I am currently subscribed to XM NavTraffic in hopes that it would assist me with getting around the San Francisco Bay Area. Since I've had the car, I have never once heard a verbal announcement of any incidents/congestion/construction/etc. When I pull up the Traffic Info screen, it does display incidences fairly accurately but why aren't I getting verbal notification. It also does not reroute me or ask if I want to detour around traffic. I have checked all of my settings in the menus and everything is turned on and am getting good signal from XM.

The Bay Bridge was closed this weekend. I had my nav turned on and even though XM was reporting that the bridge was closed, it still wanted me to go over it. When I looked for a detour, it said there were no detours found, even though I know there are other major detours available.

Has anyone had this happen to them? I went to the XM website and looked up NavTraffic availability. It actually does not list the 2011 G37 Sedan as being equipped?

Another thing, when using the "Speak" function and saying "Traffic Information", it just toggles it to on/off. Seems like it should display the traffic info screen.

 

What year is your car?

 

XM NavTraffic = ABSOLUTELY USELESS!

Aside from the EXTREMELY limited markets, the road coverage within the markets they "cover" is EXTREMELY limited... even further aside from being updated in any kind of timely manner, or even with any degree of accuracy!

I ***REALLY*** wish Infiniti would just slap in an FM traffic receiver, rather than requiring us to pay for a sub-standard service. What's sad is that FM road reporting is standardized and FREE. It's what Google Maps feeds into their system for traffic reporting, to which NavTraffic doesn't hold a candle.

Better yet, power our cars with Android and call it a day... I'd much rather pay for a limited data connection that is subsidized like in the Nooks/Kindles than for a system that just doesn't work!

 

I disagree. One day for grin and giggles I turned on voice guidance to get to work. To my surprise, an XM traffic update said severe traffic ahead 3 miles ahead suggested an alternate route. I took the alternate route.

When I got to work, a coworker who lives in the same area had asked if I had seen the accident. I said I avoided the issue by going around the area. So surprisingly it does work.

If it shows on google maps or any other traffic service, it will show on xm nav traffic. They all use the same supply of data.

 

No, they don't... NavTraffic is filtered and fed through their satellites. Google Maps just displays what is available, and there aren't any other "services" to pay for like NavTraffic. It's literally just an open airwave transmission. Hence why the Microsoft service took a nose-dive so rapidly and has been abandoned, after a number of GPS manufacturers began offering it. You can't compete with free unless you provide a truly compelling service.

I've had NavTraffic (Nissan & Infiniti) to test side-by-side with Google Maps and the ilk since the fall of 2007. It's a crapshoot @ best. Some cities may be better than others, but outside of their "markets," there is ZERO coverage... I can get road reports in West Virginia via Google Maps or any other FM Traffic/Safety receiver. The closest I can get *anything* from XM is Frederick, MD or Pittsburgh, PA.

It may suit you fine for your market, but that doesn't mean the rest of us aren't left out in the cold... but then again, one would hope that the area surrounding our nation's capital would have decent coverage; but it doesn't!

 

It does say selected markets on xm nav traffic. My market is supported ny area. I can verify the same information that shows on xm nav traffic shows on other traffic reporting website and google maps.

So when you say xm nav traffic is filtered, it's filtered only for supported markets I suppose. Maybe it's not the greatest, but I have a phone gps app as a backup.

 

I95 and I295 both go into the beltway around DC roughly parallel and separated by only a few miles... both are major through-ways.

XM: I95's coverage is iffy, I295 is non-existent.

Google Maps: Complete for both.

It's not filtered for markets... it's filtered for as little bandwidth as they can get by allocating to the service. Just like the virtually non-existent activation windows... In 2007, you got a 24 hour window for the signal to be sent... Now, 30 minutes. Why? Over-allocation of limited bandwidth capacity in their satellites.

And yeah, I've got a pair of Android phones that I could run Maps on... Heck, back in '97 I used to spin around with a copy of StreetMaps USA and a Garmin GPS hanging off a serial cable to my laptop.

But the fact of the matter is, why should we need a backup to a premium service that provides less than we can get for free elsewhere???

If only I knew who to complain to incessantly and make product recommendations @ Infiniti!

 

I'm not always in my car and at times I need a phone GPS. Phone GPS only depend on getting a cell phone signal.

I don't have the problems you describe, I guess it depends on the area. It would seem the ny area would be ripe for filtering though.

 

this xm nav traffic is ok in my area, use it quite a bit for my commutes however their new renewal prices of $300 a year for it is def a major FAIL..

 

I guess I won't be renewing it when the time comes... Maybe I'll get a Galaxy Note and hard-wire it in?

 

it works in LA, but im 100% always in traffic during my 100 mile a day commute =P

 

If it really worked for me, it would simply tell me to stay home. Traffic is ugly every day....

I've had no use for the NAV Traffic nor NAV Weather (it's warnings seem to get announced at weird times...like the NEXT DAY!)

I'm warming up a bit to the music portion - but not sure I'd renew after the trial ends...

 

100 miles a day? Sheesh, I complain my commute is 36 miles r/t.

 

The nav traffic feature works well for me in the LA area. If nothing else, it lowers my frustration level by letting me know where a congestion or accident area starts, and where the road will open up again. If I know the jam is only for another ½ mile or so, I can just relax and enjoy my music box. The green yellow or red colored lines along freeways also help in keeping me informed.

I’ve also noticed that more freeway sectors are covered today than in past years. There may be some limitations, but overall the system is continuing to improve.

 

^^ agree, nav traffic seems to be working pretty well i the LA area.