It is unfortunate that so many drivers find that the navigation apps on their phones work better and are more up-to-date than those built into their dashboards. No wonder there are so many accidents related to cell phone use – they are not all focused on actually talking to someone. Honda balances this preference with sensibility by developing the HondaLink app, integrating navigation from the phone into a car’s built-in LCD.
Although different initiatives exist to emulate smartphones in the dashboard, the only example currently available from an automaker comes in the Chevy Spark and Sonic. Drivers of those models can buy the BringGo app and use it as the navigation engine, integrating it with the car’s infotainment system.
The next piece of the puzzle is the HondaLink app. At launch, the new generation HondaLink app will only be compatible with the iPhone 5 or later, but Honda promises to extend compatibility to certain MirrorLink-enabled Androids later next year. Owners will pay $60 for navigation within the HondaLink app, which uses maps from Nokia Here, which will be displayed on the car’s LCD screen. The maps have a modern, refined look and use the entire expanse of the Civic’s LCD to show streets and guidance. The system also includes live traffic. The app includes online local search, so drivers can easily find businesses. Drivers will be able to use the app outside of the car, looking up and saving addresses for use on the road. Beyond navigation, HondaLink integrates online weather and includes the car’s manual. An emergency function will call out to an operator in the case of an airbag deployment, like GM’s OnStar.
The connection to the car is a little clunky. The iPhone needs to be cabled to the car through a special adapter provided by Honda, which plugs into the car’s HDMI and USB ports. As Android supports a more open Bluetooth connection, future integration with Android phones may be easier, unless iPhone takes this as a sign to increase its own bluetooth capabilities. Overall, Honda’s new app may lead cars past the era of OnStar and TomTom into a new era of convenient technology and communication in the car.
