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Infotainment systems do more than just play music as you rev up your latest set of wheels. Akanksha Maker lists the popular ones on the market.
Latest automobile inotainment systems
While the drivability of your vehicle is important, automobile manufacturers have understood the importance of a good infotainment system too. The car you drive is your very own entertainment cocoon; and the right music and ambience can make even the longest journey an enjoyable breeze. Here is a list of some of the latest technology built into the newest wheels on the road in India.
CHEVROLET CRUZE — MYLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The new Chevrolet Cruze comes equipped with MyLink Infotainment System that claims to change the way you speak to your car. The system can be synced to your mobile phone through Bluetooth technology, which lets you answer and make calls, and stream music from it, without having to look at the device. To further ensure that you focus on the drive, the “Text to Speech” functionality converts your text messages to voice (the phone’s software must support this feature though). There is also a USB Connectivity feature that allows USB drives to play music in the vehicle. Siri Eyes Free mode for iPhones takes convenience to the next level by allowing you to compose text messages and access notiÀcations without really using your smartphone. This is possible by pressing down on a button on the car’s steering wheel to activate Siri. The Enhanced Voice Recognition system also allows you to give your Cruze simple voice commands to play music of choice, access Àles within your smartphone, and make or take phone calls. Other features include automatic door locks and frequent warning signs that ensure safety when driving/parking. chevrolet.co.in
FORD ENDEAVOUR — SYNC 2
The latest Ford Endeavour is in-built with a large range of “intuitive and practical” technologies that add an edge to this beast. It makes sure your drive is not just enjoyable, but also smart. Ford’s globally
renowned in-car connectivity technology, SYNC 2 enables you to not just sync your mobile devices to the car (via Bluetooth), but also connect to other data devices via an SD card reader, and audio/video RCA connectors. Easy voice commands can control the infotainment system to even set the right cabin temperature. This advanced system prides itself on an eight-inch touch screen with colour codes that allows simple navigation between phone (yellow), climate (blue), entertainment (red) and navigation/ information (green). SYNC 2 lets you customise diͿerent aspects of your infotainment system too, such as speech, commands and wallpaper. There is also a “Àrst-in-class” ten-speaker sound system that comes integrated with a subwoofer and prides itself on high quality bass and accurate sound reproduction. india.ford.com
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS — COMAND ONLINE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM
The COMAND Online multimedia system oͿers excellent, hard-disc based navigation guidance by using top quality topographical 3D map display. This high-end system can be accessed via voice control thanks to LINGUATRONIC that allows navigation, music search, voice calls and control of Mercedes-Benz apps. When the car is stationary, the system allows you to access websites and MercedesBenz apps when on the go. A seamless Bluetooth connection allows you to be “hands-free” with the text message reading function. You can stream music and use all multimedia functions too without losing focus on your drive. There is also an 80GB hard disc, two USB ports, and one SD card slot in the control panel that is equipped with an advanced ergonomic touchpad with a rotary controller. Being a long saloon, Burmester sound system ampliÀes sound in the interiors. It is equipped with 24 speakers that give a total output of up to 1,540 watts providing unparalleled sound experience. mercedes-benz.co.in
HYUNDAI ELANTRA — AUDIO VIDEO NAVIGATION SYSTEM
The brand new Hyundai Elantra comes with an advanced Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system that features an 8.0 high-deÀnition touch screen. When the navigation mode is turned on, the screen “constantly updates information on road conditions, trac and detours so that one can readily avoid delays when on the road”. The rear view camera
oͿers improved visibility, making parking and reversing a breeze. The system, once synced with your smartphone, allows you to access and use its applications and voice controlled search capabilities. This is the Àrst time that Hyundai Elantra has collaborated with Arkamys, a software and audio signal processor, to create a “smart surround system”. The car is equipped with six high performing speakers that promise to deliver a crisp music experience making sure you are entertained on the go. hyundai.com/in
BMW 7 SERIES — IDRIVE
The latest BMW 7 Series comes with an intuitive technology called iDrive. It has a control display and controller (dial on the central console) that can be used with one hand, without taking your eyes oͿ the road. The four most frequently used functions (media, radio, telephone and navigation) have assigned buttons around the controller. The futuristic system also has Gesture Control that recognises six pre-deÀned hand movements for volume control and answering or rejecting of phone calls to name a few. It also features BMW Touch Command, an innovative system Àtted into a seven-inch tablet designed for the rear passengers to control entertainment and comfort options. You can use iDrive’s Navigation System Professional that oͿers a 3D design combined with a glare-free display that adjusts itself to the cabin’s brightness. The innovations don’t end here — the BMW Remote Control Parking and BMW Display Key can allow you to park your car in a tight space, without even being inside it The cabin experience is one of a kind too; the Bowers Wilkins Diamond surround system with 16 speakers (optional feature available at an additional cost) has a total output of 1,400 watts. bmw.in
AUDI A, Q AND PERFORMANCE RANGES — MULTI MEDIA INTERFACE NAVIGATION PLUS
The Multi Media Interface Navigation Plus with MMI touch in most of Audi’s top range models comprises of a 21cm monitor that spoils you with an array of technological choices. The Audi Voice Dialogue system understands voice commands and also connects to smartphones’ (iOS and Android) voice assistant. There are eight customisable buttons that let you access stored Àles in your phone, including contacts and media, and shue between your favourite radio stations. It has inbuilt Audio Navigation that merges with the MMI to provide an advanced and accurate navigational system (a part of Audi Genuine Accessories — this feature can
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