CES 2010 latest news

(Credit: Garmin)

Updating your GPS with the latest map updates can get quite expensive, but Garmin is hoping to offer its customers a better deal with its new nuMaps Lifetime Map Update Program.

For a one-time fee, you'll be able to download new points of interest, streets, and addresses to your Garmin unit for life. Subscribers will be alerted to new updates (up to four times a year) via e-mail and maps will be downloaded directly to your computer to be transferred to the GPS via USB cable. There are some restrictions in that you can't transfer the subscription to another Garmin GPS or if you eventually sell your unit.

There are three different versions of the nuMaps Lifetime Map Update Program: City Navigator NT North America updates ($119.99);City Navigator Europe NT ($139.99); and City Navigator Transatlantic ($149.99). Not a bad deal when you consider a single map update (called nuMaps Onetime) costs $69.99. The program will be available starting January 21.

Garmin Nuvi 885T

(Credit: Garmin)

On Wednesday, Garmin expanded its Nuvi line of GPS devices at CES 2009 with the introduction of the Garmin Nuvi 885T. The high-end Nuvi 885T adds lane assistance with junction view and enhanced MSN Direct services.

The new MSN Direct capabilities include the ability to check the status of your flight (departures and arrivals), more advanced weather information, enhanced movie listing information and continued support for real-time traffic data, fuel prices, and more. Meanwhile, the added junction view presents you with details on upcoming turns with accompanying arrows and road sign detail.

The Garmin Nuvi 885T comes preloaded with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and is equipped with Garmin's HotFix technology for faster satellite acquisition. Other features include a 4.3-inch touch screen; integrated Bluetooth; text-to-speech functionality; voice commands; and multimedia capabilities.

The Nuvi 885Twill be available in Q1 2009 with a suggested retail price of $799.99. With the purchase of the GPS, you get three months of free MSN Direct service; afterward, you will have to pay $49.95 per year or a one-time fee of $129.95.

Garmin Zumo 660

(Credit: Garmin)

In addition to the Nuvi 885T, Garmin introduced the Garmin Zumo 660 at CES 2009, a GPS designed for bikers by bikers. It's one of the few motorcycle-specific portable navigation devices available on the market (TomTom also makes one called the Rider), and brings a much-needed update to the Garmin Zumo 550, which was released almost two years ago.

The Zumo 660 sports a sleeker design similar to the Garmin Nuvi series but keeps the ruggedized and waterproof casing. It also features a larger 4.3-inch touch screen and has oversize icons so you can still use the device even with gloves on.

Inside, the Zumo 660 is loaded with maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico and 6 million points of interest. Like the Nuvi 885T, the GPS also has lane assist with junction view; plus, there's a new multiple routing feature that will give you a preview of the shortest, fastest, and off-road route so you can choose from one of three options.

The Zumo 660 provides text-to-speech directions, meaning you'll hear specific street names, and since the GPS has integrated Bluetooth, you can have the audio piped to your Bluetooth headset. Of course, you'll also be able to make and accept calls and there is stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) support.

The Garmin Zumo 660 is expected to ship in Q1 2009 for a pricey $799.99.