More than ever, today’s driver uses their ride as a personal listening space, a mobile office and a place to keep updated and in touch with the contacts and information that matter most to them on the go. Today’s driver demands to be connected at all times, and more automakers than ever are offering advanced ‘infotainment’ systems at lower price-points as a result.
In simple terms, an infotainment system is a central hub that combines navigation, communication, music playback and other informative functionalities into a single interface. Some systems can display weather forecasts or check flight statuses or movie listings from the dashboard. Others respond with virtually seamless precision to your voice. Some attempt to replicate the interface you use on your Smartphone or tablet.
From simple to leading-edge, here’s a look at some infotainment systems available today that stand out, how they work, and why you should take one for a test-drive.
Honda
Honda’s infotainment interface isn’t the flashiest or most advanced on the market, though it works well thanks to its simplicity and straightforwardness. Voice command makes finding your favorite radio station, pizza joint or cell-phone contact easy, and the pairing procedure to link the system with your Smartphone is simple. The experience offered by Honda’s infotainment system is not overwhelmingly high-tech, but remains highly functional.
Voice commands can be used to manipulate the climate control on some models, and the system is even able to read incoming text messages out loud, reducing distraction. Redundant steering-wheel controls add additional convenience, too. Ultimately, Honda’s infotainment interface is ideal for the apprehensively tech-savvy driver.
In simple terms, an infotainment system is a central hub that combines navigation, communication, music playback and other informative functionalities into a single interface. Some systems can display weather forecasts or check flight statuses or movie listings from the dashboard. Others respond with virtually seamless precision to your voice. Some attempt to replicate the interface you use on your Smartphone or tablet.
From simple to leading-edge, here’s a look at some infotainment systems available today that stand out, how they work, and why you should take one for a test-drive.
Honda
Honda’s infotainment interface isn’t the flashiest or most advanced on the market, though it works well thanks to its simplicity and straightforwardness. Voice command makes finding your favorite radio station, pizza joint or cell-phone contact easy, and the pairing procedure to link the system with your Smartphone is simple. The experience offered by Honda’s infotainment system is not overwhelmingly high-tech, but remains highly functional.
Voice commands can be used to manipulate the climate control on some models, and the system is even able to read incoming text messages out loud, reducing distraction. Redundant steering-wheel controls add additional convenience, too. Ultimately, Honda’s infotainment interface is ideal for the apprehensively tech-savvy driver.
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| Photo: Honda |