Are Cars with Smartphone Interactivity Taking Technology Too Far, or Making Driving Safer?
If you’ve been out of the car-buying market for a few years and are planning on purchasing a new vehicle soon, you’ll likely be surprised at the variety of features available today. Many features that were once considered a luxury upgrade now come standard. From heated seats to rearview camera displays, even the most basic vehicles offer buyers the comforts of a more upscale ride. Smartphone integration is one such feature that’s being included in more and more redesigns, in all classes of manufacturers from Ford to BMW. As smartphone interactivity becomes a nearly standard feature, car buyers may question if they need to be so connected while on the go. If you’re about to start looking for a new vehicle, you’ll want to consider these pros and cons of purchasing a car with a smartphone-friendly system.
Pros
Safety – If you’re going to be using a smartphone while driving, there’s no question that doing so with hands-free technology is the safest way to do it. Voice control services such as finding a contact, dialing, and adjusting the volume all make it easy to place a call without taking your hands off the wheel. This also means drivers don’t have to pull over to the side of a road or fumble around in their purse or pockets, potentially causing a dangerous situation, in order to use their phone.
Convenience – An integrated technology platform allows users to have uninterrupted conversations as they get into and out of their vehicle. For example, the BMW system automatically switches to speaker mode as soon as the phone is in its cradle, then switches back to handheld mode when it is removed. The driver can have seamless transitions without the person on the other end of the line even realizing it.
Cons
Cost – Smartphone-friendly systems often come with a hefty price tag. Buyers who aren’t interested in the technology may end up paying for a feature they don’t plan on using or don’t really need.
Over-connectivity – As cell phone ownership skyrockets, many are concerned about addiction to the devices. Honestly, most people just don’t need to be plugged in around the clock. Time on the road is best spent focused on driving, so it’s important to think about whether or not this feature is a necessity, or if you’d be better off using your phone when you’re not behind the wheel.