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New Apple CarPlay Navigation Options

Apple CarPlay NavigationOn Sept. 17, 2018, Apple launched iOS12 – its latest update to the operating system behind its venerable iPhone and iPad devices. Aside from security updates, performance enhancements and battery life improvements, Apple has added support for third-party applications to CarPlay. Users of factory-installed and aftermarket multimedia receivers that support CarPlay will now be able to use Google Maps and very shortly, Waze, to handle their Apple CarPlay navigation planning.

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay NavigationCarPlay is a smartphone integration technology designed to provide voice-command communication and entertainment features in our cars, trucks and SUVs. CarPlay is software that runs on your source unit and communicates with your smartphone to handle command requests, providing information on the screen of your radio and through your speakers.

CarPlay will let you listen to incoming text messages and dictate a verbal response using the Siri voice recognition virtual assistant integrated into your phone. CarPlay allows you to make calls to people or companies in the contact list of your phone or search the Internet for the phone number of a business. You can also ask Siri to play any of the music stored on your device or control a number of music streaming services like Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Play Music and Tidal. Podcasts and audiobook playback are additional entertainment options.

Apple CarPlay Navigation Solutions

Apple CarPlay NavigationFrom the time CarPlay launched in September 2014 until September 2018, the only navigation option available was Apple Maps. Apple Maps originally debuted in 2012 and with it came criticism for its limited features and questionable accuracy. In 2015, Apple announced that it had a fleet of vehicles traveling the country to collect information similar to what Google offers in Street View.

In September 2016, a dramatically revised version was released that addressed many of the issues in earlier versions, and the complaints about Apple Maps seemed to fade away slowly.

CarPlay and Apple Maps

Apple CarPlay NavigationFinding a destination is very easy when navigating using CarPlay. You can ask for directions to an address in a city and province, or ask the system to search for an address based on the name of a business. This ability to search the Internet for information is a fundamental component of what makes using smartphone integration solutions like CarPlay and Android Auto so beneficial while driving.

Once you have selected an address, a map will be displayed on the screen of your entertainment system. Audible prompts, complete with street names, will help you handle maneuvers safely without having to take your eyes off the road. It’s worth noting that Apple Maps uses real-time traffic flow information as part of the route calculation process, although Apple hasn’t specifically disclosed where that traffic flow information comes from.

The History of Google Maps

Apple CarPlay NavigationGoogle has invested billions of dollars in creating and maintaining its Google Maps product since purchasing a C++ computer program from the Sydney-based Where 2 technologies in October 2004. Shortly afterward, Google purchased a geospatial visualization company called Keyhole and a company called ZipDash that specialized in real-time traffic analysis. Google Maps officially launched in February 2005, and in October 2009, Google replaced Tele Atlas as its primary supplier of geospatial data with its own information. Google Maps as quickly become the de facto standard for smartphone navigation solutions.

Google Maps, iOS12 and Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay NavigationAs of September 2018, Apple CarPlay supports Google Maps as a navigation option. In keeping with the mantra of safety and simplicity, the Apple Maps interface on CarPlay is dramatically simplified compared to the desktop and smartphone versions. You can still search for the destination you want using voice recognition features, but the walking, public transit and bicycling options have justifiably been removed. You do have the option of viewing satellite imagery instead of line art if you choose; options to avoid toll roads and ferries are readily available.

Where Google Maps holds a strong benefit over Apple is in its traffic flow information. Google combines information from municipal and regional services as well as flow information from Waze users. Waze is a navigation product that Google purchased in 2013 for $966 million. Waze uses real-time crowdsourced traffic information to provide incredibly up-to-date routing.

Waze and Apple CarPlay

As of September 2018, Waze is working on testing an update to its iOS application that will make it directly compatible with Apple CarPlay. The primary difference between Waze and Google Maps lies in the ability to report traffic congestion, accidents, road closures and other hazards to your fellow users. Android Auto added support for Waze in July 2017, and many people who commute through congested areas like New York, Los Angeles and Toronto based their phone purchases on this decision over the last year.

