Connectivity in the car: how it makes life easier for us mothers
How to set up Apple CarPlay
First of all, it is right to specify that Apple CarPlay (compatible from iOS7 onwards) is an interface developed by Apple that allows you to have the main apps of our iPhone available on the car screen. Once you get on board, remember to have a cable with you to connect your iPhone via the USB socket and, subsequently, check that Siri (the voice control system) is active. If Apple CarPlay does not open automatically, click on the icon on the display.
On the latest generation cars it is possible to connect our iPhone without using the USB cable, thanks to Apple CarPlay Wireless. Mothers, even in this case, check the activation of Siri and, if the connectivity system does not start automatically, click on the reference icon.
Apple CarPlay, however, is not the only connectivity system that can make life easier for us mothers. There is, of course, also the version for Android.
How to set up Android Auto
Again, you need a USB cable to connect your phone to the infotainment system. It is necessary to have an Android 6.0 operating system (or later versions) and so, as for Apple CarPlay, you can keep the main functions under control: from navigation, to calls, to music. But be careful! If the "Android Auto" app is available on the mobile phone, the bluetooth is activated automatically, otherwise it is necessary to download the app by following the instructions on the mobile phone. Also for the Android system there is the "wireless" function but you need to have the latest generation phones available (from Android 11.0)
See also
Navigation app
Mothers, there are a number of apps compatible with both systems that can facilitate our movements, even the less complicated ones. They are very simple to use and this type of connectivity can really make our life easier. Among the most used are Google Maps and Waze. The first is a service developed by the Mountain View company that allows the search and display of geographical maps that span a large part of our planet. But not only that: it also allows us to search for places of interest such as restaurants, monuments, shops, places of public utility, as well as to trace road routes between multiple points, indicating the fastest route. However, according to some rumors, Google Maps is about to become "eco friendly": in practice it will introduce, shortly, a new feature that will indicate the route able to consume less fuel and, consequently, to lower CO2 emissions. Also from Google is another app that is widely used by motorists: it is Waze, a system based on the concept of crowdsourcing, that is, it provides updates on traffic or other events, in real time, but thanks to the community of users who use it.
Parking payment app
Another solution that can do for us, as well as a connectivity system that can make life easier for us mothers, are the apps dedicated to paying for parking. Recently, the "Easy Park" app has been made compatible on the Apple CarPlay system, which allows you to view the rate of the car park you are in on the car screen, programming and starting the stop (on blue stripes and in enabled car parks ) directly from the display of our car, without even getting out of the car.
App for listening to books
If we are in the car with our children, especially on trips or longer journeys, connectivity systems that can simplify the life of us mothers can be apps dedicated to listening to books. There are several and, depending on the subscription, they also offer a series of titles for children that can be used to entertain the little ones in the car, in total relaxation.
E-call: what is it for?
Last, but not least, dear mothers: you must know that on the latest generation cars, i.e. those built since 2018, a connectivity system is mandatory, capable not only of simplifying, but also of safeguarding, life on board. This is the eCall, an initiative promoted by the European Union which aims to provide rapid assistance to motorists involved in road accidents. The eCall system contacts the emergency services immediately after an accident, giving directions to the rescue personnel and indicating the precise position of the vehicle involved. The eCall uses the mobile phone network and satellite positioning to collect key information about the vehicle, the number of passengers, the exact location. The automatic emergency call, which can also be activated manually, saves valuable time and saves many lives.
