With smartphone interrogation technology constantly growing, driving with your smartphone has never been safer. Looking to improve your hands-free or voice command capabilities? Here are some essential smartphone interrogation features you need for your car.

Bluetooth

Pretty much all cars now come with in-built Bluetooth connectivity. This system is one of the most reliable form of hands-free technology and has come a long way since its arrival in the early 2000s. Bluetooth allows you to call and converse with people on the phone without looking away from the road. You can also stream audiobooks, music and podcasts via your phone so you can keep yourself entertained while stuck in traffic or during a long commute.

Voice commands

While Bluetooth is a great feature on its own, it can be optimised using voice recognition software. This way you can easily make phone calls without touching your phone at all. Simply say, “Call mum” and let your phone do the rest. You can even use voice commands to send and receive text messages without even looking at your phone.

Hands-free GPS

Most people today rely on smartphone apps for their GPS navigation. With hands-free technology you can hear the directions clearly through your car’s speakers without constantly having to glance down at your phone’s screen. Some systems even allow you to use voice commands to plan or re-route journeys.

USB connection and auxiliary input

While this technology is a little more old-school now, if you’re ever having issues with Bluetooth technology, it’s always good to have a backup. Better yet, USB connections allow you to charge your phone as you drive, so you can revive your smartphone if the battery runs out.
Want to optimise your smartphone integration? At GC Car Audio we stock world-renowned digital car assistants, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, to help you drive hands-free. With these smartphone integration systems, you can receive turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and much more. For more information, call us or visit our Gold Coast store.

From relentless sunlight to teaming rains, marine radios endure so much more than car audio components. For a marine radio to last, it needs to be built to tolerate sun, salt and spray, while still meeting your functionality requirements. If you are looking for a marine radio that will stand the test of time, here are some tips from the team at GC Car Audio.

Water and UV resistance

When buying a marine radio, ‘water resistant’ just won’t cut it. While water resistant products can withstand splashes and light rain, they cannot handle submersion. While levels of water resistance vary according to manufacture, look for products that are waterproof not resistant. When it comes to UV resistance, the higher the UV resistance the better.

Anti-corrosion

Salt water and salt air wreak havoc on electronic connections and components. To ensure your marine radio is protected against salt damage, invest in a radio that is both rust and corrosion resistant and has coasted circuit boards and components.

High power

Unlike car audio systems that can rely on the acoustics of the car’s interior, your marine radio is generally out in the open. To combat the surrounding noise, you need to invest in a radio that has high power in order to get a clean, clear sound. Invest in a marine radio that includes built-in 4-way amplifiers and if you want even more power, you should invest in a specialised marine amplifier.

Useful features

Just like car audio systems, your marine radio should include features that you find useful. If you are into streaming music and making calls while boating, then ensure you choose a radio that has optimal Bluetooth connectivity. If you want to avoid streaming, then ensure you choose a radio with multiple USB and aux connections so you can plug in your iPhone or MP3 player.
Need help choosing the right marine radio? The team at GC Car Audio can help you take your boating experience to the next level. We have a range of marine radio products to suit all marine vessels and budgets. Simply give us a call or visit our Gold Coast store.

Smartphone integration is becoming a huge part of automotive technology. As the technology on our smartphone continues to evolve, so does the communicative technology between our phones and cars. Interested in what the future has in store for automotive smartphone integration? Here are some features to get excited about.

Fuel and maintenance tracking

With the release of Ford’s FordPass app, we have seen the very beginning of remote fuel and maintenance tracking. With this app and the company’s SYNC Connect monitoring hardware you can keep track of your fuel levels on your smartphone and receive alerts when it’s time to fill up. Better yet you can keep track of your car’s servicing schedule, so you ensure your servicing stays up to date and make your way to a mechanic if the system finds an issue. It’s predicted that this will become a standard feature in car models to come.

GPS tracking

It is predicted that GPS tracking for cars and other vehicles will become a standard feature. This technology allows you to keep track of your car’s location if you lend your car to a friend or family member or if your car is stolen. It’s also a handy feature if you forget where you parked your car.

Improved hands-free

Bluetooth is still the primary mode of connectivity between your phone and car. It’s come a long way since its introduction in the early 2000s. Bluetooth systems are now being released that allow you to run and control Google Maps and Spotify via your steering wheel. Voice activated control is also evolving rapidly and is predicted to reduce our reliance on physical buttons in cars.
Looking to upgrade your smartphone integration? At GC Car Audio we have a wide range of smartphone integration services for both Apple and Android users. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expertly designed to help you get the most out of your mobile phone whilst driving, without compromising your safety. Simply give us a call or visit our Gold Coast store.

Whether you work or study, your daily driving commute can be a real drag. Whether it’s 30 minutes or over an hour, starting and ending your day with a long drive can really take its toll. If you’re looking for ways to improve your daily commute, here are some great tips from the team at GC Car Audio.

Listen to audio books

If you struggle to find the time to read, then listing to audio books on the way to and from work is a great way to make your way through your reading list. Nowadays you can get pretty much any book in audio book format through providers such as Audible, OverDrive and Google Audiobooks.