Voice Recognition and Third-Party Navigation Applications

Apple CarPlay NavigationBoth Google Maps and Waze include dedicated voice recognition icons on the main screen. They use Google Assistant to handle the voice recognition features and report findings back to the respective software app.

Adding CarPlay to Your Vehicle

If your car, truck or SUV didn’t come from the factory with an Apple CarPlay equipped radio, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about upgrading to a multimedia receiver. There are a variety of solutions available from companies like Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine and JVC. Be sure to bring your iPhone with you so you can see just how easy it is to use CarPlay to stay in touch with friends, family and coworkers while driving.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Navigation, RESOURCE LIBRARY

GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems

GPS Vehicle TrackingDo you wish you could keep an eye on your kids when they borrow the family car or know where your fleet of work trucks are at any time? A GPS-based tracking system is an easy way to keep tabs on your vehicle. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the options for vehicle locating and tracking systems and, of course, explain how they work.

How Does GPS Vehicle Tracking Work?

GPS Vehicle Tracking
This image shows the location of a car in a small shopping plaza.
GPS Vehicle Tracking
A Google Satellite view of the same vehicle.

A tracking module contains three primary components. First and foremost, a CPU controls the system. The CPU runs software that communicates with the rest of the hardware on the device. The next important component is a GPS receiver and antenna. The GPS receiver provides the CPU with the location, velocity and altitude of the vehicle. Third is a cellular radio. The cellular radio communicates with a server to store information about the vehicle’s location and operation.

GPS tracking systems communicate with the server at predetermined intervals based on the service package you have chosen. These intervals could be one, three, five or 20 minutes, or on-demand as required. More frequent updates use more cellular data and are typically associated with more expensive tracking service packages.

Tracking Hardware Options

GPS Vehicle TrackingSome tracking systems include additional features such as inputs for seat belts and doors, accelerometers to log sudden acceleration and braking, RFID fob readers to identify drivers and A/V inputs so you can see and hear what’s going on in the vehicle. Some premium hardware solutions include a lithium ion backup battery so the system will continue to function even if the vehicle battery is disconnected or completely dead. Other systems with integrated solar panels are available for trailers or infrequently used equipment. If you need a solution that can handle getting wet or dirty, tracking hardware is available in an IP65-rated water- and dust-resistant enclosure.

Custom solutions are available for specific applications. If you operate a fleet of waste removal vehicles, you can log each time they lift a bin. The same logic applies to tow trucks, snow plows and, of course, delivery vehicles. Custom sensors and switches can interact with the logging system to store and log almost any conceivable function. Perhaps you have an armored car service and need a panic button – that’s an easy solution.

Tracking Interface Options

GPS Vehicle Tracking
The locating system pinpointed the vehicle to the first spot in the row.
GPS Vehicle Tracking
The actual location of the car in that plaza.

Two interface options are available, depending on your needs. For most consumers, an app on your smartphone is available to let you see the location of your vehicle. In most cases, the location is overlaid on Google or Apple maps so you can understand the vehicle location graphically. In most cases, the location is accurate to within about 25 feet of where the vehicle actually is. If the GPS receiver receives signals from enough satellites, the accuracy can be even better.

For clients using their tracking system for business applications, most services provide a web-based interface that can show you the location of your entire fleet and allow you to configure warnings and reports.

Software-Based Features for Consumers

GPS Vehicle Tracking
A Geofence set up around the vehicle location. When the vehicle leaves this boundary, the owner will receive an alert.

Consumer tracking solutions typically offer five or six software-based features. These include geofencing and over-speed alert, as well as tow alerts and after-hours motion alerts. Geofencing is an alert option that will let the operator know when the vehicle enters or exits a particular geographical area. In most cases, this feature is configured by placing a pin or marker at a location and identifying a boundary radius in miles around that position. Depending on how it’s configured, a warning is displayed on the operator’s smartphone when the vehicle enters or exits this area. Over-speed alerts are easy to understand. The operator configures a maximum speed for the system and will receive a notification if that speed is exceeded.

