The Computer Electronics Show (CES) is underway, and the first navigation item to hit the wires is this: the Garmin Voice Studio.

The software enables Nuvi owners to record their own voice for basic navigation instructions. Garmin says the PC-based application will take about 20 minutes to complete, but when you're done you can tell yourself when to turn instead of that computer generated voice that dominates directions. While the program will allow you to voice directions like "turn right in one quarter mile" but for obvious reasons you won't be able to voice text-to-speech for specific directions like reading street names. Additionally, Garmin is releasing an ecoRoute cable that ties into your vehicles ECU to help you tread lighter on the gas pedal and record the results. Engadget tells us that both programs will not work for 3xx and 6xx series navigation systems, but other Garmins should work just fine.

We're guessing that the more creative types among us will find some unique ways to voice directions including some stuff that wouldn't pass FCC guidelines. Borrowing someone else's Garmin long enough to program your own unique version of directions could be a lot of fun, too, but that could get you into a bit of trouble. Press release after the break.


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