Listen to podcasts

Podcasts have become a huge source of both entertainment and education in the past decade. From spirituality to true crime, there are heaps of engaging podcasts available to suit all interests and lifestyles. Simply download your podcast beforehand or stream it via Wi-Fi.

Make a motivational playlist

Sometimes the music on the radio just isn’t enough to get you energised for the day ahead. If you are struggling to get motivated in the mornings, then spend some time constructing your ultimate motivation playlist. Download your favourite songs onto your phone or curate a playlist on a streaming service such as Spotify or Apple Music and hook up to your audio system via Bluetooth or audio jack.

Engage in meditation

Driving commutes can be very stressful, especially if you use the motorway or other heavily congested routes. If you find yourself getting angry and stressed on your morning or afternoon drive, then listen to guided or free-listening meditation tracks. This will not only prevent stress, but also improve your mindfulness and resilience.
Want to make the most of your daily commute? Upgrade your car audio system today. The team at GC Car Audio can optimise your system to enhance your favourite tunes, podcasts and audiobooks. Based on the Gold Coast, our team are here to help you get the most out of your car audio system!

If you’ve invested in a new set of speakers and a brand-new head unit, you will have already noticed the superior sound quality. But, if you want to fully optimise your stereo system, then you need to invest in a new amplifier. To help you understand the role of an amplifier, here is some information from the team at GC Car Audio.

What do car amplifiers do?

An amplifier is a device that amplifies a weak audio signal in order to drive the speakers. This amplification process is an essential part of every car audio system, with the quality and power of your amplifier dictating the sound quality and volume of the sound. The more powerful the amplifier, the cleaner the sound from your speakers.
All car audio systems are equipped with at least one amplifier, even if it is a basic amp that is in-built into your head unit. Many car audio systems include a secondary audio amplifier to drive a subwoofer.

What should you look for in a car amp?

When you are shopping for an amplifier, you need to ensure that you purchase the right one to suit your speakers. There are two main power ratings for amplifiers: root mean square (RMS) power, and peak power. RMS is the continuous power produced by the amplifier and is measured in watts. Peak power is also measured by watts but refers to the power available for brief sound increases and is always greater than the RMS value.
Before you commit to buying an amplifier, you should ensure that the RMS value matches that of your speakers. This will ensure the sound quality is not over or underpowered. Overpowered speakers are at risk of overheating or internal damage.
If you need help choosing the right car amplifier for your car audio system, then contact our expert team. Based on the Gold Coast, our car audio experts stock a range of great amplifiers to suit every stereo system.

No matter what car you drive, or how long you’ve been driving, drivers can always benefit from tech-assisted driving assistance features. If you’re looking to make your car safer, here are four of the best driving assistance features on the market today.

Blind spot detection

We’ve all been there, you’re ready to change lanes and almost commit to it before another driver zooms past. While all cars and drivers are different, all drivers experience blind spots. In order to reduce your risk, cameras and sensors can be built into side mirrors which alert you when it’s unsafe to change lanes. Blind Spot Detection (BSD) can also be added aftermarket with certain models of dash cams and GPS systems.

Active cruise control

While cruise control has been a long-standing feature in vehicles for decades, older cruise control technology must be reset when you encounter traffic. Active cruise control on the other hand can predict when vehicles ahead of you are slowing and decrease your speed accordingly.

Dash cams

If you’ve ever been in a car collision or come back to a damaged car after doing the groceries, you’ll understand how frustrating it is not being able to prove what happened. By installing a dash cam, you can record the car as you drive (or while you aren’t there) to ensure you have concrete evidence if you ever need to make an insurance claim.

Reverse parking cameras and sensors

While some people are parallel parking masters, most of us avoid it completely. With reverse parking cameras, you can see exactly what’s behind you, while reverse sensors will alert you if you are getting too close to an obstruction. These cameras also double up as safety feature to ensure that there are no obstacles or pedestrians behind you while you are backing out of driveways.
Want to learn more about driving assistance solutions? Call the team at GC Car Audio today. Based on the Gold Coast, we stock a range of different driving assistance accessories to increase your confidence and safety when driving.

Sunny skies, great company and endless stretches of tarmac ahead. Is there really anything better than a good old-fashioned road trip. Before you hit the wide-open road, here are a few suggested tunes from the team at GC Car Audio to make the journey even better.

Toto by Africa

Revived in 2018 as a millennial favourite, few people can resist singing along to this 80s classic. Featuring catchy lyrics, a punchy chorus and a groovy synth-kalimba solo, this tune will set you up for a great day, no matter your destination.

Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly

This banger had people grooving on release in 2003 and the song has remained a sing-along classic ever since. Packed with rhythm and good weekend vibes, this song is the perfect addition to your next road trip.

Hey Ya by OutKast

Seamlessly weaving soul and an upbeat pop vibe, this song is a great way to get you pumped for the road ahead. With a catchy melody and powerful beat, this infectious track will be stuck in your head for days to come.

