Say “goodbye” to compact disks and “hello” to satellite radio, Pandora internet music, and iPod and smartphone connections. In 2014, auto makers are expanding personal technology by the truckload to their best and brightest models. Here are some highlights:
Hands-free connection: Bluetooth phone systems, voice-activated audio, and short messaging text responses are more available.
Fuel-savings: There are many ways to increase fuel economy, including lighter weight, auto stop engines, and reducing active cylinders when the engine is cruising.
Cameras everywhere: Miniature back-up assist cameras are in many models. Some auto makers are adding side and overhead cameras to help see blind spots.
Lane-centering systems: There are cameras that can send an alert when the vehicle starts to wander out of its lane and gently nudge the car to stay in the center.
Personalized audio systems: Audio systems can be personalized for hands-free access to each family member’s playlists, radio stations, navigation systems, and more. Most are programmable through an app on your smartphone.
Voice-recognition software: Specially designed to identify a user by voice and access internet music or social networks like Twitter while on the road.
Navigation: These never-get-lost systems are continually being updated to include traffic patterns and alerts, weather forecasts, and alternative route details.
Concierge assistance: Services like Onstar, which connect drivers to a real person for directions, reservations, and such, are growing in popularity and now including smartphone apps to help locate your car in a crowded parking lot, or to keep track of your loved ones no matter where they roam.
Rear radar: Rear-pointing cameras and radar have been around for some time, but many models will soon include a radar system that senses approaching cross traffic and automatically applies the brakes without driver input.
Collision avoidance: Many auto makers offer a radar-based safety system that detects collisions ahead of the driver and will instantly apply the brakes to help avoid the crash.
Those are just a few of the new techie tricks on the horizon designed to make vehicles safer, more efficient and highly personalized for everyone in the family to enjoy.
