If you haven't used a GPS before, you might not realize that after the novelty of your own navigation system wears off, there's something new you can enjoy: the different voices that read your directions to you as you drive along. Some of these voices impersonate celebrities and famed characters from movies and television shows. Even if you don't think they're all that accurate, they can be funny and an interesting way to liven up the normally boring commute to your office in the morning. (Note: for more information on installing voices on your GPS device, check out this About.com article.)
But what are some examples of fun voices to hear? Let's take a look at some you can find out there:
Jean-Luc Picard
Perhaps only the nerdiest amongst us will find this one entertaining, but there's nothing like hearing about "docking procedures" and hearing phrases like "engage" when you want to take a routine trip to the gas station. Sure, the novelty will wear off quickly, but it can be a fun voice to bring out in an other wise dull day. This won't be nearly as fun for the non-Star Trek fan, but if you can't with it, maybe you can deign to laugh at it.
David Hasselhoff
NavTones.com is advertising its David Hasselhoff voice for the GPS, and given Hasselhoff's odd status as a sort of strange icon, you may find it entertaining to hear him give you directions as you travel to the park. You will definitely want to avoid "drunk David Hasselhoff," however, should you ever come across it.
Mr. T
Is there any actor out there today who is iconic as Mr. T? If there was, they would probably go by a single letter instead of a name, as well. And since T always has to be respected with the "Mister" in front of his name, there are few celebrities who are more suited for giving you directions than the tough-talking T. His catch phrases are well-established already in the cultural lexicon, so it can get old pretty quickly, but you may just find that your face lights up the first time you hear him giving you directions.
Yoda
Yoda's distinct syntax and always-recognizable throaty voice are also great fun, especially if you've never been much of a Star Trek fan. The Star Wars franchise is perhaps the most recognizable of all movie franchises, so this one is entertaining for a lot of people. While not everyone might be entertained by your David Hasselhoff GPS voice, the Yoda voice makes much more sense as a funny way to receive directions and is also fun for the kids who've never heard of the Hoff.
Burt Reynolds
Why not? Burt Reynolds is best known as a movie star from the 1970s, but that doesn't mean it won't be funny to hear him giving you driving directions in 2010. You might also recall a Norm MacDonald impression of Burt that made it funny to talk like Burt Reynolds. Plus, with everyone else doing Yoda, you may just find that your less-than-totally recognizable Burt Reynolds GPS voice has a little more subtlety to it.
Of course, in the world of GPS voices, cheap knock-offs are frequent, but that can often be part of their charm. Hearing a bad imitation of Yoda, for example, makes it funnier for adults while kids might not notice the difference quite as much. Hopefully your GPS device's funny voice can brighten your day a little bit, even if you're not too happy about your destination! And remember: just because your GPS is entertaining you doesn't mean you get to stop being a responsible driver.