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!