What’s up with all the new tech in the car? It’s like a space shuttle in here!

What are some the the newer “bells & whistles” that may be available on newer vehicles?  It used be called a “feature” when the car had power mirrors and cruise control- we’ve come a long way since those days.  Some of these newer features have been around for a bit, but unless you’ve been #CarShopping in the last couple of years, you may not have heard about them.  The cabin technology available to the driver in a newer model vehicle makes the computing power of the moon lander seem like a horse & buggy.

Bluetooth Audio

This is the extension of the technology that lets you walk around with that thing in your ear, making everyone else think you’re talking to yourself, when you’re really ordering a pizza.  Of course this tech also lets you order a hands-free pizza from your car, but it also lets you play music from your phone or other device through the car’s audio system.  You can keep all your playlists, podcasts, and songs with you all the time, and they sound amazing!  Is it worth it?  My vote is a resounding YES!  In a few years from now, a car without this feature will seem like a car without a radio or air conditioning.

Integration of smartphone apps

If you’re like me, you love your apps! Why not access them from the media center?  Control Pandora from your dashboard, or maybe check a movie time or make a dinner reservation. Is it worth it?  Are you a tech geek? How could you even ask this question?  If you’re not, remember that if you have Bluetooth Audio, you can still stream that Pandora to the radio, you just need to control it from the phone.

Text to speech tech

If you work from your vehicle and do business while traveling, this is a feature to keep your eye on.  Wouldn’t it be great if your car could read your text messages to you? Is it worth it? If you have any inkling that distracted driving is wrong, it is worth it.  On the up side, this usually comes bundled with other features, but it also is available as an app if your car has Bluetooth Audio

Mobile Wi-Fi

Your vehicle is a hot-spot.  Another must have if you work on the go, or maybe have a carpool full of people with laptops.  Is it worth it? This could be a lifesaver during the family vacation, long trips to grandma’s, or just waiting in the van while Dad is shopping…

Why am I bringing this up now?  Because I know that you’ve been shopping for that perfect gift, & I think it should be a tech-amazing new car for that favorite person in your life.  Start your shopping at www.wowwoodys.com & compare about 1000 new & used vehicles from the 10 acre megalot.  It’s surely easier that going to the mall this time of year- just sayin’.