Two advanced features are the tow and after-hours motion alerts. The after-hours alert will send a warning if the vehicle moves during a preset time. If you never drive your vehicle after midnight and are rarely up before 6 a.m., you can set an alert to let you know if your vehicle moves during that period. Tow alerts are another great feature that helps alert the operator to potential vehicle theft. You will receive a tow alert when the vehicle moves without the ignition being turned on.

Business Applications and Features

GPS Vehicle TrackingFor business owners, knowing how your vehicles are operated is as important as knowing their location. Many commercial solutions include accelerometers that log aggressive acceleration and abrupt stops. Smooth driving reduces wear on the vehicle and improves fuel economy. Many systems provide audible warnings to the operator to coach them in improving their driving habits. Commercial tracking solutions can typically generate reports that will identify idle time to reduce fuel consumption further.

Some tracking solution providers offer devices that comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Electronic Logging Device mandates. If you need to track Hours of Service or generate Record of Duty Status reports, several companies provide these services.

Benefits of Vehicle Tracking

GPS Vehicle TrackingFrom a business owner’s perspective, knowing where your vehicles are and how they are being used lets you manage your assets reliably. If your staff knows that they are being monitored, they typically drive more safely and waste less time on personal matters. Those savings alone can dramatically reduce your costs. You can generate usage logs based on distance traveled or hours of operation to schedule maintenance and streamline your operations. Research indicates that vehicles with GPS tracking where the operator knows you are logging the vehicle position are 7 percent more productive and use 8 percent less fuel. The same logic applies to letting your kids borrow your car. If they know you are keeping an eye on them, they are less likely to go places they aren’t supposed to.

Install a Vehicle Tracking System Today

Whether you want to log your mileage for your tax return, keep tabs on your son or daughter or monitor how your fleet of service vehicles is operated, your local mobile electronics retailer can help you choose a hardware solution that meets your needs.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Navigation, RESOURCE LIBRARY

7 Reasons for Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist to Work on Your Car

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistLet’s face it, not all of us are experts at everything. Maybe you’re an electrician or engineer and love to work on projects around the house. You might even be savvy when it comes to cars. You change your own oil and do your own brake jobs. Hey, if you can, why not, right? So, when do we know we need to look at hiring a mobile electronics specialist to help with a project or repair?

Cars are simple right? Switches, relays, light bulbs and wires aren’t hard to figure out, are they? If you can operate a multimeter, you can figure these things out. The problem is, most new cars don’t work that way anymore. Let’s look at how cars have changed, how audio and remote starter integration has changed and why it might be best to let a pro dive under your dash.

1. Vehicle Data Network Integration

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistA few decades ago, the electrical systems in our vehicles were completely analog. Devices were turned on, or off. The blower motor for the heater had four speeds. The engine had really simple temperature switches that would turn on the radiator fan. As time progressed, automakers started adding more and more features to new vehicles. Do you remember the first time you had a car with a keyless entry system? What about a car with a push-button start? These technologies were the beginning of the digital age for cars. Different modules around the vehicle talk to each other on a data network. This technology reduces the need to run as many wires through a car. Needing fewer wires saves weight and reduces cost.

In the good old days, if we wanted to see if a door was open, we’d check to see if the door pin was grounded. Now, we need to ask the computer if it’s open. We can’t simply tap into wiring for information — we need to speak the same language and we need a computer to do the talking.

Here’s a simple example that gives you a good idea of how complicated new cars are becoming. Around 2005, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep decided to remove the analog accessory wire from their radios. To turn the radio on, a message from the vehicle computer would be sent to the radio. If you wanted to change the radio, you needed to buy an interface that could intercept that signal, then produce a conventional analog accessory wire output. A radio installation in these vehicles requires a module like the PAC Audio C2R-CHYNA or the Metra CHTO-01 for a new radio to work.

Properly trained and equipped mobile electronics installation technicians have access to the training and reference material to deal with vehicles that use data networks.

