5 CONVENIENT TECH FEATURES YOUWANT IN YOUR VEHICLE.
Technology has dramatically changed the way people live, and has increasingly changed how they drive as well. While power windows were once coveted as hightech features, the sophisticated technology available in modern cars and trucks can make earlier tech seem like child's play.
Whilesomevehicletechnology is designed to keep you safe, other tech is all about comfort and convenience. The following are five options to considerwhen purchasing your next vehicle.
1. Telematics: Telematics is a system that can remotely monitor many components of a vehicle's diagnostics and driver behavior. While this telecommunications technology already is implemented in delivery, towing and public transportation industries, it canbe utilized in theprivate market to track live weather conditions, traffic, parking lot information, fuelconsumption and battery power.
2. Cooled seats: While most driversarefamiliarwithheated seats,manyvehiclesnowcome equipped with cooled seats as well. These seats can make it more comfortable to drive on hot days and improve air flow in the car as theywork in conjunction with vehicle HVAC systems. Cooled seats can be expensiveand will addweight to a vehicle, so they may be best for heavy sedans, SUVs and light trucks.
3. Wirelessphonecharging: Electronic devices have been going wireless for years, and the newest crop of wireless tech is wireless phone chargers. Theonline tech resource CNET says wireless charging pads have become ubiquitous in offices and homes, but now they're becoming useful tools inside cars. Portable charging pads can plug into the automobile auxiliary power DC outlet. For example, theX-DoriaDefenseHelix wireless car charging mount with RoboGrip has powered “robotic” arms that automatically open when you place your phone near the charger and then clamp shut after you dockit. Wirelesschargingpads are built into vehicles manufactured by Lincoln andMercedes-Benz, andmay soon be standard technology onmore cars and trucks.
4. Apple CarPlay: Mobile phone users tend to fall into twodistinct camps: thosewho prefer iPhones and thosewho rave about Android offerings. Many car manufactures have realized consumers want CarPlay (and AndroidAuto) built standard into their vehicles. These apps allow drivers to access their most-used apps conveniently without an extra learning curve for manufacturer-specificdriverassistapps.
5. Second- and third-row USB ports: USB ports for secondand third-row passengers is essential when moving an SUV full of kids or taking a road tripwith the family.
Various vehicle tech features can improve comfort and convenience in modern cars and trucks.