Have you ever wished that you always had a tablet in your car to help you figure out where to go and how to get there? With Honda’s December 3 announcement, that could soon be a reality.
The 2014 Civic and 2015 Fit will have two new optional features that smartphone users will appreciate: a 7-inch touchscreen that you can pinch, swipe and tap from the driver’s seat; and greater integrated support for Apple’s iOS. The iPhone 5, 5c and 5s will be supported, and Android support is expected sometime next year.
The touchscreen is one of the largest in its class, and will offer high-definition resolution so every road name and image is sharp, colorful and easy to read. The touchscreen will use the four primary HondaLink apps: Connect, Navigation, Aha and Launcher. Here is Honda’s description of what these apps do:
“Connect App – Provides convenient access for many services including location searches, local weather, messaging, Maintenance Minder alerts, service scheduling by phone, and access to the Owners Guide. Users can tap for weather updates and store favorite destinations for quick routing with the Navigation app.
Navigation App – For the first time Honda is offering a comprehensive cloud-based navigation app for purchase2 that includes 3D mapping and continuously updated traffic information. As the first navigation app developed by an automaker with mapping data provided by HERE, a Nokia business, this app offers a variety of location search options including search by point of interest, text search, or previous locations. Routes can be pre-planned on a smartphone and will display on the vehicle’s touchscreen. Turn-by-turn routing guidance is available through the vehicle’s audio system as well.
Aha™App – provides access to an extensive and diverse selection of audio content across multiple genres and demographics, plus featured new stations, Internet radio, podcasts, audiobooks, news, Twitter and Facebook updates and nearby location listings for restaurants, coffee houses, hotels, weather, parks, and gas stations. Users can tap to personalize stations or add favorites via smartphone or directly through the Display Audio interface.
Launcher App –Finds and organizes Honda-approved 3rd party apps so they can be quickly integrated into the Display Audio system. Approved apps can be found through the Launcher and shown on the Display Audio screen for easy access.”
This week’s announcement follows Honda’s Nov. 26 news that Apple’s Siri Eyes Free will be available on select Honda and Acura models as a dealer-installed accessory. Siri Eyes Free will let you call, text, navigate, check weather and ask Siri questions, all while keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
To learn more about these awesome new features, and whether your car or phone is eligible, call, email or stop by Leith Honda; we’d love to help!