Gallery: Infotainment Systems
01infotainment-systems
The Basics: __Why can't I just use my smartphone?__ With tons of entertaining content and useful resources available via your handset, we can understand why you would ask that. But unless you want to risk your life, not to mention an expensive traffic ticket, you shouldn't be fumbling with an iPhone behind the wheel. That's why carmakers are starting to make it possible for you to tether your phone to the car and manage it with cockpit controls. [](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/reviews/fall-test) __Will I be able to control my phone's apps with the in-dash touchscreen?__ A major part of this connectivity push is adapting apps for in-car use. App compatibility is limited now, since liability-averse automakers keep tight control on outside developers' access to a car's electronics. Streaming-music apps like Pandora have been standard-bearers, but apps for search, navigation, and even social media are becoming more common. __Aren't these things too distracting?__ While automakers strive to create interfaces that make accessing apps easier than fiddling with a tiny screen at 75 mph, many systems leave a lot to be desired. At best they allow access to certain features using voice control so that you never have to take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. At worst they make you want to just use the native app on your phone. Buying Advice: When you buy a phone and don't like the interface and features, you can return it — or suffer until your next upgrade. But a car is a longer commitment. Try before you buy: Tell that pushy salesperson to take a hike while you take the car and your phone for a drive. Find out how easy — or difficult — it is to operate connected features using the car's controls. Do this while parked and while driving so that you're not cursing yourself and your new ride in a few weeks.
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Chevy Spark/MyLink ------------------ The system in Chevy's sub-$20,000 subcompact is proof that you don't need to buy a luxury vehicle to get fantastic in-cabin tech — and that apps are where it's at for porting content into the car. MyLink doesn't even have a disc drive and, except for an AM/FM tuner, gets all its infotainment from your smartphone. Even pressing the voice-activation button on the steering wheel means you're speaking to your phone ("Hello, Siri!") rather than to some voice-rec software embedded in the car. And the depth of features in the $50 BringGo navigation app, specifically designed for MyLink, will make you wonder why anyone would ever pay $1,000 or more for an outdated in-dash nav system. __WIRED__ Simple, intuitive interface. Pass-through voice recognition is better than most embedded systems. __TIRED__ Besides BringGo, only three other apps—Pandora, Stitcher, and TuneIn—are currently compatible with the system. $13,745 and up (iOS, Android, BlackBerry) [](#)
03toyota-prius-ventune
Toyota Prius v/ Entune ---------------------- The Entune system uses an eponymous "gateway" app that car owners have to register through a Toyota website. It then can communicate with apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio for streaming music and other content, OpenTable for finding restaurants and making reservations, and MovieTickets.com to see what's playing and even buy tickets. Entune also uses a Bing app for live local search that works with the car's navigation system to route you to a destination. But we found the 6.1-inch touchscreen to be a little cramped in our tests. __WIRED__ Most apps of any system tested. Best local search. __TIRED__ Complicated setup. Touchscreen washes out in bright sunlight. $28,110 and up (iOS, Android, BlackBerry) [](#)
GM04cadillac-xtscue
Cadillac XTS/CUE ---------------- The Cadillac User Experience (aka CUE) is designed to replicate the latest smartphone interfaces, down to its configurable touchscreen and pinch-zoom capabilities for maps. It also has a proximity-sensing feature to cut down on clutter: "favorites" icons are hidden until a finger approaches the screen. And it's the first automotive system to include haptic feedback, so a button pushes back to provide tactile confirmation. But we often hit the wrong button — like when the heated seats kicked in, full blast, on a 90-degree day. __WIRED__ Ability to favorite dozens of radio stations. Configurable instrument panel display. __TIRED__ Currently supports only one phone app: Pandora. Awkward steering-wheel controls. $44,075 and up (iOS, Android, BlackBerry) [](#)
Mercedes05mercedes-benz-glkmbrace2
Mercedes-Benz GLK/Mbrace2 ------------------------- Instead of using your smartphone to connect to the cloud, Mbrace2 has its own cellular connection for accessing apps like Facebook, Yelp, and Google local search. While this may keep drivers connected, it will cost them: $280 a year for the basic system with automatic crash "SOS," another $20 a month for operator-assisted "concierge" services, and $14 a month for the Apps feature. But at the data speeds we experienced, it probably makes more sense in terms of time and money just to use your own smartphone and its data—after pulling off the road, of course. __WIRED__ Embedded modem means no smartphone required. Full web browser. __TIRED__ Spendy. Clunky interface. Dialup speeds — you'll reach for your phone. $37,090 and up [](#)
