subject: 5 Really Useful Sat Nav Features To Look Out For [print this page] Many people will have had their sat nav a while now, and may think there's no reason to change it for a newer model. In fact, we've got so used to sat navs these days that we don't really see them for the clever gadgets that they actually are.
However, sat nav companies have been working hard over the past few years to come up with some innovative features to enhance the whole satellite navigation experience.
Here are some nifty features you'll find on most newer sat navs that might just convince you to upgrade to a more modern version:
Voice recognition
Handy for when you can't let go of the wheel, sat navs with voice recognition allow you to control the device simply by speaking commands. This means no more messing around with fiddly touchscreens when going 60mph down a motorway, which is never advisable! Some models also let you make hands free calls through your mobile phone.
Live traffic updates
If traffic jams really get your back up, then a sat nav with live traffic information streamed direct to your device will seem heaven-sent. It will warn you of congestion ahead - some can even show you a live picture of the traffic!
Lane guidance
Have you ever come to a complicated junction or fork in the road, and your sat nav falls silent when you need it the most? Getting in the wrong lane can really mess up your journey, especially if you miss the junction. New sat navs usually feature high-tech lane guidance, sometimes displaying real pictures, to make sure you get in the right lane each time and avoid last minute panics.
Google search
Many modern GPS systems now offer access to Google local search, meaning you can look up the nearest restaurants, shops, bars and so on in the same way as you would on a computer, meaning you're truly connected while out on the road
Live petrol prices and parking guidance
Everyone is looking to save money on petrol at the moment - get a step ahead by buying a sat nav that shows you the cheapest petrol station that's nearby! Some can also guide you to the nearest available parking space once you reach your destination - now that's clever.
So, there are five really good reasons to upgrade your sat nav, particularly if your model is a few years old. You'll wonder how you ever coped without all these brilliant features!
