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Software to Use Your Garmin GPS

WebUpdater POI Loader Mapsource Voice Studio BaseCamp Ant Homeport Training Center Agent xImage GarminExpress Garmin Connect Mobile Smartphone Link.

When you buy your GPS, it comes with a small instruction manual, but no software. The manual is very thin. This is just a quick start guide. If you want complete instructions, you need to download the manual directly from the Garmin website. I also listed on my website the links for downloading the manuals . In this article, I will talk about software that will allow you to use your Garmin GPS to its full potential. The software in question: WebUpdater , POI Loader , MapSource , voice studio and basecamp

Let's start with the best known.

 

WebUpdater allows you to update your Garmin GPS - voice and firmware. Note that WebUpdater can not update your GPS map data (addresses and points of interest). To update the maps, you must use MapSource, Mapinstall or the included software when purchasing these DVD updates. See my article on updates . This software is available for free for Windows and Mac OS 10.4

 

The POILoader software allows you to transfer points of interest into your Garmin GPS. You know a new restaurant? So with POILoader you can transfer the information directly into your GPS. You can be warned when approaching this one. You can even play music (if you GPS is compatible with mp3 technology and Tourguide ). The POI Loader software allows to send to GPS a set of points of interest that are in a .csv file or in a .gpx file (GPS eXchange format) . This software is available for free for Windows and Mac OS 10.4. I recommend this software for exporting waypoints as radar positions to your GPS .

 

Need more advanced software to visually manage points of interest, routes and routes? The baseCamp software allows the creation, display and modification of waypoints, routes and tracks. BaseCamp software allows you to organize waypoints, routes, tracks and treasures stored in the Library.

 

It also allows you to view the topographic information present in your detailed map data. It facilitates the import of data in .gdb, .gpx, .loc and .mps format. This software is also compatible with Windows and Mac OS 10.4. You can have an introduction to Basecamp on video .

 

MapSource software is all-in-one software. It allows you to transfer road and topographic maps to your Garmin GPS (as well as unlocking maps). It also allows the creation and transfer of Waypoints, routes and tracks to your GPS. Only downside: its non-compatibility with Mac OS. More possibilities to connect your GPS to the software from version 6.5.

 

Voice studio has emerged recently. It allows you to create new voices and send them to the GPS. Wonderful to make a custom voice for your girlfriend who does not like preinstalled ones. Windows only

 

Mapconverter software converts maps and unlock codes to Macintosh format

 

Garmin ANT Agent allows you to transfer training data from ANT-compatible Garmin devices to your computer and vice versa. Garmin ANT Agent detects all Garmin devices in range and automatically retrieves training data from your computer and transfers it to Garmin Connect. Compatible devices: Edge 705, Edge 500 , Forerunner 310XT, Forerunner 405, Forerunner 405CX, Forerunner 50, FR60. You will need the ANT USB key

 

Homeport allows you to view BlueChart charts and plan your trip on the waters (not free this one)

 

Garmin Training Center allows you to create training sessions (for Edge bike models and forerunner race watches)

 

Ximage allows you to take screenshots and change the waypoints icon on your GPS.

GarminExpress Replaces WebUpdater and LifetimeUpdater

 

Garmin Connect Mobile Share your activities in real time, wirelessly download routes to Garmin Connect, view weather data of interest, and download routes directly to your device (for the Edge 510 and Edge 810)

 

Smartphone Link creates a seamless browsing experience between a compatible Garmin personal navigation system and an Android smart phone. It allows devices to share information, such as saved locations, recent destinations, where you parked your car, and your current destination. It also connects your compatible Nüvi to Garmin Live services, such as traffic information, weather forecasts, and fuel prices, using your smartphone's current mobile data plan

 

Smartphone Link works with a selection of Garmin Bluetooth® 2012 devices, including the Nuvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LM, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and 3590LMT **. All of these Nüvi models require a software update, available at www.garmin.com/myDashboard.