to share with your riding buddies? Or perhaps you’re planning a cross-country trip and looking to avoid as much interstate as possible. With the zūmo 660′s powerful trip planning tools, you can create your custom routes via computer and then transfer your saved route directly to your zūmo. And when you’ve returned home, you can review your rides in Google Earth. In addition, micro SD card expansion makes it easy for sharing routes and adding storage.

You can also visit zūmo Connect–Garmin’s online community of routes and riders. It’s a great resource for finding new rides and planning trips.

Two wheels, four wheels, or no wheels–you’re covered.
Select your own route with options for Fastest Route, Shortest Route and Off Road Route. Click to enlarge.
3-D buildings take the navigation experience to the next level. Click to enlarge.

Move Between Modes
Just because your bike’s parked doesn’t mean your day is done. The zūmo 660 also pulls double duty as an in-car navigator when you’re on four wheels instead of two. In addition to the included motorcycle mount, the zūmo 660 also includes a carrying case, vehicle mount and power cable. It’s like having two full-featured navigators for the price of one.

HotFix
HotFix, aka Satellite Ephemeris Data Prediction, enables Garmin units to predict satellite locations for faster acquisition at startup. Prediction data is calculated off of satellite data collected over a consecutive two-day use period. This will then give the user three days of prediction data.

Automatic Time Zone Transition
Automatic Time Zone Transition allows the user to no longer have to remember to set the time as they travel. When the unit acquires a position fix it automatically sets the unit to the correct Time Zone.

Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos
Using Garmin’s Connect Photos Web site, you can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.

Enjoy a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide with Garmin Connect Photos. Click to enlarge.
  • Choose from Panoramio’s collection of photos from around the world.
  • Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps.
  • Search for photos by location name or map area boundary.
  • Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator.
  • View photos in Google Earth.
  • Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.

Additional Features:

  • Advanced Routing and Avoidances
  • Advanced Trip log features with the ability to save multiple Trip logs
  • Two user selectable data fields on the Map page
  • A combined Trip computer page with Compass display
  • Turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names–”Turn right on Main Street”
  • Advanced route preview and trip logs with up to 10 saved routes–can automatically arrange via points to minimize trip distance
  • “Where Am I?” feature–find the closest hospitals, police stations, gas stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
  • DEM maps–show you shaded terrain contours at various zoom levels
  • Removable lithium-ion battery–up to 5 hours depending on usage
  • Built-in travel kit includes features such as picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters and calculator
  • Includes Garmin Lock anti-theft feature
  • Simplified PC connectivity using USB mass storage
  • With the POI loader program, users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, create custom POI’s and more
  • Configurable vehicle icons–select fun, customized icons from www.garmingarage.com
  • Standard headphone and microphone jacks
  • microSD card slot for optional mapping and data storage

What’s in the Box
zūmo 660, preloaded City Navigator North America NT, motorcycle mount with mounting hardware, automotive suction cup mount, automotive power cable, carrying case, lithium-ion battery, USB cable, dashboard disc, quick start manual, Installation instructions

Product Description

4.3-Inchglove friendly zumo 660 features lane assist, 3D buildings, and lane junction view. The zumo 660 comes preloaded with US, Canada, and Puerto Rico mapping. It comes equipped with stereo bluetooth hands free technology for pairing a phone and headset or helmet. The zumo 660 has a advanced trip log which features the ability to save multiple trip logs and comes with a rugged mount with wire harness for integration into the motorcycle power and audio system.

Buy Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator at Amazon
Buy Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator at Amazon

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garmin gps 330 – lost satellite reception

carmen, my garmin gps 330, is usually on the ball, but occationally she’ll say, “lost satellite reception.” and my day is ruined.

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My GIG Multimedia System w/GPS Navigation

In this video Robert will demonstrate how to change the default state from MI to your state.

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GPS trackers and how to speed up connection

Of the real time kid tracking software on the market there are three main types. The first is a kids GPS tracking watch. A kids GPS tracking watch attaches to the wrist of your child just like a normal watch. This can be a very good set-up for both parent and child. Watches, since they attach to the wrist, are less likely to get lost and this little bit of knowledge can help parents feel good about their significant investment. Watches are also easy to access in case of an emergency. All a child has to do is reach down and press their panic button and parents or authorities could be notified that the child is in need of assistance.

The only problem is that this idea of the ideal GPS tracking watch for kids has not been implemented yet. Sure, there have been several products that have tried, but none of them have reached the level that you would want from a watch. There are several reasons for this failure on the part of watch manufacturers. The first is that they have so much to cram into such a small amount of space. Not only do they need a GPS receiver to interact with the GPS satellites that broadcast the signals necessary to determine their location, but also they have to communicate that information across a cellular network so that someone other than the watch knows where it is in the world. I other words, manufacturers have to put a cell phone on the wrist of a child. That is hard work indeed, but how to speed satellites acquisition?

To be sure, there is still some time left for manufacturers to make such a product, and some are even promising to do so in the near future. The device will feature voice communication, like a phone, as well as a host of other important features like one button alarm modes and A-GPS capabilities.

The second type of real time kids tracker is the a GPS locator for kids. These standalone devices typically pack a very powerful GPS tracking system in a very small package. Designed to be easily concealable, these devices often have minuscule dimensions. On leading product even boasts 1.77″ x 1.68″ x .78″ dimensions, making it one of the most compact trackers on the consumer market today. The key with these devices is concealability and accurate position data, both of which they delivery excellently.

GPS locators like Map My Tracks or InstaMapper for kids are also extremely simple to use. You don’t need to be a technology guru to be able to make something like this work. All you have to do is purchase the device, turn it on, and get on the internet to see where it is. Depending on the model that you purchase, you can set up things called geofences which act as invisible boundaries for the device. Once the device crosses the boundary, which would signify that you child is moving outside of their normal movement parameters, then you would be notified via text message or email. This type of alert could be the difference between life and death for a child kidnapped by someone seeking to do them harm.

These devices, however, are far from perfect. The biggest flaws that child locators face is their relatively short battery life. Tracking with GPS burns a lot of power and these petite devices, with their cute dimensions and slight builds, simply don’t have enough space to pack a big power punch. This generally means that a device that is fully charged will only last around an hour when it is constantly sending position data. If it is in stand-by mode it usually lasts longer, maybe a day or two to a week depending on the model.

The last type of GPS tracker for kids is a kids cell phone. This is simple a cell phone that is specifically designed with younger users in mind that also doubles as a GPS tracking device. A kids cell phone is going to forgo the typical number pad in favor of just a few buttons that can be used to speed dial some predetermined numbers. This will generally be both parents’ cell phones, the home phone, and the work numbers of both parents. The means that the child is no more than a single button away from talking with their parents.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/gps-trackers-and-how-to-speed-up-connection-1735472.html

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