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Bluetooth Technology In Your Car

Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices have been available to the public for years. The technology continues to develop, making these tools more powerful and providing their users with expanding flexibility. When the technology was first introduced, it was primarily focused upon relieving workspaces of the multiple cables used to connect computer components. Today, the standard is used to create wireless connections between PDAs, cell phones, car stereos, and a host of other gadgets. Below, we’ll explore how Bluetooth is integrated within cars. Plus, I’ll explain how the technology will likely become more widespread due to driver safety legislation.

Compatibility Standards

In 1998, Ericsson led a group of companies (including IBM, Nokia, and Intel) to develop standards for the technology. Today, over 4,000 companies are members of that group. As long as each company’s electronic components support Bluetooth compatibility standards, those components will be able to communicate with each other without requiring a wired connection. There’s no monthly service charge or subscription premiums to pay for the service. Each component simply needs the appropriate chip.

Driver Safety Laws

Due to an increasing number of traffic accidents related to cell phone usage, new driver safety laws are emerging. State and federal governments have been aggressively pursuing legislation to limit the use of cell phones on the road. Bluetooth-enabled phones and vehicles are perfectly positioned to provide drivers with the convenience of taking calls while complying with the law.

Incoming and outgoing calls can be routed through vehicles’ stereo systems. The driver doesn’t have to handle a cell phone at all; instead, they can talk freely without using their hands. New vehicles are often equipped with Bluetooth capabilities at the factory. If you’re thinking of buying a new car, the option will only cost a few extra hundred dollars.

Aftermarket Installation

A lot of car manufacturers have been slow to incorporate the technology within their vehicles. And many of the automakers who do include the option at the factory don’t do so for their entire inventory. If you’ve purchased a new or used vehicle that isn’t equipped with this feature, you can have an aftermarket installation done. Companies such as Motorola sell kits that can be installed for less than $300. Also, ask your wireless provider whether your cell phone has Bluetooth capabilities. If it doesn’t, buying an in-car aftermarket kit won’t do much good.

As more states adopt laws that prohibit motorists from using their cell phones while driving, having the ability to talk hands-free will become more important. The key thing to remember is that it’s easy to have your car equipped with this functionality, even if you’re driving an older model. It may cost a few hundred dollars, but the convenience is worth the price.

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Introduction To Car GPS Navigation

Years ago, millions of motorists experienced the misfortune of getting lost. They’d have to pull over and either ask somebody for directions or refer to their always-handy Thomas Guide. It was inconvenient, but a lot of drivers actually found a small bit of pleasure in solving the puzzle and getting back on the road. Those days are becoming increasingly rare, however. Car manufacturers are now outfitting a greater portion of their vehicle inventories with GPS navigation systems. Armed with these tools, drivers rarely, if ever, have to worry about getting lost.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at these units. I’ll explain how they work, how to find the right model for your needs, and offer a few reputable brands to get you started.

How They Work

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. During the 1970′s, the U.S. government developed the technology for the military. A few short decades later, the technology has been expanded to include cars, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles in the public space.

The system uses a network of satellites (there are at least 24 of them) which rotate around the earth. The GPS unit in your car is merely a receiver for the signals sent by these satellites. Your vehicle’s position is identified by the amount of time it takes for the satellites’ signals to reach your receiver. One signal doesn’t help much. But, once 4 signals from 4 satellites have been received, your GPS unit can reliably calculate your car’s position. From that point, mapping directions is simple.

Shopping For The Right Model

If you’ve looked for them online, you’ll have noticed that there are a lot of options and brands, and prices can range from $100 to over $1,000. Which model should you choose? First, you should identify the type of driving you do, the amount of time you spend in unfamiliar territory, and your budget (or course). Also, consider that some models can be detached easily from your car’s dashboard. If it’s small enough, it can serve as a ideal navigational device to take with you while hiking.

Reputable Brands

There are dozens of companies that sell GPS devices; some are popular while others are relatively unknown. Notable brands include industry titans Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom, and Sony. Each of these companies produces a wide inventory of models with varying flexibility to suit different budgets. For example, the Garmin Nuvi 200 sells for a budget-friendly $200 while their voice-activated Nuvi 880 retails for $800.

If you spend very little time driving to new destinations, buying a GPS device may not be necessary. But, for drivers who are weary of getting lost on the road, the investment is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

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