Of course, having a screen in the car can be a distraction, so the interfaces are designed to minimise driver interaction. In fact, many now include voice controls that can help you avoid using the touchscreen quite so often, and with better integration with smartphones and voice assistants, these are becoming more dependable. When you do reach for the screen, you will appreciate having one with the same capacitive technology used by smartphones. Cheaper and older models tend to have resistive touchscreens, which need more pressure when you hit a key and don’t provide such a clear or vibrant image.
How will satnavs make my journey smoother?
All satnavs receive signals from GPS satellites, from which they can calculate where you are and in which direction you’re moving. They use this data within its maps to plan a route to your destination and track your progress along it, providing directions for when and where you need to turn, change lanes or take a roundabout exit.
Even basic satnavs now come with lifetime map updates, so you shouldn’t be confused by different road layouts or the appearance or disappearance of roads and roundabouts along your route. What’s more, the two leading manufacturers – Garmin and TomTom – have now had years to hone their map displays and voice guidance, with clear, timely directions that take you through what you need to do and when.
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Where there are differences, they come down to things such as 3D junction displays that show your path through a series of turns or complicated junctions, which can make all the difference when you’re on an unfamiliar road or surrounded by fast-moving traffic. Some Garmin satnavs also offer street views as you approach your destination so you don’t miss the building or a final turning. They might also use visual cues to help you, like suggesting that you turn after a landmark such as a church.
The biggest time-saving feature is live traffic updates, which you will even find on some affordable satnavs these days. The big manufacturers monitor traffic on major roads and proactively send warnings so you can avoid any major hold-ups while you plan or even as you drive. Speed camera alerts are another useful bonus, although you may have to pay a subscription to keep them up to date.
Is there anything else worth looking out for?
Satnav manufacturers aren’t blind to the ubiquity of smartphones, and now pitch their satnavs as devices that work with your smartphone, to give you not just navigation but a range of smart features designed for in-car use. Some double as in-car Bluetooth systems, enabling you to make and take calls via the built-in microphone and speaker. They might even relay notifications or incoming texts to save you taking sneaky peeks down at your phone screen. Some use your mobile connection for live traffic updates, fuel prices, and advice on parking spots, and we’re even seeing some incorporate Amazon Alexa, so that you can go beyond basic navigation commands to request streaming music or use Alexa skills.
We’re also seeing satnavs that hook into other services, using the likes of Tripadvisor and Foursquare to take you to restaurants, takeaways, cinemas and other points of interest in the nearby area. Again, this isn’t anything you can’t do on your phone, but it’s nice to see it integrated into your satnav, particularly if it can help you find a bite to eat or a rest stop when you’re driving longer distances or going on your hols.
