I've found listening to an audio book (ala Audible.com) really helps pass the time on long trips. I currently use a Garmin GPS unit that will store & play these audio files but it is a couple of years old and I'm thinking of a replacement but it seems the few, if any, Garmin GPS units now will play these files. What am I missing here? What is replacing GPS units for playing recorded files? I admit not being very up to date on tech advances these days!

Even my current one it has a problem, it plays through the GPS speaker and doesn't have much volume, I'd like to play through the radio!

Do you have a smartphone? Why not just play them on that through an aux-in cable to your car radio?

Does your car have an aux in jack?

My car has Ford's Sync, so I hook my iPhone up via USB, and use Spotify to stream music while either Apple Maps or Google Maps provides driving directions. It works great, except when I get a call.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
Do you have a smartphone? Why not just play them on that through an aux-in cable to your car radio?

That's what I do.

The Audible smartphone app is great. You can surf, purchase, and listen to new books through it, and it remembers your listening progress across all devices (phones/tablets/computers/etc.). Plus, you can carry it with you and listen to audiobooks wherever you are.

Since they're both Amazon apps, you can even link some Audible audiobook to certain Kindle ebooks (noted as being "Whispersync" compatible), so that it tracks and syncs your progress in both the ebook and audiobook, for times when you want to continue reading the story but can't listen to an audiobook.

Besides, if you have a smartphone, they include GPS maps and directions already, so there's little upside to having a separate GPS unit anyway.

Even if your current car stereo doesn't have Aux In or Bluetooth, to allow you to play audio from your smartphone through the car's audio system, nearly every aftermarket car audio system has one or both of those capabilities.

As stated, between Amazon Apps and Google Play store, there are apps that will play about anything through a smartphone. I'm taking full advantage of the options now. I can't even imagine what it will like 5 years from now.

Jim

Another very happy audible customer here.

Mine play through my vehicle's bluetooth connection. My motorcycle GPS (Nav V) does connect to my phone, and will play through it, but my SENA intercom unit connects to multiple bluetooth sources at a time, so I just connect straight to the phone.

Audio books are the perfect answer to a long ride. I don't listen when in town or traffic, but there are hours of stretches of 2 lane highway where an audible book makes perfect background entertainment.

For all the Audible fans, you also need to check out the Overdrive app.

It lets you borrow audiobooks and ebooks from public libraries for free. You will have to visit the library one time to get a library card, if you don't already have one, but after that you never need to physically visit the library.

I used to use two credits a month on Audible, but now only use 6 credits a year. If you contact customer service they will put you on a plan to get one credit every other month, instead of one each month.

It's very rare that I can't get the books I want through the library, and I'm saving $186 each year.

quote:

Originally posted by DMF:
For all the Audible fans, you also need to check out the Overdrive app.

It lets you borrow audiobooks and ebooks from public libraries for free. You will have to visit the library one time to get a library card, if you don't already have one, but after that you never need to physically visit the library.

I used to use two credits a month on Audible, but now only use 6 credits a year. If you contact customer service they will put you on a plan to get one credit every other month, instead of one each month.

It's very rare that I can't get the books I want through the library, and I'm saving $186 each year.

Awesome.

I don't usually have trouble finding books to use my credit for, and often buy books without using the credit. Mostly, because I feel like I'm wasting the credit if the book cost is less than $20.

As a minister...there is never a shortage of books to digest.

I pick books on CD up at the library.

The MP3s do not have as nice tone quality, I do not think, as the CD sets, but they are easier.

The selection is great. A good 4+ to 6+ feet per letter, so that equates to ... I never counted, but I bet it is over 50 shelves of CDs and DVDs.

My ancient iPod does not interact with the USB port, so I have to use USB to charge and audio-in for the audio, which is all a mess. So I skip it. Maybe I'll enter the 2000s by 2020 ..

Smart phone to your Auxiliary is the way to go.

Doesn't the audio suck from a Garmin ?

BTW, what's better than smartphone to AUX input?

Smartphone through Bluetooth.

I have a Garmin Monterra that is Android based.

I might be interested in selling to you if you would like.

quote:

Originally posted by vulrath:
Does your car have an aux in jack?

My car has Ford's Sync, so I hook my iPhone up via USB, and use Spotify to stream music while either Apple Maps or Google Maps provides driving directions. It works great, except when I get a call.

I purchased a Expedition that has the Ford Synch 3 in it. Amazing the stuff it can do. Sucks you have to use a usb plug in to make the I Phone function with it though. At least Ford made them easily accessible and even cut a notch in the console so your cable isn't pinched.

Audio books are great if your driving alone but my wife and I have a vast difference in subject matter when it comes to reading. I surely wouldn't want to listen to what she reads and vice versa.

I don't use a standalone GPS any more, either. The phone apps have gotten really good, so I just invested in a car charger and a mount.

quote:

Originally posted by vulrath:
My car has Ford's Sync, so I hook my iPhone up via USB, and use Spotify to stream music while either Apple Maps or Google Maps provides driving directions. It works great, except when I get a call.

I missed this before. My work vehicle is a Ford with SYNC. If you play the media off the phone through Bluetooth, things will work great when you get a phone call. Overdrive, Aubible, or other media will pause, and the phone will take priority. You'll get hands free calling, and no problems with the media being played.