It’s a new decade, a new year, and time for new technology. As car lovers and gearheads, we are always on the lookout for the latest high-tech devices to help make driving safer and more enjoyable. So, we’ve put together a list of this year’s hottest gadgets that can be added to any dashboard.
6 Gadgets Designed to Help Drivers
For 2020, these are the most sought-after devices that car owners are purchasing to enhance the driving experience.
HUD
According to PennDOT, in 2017, distracted driving was a factor in more than 15,000 collisions on Pennsylvania roadways. In fact, laws have been put in place in the state to penalize drivers who text while behind the wheel. Heads-up display devices have come on the market in recent years with the goal of getting drivers to look up from their phones and pay attention to the road.
Hudway’s portable HUD, for example, can be placed on the dashboard and project a smartphone’s screen into the driver’s line of sight. This is currently the most popular HUD device available. It is wireless and allows drivers to make calls, play music, share location, and follow directions in real-time. The virtual screen is clearly visible during the day and night, without being a distraction.
Watch this video to learn more about the Hudway Cast HUD.
Cell Phone Holder
A less technological solution to the same problem is the magnet-mounted mobile phone holder. For a fraction of the price, this gadget attaches your phone to the dashboard while driving. It’s a hands-free way to view the screen of your smartphone in any car that you’re driving. The phone won’t get lost under the seat or next to the center console but is held firmly in place even on bumpy roads.
One example is the Hexdymium Car Dashboard Mount which uses magnets to adhere to the vehicle’s interior. Rather than using suction cups, this solution is sturdy and low-profile providing a clear field of vision through the windshield and keeping your attention where it belongs. Additionally, it can be used with a wide range of smartphone and tablet models.
Dash Camera
More and more drivers are investing in dashcams that provide valuable evidence for legal and car insurance disputes. The video captured by a dashcam can help you correctly determine fault after a crash.
Tech experts and car lovers alike recommend the Garmin Dash Cam 56. This is because it is voice-activated, delivers high-quality images, and automatically stores footage and the exact GPS location when there is an impact. Another popular choice is the YI Mirror Dash Camera, which provides both front view and rear-view video. Though it looks like a regular rearview mirror, it turns on automatically when you start driving and has collision detection technology. This device can be fit over the existing mirror in any model car and the touchscreen preview monitor is integrated into the mirror. This way, video is recorded without creating any undue distractions.
Check out the YI Mirror Dash camera in this short video.
Wireless Mobile Charger
Another mobile-friendly gadget that takes some of the distractions out of staying connected while driving is a wireless mobile charger. In 2020, we expect this type of product to take off. Most models include a dashboard mount or holder for your smartphone and automatically charges it while you drive.
The Vanmass Car Charger is one high-selling option. It can hold just about any type and size of mobile phone and has an adjustable arm that attaches to the dashboard, air vent, or windshield. Similarly, the Easy One-Touch Wireless, Fast-Charging Dash & Windshield Mount can charge your electronic device 40% faster than a normal cable.
Bluetooth Receiver
You can now retrofit your vehicle and connect your smartphone to the vehicle’s factory stereo system with aftermarket Bluetooth receiver devices. For example, Firefly is the smallest music receiver that enables music streaming from your mobile phone to any paired device with an AUX input.
Voice-Controlled Device
Bring Alexa and the Google Assistant into your car with these hand devices. You can now use voice command through a car charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter, with Roav Viva and Roav Bolt. These gadgets make it possible to use voice-controlled driving directions, phone calls, remotely managing smart devices, and other hands-free skills possible while driving.
Press play to find out how Roav voice-command devices can work in your vehicle.
Related articles: New Car Technology on the Horizon to Decrease Collisions and How Augmented Reality Is Shaping the Future of the Auto Industry.
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