Apple, Google bring smartphone functions to car dashboards

Playing deejay with voice commands will get easier for more Americans this fall as some best-selling cars get updated with software that integrates smartphones into the dashboard.

With the 2016 model year, Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto will turn cars as affordable as a base model Chevy Spark into rolling robotic assistants that give directions to nearby restaurants or play the latest hits with commands as simple as “Play Ellie Goulding.”

The Associated Press recently tried out both systems on a 2016 Honda Accord. As with phones, voice-activated car technologies don’t always work as intended, bringing up inaccurate directions or failing to open an app, for example. But overall the two systems are convenient and incredibly intuitive.

Both CarPlay and Android Auto should give drivers more time to keep their eyes on the road compared with the automakers’ own voice systems, which can require multiple steps and looking at on-screen menus. Still, as with any system that requires driver input, there are concerns about distraction.

“Anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving is not something you want to engage in,” said Kathy Lane, a spokeswoman for the National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization created by Congress to promote safety.

Neither system has been tested yet by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, says spokesman Russ Rader. The institute studies both human and mechanical factors in trying to reduce the number of vehicle crashes.

Consumers increasingly want to use their smartphone while driving — without running afoul of the law. For the last few years, drivers of most new cars have been able to speak to their phones and have audio stream through a car’s speakers using the nearly ubiquitous Bluetooth wireless standard. However, doing so can require fiddling with the phone, like holding down the home button first.

Both CarPlay and Android Auto allow voice commands to be turned on with a touch of a steering wheel button. Phones need to be plugged into the USB port, where the phone is kept charging and powering the in-car entertainment. You can access maps, voice mail, phone contacts and music apps using a touch screen embedded in the dashboard — no need to grab your phone.

There are two limitations with the Apple system, whether or not you’re using it on CarPlay. One is that Apple reserves voice commands for its proprietary apps — phone, maps, texts and Apple Music.

The other is that you must be a subscriber to Apple’s $10 a month Apple Music service if you want ask the digital voice assistant Siri such complicated tasks as “play the top song from 2011.” (It’s Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” if you were wondering.) However, you can use your voice to play songs you have downloaded and own on your iPhone.

The less restrictive Android Auto will allow you to use apps like Spotify as long as you specifically tell it to “play Aerosmith on Spotify,” or set Spotify as the default music app. A Spotify subscription also costs $10 a month.

The systems themselves can cost users a lot more.

The 2016 Honda Accord EX with manual transmission is the lowest trim on which Honda is offering CarPlay and Android Auto support. At $25,480, the EX is $1,315 pricier than the Sport trim, and includes things like a moon roof, keyless remote and a better touch-screen display. Volkswagen’s entry-level 2016 Jetta 1.4T at $17,680 offers CarPlay and Android Auto as part of a $995 technology upgrade that includes a larger touch screen and rear-view camera.

Some automakers say that such features could motivate buyers to move up the trim level, rather than to more expensive models. “It’s going to provide a good benefit to the Accord shopper,” says Jay Guzowski, manager of product planning for mid-size cars at American Honda.

General Motors stands alone in offering CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment on cars as inexpensive as the Spark — the 2015 version retails for upward of $12,170 — and as high-volume as its Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu sedans and Silverado trucks. Chevrolet marketing director Steve Majoros calls the decision “revolutionary,” and one the automaker hopes will improve its market share.

“CarPlay and Android Auto are about to really hit the mainstream,” says Kelley Blue Book senior analyst Karl Brauer. “We’re talking about some 40 to 50 models that’ll have it in probably the next 12 months or less, which is maybe about 20% of the entire car market.”

IHS analyst Colin Bird predicts that automakers in the U.S. and Canada will sell a modest 497,000 cars with CarPlay, Android Auto or both this year. The number should jump to 5 million in 2018 and nearly 10 million in 2020.

As smart and helpful as the CarPlay and Android Auto are, they aren’t perfect.

On a quick demo of a fully-loaded, coffee-colored 2016 Accord Touring, the Android Auto voice assistant helped me play songs from artists like Adele, Sting and Ellie Goulding but would not recognize “U2” as anything other than “YouTube.” It also failed to open the iHeart Radio app despite being told to (a later check showed the app hadn’t been set up to recognize its location, which may have thrown a wrench into things).

CarPlay users won’t be able to use the superior Google Maps through the interface, even if the app is on their phone. In the demo, Apple’s notoriously quirky maps app directed me to drive to Honda’s American headquarters in Torrance through the research and development back way, bypassing the front driveway and visitor parking lot even though it was a more direct route.