2. Equipped with the Proper Tools

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistAs a car owner, did you know that the wiring for your air bag system is, in most instances, protected with yellow wire loom under the dash and in the door sills? Probing the wrong wire within those harnesses can set off an airbag, or the entire airbag system. If you were leaning on the seat when the bag went off, you could be seriously injured.

In the old days, technicians used test lights and analog multimeters to look for the presence of signals on wires. You can easily damage a modern computer using a test light. Technicians have the right tools to gather the information they need without damaging anything in the vehicle.

3. Responsible for Damage

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistLet’s say you just can’t resist the urge to install a new radio in your car. You take the dash apart, remove the radio and cut off the factory radio plug. You start testing each wire in the harness for voltage and ground, then try to figure out which of the 15 or 20 wires are for speakers. If your vehicle happens to be one with a data network and you let a wire touch the battery wire, you could damage the vehicle computer. Chances are, getting the problem fixed is going to cost you at least several hundred dollars.

By hiring a professional, you are protected from unexpected costs. If they make a mistake, they’ll pay to fix it. It’s just that simple.

4. Module Programming

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistMost remote car starter installations require some sort of vehicle data network interface. Companies like iDatalink, Fortin and Directed offer several solutions that allow specific remote starter functions to communicate directly with the car computer. Each of these modules needs to be programmed for the year, make, model and specific trim level of vehicle. They are NOT generic.

Only authorized retailers have access to the information and programming tools required to configure these modules. Consumers simply can’t perform these tasks.

5. Manufacturer Warranties

If you read the warranty card included with products like a radio or amplifier, many manufacturers require that the device be installed by an authorized dealer in order for the warranty to be valid. Different companies have different guidelines. Installing something yourself may be covered under a 90-day warranty, but the full year is only available with proof of purchase and installation.

Some companies word their warranty statements in a way that offers an extended warranty when the product is purchased from, and installed by, an authorized retailer. With the complexity of modern devices, having a warranty is important.

6. Tricks of the Trade

Hiring A Mobile Electronics SpecialistIn most cases, we hire professionals to perform a task because they can do it faster and better than we can. In the mobile electronics industry, technicians develop processes to save them time and make the work they do more reliable. With that said, they are also trained to maximize the performance of the equipment they are installing.

Let’s look at the installation of a set of component speakers. In most cases, the woofer will be installed in the factory door speaker location. When it comes to the tweeter, there are many options. The three most popular tweeter locations are up high in the door, the sail panel and in the A-pillar. Each offers different benefits and drawbacks in terms of performance. Experienced installers know this information and can work with you to determine which will yield results that match your goals.

7. Saving Time by Hiring A Mobile Electronics Specialist

One of the most common and logical reasons to hire a professional to perform a task is to save time. Most of us work Monday to Friday and want to relax on the weekend. Yes, there are many people who enjoy working on their vehicles in their spare time. By hiring an professional, you can drop your car off at the shop on the way to work, then come back after work and your new radio, subwoofer system or remote starter will be installed and ready to use. Hiring a professional can be a simple matter of convenience.

Visit Your Local Mobile Electronics Specialist

You’d never go to your dentist to have your eyes checked, and you wouldn’t go to the convenience store to buy a new computer. Companies exist to offer their expertise to those that require it. When it comes to upgrading the electronics and convenience systems in your car, truck or SUV – take it to an expert. You’ll save time, get the results you wanted and have someone who can provide training and ongoing support for your purchase.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Driver Safety, Navigation, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Google’s Waze offers the Best in Navigation

Google WazeIt’s not often that a piece of software creates a significant impact on our daily lives. Milestone social media apps like Facebook and Twitter most certainly remain in the limelight, but when it comes to actually being productive, Waze is a major step forward in navigation apps for our smartphones. In the summer of 2017, Waze announced that it would include compatibility with Android Auto to make it, quite possibly, the best navigation solution for Android phone users to date.

What is Waze?

