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Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

money.cnn.com

11–20 of 393 posts

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#11
Another reason not mentioned by the article is map updates. Lexus charges $169+ to update the map data and requires a dealer appointment. A smartphone with google/Apple maps is always more up-to-date.

If you're buying a new car today, the reason to get navigation is for the LCD screen and not for the GPS. The LCD is used to see the rear view camera image for parking. Also, playing music shows the song titles.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#12

It never made sense to me why you'd want to have a built-in GPS these days when modular devices are available that are A. generally better-designed and B. replaceable. People buying used cars in the coming years will be stuck with these big-screened dinosaurs in their dash that are essentially wasted space.

My car has voice-control, so I press a button on the steering wheel, speak my destination, and I'm good to go. It works really well. I can't do this easily on a smartphone while I'm driving.

The "big-screen dinosaur" is incredibly helpful for showing routes and directions, much better than the dinky smartphone screen.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#13

It never made sense to me why you'd want to have a built-in GPS these days when modular devices are available that are A. generally better-designed and B. replaceable. People buying used cars in the coming years will be stuck with these big-screened dinosaurs in their dash that are essentially wasted space.

My car has voice-control, so I press a button on the steering wheel, speak my destination, and I'm good to go. It works really well. I can't do this easily on a smartphone while I'm driving. The "big-screen dinosaur" is incredibly helpful for showing routes and directions, much better than the dinky smartphone screen.

This depends on your car model. Many (like mine) have horrible voice control systems.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#16

It never made sense to me why you'd want to have a built-in GPS these days when modular devices are available that are A. generally better-designed and B. replaceable. People buying used cars in the coming years will be stuck with these big-screened dinosaurs in their dash that are essentially wasted space.

My car has voice-control, so I press a button on the steering wheel, speak my destination, and I'm good to go. It works really well. I can't do this easily on a smartphone while I'm driving. The "big-screen dinosaur" is incredibly helpful for showing routes and directions, much better than the dinky smartphone screen.

Bluetooth headset + phone gives you the same functionality. They even have bluetooth buttons you can attach to your steering wheel if reaching up to your ear isn't something you want to do.

Easily replaceable, cheaper, better design.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#17
post #6

I got so frustrated with horrible GPS systems that I just bought a Sony car stereo that has a phone holder on it: http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/05/25/sonys-xspn1bt-double...

That's a glimpse of the future. Most interfaces are useless nowadays.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#18
As much as the size, placement, and car integration of my vehicle's (2016 CX-5) dash GPS is ideal, the fact that it cannot display Waze renders it mostly useless for my everyday commuting. Until I can do so via Carplay or Android Auto, I'll be using gaudy cell phone mounts.

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#19
post #11

Another reason not mentioned by the article is map updates . Lexus charges $169+ to update the map data and requires a dealer appointment. A smartphone with google/Apple maps is always more up-to-date. If you're buying a new car today, the reason to get navigation is for the LCD screen and not for the GPS. The LCD is used to see the rear view camera image for parking. Also, playing music shows the song titles.

I would love a rear-view camera that could display on my phone

Re: Most drivers who own cars with built-in GPS systems use phones for directions

#20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My car has voice-control, so I press a button on the steering wheel, speak my destination, and I'm good to go. It works really well. I can't do this easily on a smartphone while I'm driving. The "big-screen dinosaur" is incredibly helpful for showing routes and directions, much better than the dinky smartphone screen.

This depends on your car model. Many (like mine) have horrible voice control systems.

Ford has a good passthrough to Android (hold down Speak button). GM has a terrible system that requires you to wait to speak for a quiet beep, and chides you if you don't. It's very odd and never fails to infuriate me.
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