Mr Brightside by The Killers

An ultimate banger, this track can still be heard at nightclubs across the country. With amazing lyrics and a super accessible melody, if you’re looking to get your friends pumped up for your journey, then you can’t go past this absolute tune!

Chameleon by PNAU

Released in 2017 this song has become a firm favourite with people the world over. This tribal inspired dancefloor classic features toe tapping rhythms and catchy beats that will have the whole car jiving.
Want to make the most of your road trip playlist? Upgrade your car audio system today. Whether you’re looking for new subwoofers, tweeters or amplifiers, the team at GC Car Audio have you covered. Based in Southport on the Gold Coast, we can customise your sound system to meet you budget.

A head unit is the gateway and frontrunner of your car audio system. Not only does your head unit control the functionality and the performance of your car audio system, it’s also the single most visible component, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the first things that people choose to upgrade.
If you’re looking to upgrade your head unit, here are some helpful tips from the team at GC Car Audio.

Budget

Before you go out looking for a new head unit, you need to set a strict budget. Tell your salesperson upfront what your budget is and try not to fall in love with a model you can’t afford.

Power

For those that love their tunes, power will be one of the biggest considerations, but in good sound systems, the built-in head unit amp will be bypassed. The only time you need to consider the power of your head unit is if you are building a car audio system on a budget and aren’t as concerned with sound quality. It’s also a good idea if you’re building your car audio system piece by piece and want a decent inbuild amp to tide you over before you upgrade to a better amplifier later.

Added features

Depending on the audio system that you want to build, you should look out for handy added features, such as: auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, preamp outputs, steering wheel controls, remote control, theft protection and switchable illumination options.

Audio sources

While most people these days favour Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and auxiliary inputs, there are still those that like their audio old school and want a head unit that can play audio cassettes and CDs. If you want something a bit different consider finding a head unit that can play DVDs and Blu-Ray discs.
Need help finding the right head unit for your car audio system? Call GC Car Audio today. Our experienced Gold Coast team can find you a head unit that suits your lifestyle and budget and give you advice about the right way to build your own sound system.

Most of us don’t pay attention to developments in car audio systems, but looking at the last 10 years, the technology in this area has grown in leaps and bounds. Most of today’s motorists don’t know what an eight track is, and few will remember when audio cassettes were phased out and replaced with CD players. You also probably didn’t notice when car aerials became a thing of the past.
Interested in what the future has in store for car audio systems? Here are some insights into the future.

The Ac2ated sound system

Unveiled in 2017, the Ac2ated sound system is currently being developed by an audio component supplier called Continental AG and is set to be the biggest development in car audio this decade. Based on the principles of stringed instruments, this system uses a small transducer comprised of a magnet wrapped in copper coil to generate micro vibrations.
Unlike the oscillating membrane found in conventional speakers, this transducer uses existing interior components to produce high-fidelity audio (sound with minimal distortion). For example, the system could use the rear window as a subwoofer and the dashboard, floor and windshield for the mid-range and the A-pillars for the tweeters.

The benefits

The Ac2ated sound system creates immersive 3D sound that can be experienced in a completely different way. By using existing components to enhance and produce sounds, car manufactures could reduce weight and energy consumption, while freeing up a lot more interior volume. The Ac2ated sound system weighs less than a kilo, takes just 1 litre of space and should be able to match the sound quality of 10-20 speakers.
Looking for the latest in car audio? Come and visit the team at GC Car Audio. We have a huge range of quality head units, speakers, processors, tweeters and subwoofers that can be combined to create your very own custom car audio system.

We are blessed with a beautiful sub-tropical climate on the Gold Coast, and there’s nothing better than getting out and about to see everything our beautiful region has to offer. To help you plan your next day trip, here are 5 great suggestions from the team at GC Car Audio.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is always a draw card for tourists, but even us locals can enjoy the glitter strip’s cafes, bars and entertainment. With world renowned beaches, great eats and idyllic beachfront markets, there’s always something happening in this little metropolis.

Currumbin

If you’re looking for something beachy, but a little more low-key, then why not take a drive to Currumbin. Whether you want to try your hand at paddle boarding, surfing, or you just want to take a dip in the ocean, Currumbin has something for everyone.

Springbrook National Park

Springbrook National Park is a must-see for all Gold Coasters. If you want to see spectacular waterfalls and lush rainforest then this is the place for you. The Natural Bridge section is a favourite with locals due to its heavenly cave-like rock formation and waterfall.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

If you want to make a real day of it, wind your way up to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat set in the stunning Lamington National Park. Go for a stroll along the many nature walks or feed the native Crimson Rosellas and King Parrots. You can even stay at the retreat or indulge in a spa treatment.

Hinze Dam

As well as being our main source of drinking water, Hinze Dam is a great place to spend a family filled day. With awesome playgrounds, bike tracks and walking tracks, as well as great swimming, fishing and boating opportunities, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Want to make the most of your next day trip? Upgrade your sound system at GC Car Audio! We have a huge range of speakers, head units, subwoofers and processors to improve your sound quality. We can customise your car audio and transform the way you listen to tunes.