WazeWhen Waze launched in 2006 it was called FreeMap Israel. It was a turn-by-turn navigation application for smartphone users. Fast forward to 2013: Waze won the prestigious Best Overall App award at the Mobile World Congress conference. In the same year, Waze was purchased by Google for an impressive $1 billion. Google knows the value of information better than almost any other company in the world, so its choice to invest in Waze makes sense.

Waze Map Updates

Waze differs from other navigation solutions in two very important ways. Users of Waze have the ability to update map information. If there is new construction in your neighborhood or a reconfiguration of a freeway onramp, you can update the map information in real time on your smartphone. That information will be integrated into the map database, and all other Waze users can continue to enjoy the latest mapping and navigation information without the need to wait for updates or downloads.

Historically, changes to map information could take anywhere from months to years to become available. While map companies like TomTom (formerly TeleAtlas) and HERE (formerly Navteq) do update their databases quite frequently, that new information takes time to trickle through the update process for portable and vehicle navigation systems. Waze is up-to-date within hours.

Real-time Traffic Information

WazeThe second key feature of Waze is its ability to share traffic flow information with fellow users. Waze is often referred to as a crowdsourced navigation solution, as users can report traffic jams, accidents, road closures and the presence of police. Within seconds of reporting an accident or a traffic jam, all your fellow Waze users receive that information.

Waze will consider traffic jams as it creates new routing plans. If you live in a major urban area that is prone to congestion, this information can prevent significant delays and help get you to your destination much faster.

Using Waze with Android Auto

As voice control is the key benefit of Android Auto, using Waze to plan your drive is easy. Initiate the voice recognition command, then simply ask for the destination or address you want, and include the word Waze at the end of the address. Android Auto will launch Waze and calculate your route.

The Waze interface on Android Auto is very similar to what you would see while using it on your smartphone. The fonts on the screen are nice and large, and accessing route-planning options like avoiding toll roads or picking a different route are easy to get to. Many users report that Waze is, in fact, easier to configure than Google Maps.

Reporting Information

WazeAs we mentioned, a key feature of Waze is the ability to report information to other users. Tapping the Listen button will let you report traffic jams, accidents, bad weather, road closures, and more by talking to the system. You can say, “Report a traffic jam,” and Waze will ask you how bad it is. You can share the location of hidden or visible police or let your fellow Wazers know there is a pothole or ice on the road.

As users approach the location where you have provided information, they will see an alert on their screen. In the case of obstacles and police, your fellow users can also report that the obstacle has been cleared. It’s all simple, quick and easy – just like Android Auto itself.

The Navigation Experience

WazeOf course, Waze includes full turn-by-turn navigation prompting and will read out street and freeway names. You get lots of warning to let you know what maneuver is coming up next to reduce the need for sudden lane changes that can endanger you and your fellow drivers.

When you plan a route with Waze, you have the option of choosing from three different routes. Waze displays obstacle icons along a bar and the associated travel time and distance for each route. Choosing the best path is quick, easy and efficient.

If Waze is alerted to a traffic jam along your route, it will provide you with a prompt that suggests a new route and the new travel time and estimated time of arrival. You can, of course, choose to ignore that advice, but we recommend you don’t.

Another cool feature of Waze is that it will notify you of obstacles, even without a route planned. If you are driving along and someone has reported a pothole or hidden police officer, the notification appears just the same.

Is There a Downside to Waze?

Do silver linings always have a dark cloud? Maybe, maybe not. There is one limitation to Waze that is a bit of an annoyance. You can only plan routes that are less than 1,000 miles. If you are in San Francisco and want to go to Niagara Falls, you can’t plan a single route. You need to choose a destination within 1,000 miles, then plan another 1,000 miles from that point. What’s more frustrating, Google Maps CAN plot that route. Waze provides a message that they are “working to increase that distance,” but that’s been a limitation for a long time.

