Figure 50: MSN Direct Traffic Map

Tapping on the Traffic icon from the MSN Direct menu brings up the screen shown above. Here we can see a graphical display of all reported traffic conditions in the area. To view the details of each traffic problem, tap on "Details". If there's a traffic incident in the area, you'll receive an alert. If you have an active route, you can detour around the incident. You also have to ability to see the incident on your map or get more detailed information by hitting the Details button.

Figure 51: MSN Direct Traffic Details

Tapping on details from the Traffic screen shows more detailed information about each traffic event near you, listed in order of closeness. One of the nicer features of MSN Direct's traffic data is that it will actually tell you what the estimated delay of the traffic event will be. On the nuvi 660, the traffic data would simply indicate that there is a traffic problem and ask if you wanted to route around it. This worked relatively well, but you had no way of knowing how severe the problem was, and if it was worth taking a longer, alternate route. With MSN Direct's traffic data, the severity of the event as well as the estimated delay (i.e. 15 minute delay ahead) are indicated.

8. MSN Direct - Weather

Figure 52: MSN Direct Weather

The nuvi 680's real-time weather information is provided by the MSN Direct network. From the MSN Direct menu, tap on Weather to view weather information.

Figure 53: MSN Direct Weather

Tapping on Weather from the MSN menu displays the weather conditions at your current location. You can also view the 3 day forecast, or tap on Other City to view the weather conditions in an alternate location.

Figure 54: MSN Direct Weather, Forecast

The MSN Weather Forecast displays a 3-day forecast of the weather at your current location. The forecast includes the visibility, high/low temperature, and precipitation.

Figure 55: MSN Direct Weather, Other Cities

If you tap on "Other City" from the Weather screen, the nuvi 680 displays the local weather conditions of nearby cities, listed in order of closeness to your current location.

Figure 56: MSN Direct Data - Weather at Destination Address

Another integrated MSN Direct feature shows up when entering a destination address. Once you've successfully entered in an address you want to route to, you'll notice that the nuvi will also display the local weather conditions at that destination. You can even tap on the weather icon and get more detailed weather reports at your destination address.