In the ’80s and ’90s, most of us used paper maps to plan trips and vacations across the country. This mode of route planning evolved to generating directions using online resources like MapQuest. Many of us would print out directions so our passengers could tell us where to turn next. As the popularity of portable navigation systems from companies like Garmin and Magellan increased, high-end vehicles started integrating GPS-based navigation systems. Fast-forward to the 2020s, and everyone has at least one smartphone that includes a GPS receiver and the ability to run Waze or a map app. Since most states prohibit drivers from using their phones while behind the wheel, modern multimedia radio upgrades from Mobile Edge in Lehighton are a safe and convenient solution to help you get where you want to go.
Navigation Using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Long before we had computers that fit in the palms of our hands, paper maps helped us reach our destination.
Most of us use Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze to get directions to where we want to go. These turn-by-turn navigation solutions offer coverage of most of North America so that you can easily plan a day’s sales calls or the annual family vacation. Map data is downloaded in real-time and is as up-to-date as possible. Better yet, these solutions use traffic flow information to help create routes that avoid accidents and congestion.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make using your smartphone safe by allowing you to use voice commands to choose a destination. You don’t even need to know the address. For example, you can say, “Hey Google, get me driving directions to Mobile Edge in Lehighton.” The artificial intelligence integrated into Siri and Google Assistant will search the internet for the address and plot the route for you. All you have to do is activate the voice recognition features in the vehicle to get started.
How We Can Add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to Your Vehicle
A new multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto lets you use the navigation system in your smartphone safely.
There are two ways to add these smartphone integration features to your car or truck. The most popular option is to choose a new Sony or Pioneer multimedia receiver to replace the existing radio in your dash. Aside from having access to navigation, you can make phone calls or dictate text messages. You can also choose from dozens of entertainment options like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify or podcasts using voice commands. In addition, these devices support playback of digital audio files from a USB memory stick and easy access to the music stored on your smartphone. We can even add SiriusXM satellite radio so you can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment or sports coverage from coast to coast while you drive. Finally, many of our clients opt for a backup camera upgrade that makes parking and maneuvering safer.
Suppose you own a vehicle like a BMW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Infiniti or Lexus, where the radio is integrated into the infotainment system. In that case, we offer vehicle-specific upgrade modules to add CarPlay and Android Auto to the most popular applications. These systems display the navigation information on the factory-installed touchscreen, and voice prompts are played through the existing speakers. Once installed, it’s as if the vehicle had rolled off the assembly line with this convenient technology.
Stand-Alone Navigation Receivers
We can add smartphone integration to many factory-installed infotainment systems. Drop by to find out if there’s a solution for your car or truck.
While using a smartphone is the most popular option, there are still a few instances where having a dedicated navigation system built into the radio is the most convenient solution. We offer several multimedia receivers with GPS-based nav systems for those who spend a lot of time driving in areas with cellular service or want to avoid data roaming charges if they drive to Canada or Mexico.
Turn-by-Turn Voice Prompts
Pioneer offers several AVIC-Series in-dash navigations solutions that offer detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Part of what makes navigation a considerable safety upgrade is the clear turn-by-turn voice prompts that include street names. You don’t need to guess when the next turn is coming or what lane you need to be in; the system will tell you to turn or exit to the right (for example) in a quarter mile. Should you stray off-course for any reason, the route is automatically recalculated to get you back on track.
Expert Installation Ensures Reliable Performance
We value your business and respect your vehicle. We take every precaution to ensure that your car or truck is safe when in our shop.
Whether you’re going with a multimedia receiver with built-in navigation, a solution with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, or we’re installing a vehicle-specific upgrade module, you should know that your car or truck is safe with us. First, we use seat and steering wheel covers on every vehicle that rolls into our bay. Second, we perform a detailed check-in process to document the condition and functionality of the vehicle. Third, we connect the battery to a charger while the car is in the bay. Finally, we protect the center console, door sills and fenders with masking or shipping tape if we’ll be in and out frequently. We don’t want ever to risk even the slightest scratch or scuff.
Once the vehicle is prepared, only then do we begin the integration process. We have access to detailed vehicle service instructions through our subscription to the Mitchell1 ProDemand database. This information provides us with the most efficient process to access the parts of the car or truck we need to work on. Every electrical connection we make is soldered and protected with high-quality heat-shrink or commercial-grade vinyl electrical tape. We use cloth and fleece tape to bundle harnesses to ensure that they won’t buzz or rattle once installed in the vehicle.
After the navigation system upgrade you’ve purchased is installed and tested, we reverse the process to make sure the vehicle is in as good as or better condition than when we started the project.
Upgrade Your Vehicle with a Navigation System from Mobile Edge
If you find yourself needing easier access to your phone-based maps or you’re still using paper directions to help you get where you want to go, drop by Mobile Edge in Lehighton. One of our product specialists would be happy to demonstrate the navigation upgrades we have available for your car or truck. Be sure to bring your smartphone with you (if you have one), so we can show you just how easy and intuitive these systems are to use. If you can’t get to our store during regular business hours, give us a call or click the red icon below to send us an e-mail.
