Actually, I have not reached my destination, it appears to be in the next block. In a recent experience the location was around the corner on another street. This GPS experience was one of many that I have had that are hard to believe. I was trying to get to a house that was only about 3 miles from my home, but I was not familiar with the street. I put the address into my GPS and followed the directions. My GPS told me that I had arrived at my destination, but the address was not anywhere near me. So, I went around the corner and tried again, same message “you have arrived at your destination.” I ended up calling the person and she explained how to get to her house and added that the GPS does not work for her address. I had this same thing happen when I was trying to visit a newly built home of a friend of mine. She had to give me directions over the phone. So, this made me wonder how often GPS systems are updated. Here is what I found.
Car GPS systems are a convenient way to navigate while driving, but they can be costly to update. While some newer models have over-the-air updates, most factory-installed GPS systems do not automatically update themselves. Automakers often charge for updates, which can be purchased through the automaker, dealership, or online. These updates can be expensive, ranging from $75 to $299, and may not provide specific details on new addresses and routes. Portable GPS units, on the other hand, often offer lifetime maps and traffic updates for free, making them a more cost-effective option. Additionally, smartphone navigation apps like Google Maps provide constant updates and can be used with a phone holder or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. There you have it.
Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com
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