Advantages of retrofitting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Learn the advantages to retrofitting dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices — including higher resale value for the car
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It’s no stretch to say that the integration and ubiquity of smartphones has changed life as we know it. From communication, navigation, entertainment, and more, smartphones have evolved into powerful tools that enhance our daily routines.
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That is definitely true when it comes to our vehicles, where the demand for seamless connectivity between our smartphones and car’s various diagnostic, directional and infotainment systems has led to the development of dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices — technology designed to extend the functionality of your car’s interactive systems by seamlessly integrating with your smartphone.
If you’re wondering if you should convert your car to utilize these devices, here are some benefits you’ll unlock to enhance your driving experience and keep you connected on the road.
Our favourite Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices
Safety, convenience, enhanced connectivity
Given the constant reminders of the dangers of distracted driving, the main benefit of these devices is that they prioritize safety and convenience. By providing hands-free functionality and voice control features, these systems allow you to stay connected while minimizing distractions. Whether you’re answering calls, sending messages, or adjusting settings, you can do so safely and conveniently without taking your focus away from the road in front of you. Additionally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can display navigation information directly on the dashboard screen, providing a clear path without glancing at your phone.
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Voice control
Voice control is another compelling feature offered by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices. Sometimes playing around with menus and typing is not an option and it’s just easier to ask your phone to get things done for you, right? With voice commands, you can perform a wide range of tasks without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Whether you need to navigate to a specific location, change the music playlist, or dictate a text message, voice control allows you to stay focused on driving while accessing the features of your smartphone.
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Navigation and maps
Navigation and maps are essential tools for any driver — and in this case, they really do take the drive to the next level. By integrating with your smartphone’s GPS and mapping apps, these systems provide visually optimized, real-time navigation and guidance. Whether you prefer Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps, you can enjoy turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and points of interest without relying on a separate GPS device or glancing over at your phone’s tiny display.
Entertainment options
While you won’t be watching that must-see streaming show while driving, these devices offer a wide range of entertainment options to keep you entertained on the road. Whether you enjoy streaming music, podcasts, audiobooks, or radio, these systems provide seamless integration with your favourite entertainment apps. The intuitive controls and a familiar smartphone-like layout make navigating menus and accessing features effortless. With access to services like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and more, you can enjoy your preferred content with superior sound quality and ease of use.
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Software updates and compatibility
One of the significant advantages of these devices is their ability to receive regular software updates and maintain compatibility with the latest smartphones and apps. Many car manufacturers offer dedicated apps that provide additional functionality and connectivity options for dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices. These allow you to access vehicle diagnostics, maintenance reminders, remote start/stop functionality, and more, directly from your car’s dashboard. This ensures that all of your car’s systems and apps remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements, providing a solution that adapts to evolving technology trends. By integrating with these apps, you can enhance the overall driving experience and stay connected with your vehicle at all times.
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Integration with smart home devices
Have you ever left the house and wanted to adjust your thermostat so it’s nice and toasty warm when you get home at the end of a long day? Or maybe you just remembered you didn’t turn off your bedroom light? Having the option to fix that from your car instead of driving all the way home is clutch, indeed. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, the integration of smart home devices with your car’s devices becomes increasingly relevant. With these systems, you can control compatible smart home devices directly from your car’s dashboard, allowing you to adjust thermostats, turn on or off lights, and open or close blinds or garage doors with ease.
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Customization options
Dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices offer a high level of customisation, allowing you to tailor your driving experience to suit your preferences. When converting your car to utilise this tech, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of aftermarket products to suit tastes and budget. Whether you like a minimalist interface flow with essential features or a tricked out ‘gadget head’ setup with additional widgets and apps, a touchscreen display, physical buttons, or a combination of both — you can customise the layout and appearance of your dashboard to create a perfect driving environment that works the way you want it to. Additionally, many aftermarket head units offer advanced features like HD displays, built-in navigation, and support for additional accessories.
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Resale value
Believe it or not, given the right set up you can get some return on investment when you convert to this tech. Upgrading your car to utilize dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices can increase resale value. As these technologies become more prevalent and desirable among car buyers, vehicles equipped with these systems command higher prices on the secondary market. Additionally, the added convenience and functionality provided may justify a higher asking price.
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Cost-effective alternative to buying a new car
The lack of built-in connectivity features may not be the sole purpose for needing a new car, but converting your older vehicle to utilize dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices can be a cost-effective alternative to modernizing your old car, rather than outright purchasing a new car. Aftermarket head units and installation kits are available for a wide range of makes and models, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of modern infotainment technology without breaking the bank.
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Converting your car to utilise Dashboard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay devices offers a multitude of benefits that enhance your driving experience, connectivity, and safety on the road. With enhanced connectivity, voice control, navigation, entertainment, and beyond, these systems provide a seamless integration between your smartphone and car infotainment system. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve or a safety-conscious driver seeking a hands-free solution, these devices are a worthwhile investment that deliver unparalleled convenience and functionality behind the wheel.
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