Microsoft MSN Direct One-Time Payment Subscription (Service Non-transferable)

Other products by MSN Direct

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 6 inches ; 2.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001M8N8D0
• Item model number: subscription pre-paid card
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #78 in

  Electronics > GPS & Navigation > GPS Mapping Software

• Date first available at Amazon.com: December 16, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Get more out of your GPS navigation device with a one-time payment for a subscription to MSN Direct (some restrictions apply*), which offers up-to-date traffic, current gas prices, weather, news, stocks, local events, movie information, and Send to GPS using Live Search Maps--all sent wirelessly to your navigation device. MSN Direct now provides three times more traffic coverage and has also added flight status information and Doppler weather maps. And it's a great way to reduce commute time and gas costs by intelligently routing you to where you need to be and helping you avoid sitting in traffic. (Learn about activation and compatible devices below.)

With the addition of Doppler weather maps, you can see up-to-date images of the precipitation type (such as rain, snow or a mix) and intensity. Based on the information you provide, you can alter your travel plans to select the route in which you'd be least likely to encounter weather delays. And by providing flight status information, MSN Direct can help you avoid some of the frustrations associated with air travel. For example, you can easily check the status of a friend's incoming flight while on the way to the airport. Armed with knowledge of the flight's delayed arrival, you can then change course, check traffic conditions and tend to the rest of your errands about town.

The MSN Direct service requires use of an MSN Direct receiver that's either included with your navigation device or sold separately.

* Restrictions apply as described for the One-Time Payment Plan at www.msndirect.com/pricing.aspx.

Model	Free Service Trial Period	MSN Direct Receiver
Garmin nüvi 680 Nextar Q4-MD	12 Months	Included with device purchase
Garmin nüvi 285WT, 780, 785T, 880, 885T Pioneer AVIC-F500BT (on dash), AVIC-F900BT (in dash), AVIC-F90BT (in dash) Alpine PND-K3msn	3 Months	Included with device purchase
Garmin nüvi 750, 755T, 760, 765T, 770, 775T, 850, 855, 860, 5000	None	GDB 50 receiver (sold separately**)
Garmin nüvi 205, 205W, 255, 255W, 265T, 265WT, 275T, 500, 550, 1200, 1250, 1260T, 1300, 1350, 1370T, 1390T	None	GDB 55 receiver (sold separately**)

** The MSN Direct Receiver accessory when sold separately includes 12 months of service.

Get a comprehensive detail of traffic speed and flow during your commute.

Stay on top of current weather conditions and see where the roads will be slick with Doppler weather maps.

Make sure the flight's on time for the quickest pick up.

Compare local gas prices and find your way to savings.

Traffic Reports
With an MSN Direct connected device, you can take the pain out of most traffic headaches--traffic speed, construction, accidents, closed roads and more--so you'll be confident you're taking the fastest route anywhere you go. Covering many roads in the US and Canada, you can plan your route ahead of time, and re-route on the fly based on changing traffic and road conditions. Don't get trapped unexpectedly again.

Weather
Glance at current conditions and three-day forecasts for major cities in your area and see weather for many cities across the US and Canada (and the world). View today's high/low temps, chances of precipitation, and more. Plan ahead with MSN Direct whether you're travelling, or just trying to decide if you need an umbrella, parka, or sunscreen.

Doppler Weather Maps
See animated Doppler Weather Maps on your device. These will show current precipitation type (Rain/Mix/Snow) and intensity images for your area, how it has been changing, and can help you plan accordingly for your road trip.

Gas Prices
These days, saving 30 cents a gallon can make a big difference. Whether you're in your hometown, or in a rental car and late to the airport, you'll be able to find up-to-date fuel prices at many stations across the US. If you have a brand favorite, tight budget or need to know how far to go to fuel up, MSN Direct will help you.

Send to GPS
Did you know you can use MSN Direct before ever leaving the comfort of your home or office? With Live Search Maps and Send to GPS, you can build an itinerary with a list of destinations, send them wirelessly to your GPS, and pull them up whenever you need them. Get the address, phone number and fastest route without ever pulling over to the side of the road. Visit our Send to GPS page for more details.

Local Events
Spontaneous? Want to impress your date? Just looking for something to do? Local Events are available in many cities in the US, so you can see what's happening in the area (whether your area is at home or in a new city), and sort by the events that interest you most. MSN Direct can help you find something to fill your free time.

Movie Times
Find theaters playing the movie you want to see, see what's playing on your favorite screens, check show times, and get movie descriptions with MSN Direct (available in the US and Canada). Be a hero and plan an evening out (or take a much-needed break from the kids, work, shopping, you name it) with movie info on-the-go.