The other thing about Waze is advertisements. We all know that Google loves to sell advertising. Companies like McDonald’s, Whole Foods and Taco Bell all pay for pop-up ads that are displayed when you are using Waze on your smartphone. Good news, though: These advertisements aren’t currently displayed when you are using Waze with Android Auto. That would be contradictory to the philosophy of reducing driver distractions.

Check out Android Auto and Waze Today

If your car, truck or SUV came with Android Auto, then check out Waze next time you are in the car. If you don’t have an Android Auto-equipped radio, drop into your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask if there is a solution for your vehicle. Android Auto and CarPlay are amazing products, and can not only make your time behind the wheel much safer but also more productive.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Navigation, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Modern Navigation Systems for Today’s Vehicles

NavigationPaper maps used to be the only way of planning route navigation. Before you, or perhaps your parents, set out on vacation, you would pick up maps for each state or province you planned to drive through, lay them out on the kitchen or dining room table, and highlight the route to take.

The problem with maps is that someone has to read them, and trying to read a map while driving is quite dangerous. Automakers realized that maybe technology could be used to make driving safer. This concept was the birth of the navigation system.

Through the 1980s, Toyota and Mazda worked on several different navigation systems for their cars. Some of these early navigation systems used digitized paper maps. In the 1990s, Mazda introduced the first GPS-based navigation system. Nowadays, most vehicles sold in North America have the option of navigation.

Navigation System Hardware

NavigationModern navigation systems have four key components. The first is a computer. This computer runs the navigation software that plans the route you have requested, tells you when to turn and advises you when you arrive. The second key component is the maps used with the navigation software. Two companies offer these maps, which are licensed to the end-user. The third component is the GPS receiver module and antenna. The GPS receiver lets the navigation system know where you are, and where you are headed. Finally, there is an interface. The interface is usually a touchscreen of some kind. The interface displays the maps and accepts the input of information to plan the route. Information can be typed on a touchscreen or spoken to the software and converted to text.

What is GPS?

NavigationGPS stands for Global Positioning System. The U.S. Department of Defense created the technology in 1975 and it was fully functional by 1995. The purpose of the system was to provide accurate location, speed and altitude data anywhere on the planet. The GPS system comprises about 30 satellites that orbit the Earth. Each one transmits a uniquely coded signal with a very accurate time stamp. The GPS receiver can, once it has acquired signals from several satellites, triangulate its location by comparing the difference in arrival time of each signal. The GPS system most of us are used to is called Navstar, and it is operated and maintained by the U.S. Air Force Space Command.

Many consumers refer to a Portable Navigation System (PNS) or in-dash navigation system as a GPS. While this term has become accepted, GPS is just one key component of a navigation system.

Not surprisingly, there is more than one GPS system in use globally. Russia operates a system called GLONASS, India has IRNSS, the Chinese have BeiDou-2 and the Europeans have Galileo. Some GPS receivers can capture information from multiple systems to improve accuracy. An example would be a radio-controlled camera drone – these use GLONASS and Navstar to provide more resolution regarding their position.

The signal sent to the navigation computer by the navigation receiver includes the longitude, latitude, heading (the direction you are traveling), altitude, velocity and the current time.

What are Navigation Maps?

Knowing where you are on the planet is great. The real key to a navigation system is its maps. Maps are available from one of two companies: TomTom, which purchased TeleAtlas in 2007, and Nokia, which purchased Navteq in 2008.

NavigationMaps are databases of roads stored as vectors. A vector is a line between two points. In the case of navigation road maps, the end points of the lines (or roads) are GPS coordinates. Most navigation map information contains additional information such as house numbers. If you have every wondered why some house or building addresses are off by a little bit, the reason is based on how addresses are stored. At one end of a street, or section of road, the map data contains the beginning house number. The other end of the street has the ending house number. Navigation systems spread out the difference between the two house numbers evenly along the length of the street. This predicted location does not always match reality because of geography – or pure randomness, based on the whim of the local municipal building department.

Navigation systems are useless without maps. They couldn’t plan routes or give directions. You are, quite literally, at the mercy of the quality and accuracy of the maps you own.