There’s still work to be done on making the integration better.

One problem is that when phones must be plugged in — rather than left in a pocket or purse — usage of Internet-connected apps goes way down, says Pandora’s vice president of automotive business development, Geoff Snyder. “When it’s required for use of the system, utilization falls off pretty dramatically.” So for now, certain automaker-made infotainment systems with apps will be more convenient for people who just want to get in their cars and go.

Apple software engineering executive Craig Federighi said in June that the iOS 9 mobile operating system update coming this fall will make CarPlay work without taking out your iPhone. But according to Apple, that may require another hardware update from automakers: support for Wi-Fi.

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Apple, Google bring smartphone functions to car dashboards

Apple, Google bring smartphone functions to car dashboards

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Car dealers reminded of new FCA rules governing GAP sales in force from September 1

Dealers are being reminded of new regulations on the way guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance is sold to consumers is due to come into force on September 1.

Sue Robinson, National Franchised Dealers Association director said of the Financial Conduct Authority regulations: “It is important to note that any car sold with GAP that is delivered on or thereafter this date, and has been ordered prior to September 1, will be subject to the new rules.

“Dealers will be required to call customers in by Friday, August 28 and ensure they have the prescribed information about the GAP products they are being offered.”

If dealers have any questions or concerns ahead of these new rules, the NFDA hotline number is 01788 538 303. 

NFDA guidance on prescribed information

Following recent FCA rule changes and the introduction of new remedies for the sale of GAP

there will be a need for dealers from September 1, 2015 to give customers specific

information about the GAP products they are offering.

This information is referred to as ‘prescribed information’ and must be given to the customer in advance of concluding the sale of any GAP insurance.

In addition this information must be given 4 days before concluding the sale (the provision of the prescribed information starts the clock running) unless the customer instigates the sale in which case the sale may be concluded the day after the prescribed information has been provided.

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Car dealers reminded of new FCA rules governing GAP sales in force from September 1
Car dealers reminded of new FCA rules governing GAP sales in force from September 1

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Car Financing Tips when Buying a New or Used Car

It is very easy these days to buy a new car through various car loans available these days through which the purchase of a new or used car has become relatively easy. There are many car financing tips given buy auto dealers when buying a new car that can help you understands where to invest and avoid various scams environment opportunities.

The first thing that is very important when buying a new or used car is set the budget limit. It’s extremely vital to stick to your earlier decided budget. Note on a piece of paper exactly what facilities and features that you need in your desired car. If you have a child or if you need a powerful output and cozy luxury cars can fit your budget. You rely on large family requirements or just on your own. Also need to decide if you want diesel, petrol or gas cars.

Another tip for car finance when buying car is research. Always check several cars dealer and their prices with taxes so that you have an idea what you get in your budget. You can easily obtain all the necessary information regarding the car on the Internet. In fact, you can also find this information in magazines and newspapers.

You need to keep an eye on manufacturers and be sure to keep vigilant when the timing belt needs to change that part is an expensive repair must be done according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Any problems with the timing belt capable of inflicting massive damage to the engine, and also very expensive. You must ensure that manufacturers follow the model of the car you need otherwise be very difficult for you to find spare parts, and if this is the case, it will be extraordinarily expensive.

Take some references from friends and neighbors who have the same machine on which you are buying. Listen and take note of its recommendations on fuel consumption, miles averages are applied in a liter and reliability.

Compare the prices of different cars. If you want to buy a used car, try not to have a car that has traveled over 100,000 miles, and it requires more care and maintenance in relation to the new modern car. Today many car dealers offer discounted prices. This is the best time to invest in a car.

There are many auto finance companies offering personal loans where you can compare the best rates. These companies often offer 24x7 supports through financial advisor or fill out the application faster and better look out for 2 or 3 different places to get the best deal. Sure not to apply to a dozen places for loans that can damage your credit rating and can become a victim of bad credit history.

Negotiate car dealer face to face. Do not try to call it often happens that all trade is conducted on appeal cannot be denied later. Therefore, try to negotiate face to face. Be sure to ensure the guarantee, warranty, maintenance and price, so you know which car is the best. 

If you're looking for the reliable new & used car auto financing in KC then you should visit Northtowne Mazda. For more detail visit KcMazda.com.