News Headlines
Know what's going on in the world without waiting for the radio news, or picking up a paper and see major headlines and breaking news alerts at a glance. Stay informed fast and ink-free.

Stock Quotes
Are you a day-trader who wants to stay on top of the latest on Wall Street? With over 900 stocks and indices to choose from, you can add and scroll through your favorite stocks, and see regularly updated prices and daily changes. Touch a stock on your list and see daily highs, lows, and trading volume. Keep an eye on your portfolio while you're on the go.

Flight Status
Want to check your flight's status before heading to the airport? Receive up-to-date status and schedules for flights arriving to and departing from your local airports.

Easy Activation
To redeem your MSN Direct One-Time Payment Navigation Service Subscription Card:

1. Go to msndirect.com/prepaid.
2. Enter the MSN Direct product key for your GPS device (refer to your manual for the location of the product key for your device).
3. When prompted, enter the One-time Navigation Service Subscription code noted below.
4. Follow the instructions to complete sign-up.

Supported Devices

GPS Brand & Model	Gas Prices	Traffic Incidents	Traffic Flow	Weather	Movie Times	Local Events	News	Stocks	Send to GPS	Doppler Weather Maps	Flight Status
Garmin nüvi 680
Garmin nüvi 750
Garmin nüvi 760
Garmin nüvi 770
Garmin nüvi 780
Garmin 785WT
Garmin nüvi 850
Garmin nüvi 860
Garmin nüvi 880
Garmin nüvi 5000
Garmin nüvi 205
Garmin nüvi 205W
Garmin nüvi 255
Garmin nüvi 255W
Garmin nüvi 285WT
Pioneer AVIC-F900BT (in-dash)
Pioneer AVIC-F90BT (in-dash)
Pioneer AVIC-F500BT (on-dash)
Alpine PND-K3msn
Streets and Trips

More about MSN Direct
Service is not transferable to a new owner if you sell or give away the device, and  may not be transferred to a different device. Service is not guaranteed after January 1, 2014. Not valid for purchase or resale if activated. This subscription card and code will not be replaced by Microsoft or by the retailer if it is lost or stolen, and cannot be redeemed for cash. The subscription card is also non-refundable and valid for MSN Direct-enabled GPS devices only. Some MSN Direct-enabled GPS systems only receive traffic, weather, gas prices, and movie information. All services are available in the US and Canada, except gas prices and local events are US only. Not all services are available in all areas. For more details on navigation systems and unavailable services, visit msndirect.com. This subscription code can only be redeemed once. Subscription code only valid within the US. Service available only within MSN Direct coverage areas. See msndirect.com/coverage for coverage details. You must accept the subscription agreement at msndirect.com. Additional details may apply. Visit msndirect.com. Microsoft, MSN, and the MSN logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Product Description

One-time navigation service subscription card to MSN Direct for up-to-date traffic information sent to your GPS navigation devices. Restrictions apply as described for the One-Time Payment Plan at www .msndirect. com / pricing. aspx.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading [dishonest?] product labeling, May 24, 2009

By	Dr. Rocket (Roswell, GA United States) - See all my reviews

MSN Direct is pulling a fast one. This is sold as a "One-Time Payment Subscription," but upon activation it is then called a "5-year Service Plan." Seems like a dishonest switch to me. Why isn't it called a 5-year service plan up-front, before purchase?

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Transient in IT product evolution?, June 4, 2009

By	Joz (San Diego) - See all my reviews

When I had the service, it's handy but not without flaws. The gas price only included Regular, and it routed me once to a place with no station at all. If you cross one geographic region to another, it can take half an hour for the data to populate the new region, by which time I was heading back and had to wait for the signal of my home region.

The biggest reason I didn't renew after over one year's subscription is that I can find most of the info on my smart phone. For traffic info, I think Google Maps is more accurate in my experience. Among the few things I miss is the rerouting based on traffic condition. Then again, I'm hopeful someone will come up with an app doing just that.

Moreover, I read that the service is tied to the device's lifetime. With rapid obsolescence of electronics, likely accidents of portable devices, and $99 NavTeq map update price tag, how long will I be using my Garmin?

This service needs to be uncoupled from individual hardware box, and differentiate from Live Search (MS' own), Google Maps, and various iPhone apps to prove value and survive.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it if...., April 30, 2009

By	D. Woerner "Michigan D's" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you live or travel to a busy area it's great for the traffic updates.
We love the weather and movies options. It will locate movie theaters and not only give their time but reviews! It does do a whole lot and we enjoy the first free 90 days and then upgraded to the full lifetime.