Working in conjunction with the map database is a Points of Interest (also known as POI) database. A POI database contains information about businesses and landmarks, and often includes a phone number. Depending on your navigation system, you may have as few as 1.5 million points of interest or as many as 11 million. The manufacturer decides how much they are willing to spend on this information. If your navigation system can search for gas stations, hotels, restaurants or hospitals, then the map data includes a POI database.

Some of the very first navigation systems used analog tape to store map and POI data. Yes – analog, magnetic tape! From that point, we moved to CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk drives and flash memory. The latest systems are based on smartphones and don’t have the map data permanently stored onboard – it’s all downloaded over the air, using a cellular connection in real time.

Modern Navigation System Features

NavigationModern navigation systems are amazing tools to help you travel safely and efficiently. These systems use extremely complex and proprietary algorithms to decide the best route between the starting and ending points of your route. The most basic of navigation software takes into consideration the size of the road (number of lanes and, if available, speed limit) and the direction of the turns you may have to make to complete the route. Navigation software companies are very protective of their route creation algorithms.

Modern navigation systems can accept real-time information to make route planning more accurate and efficient. The first upgrade was including traffic flow information. Many systems used FM antennae to capture traffic flow information that was broadcast in major urban areas. This technology is called RDS-TMC traffic, since the information was coded into the same frequency space as FM radio RDS information. Newer systems capture this traffic flow and accident information through the SiriusXM receiver. You do need a subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and, of course, supporting hardware in your vehicle to makes this work.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

If you have a vehicle with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, your smartphone becomes an integral part of your navigation solution. Apple or Google stores map information and downloads it in real time through your smartphone’s data plan. The beauty of this solution is that you never, ever have to pay for map updates – the information is always being updated.

NavigationApple Maps and Google Maps both offer turn-by-turn navigation solutions that use each brand’s advanced voice recognition software. All you have to do is press a button and ask the system to take you to an address.

CarPlay and Android Auto navigation has the benefit of being able to acquire Point of Interest information directly from the Internet. If a new company opens and registers itself with Apple and Google, you can search for it right away.

One drawback of CarPlay and Android Auto is that the maps aren’t stored on the phone or in the vehicle. If you are traveling to another country, your cellular provider will charge roaming fees. (You can get roaming data plans to help minimize the cost, so that’s not a huge deal, but it has to be considered before you buy.) Another consideration is that these systems are constantly downloading map information. If you happen to have a cellular data plan with very limited bandwidth, this could eventually cost some money in data overage charges. These are not show-stoppers, just considerations.

Google Waze

Navigation-8.pngOne very popular navigation application used by people who live in high-traffic areas like Los Angeles, Toronto, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, New Orleans or Chicago is called Waze. This application is available for iPhone and Android phones for free. The beauty of Waze is that other users provide traffic flow information, including detours, accidents and warnings for potholes, weather or even animals on the road. Waze offers crowd-sourced traffic information at its finest. Google purchased Waze in June of 2013 for $1.3 billion. If you run the risk of getting stuck in a traffic jam, try Waze; it’s quite impressive.

Using any navigation solution has its perils. If your co-pilot is reading directions from a paper map, or you are trying to drive while listening to voice prompts from a navigation system, there is always the risk of making an error while turning, merging or exiting. Always be careful when navigating and heed the rules of the road at all times.

If you are in the market for a navigation solution for your vehicle, visit your local mobile electronics specialist. They have many different solutions depending on the vehicle you drive. Some systems replace the factory radio, some work with it and some operate separately from it. They can show you the options for your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Navigation, RESOURCE LIBRARY

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Unlike buying and setting up a basic home audio system, having a new amplifier and speakers installed in your car or truck requires proper setup and tuning. At home, you can adjust … [Read More...]

Momento M8 Max

Product Spotlight: Momento M8 Max

March 17, 2025 

There are now hundreds of dash cameras on the market. If you are serious about protecting yourself from fraud and false accusations or simply want to capture those incredible … [Read More...]

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