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Smartphone entertainment in the car
Many people are used to using smartphones for entertainment and information, which can lead to unsafe phone use while driving. This feature connects cars and phones with a cable, allowing drivers to use their phone applications via the car’s navigation screen.
“By allowing consumers to access their smartphone in the same way they access their car radio and other controls, MirrorLink lets drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” according to MirrorLink.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Wireless charging
Although charging phones, tablets and various devices has long been possible, wireless charging has become a more common desire — and ability. No longer will drivers have to remember to bring the charger nor deal with tangled cords instead of focusing on the road, what with wireless charging mats on the center console: Simply place a smartphone or other device on the map, and it starts charging right away.
“The ability to just drop the handset onto a charging pad is more seamless than fiddling with USB and doesn't leave unsightly cables draped around the cabin,” according to CNET .
“There's just something cool and futuristic about charging your phone without plugging it in. And if you've ever worn out a Micro-USB connection on an older smartphone, you'll definitely appreciate the advantage of a contactless charging solution.”
Keys with pushbutton start
This is a dream come true for anyone who has to drive on cold winter days. While pushbutton start has been a reality from inside a car, the option to start the car with a smart key) means the car can warm up while the driver stays comfortable inside the house or office.
This feature is available currently on some models — or through third party vendors — but is expected to be far more common in 2016 models.
Electric car wireless charging
Electric vehicle drivers can skip the cord with Plugless, a wireless charging mat. Drivers simply place the mat in the garage or parking area, and then pull in over it to immediately start charging.
“Plugless makes charging wireless effortless and fast. Like it should be,” according to the Plugless website. “The first time you use Plugless, you’ll realize what your EV has been missing. After a few days, you’ll forget about charging altogether.”
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Drowsy driver detection
Drowsy drivers are dangerous to themselves and others, so this alert system is great for preventing accidents. One vehicle uses steering angle sensors to get a baseline and determine whether a driver’s behavior is problematic. If so, it makes a sound and flashes a signal on the dashboard.
Another incarnation uses glasses to monitor drivers’ eyelids, and then shows the drowsiness level on a screen as well as having a staff monitor the information. When a driver is a high risk, they will receive text and email alerts.
“Most drivers don't just zonk out without warning — they show gradual deterioration in performance that can be detected before the situation becomes dangerous,” according to Gizmag.
Lane drift warning
Preventing vehicles from unexpectedly crossing into lanes could save countless lives and limbs and is the focus of this feature. A camera keeps track of road markings and warns drivers if they’re drifting. It can even self-correct, although motorists can manually override the system by taking control of the steering wheel.
“Lane departure warning/lane keep assist is so good now, the best systems could keep you centered for miles and miles,” according to Extreme Tech. “It’s really a self-driving car at that point.”
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Adaptive cruise control
In addition to giving drivers the ability to maintain speed on long stretches of road, adaptive cruise control will automatically adjust speed to keep a safe following distance, give an alert if the car is within one second of the vehicle in front to prevent a collision, and completely stop in traffic jams. The driver can control the system to slow down or speed up as needed.
This feature “makes cruise control more useable in most traffic conditions, resulting in a more relaxed driving experience [and] helps relieve driver fatigue induced by congested and stop-and-go traffic,” according to Delphi, a vehicle technology supplier.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi has become a necessity at work and home, and car makers recognize the need. Although people may use Wi-Fi on smartphones, having it in vehicles. allows for greater connectivity and opens the door to other possibilities.
"With any new technology, when it's launched, the use cases and applications haven't been defined," Mark Boyadjis of IHS Technology told Edmunds.com. "If you look at technology adoption, when something new is developed, the innovators combine it with a service or feature to create something new. I think that will happen with in-car WiFi."
Prepare now, because it's time to get your tech on while driving in the car. These features will be common before you know it.
