By: Micah Muzio, Managing Editor, Kelley Blue Book
What is “infotainment”? Infotainment is an umbrella term (combining the words information and entertainment) used to describe in-vehicle systems that bundle navigation, music and radio playback, phone connectivity, satellite fed information service including gas prices, traffic and movie times, automatic emergency crash notification, and various other related features.
Enjoy the touch screen advantage. The cornerstone of most infotainment systems is the touch screen. By replacing physical buttons with a screen that only shows the information you need when you need it, car designers are able to create less cluttered, more attractive interiors. The best infotainment systems place the screen within easy reach of the driver, feature big, unambiguous icons, react quickly to user inputs, and display information clearly enough that selections can be made with just a quick glance.
Access your smartphone. Given the sheer usefulness of smartphones, it’s easy to see why a majority of Americans now own them. With a simple USB cable it’s possible to connect your smartphone to a vehicle’s infotainment system, providing access to your favorite music and apps. Another technology called Bluetooth is also commonly used to create a wireless connection, enabling hands free phone calls and wireless music streaming. The ease of establishing a Bluetooth connection varies from system to system, so try before you buy. Remember, many states have outlawed hand-held phone calls in the car, so a good Bluetooth connection could save you from an expensive ticket.
Stay connected. In addition to sports scores, movie times, gas prices and traffic information fed to the car via satellite, many infotainment systems can automatically contact the authorities if you need assistance or have been in an accident. These are great features but be sure to verify how they work. Most require a subscription fee and some rely on your phone to call the authorities, making it especially important to ensure your phone is connected every time you drive.
Minimize distraction. In-vehicle distraction is a hot issue. One way car makers are trying to minimize driver distraction is with advanced voice recognition systems that help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. As cool as it is to control radio, phone and other functions with your words, some voice recognition systems work better than others. Before a test drive, don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson to both demonstrate the voice recognition system and show you how to use it too.
What to look for in an infotainment system
Infotainment systems are available in most new cars, but what exactly is an infotainment system and what can it do for you?What is “infotainment”? Infotainment is an umbrella term (combining the words information and entertainment) used to describe in-vehicle systems that bundle navigation, music and radio playback, phone connectivity, satellite fed information service including gas prices, traffic and movie times, automatic emergency crash notification, and various other related features.
Enjoy the touch screen advantage. The cornerstone of most infotainment systems is the touch screen. By replacing physical buttons with a screen that only shows the information you need when you need it, car designers are able to create less cluttered, more attractive interiors. The best infotainment systems place the screen within easy reach of the driver, feature big, unambiguous icons, react quickly to user inputs, and display information clearly enough that selections can be made with just a quick glance.
Access your smartphone. Given the sheer usefulness of smartphones, it’s easy to see why a majority of Americans now own them. With a simple USB cable it’s possible to connect your smartphone to a vehicle’s infotainment system, providing access to your favorite music and apps. Another technology called Bluetooth is also commonly used to create a wireless connection, enabling hands free phone calls and wireless music streaming. The ease of establishing a Bluetooth connection varies from system to system, so try before you buy. Remember, many states have outlawed hand-held phone calls in the car, so a good Bluetooth connection could save you from an expensive ticket.
Stay connected. In addition to sports scores, movie times, gas prices and traffic information fed to the car via satellite, many infotainment systems can automatically contact the authorities if you need assistance or have been in an accident. These are great features but be sure to verify how they work. Most require a subscription fee and some rely on your phone to call the authorities, making it especially important to ensure your phone is connected every time you drive.
Minimize distraction. In-vehicle distraction is a hot issue. One way car makers are trying to minimize driver distraction is with advanced voice recognition systems that help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. As cool as it is to control radio, phone and other functions with your words, some voice recognition systems work better than others. Before a test drive, don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson to both demonstrate the voice recognition system and show you how to use it too.