Today’s vehicles come with more entertainment options than ever. Gone are the days of AM/FM stereo and staring at the scenery, while you or your passengers wonder, “Are we there yet?” Whether you’re looking for a car, minivan, SUV, or truck, you can find the right entertainment technology for your needs.
Audio Entertainment
While AM/FM/CD/MP3 Decoder is mostly standard, most vehicles today also come with a Bluetooth to integrate streaming from your phone, books, or more via auxiliary input or USB port. Satellite radio is a widely available option with various tiered subscription plans. Interested in streaming music? Many vehicles now offer that option with such services as Apple CarPlay, Pandora, Spotify, and more!
Visual Entertainment
When every mile of road starts to look the same, you might be glad to have a DVD player to entertain backseat passengers on long trips! There are various options, ranging from a central screen everyone can see to seat-back screens that offer individualized entertainment and some work on DVD or even let you play movies or music from a thumb drive. Looking for something more interactive? In-car gaming is another way to keep passengers from being bored! Handheld consoles are easy to carry along and charge on the road, so keep an eye out for vehicle that offers plenty of accessible 12-volt power ports.
WiFi & Internet
The option to use WiFi in-vehicle can be especially useful. Many manufacturers have various ways to enable internet in your car with 3G or even LTE in newer vehicles. One of the simplest is using a smartphone hotspot, which may require adding an app or specific hardware to your phone. Doing this allows other devices you might want to bring along, such as tablets, to access the WiFi while you are out and about. It is important to know if your cell phone data plan allows for unlimited usage or if you will incur extra charges doing this. Many benefits for this exceed the driver’s needs and allow other passengers to benefit from WiFi, gaming, electronic books, movies, or music. On a road trip, it might be the best cure to “Are We There Yet?”
You might choose to install a router or modem in your car, which involves the cost of additional equipment. However, the most convenient way to add WiFi to your vehicle is to purchase one with it already available as an option. Many makes today offer internet access with a monthly or yearly subscription, and the hardware already onboard. From compact car to full-sized SUV, there is a wide range of vehicles that feature WiFi. So get ready to take make your drive a little more fun with today’s innovative entertainment options!