Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
Reviews

The Most Advanced In-Vehicle Technologies in Today's Modern Trucks

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 11 Mar, 2014 02:51 PM
  • The Most Advanced In-Vehicle Technologies in Today's Modern Trucks
Ask someone why he or she purchased their pickup, and they will probably say they use it for carrying cargo or towing a trailer. Manufacturers are realizing that people are increasingly using their vehicles for both work and play, and with recent innovations in materials and technology have made the interiors of trucks really nice places to frequent. 
 
From Ford F-150's MyFord Touch communications and entertainment system to Uconnect in the Dodge Ram, here  is a closer look at some cutting-edge gadgetry found in today's trucks.
 
Ford F-150 — MyFord Touch
 
 
Image source: Ford.ca
 
The MyFord Touch system is found across Ford's lineup, customized for each vehicle. Based on a Microsoft platform, it allows you to control vehicle settings (climate, audio, navigation) and/or a synced electronic device via your voice, buttons on the steering wheel and dash, or directly from the main screen. 
 
It also provides full Wi-Fi capability turning the truck into an Internet hotspot. On the F-150, the buttons are designed so they are easily operable while wearing work gloves and there is a larger screen for improved readability.
 
 
Chevrolet Silverado — MyLink
 
Image source: GM.ca 
 
Ease-of-use is the main selling point of the Chevrolet Silverado MyLink infotainment system.  A customizable home screen displayed on the eight-inch monitor allows drivers quick access to their most-used features like Pandora Internet Radio or OnStar navigation. 
 
Voice recognition is available as well, and there are plenty of connectivity options for your smartphone like Bluetooth or USB. The system is equipped with Gracenote technology that identifies the music on whatever device is connected and instantly indexes the songs, assigning voice tags making them easily searchable by voice.
 
Ram — Uconnect
 
Image source: RAMtruck.ca
 
Like some of the other systems offered, Uconnect is a control centre for in-vehicle entertainment, cellphone functions and navigation. But it also offers a subscription service for premium access to things like downloadable software and an emergency service that can dial 911 independently without being connected to a phone. You can also pair your smartphone to the Uconnect app and track your truck if it's stolen, know when your alarm goes off, or lock/unlock the doors and start the engine.
 
If it's been a few years since you've upgraded to something new, all the bells and whistles offered in today's modern pickup can be overwhelming. The technology is only as good as the driver's ability to use them so consult the manufacturer's websites to decide which systems are best suited for your needs.
 
About the Author
Benjamin Yong is a freelance writer and journalist based in B.C. Canada. He writes and shoots photos for a number of local and national publications, often focusing on cars and the automotive industry, news, arts and culture and interesting people.

MORE Reviews ARTICLES

2013 Chevrolet Volt

2013 Chevrolet Volt
It is not very often that I am consumed by the test car I have, and the technology it has to offer. The vehicle in this case is Chevrolet’s Volt, a General Motors hybrid electric/gas vehicle. I have seen the car at the General Motors offices and have been looking forward to test driving it for a while

2013 Chevrolet Volt

2013 Toyota Venza: Style with Practicality

2013 Toyota Venza: Style with Practicality
I have to say that this new 2013 Venza is a very impressive vehicle. Toyota has done their homework and re-worked this vehicle into something I would not hesitate buying myself

2013 Toyota Venza: Style with Practicality

2013 FIAT 500 Turbo: Eye-Catching Mind-Blowing

2013 FIAT 500 Turbo: Eye-Catching Mind-Blowing
Whoever said good things come in small packages must have been talking about the FIAT 500 Turbo. By now, everyone is familiar with the little car that has replaced the old ‘new Beetle’ as the cutest car ever

2013 FIAT 500 Turbo: Eye-Catching Mind-Blowing

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4X4

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4X4
Generally when I test trucks, I never really test their full potential but in the case of this Dodge Ram, I really put it through its paces and took full advantage of its power and towing potential

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4X4

2013 LEXUS ES350: Luxury Sedan That Stands Out from the Crowd

2013 LEXUS ES350: Luxury Sedan That Stands Out from the Crowd
After many years as an automotive   journalist, you tend to favour the odd model that just stands out and when you get a chance to drive it, you jump at it. For me, one of my all-time favourites is the Lexus ES 350, a model line.

2013 LEXUS ES350: Luxury Sedan That Stands Out from the Crowd

2013 MINI: Not Normal

2013 MINI: Not Normal
Since MINI is owned by BMW but made in England, it has the best of English old time style and solid German engineering behind it. One of those Old English features was the convertible top

2013 MINI: Not Normal