It's becoming somewhat of a habit for the manufacturers of various GPS navigation products to turn their devices into a lot more than simple electronic maps, but rather complete infotainment and communication solutions. And that's also the case with the device you're about to see as follows, namely the Garmin nuvi 880, released back in the first half of 2008, which combines advanced navigation features with a very special control method.



Thus, since it sports a very innovative speech recognition system, users can control the PND's interface by using nothing else than the sound of their voice, which means that they can, at the same time, keep both their hands on the wheel. All they have to do is simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options.



Another major selling point of the device from Garmin is represented by its capability to access dynamic content from MSN Direct, by using the included receiver and free trial service to MSN Direct. If they opt for this particular service, users are offered a wide range of choices, since they can, for example, check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events.



Besides being able to display the user's position at any given moment, the PND also allows drivers to plan ahead, since the device can save up to 10 different routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on its wide screen. And since we're on the subject, it's also quite important to mention that the nuvi 880 sports a 4.3-inch WQVGA color TFT display with white backlight, which generates a 480 x 272 pixels resolution.



Beside the aforementioned navigation features, the nuvi 880 automatically sorts multiple destinations, displays speed limits for highways and interstates and can save up to 10,000 intermediary points. Additionally, it features a built-in Bluetooth module, which enables fast and easy communications, even while driving, since the device also packs a built-in microphone and a speaker.



Like most other similar products available on the market, the Garmin nuvi 880 also incorporates a couple of very interesting entertainment and travel tools, including MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, currency converters, Garmin Games, alarm clock and more. Furthermore, with the included wireless FM transmitter, users can listen to voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through the vehicle's stereo system.



The Garmin nuvi 880 sells for around 900 US dollars, which makes it a rather expensive product, but quite worth it, given the extensive number of features and advanced specs it provides.