The Detroit Free Press published an article last month on Auto Infotainment systems, which for the less tech-savvy means the new entertainment systems in current models of vehicles (what was once just a radio). Features in these new systems include voice-activated commands, and integrated features from drivers’ smart phones.
If you’re on the lookout for a new vehicle that includes an infotainment system, here are some tips on what to look for:
– Does the car have bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and streaming audio?
– Does it take just one or two quick commands to perform common tasks such as making a phone call or dictating an address to a navigation system?
– Are the commands easy to remember, like natural speech?
– How quickly does it respond to commands?
– How accurately does it understand commands?
A good thing to remember: A bad system can frustrate you, ultimately increasing your distraction rather than reducing it.