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Buy Used & Pre-Owned Mazda Cars for Sale at Kansas City

Sometimes it’s hard for people to find new or used cars at good prices. The cost of additional options continues to increase and even the cheapest models can set an average person back for many years. If you want to buy a car but you do not have enough money, then you can visit KCMazda where you can find the best car deals and save thousands of dollars. In addition, buyers can expect a whole range of Mazda vehicles with all the right qualities. They can expect to find the car you've always wanted at a price they can afford.

KCMazda has a large inventory of Mazda new, pre-owned and used vehicles with a low starting price and can be considered quality vehicles in many ways. Most pre-owned cars are in excellent condition and look new again. In fact, you will be amazed at how unbelievably good and well maintained these cars are sold at prices that most people can easily afford.

Used cars for sale business have become very popular. KCMazda sites offer a variety of options for those who want the benefits of buying cheap used and pre-owned cars for sale. The sites also give you the option to trade you car with us.  Mazda Car dealers provide a range of attractive offers to the potential buyers. Cars of many designs and colors, hatchback or sedan, SUV, Vans, etc. can be availed. The cars are divided into several parts, such as pre-owned vehicles and used cars for sale, cheap cars for sale and cheap used cars for sale. Cheap used cars are preferred by many people who want cars in low budget.

Best advantage of buying these cars is that cars are available at attractive prices. Sometimes cars are available at almost half the price. For those fascinated a luxury car, but does not have enough cash you can take option of financing a car. The buyer can get a very smart deal. He can get class cars at an affordable price.

Cheap used cars for sale are good alternative for those who are at the first stage of driving. Cheap used or pre-owned cars for sale can avoid buyer for having a large loss in the initial stage till he becomes confident in driving. 

The depreciation of used cars is less than the new car. This is another advantage of buying used cars for sale. KC Mazda car dealer offer many value added services to the potential buyer as a check -up car in good mechanical and post sale services. 

If you're looking for the most reliable Used Mazda Car for Sale in Kansas City, you'll never go wrong with these tried-and-tested models just visit KCMazda.com.

 

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Advantage of Buying a New Car from an Auto Dealer

Are you are thinking of buying your dream car and stun the residents of your neighborhood with its looks and functionalities? The first step towards purchasing a classy and comfortable vehicle would be finding a reputable new car dealer in your area. Among the hundreds of car dealers, choosing the right one becomes hazardous. However, with help of your friends and internet, you can find the perfect dealer easily.

The Dealership is your Playground

Visiting an auto dealership in pursuit of purchasing a brand new car is comparable to taking a child to a candy shop; (Except the merchandise is much more expensive.) At an auto dealership, there is a wide variety of inventory and you can choose from.  You can choose the vehicle make, model, size, color and other features all based upon your budget.

Brand New Features

As technology advances, the features in new cars also continue to advance; state of the art features such as lane change assist, which is a warning system that alerts a driver when his or her car is unintentionally drifting from a lane of travel. Another example is autonomous parking, which allows a vehicle to essentially park itself by using cameras and sensors. Drivers only need to operate the foot pedals and listen to directions.

High Demand Vehicles and Strong Resale Values

You may be aware of the steep depreciation decline after buying a new car, but vehicles that are in high demand will have still have fairly high resale values. Because of a proven track record in quality and dependability, it is possible for popular vehicles to have lower depreciation and stronger resale values. 

One tip for identifying a high demand vehicle is noticing when a dealer is advertising availability, rather than the price of a vehicle.

Warranty

New cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty which will essentially cover any repair costs for the first 3 to 4 years of the vehicle’s life. Essentially there are two types of manufacturer’s warranties, a basic warranty and a powertrain warranty.

Basic Warranty

• The basic warranty is your standard 3-4 year coverage or the first 50,000 miles of the vehicle’s life.  
• Basic warranty is also called a bumper to bumper warranty or a new-vehicle warranty.
• It generally covers air conditioning, fuel systems and electrical component 

Powertrain Warranty

• The powertrain warranty is a warranty for up to 10 years which covers the vehicle’s engine, transmission and other vital components and systems of your vehicle.

Reduced Maintenance Expense

Buying brand new means little to no maintenance expense for the first several thousand miles. Only routine maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups are necessary, and even those won’t cost a dime. Manufacturers cover the expense of any routine maintenance under warranty for the first couple of years.

Are you looking for new cars for sale Kansas City then you should visit Northtowne Auto Group. For more detail visit NorthtowneAutoGroup.com.

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