KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL AND EYES ON THE ROAD WITH THESE POWER USER TIPS TO SHIFT YOUR IN-CAR APP USAGE UP A GEAR.

USING YOUR VOICE TO PLAY MEDIA, GIVE YOU DIRECTIONS OR CALL A CONTACT MEANS YOU NEVER HAVE TO TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD OR YOUR HANDS OFF THE WHEEL.

VOICE ACTIVATION

Using your voice to play media, give you directions or call a contact means you never have to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Some of the better offerings here will offer specific command activation (like ‘hey Google’) allowing you to control your smartphone without ever touching it.

GPS DISPLAY

Sat nav devices were once far superior to the smartphone direction offerings because they streamlined the interface, making it was easier to see important information and less distracting on the whole. Many in-car mapping apps these days actually simplify mapping software to mimic the easy navigation offered by the best sat navs.

CONNECTED MEDIA

There’s a wide variety of sources for streaming audio, podcasts, radio or audiobooks. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support most of the popular ones, including Audible, Spotify and Amazon Music. However, only Android Auto supports the popular local podcast app Pocket Casts. It’s worth checking compatibility before you commit to either option.

BLUETOOTH AUTOMATION

Some of the better in-car apps will allow you to automatically launch and close the driving app when it’s paired with a specific in-car Bluetooth audio receiver. This is a handy feature to set up if you can.

READ NOTIFICATIONS

It would be rather dangerous to read texts while you’re driving, but Android Auto will notify you if one of your contacts messages you and will offer to read the message aloud.

SYNC WITH CAR SCREEN

There are a number of car manufacturers that are integrating Android Auto and CarPlay into the stereo system. Apple’s app, though, has to be used in conjunction with a compatible CarPlay head unit. If you can, connect your app to the unit to gain access to a bigger screen and conveniently-placed buttons.

3RD PARTY MAPS

If you want to use a different app other than the default one supplied by the in-car app you’re using, both the Android and Apple offerings are now compatible with third-party navigation software.