Garmin nuviCam LMTHD is First GPS With Built-in Dashcam

Garmin combines a portable GPS and a Dashcam in new device.

Dashcams are the new hot trend in car accessories. The cameras record everything that the drivers sees and a lot of that makes its way onto Youtube.  From falling comets to stupid drivers and misguided cops. Garmin jumps on the Dashcam trend with the new Garmin nüviCam LMTHD device. It is the first portable navigation device (PND) to feature a built-in dash cam and advanced alerts to enhance driver awareness on the road. 

Thanks to the integrated dash cam that continuously records and automatically saves files on impact, the nüviCam offers the protection of having an eyewitness that records exactly where and when events occurred.

The nüviCam offers Forward Collision Warning that alerts drivers if they’re driving too close to the car ahead, Lane Departure Warning alerts and Garmin Real Vision takes the guess work out of deciphering hard-to-see house numbers by displaying the camera view along with a bright arrow to direct drivers where to go when approaching select destinations.

“The nüviCam LMTHD goes beyond helping drivers get from Point A to Point B,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “The intuitive driver-assist features not only lessen the stress of getting you to your destination, but the nüviCam also provides peace of mind in knowing that your commute is being recorded and can be referenced should you need it.”

The Garmin nüviCam features a 6-inch pinch-to-zoom glass display with a high-definition dash cam built in to the back of the device. When powered on, the integrated dash cam continuously records on the included microSD card, and if an incident occurs, the device’s Incident Detection will automatically save files on impact. GPS records exactly where and when events occur, and drivers can play back the video on the device or watch later from a computer.

There’s also a Snapshot feature on the nüviCam that allows drivers to capture still images in or outside of the vehicle if desired. The included magnetic mount enables the device to be easily and quickly secured or removed from the vehicle.

Other navigation features offered with safety and convenience in mind include voice-activated navigation that allows drivers to speak commands to the device while their hands stay safely on the wheel, and Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling (requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone sold separately). Smartphone Link, a free mobile app that connects nüviCam with a compatible iPhone or Android smartphone, can also provide real-time data services2, such as live weather radar, to the navigator. Drivers can even pair the nüviCam with the Garmin BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera (sold separately) to see what’s behind their vehicle when they reverse.

To make sure drivers never miss a turn, the nüviCam utilizes Active Lane Guidance, which uses a combination of voice prompts and visual cues to prepare users to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. Up Ahead appears alongside the driving map and constantly informs of nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations and rest areas, and spoken Garmin Real Directions guides drivers like a friend would, using recognizable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights. Additional features included are speed limit warnings, school zone warnings, photoReal Junction View, Bird’s Eye Junction View, and preloaded Foursquare data that adds millions of new and popular points of interest like restaurants, shops and more.

The Garmin nüviCam comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America and free lifetime map updates are included to ensure the most up-to-date maps, points of interest and navigation information is available. This navigator also features HD Digital Traffic4, the best and fastest traffic solution available from Garmin, for the useful life of the device.

The Garmin nüviCam LMTHD is expected to be available in /4/of 2015 with a suggested retail price of $399.99.