Friday, January 13, 2012

Getting more out of your GPS

A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a wonderful technology that is growing in all settings throughout the world, including the trucking industry. As GPS devices are becoming more popular, their technology is becoming more specific and more possibilities arising. In many instances you aren’t just getting a navigation system with your GPS, there are some devices that also have cameras, locators, and even phone capability.

Along with all the capabilities of a Global Positioning System, there seems to be a limitless amount of ways to make your GPS unique. One way to personalize your device that is quickly becoming very popular is to change the navigation voice. Most GPSs have a few voice selections that come with them, but these are usually generic and sound very automated. Now however, there are an increasing number of downloadable GPS voices that can make your trip very entertaining.

One set of voice downloads that is skyrocketing above the others in popularity is the Star Wars voice download. Available for both TomTom and Garmin devices, the voice of Star Wars character Darth Vader is a highly enjoyable selection. There are many features to this voice selection, varying on your type of GPS system, and each one is just as fun as the next.

When using the Darth Vader voice selection the sound of the infamous light saber can be heard in the background (only at certain moments in the navigation) along with Vader’s trademark breathing. When you first load you route into the system, you are greeted by Darth Vader as he  tells you to prepare to be led “to the dark side,” or to your destination.

Throughout the navigation process, references to the Star Wars movie are continually played. For example, with the Darth Vader voice selection, if you are speeding you are told “light speed is not permitted in this system.”

With some of the Star Wars voice selections there are also vehicle icons available. When you select the Darth Vader voice and vehicle bundle with Garmin, you receive a download of a TIE star fighter icon that will symbolize your vehicle as it travels down the road. With this voice selection, the Star Wars theme music, and of course, Darth Vader’s Imperial March, can be heard at both the beginning and end of your journey.

Also available in the Star Wars selection of voice downloads for both the Garmin and TomTom is the voice of Yoda, the infamous Jedi master. There are other selections as well that are not from Star Wars such as Bugs Bunny, Mr. T, and more. Some of the voices available depend on your device, not all downloads available for Garmin systems are available for TomTom devices, and vice versa.

As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time on the road and the variety of GPS voices can help liven some of that time up. A GPS device is a great tool to assist you in your truck driving job. Remember however, that most GPS devices are made for cars, not trucks, and therefore, you will also need a map to plot your route and to plan ahead for commercial motor carrier restrictions and other locations specific to the trucking industry. A truck driving job is one where every second counts, and getting lost is simply not an option. GPS devices are a great help in the trucking industry and, when paired with a map, are a great way to get where you need to go.

To read an article about navigating in the trucking industry, visit http://crengland.posterous.com/navigate-your-way-through-technology

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