Smartphone Apps for Drivers
greenMeter
Heavy on the brakes? You may be using more gas than you know, at an additional cost. greenMeter provides real-time readouts of one’s driving style, enabling the driver to modify his or her accelerator and brake use for optimal fuel economy. The app breaks down energy usage at different speeds and loads into engine power, aerodynamic drag and mechanical rolling resistance. It then displays energy cost in dollars, oil consumption and CO2 output. Because all computations are calculated using the accelerometer sensors in an iPhone or iPod Touch, the driver must set a forward direction when positioning the phone inside the car, and then leave it be while driving. ($5.99)
TripAlyzer
TripAlyzer helps drivers find the least expensive, most fuel-efficient route. The iPhone app works though cell tower or Wi-Fi triangulation and is designed to analyze one’s driving habits, calculating how efficiently he or she uses fuel and how much is being spent on gas. Once the driver enters the odometer reading and the number of gallons of gas used, the TripAlyzer can display speed, direction and distance, as well as elapsed time, carbon footprint in the form of CO2 emissions and the amount of time spent idling. TripAlyzer also verbally announces the current fuel efficiency. ($5.99)
Dynolicious
Because the iPhone can sense forward-backward-sideways acceleration, the Dynolicious app reportedly can measure and record one’s car’s performance almost as accurately as sophisticated car-testing equipment. It can score a car for 0-60-mph runs, measure braking and cornering force and calculate horsepower to the wheels. ($12.99)
gMeter
Using the iPhone’s accelerometers, the gMeter can automatically record speed, distance traveled and engine power, as well as measure how quickly a car stops. ($8.99)
AccuFuel
This app helps track how much the user spends on gas, and gives you instant feedback while driving. The user can choose from SAE, imperial and metric fuel use. The app also includes a resettable odometer. Fuel-fill records can be stored for multiple cars. ($0.99)
Speedometer Speed Box
For classic-car owners with a cable-driven speedo, this app verifies the speedometer accuracy with a digital speed. It also functions as a compass, an average-speed calculator and an altimeter. Users can configure the display to show either large digits or a moving dial, and the app remembers maximum and average speeds on a trip, providing up to three hours of data. When the iPhone is placed face up on the dashboard, a reverse readout will reflect off the inside of the windshield. ($3.99)
For more information visit http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g754/10-handy-smartphone-apps-for-drivers/?src=social-email.
Cool car gadgets
- Navdy Car HUD. Navdy enables drivers to interact with their smartphone while keeping their eyes on the road. When the device is placed on the car’s dashboard, it connects via Bluetooth to the driver’s iPhone or Android smartphone and – using a HUD (heads-up display) – projects information from the phone onto the road in front of the vehicle. ($299)
- PowerCup is a DC-to-AC converter, as well as a USB power inverter. When placed in the vehicle’s cup holder, and plugged into the power outlet (cigarette lighter plug), the device enables users to charge laptops, tablets, smartphones, DVD players, portable game system, MP3 players and anything else that requires electrical power to run. ($89)
- No matter where one is, the CarLock Cloud stays connected to his or her car, sending alerts the moment it detects suspicious activity. ($169)
- CG-Lock CG001 Seatbelt Stabilizer. The CG-Lock easily clips onto a vehicle’s seatbelt to prevent the driver from slouching. By holding one’s hips back for proper posture, and ensuring the spine is cradled in the lumbar support of the seat, the driver maintains a safer, more comfortable posture and endures less back fatigue and stress. ($61.59)
- iHUD Head-Up Display Windshield Projector. iHUD is the world’s first multimedia, heads-up display. It reportedly can project a 4.5-inch virtual image directly onto the windshield, enabling drivers to see the screen and information on their smartphone or other device without taking their eyes off the road. ($411)
- The Full Coverage Heated Steering Wheel Cover. This is said to be the only battery-operated heated steering wheel cover that completely encircles a wheel, keeping the driver’s hands warm in cold weather. ($79.95)
- ZENS Qi Cup Holder Car. A wireless charger for smartphones, the device ensures drivers and passengers will never run out of battery juice while driving ($79.99)
Handpresso 12V Car Coffee Maker. The coffee maker runs by plugging into the car’s power outlet. ($162)- Soundgate IOPLAY. The four-speaker Bluetooth audio and smart phone hands-free car kit enables users to enjoy their music from their portable music player or phone while driving. ($99.95)
- Motorola Roadster2 car Bluetooth kit. The Bluetooth enabled in-car speakerphone from Motorola attaches to the car visor, making it easier for the driver to be heard when making calls in the car. The device’s noise cancellation enables one’s voice to be heard over loud traffic or road noise outside. ($99.99)
- Super Trackstick GPS. Super Trackstick reportedly works anywhere, continuously recording exact routes, stop times, speed, direction and more. ($249)
- Peak PKC0RG small rearview mirror with 3.5-inch backup camera. The Peak PKCORG rearview mirror and backup camera consists of an attachable rear view mirror and built-in 3.5-inch monitor. Features include standby with auto-on mode when the camera is on, weatherproof camera housing, swivel ability with wide-view angle and a wireless transmitter. ($65.99)
- The Driving Activity Reporter. Driving Activity Reporter monitors a car’s activity and provides a detailed report of places, routes and speeds traveled. It uses a 16-channel GPS receiver to track the movements of the car to which it is attached (internally or externally, using the device’s built-in magnet for covert purposes) and stores locations on its built-in flash memory, which holds up to 100 hours of driving activity. ($149.95)
- The iPhone Steering Wheel Bluetooth Speakerphone. The cordless Bluetooth speakerphone attaches to a steering wheel, placing the speaker and microphone closer for hands-free iPhone conversations. ($69.95)
- The GPS Homing Device. The GPS Homing Device is a portable GPS locating device, designed to help one locate his or her car in a parking lot, or when parked in a new city. ($79.95)
- Lubricheck Motor Oil Tester. The oil tester lets drivers know when their oil needs to be changed. ($49.95)
For more information visit http://coolpile.com/gadgets-magazine/47-coolest-car-gadgets-bring-wheels-future.