Bluetooth is a standard ‘language’ adopted by electronics manufacturers which allows their devices to communicate wirelessly with one another. Using radio frequencies, Bluetooth allows your MP3 player, cell phone, PDA, laptop and other gadgets to link with one another after a ‘pairing’ procedure- no plugging in required.
After an initial setup through your cellular handset, Bluetooth allows control of your phone with simple voice-activated commands through the car’s stereo system and a built-in microphone. The Bluetooth system is fully wireless and automatic-- so long as the synchronized cellular phone is on board the vehicle.
Bluetooth Streaming Audio: As with mobile phones, carmakers are also tapping into the capabilities of Bluetooth music players. Rather than fussing with CD’s or memory cards, drivers can sync their MP3 player wirelessly with the car’s stereo-- allowing browsing and playback of their music collection as long as the MP3 player is present in the vehicle. There’s no need to plug in or handle the device itself, as functionality is typically maintained using factory audio controls and displays.
Intelligent Key System: Though it sounds like something from the world of science fiction, drivers can now lock, unlock and start their car without the need to handle its key or remote.
With an ‘Intelligent Key’ system on board, all owners need to do is keep a special keyfob in their pocket, purse or briefcase for quick and easy access to their ride.
The special transceiver key has standard push-button controls found on any standard remote, though it also communicates wirelessly with the vehicle it’s assigned to. Once the key and car are within close range of one another, the car can be unlocked with a simple touch on the door handle, and started by pressing the ‘engine start’ button. Drivers needn’t search through their pockets for the remote while it’s cold outside, or while carrying an armful of shopping.
An added bonus, most intelligent key systems even prevent you from locking the keyfob in your car.
Backup Camera: Allowing drivers to see behind them in real time means there’s less chance they’ll crunch some unseen object or vehicle while reversing.
A backup camera enables a wider range of vision than is available by simply turning around. The camera’s image is typically displayed on the car’s navigation screen, though more models are using a smaller, dedicated screen in the dashboard or rearview mirror when a navigation system isn’t present.
Some camera-based parking systems even have an on-screen measuring tool to help drivers manoeuvre their way into tight parking spaces, too. With the latest back-up aids on board, parking mishaps will become a thing of the past. If you’ve ever swapped paint with another car in a parking lot, a backup camera is a feature you’ll want to look into.
After an initial setup through your cellular handset, Bluetooth allows control of your phone with simple voice-activated commands through the car’s stereo system and a built-in microphone. The Bluetooth system is fully wireless and automatic-- so long as the synchronized cellular phone is on board the vehicle.
Bluetooth Streaming Audio: As with mobile phones, carmakers are also tapping into the capabilities of Bluetooth music players. Rather than fussing with CD’s or memory cards, drivers can sync their MP3 player wirelessly with the car’s stereo-- allowing browsing and playback of their music collection as long as the MP3 player is present in the vehicle. There’s no need to plug in or handle the device itself, as functionality is typically maintained using factory audio controls and displays.
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| Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com |
Intelligent Key System: Though it sounds like something from the world of science fiction, drivers can now lock, unlock and start their car without the need to handle its key or remote.
With an ‘Intelligent Key’ system on board, all owners need to do is keep a special keyfob in their pocket, purse or briefcase for quick and easy access to their ride.
The special transceiver key has standard push-button controls found on any standard remote, though it also communicates wirelessly with the vehicle it’s assigned to. Once the key and car are within close range of one another, the car can be unlocked with a simple touch on the door handle, and started by pressing the ‘engine start’ button. Drivers needn’t search through their pockets for the remote while it’s cold outside, or while carrying an armful of shopping.
An added bonus, most intelligent key systems even prevent you from locking the keyfob in your car.
Backup Camera: Allowing drivers to see behind them in real time means there’s less chance they’ll crunch some unseen object or vehicle while reversing.
A backup camera enables a wider range of vision than is available by simply turning around. The camera’s image is typically displayed on the car’s navigation screen, though more models are using a smaller, dedicated screen in the dashboard or rearview mirror when a navigation system isn’t present.
Some camera-based parking systems even have an on-screen measuring tool to help drivers manoeuvre their way into tight parking spaces, too. With the latest back-up aids on board, parking mishaps will become a thing of the past. If you’ve ever swapped paint with another car in a parking lot, a backup camera is a feature you’ll want to look into.