Music Player Tech Checklist for Car Shoppers

Preparation

Review the owner's manual to find out if your device is compatible.

Starting Out: Music Player Connection and Interface

How does music player connect to the car?
Aux-in jack
USB port
Proprietary plug

How do you access music player content?
Dedicated button
Multifunction button that toggles through various audio sources

How do you control music player functions?
Center console/dashboard buttons and switches
Touchscreen?
Steering-wheel controls
Voice recognition
A combination of the above

Does the system allow you to:
Quickly and easily access content on the device?
Minimize the time your eyes are off the road and your hands are off the wheel?
Quickly get to the most often used controls/features?
If the system has voice recognition, is it accurate?

Features To Look for

Which menu items are available?
Songs
Artists
Albums
Playlists
Composers
Podcasts
Audiobooks
Genres

Does the system pause/start audiobooks or podcasts at the same place after the car's engine is turned off? After a connected device is unplugged and then plugged in again?

Does the head unit correctly identify tracks by providing info such as artist, song and album?

Does the system display album art?

Is it easy to quickly scroll through a menu category that contains hundreds of items?

Is music information displayed so it's easy to read while driving and in all types of lighting?

Does the system offer Bluetooth audio for wireless music streaming?

Can the vehicle play music files on a USB "thumb" drive? If so, which of these formats are compatible?
MP3
WMA
AAC
Other

Is it easy to access music on the USB drive and is the same artist/album/song menu format used?

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Navigation Tech Checklist for Car Shoppers

Preparation

Review the vehicle owner's manual.

Starting Out: General GPS Navigation Features

Is the screen large enough to read easily? Even in bright sunlight?

Does the interface include:
A touchscreen?
Knobs and buttons?
A combination of both?
Is the interface easy and intuitive to use?

Does the system respond quickly to inputs?

Does the system provide:
Voice activation?
Geo fencing?
Weather reports?
Restaurant ratings?
Topographical maps?
Traffic info?
Notification of traffic incidents
Fuel finder
"Breadcrumbing"?
Off-road routing?

Mapping Software and Graphics:

Where does mapping software reside?
DVD
Hard disk
SD card

Mapping software can be updated. Cost to update $ _____

Are map graphics realistic and detailed?

Does the map provide a:
3-D view?
Aerial view? If so, is the angle adjustable?
Does the system have color-coded maps showing parks, shopping malls, etc.?

Destination and POI Input

Can you input destinations by:
Address?
Intersection?
POI?
Phone number?
Point on map?
Other?

Does the system include an address book?

Does the system have a "Home" button for quick routing?

Does the system provide info and routing to emergency services?

Does the system allow inputting multiple destinations and waypoints for stops along a route?

Number of Points of Interest (POIs) ____

Routing

Do you have a choice of routes to a destination?
Quickest?
Shortest?

Can you avoid freeways/toll roads/ferries/etc.?

Is it easy to cancel a route?

Does the system quickly and easily reroute you if you miss a turn?

Can you preview a chosen route? If so, in what level of detail?

Are the turn-by-turn directions clear via:
Map graphics on the display?
Voice guidance through the audio system?

Does the system provide:
A split screen at turns showing your upcoming maneuver on one side and a routing screen on other side?
Lane guidance for negotiating complex freeway exits?

See the related articles in the Car Technology 101 series.

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View the original article here

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