Dealing with a flat tire or getting stranded are among the most stressful experiences you’ll encounter on the road. Fortunately, technology can better prepare you for everything the road throws your way. Here are a few gadgets representing the latest wave of innovations for your car.
Garmin Speak
We’ve known Garmin makes a long line of GPS devices and many already feature voice control. Their latest one, however, comes with a powerful upgrade. Garmin Speak, the company’s latest release, has Alexa onboard. It’s the first in-vehicle device that offers hands-free access to Amazon’s powerful voice assistant and it certainly does more than just give you directions.
Read an audiobook (through your car’s speakers), add items to your shopping list, play music, ask for the weather forecast, check your schedule, or order meals—you can accomplish a lot with Garmin Speak. That’s all thanks to Alexa and her ever-expanding skills. You’ll need mobile data for Alexa to work on the Garmin Speak. Reviews haven’t been strong, but the device may fit your needs.
Mpow Bluetooth Car Kit
Have a car without integrated Bluetooth? This Bluetooth car kit plugs into your car so you can make calls and play music over your car’s speakers hands-free.
Lantoo Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Are your tires wearing out sooner? Wrong tire pressure may be the culprit. The worst part is that if you let it be, your car will likely suffer from poor fuel economy or a blown-out tire. You’ll want to have this digital tire pressure gauge on hand to check if your tires are at the recommended PSI (pound per square inch). Besides ensuring a safe ride, this digital gauge also doubles as a seatbelt cutter and flashlight.
Tile Mate Tracker
Can’t find the car keys again? Let this nifty Bluetooth tracker lend you a hand in your search. Use a Tile Mate tracker on your keychain so you’ll always know where your keys may be at any given moment. In case you lose your keys, simply use the Tile app to make your Tile tracker ring. That’s not the only thing the Tile Mate does.
This nifty gadget also shows the last place it paired with your smartphone through its app. In case you left your keys on your office desk or somewhere at home, you’ll see where you left them on the Tile app.
Maxboost USB Charger
While on your way to work, the last thing you want is a dead phone. The Maxboost USB Charger has two smart ports to simultaneously charge two of your most important gadgets, and it’s also easy on the pocket.
Invest in these clever contraptions and you’re guaranteed a smoother, easier drive each time. Be warned, though: a recent AAA study found that complex and new car technology can easily distract motorists. Distracted driving can put you and your passengers in harm’s way.
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