Your smartphone is the gateway to so many useful and handy apps, with Statista forecasting that 197 billion mobile app downloads were made last year alone. When you consider that the current world population stands at just under 7.7 billion, that’s around 25 apps being downloaded for each person on Earth in a year.
Looking back on this past year, join Skoda dealership Vindis, as they outline three of the best apps of the year.
Android Auto Or Apple CarPlay
We begin with a pair of smart driving companions which both carry out similar functions. However, the choice of which one you download will depend on the type of smartphone you have.
If you have a device with an Android operating system, then you’ll be wise to enhance your gadget with Android Auto. This smart driving companion essentially means that while you’re behind the wheel, you only need to mutter ‘OK Google’ in order to…
• Set up real-time GPS navigation and be informed about traffic alerts.
• Check your calendar for any occasions that you have scheduled.
• Set reminders.
• Get up-to-date news.
• Setting up a do not disturb message on your phone.
• Make or answer phone calls handsfree.
• Access so many of your media apps, such as those containing your favorite music playlists, audiobooks and podcasts.
Apple CarPlay functions in a similar manner to Android Auto and is made for iOS smartphone. Featuring Siri voice control, here’s just a few things you can do once you open the app:
• Search for attractions while driving by simply asking for directions by the following means: “Siri, where’s the closest petrol station?”.
• Have the app predict where you need to be by analyzing addresses on your recent emails, text messages, contacts and calendars.
• Make calls and listen to voicemail hands free.
• Have Siri read and reply to text messages, as well as send messages in new conversations too.
• Gain access to content via your iTunes, Apple Music or other audio apps accounts, as well as even request for Siri to become your personal DJ for the duration of a road trip.
In effect, you can remain connected without taking your focus away from the road!
Download The Mobile Apps on Android Auto Play Store And Apple CarPlay
HERE WeGo
Sick and tired of your mobile phone losing internet connection just as you’re hitting a busy city center that you’re unfamiliar with? We’ve all been in this nightmare situation, but the HERE WeGo app should mean that you never need to go through it again.
This is because the app allows you to safely download offline maps of the UK and other countries — including France, Spain, Italy, the US. This means that you can be navigated to your destination even when you haven’t got an internet connection.
The app even comes in handy when you’ve left your car at home, as it’ll inform you of carsharing opportunities nearby whenever you need it and can call a local taxi too so that you never need to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar city.
JustPark
If it isn’t your sat-nav losing internet connection at a vital moment that will get you stressed while driving, then not being able to find a parking space once you have arrived at your destination surely will. Again though, help is at hand — this time in the form of the JustPark app.
This award-winning service has been praised at the recent British Parking Awards and Richard Branson’s new VOOM event. The app itself has made up a database of 1.4 million parking spaces, off-street parking options (think car parks, private spaces and even driveways) and on-street parking possibilities (that’s stretches with parking meters and free parking zones).
JustPark doesn’t just come in handy when trying to find a space, however. You can also reserve a guaranteed space and pay for the spot via the app using either a card, PayPal or either Apple or Android Pay services. You’ll even be provided with easy-to-follow instructions and directions to the space once it’s reserved.
Make driving a lot less stressful and road trips much more entertaining by downloading these top apps onto your smartphones without delay!
