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Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8000 Multimedia Receiver

Sony XAV-AX8000If you’re looking for a radio upgrade for your car or truck, drop by Ocala Car Audio and ask for a demonstration of the amazing Sony XAV-AX8000 multimedia receiver. Equipped with a massive 8.95-inch touchscreen display and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, this radio looks great and delivers the infotainment technology our clients crave.

Add a Big-Screen Radio to Your Car

Are you jealous of the Mercedes, Tesla and Ram vehicles that come with large-screen infotainment systems? The Sony XAV-AX8000 is a unique solution that allows us to deliver big-screen quality in most vehicles that will accept single- or double-DIN chassis upgrades. The 8.95-inch display floats in front of the radio and can be angled to match the contours of your dash.

Connect Your Phone and Go!

Sony XAV-AX8000With CarPlay and Android Auto on board, sending text messages, making phone calls and choosing the entertainment options you want is as easy as asking for them. The voice recognition technology in your phone and a cellular data connection to the internet take care of the rest. You can control Pandora, iHeartRadio, Tidal or Amazon Music quickly and easily.

Not sure how to get to your next meeting? No sweat: You can use Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps (with iOS devices) to get turn-by-turn directions to almost anywhere in North America. Whether you need to run over to Daytona to meet a friend or are headed up to New York on vacation, you’ll get an efficient and safe route and clear directions.

Excellent Sound Quality and Intuitive Interface

Sony takes the user experience to a new level of simplicity. Our customers find that controlling the XAV-AX8000 is more straightforward than almost any other radio on the market. You can change the source or make audio adjustments quickly and easily. Of course, Sony includes everything we need to add a subwoofer and amplifier to your vehicle to improve your music’s sound.

If you want that big-screen experience in a modern connected multimedia receiver, drop by Ocala Car Audio, and we’ll connect your phone to the XAV-AX8000. We know you’ll be impressed. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, give us a call or send our team an e-mail using our contact page.

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Safely Using Your Smartphone in Your Car

SmartphoneIn 1982, Michael Knight was able to talk to his 1982 Pontiac Firebird and ask it for navigation directions. Of course, watching “Knight Rider” meant that we understood that KITT was make-believe. Fast-forward 35 years, and talking to our vehicles is now a reality, thanks to our smartphone.

Smartphone

The modern smartphone, be it an iPhone or a device running the Android operating system, is more of a computer than a phone. Sure, it has a speaker and a microphone, and you can indeed make phone calls with it. But more people spend time browsing Facebook, playing Candy Crush or texting their friends than making phone calls. Our society is simply addicted to the modern smartphone, and most of us can’t go more than a few minutes without having it at our sides.

Cell Phones in Automobiles

Early mobile phones were more of a walkie-talkie than a phone. You had to press a button to talk, then wait for the party on the other end to reply. This was called single-duplex communication. After a few years, full-duplex communication meant that you could talk at the same time as the person you were calling. As phones evolved, providers increased the number of communication channels available so that multiple phones could be used in one area. It wasn’t until the early ’80s that a standardized communication network dedicated specifically for phone use was put into place.

Fast-forward a few decades and the communication between our phones and the service provider is all based on digital communication. As important as voice calls are, data communication has become the top priority for many phone users. Cell phone service providers are constantly upgrading their cellular towers and technologies to increase communication speed and decrease latency.

Hands-Free Calling

SmartphoneLong before we had to worry about looking at maps on our phones, we had to deal with the issue of people talking on their phones while driving. Distracted driving is a serious issue and is the cause of many accidents and fatalities. In 2013, more than 3,000 people were killed because of distracted driving. In 2015, more than 391,000 injuries were caused by driver distraction.

The simplest way to prevent distraction is to not talk on or look at your phone while driving. Several global companies have strict rules about communication while in the car and strictly forbid any kind of phone usage.

If you have to talk, then a hands-free system that uses Bluetooth is a good solution. Bluetooth is a short-range digital radio communication protocol that works with a speaker and microphone to let you talk and hear the response from a caller without the need to hold on to your phone. Even the cheapest new cars include Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Existing Mobile Smartphone Navigation Applications

SmartphoneWe started talking about asking our phones for directions. Portable navigation devices with voice recognition have been available for more than a decade. Where using your smartphone differs is in the ability to retrieve real-time mapping and traffic flow information. Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps all provide navigation directions based on accident, road closure and flow information to help you reach your destination as efficiently as possible.

Map information is big business. Google has invested millions of dollars into developing its mapping information. Google claims coverage of 99 percent of the world, with an impressive 25 million updates each day. It has further enhanced that mapping information with data on businesses to make getting where you want to go even easier. Gone are the days of needing to purchase new maps to get the latest information.

Voice Recognition Systems

SmartphoneUnlike the voice recognition system built into portable navigation devices that listened for specific phrases or requests, Apple’s Siri and Google’s Voice Assistant can interpret common language communication to perform commands or execute requests. “Navigate to” has been replaced with “find me a,” “take me to” or “get directions to” whatever address or location you want. These systems capture what you say, analyze the content on their servers, then send the required commands back to the phone.

Smartphone Integration Solutions

SmartphoneApple CarPlay and Android smartphone integration solutions were developed to make using your smartphone safer while you drive. These software solutions run on the multimedia receiver in the dash of your vehicle and use your phone’s cellular data connection to listen to your requests and provide you with the information or entertainment you want. Asking for directions will launch Apple Maps or Google Maps. Asking to call a phone number or a business will initiate a hands-free phone call. You can send text messages and even have the systems read you the response from your friends, co-workers or family.

Control Your Vehicle with Your Smartphone

Another popular use for a modern smartphone is as a remote control for your vehicle’s convenience system. In the most basic of functions, you can use an application on your phone to send a command to your vehicle to lock or unlock the doors, pop the trunk or remote start the engine. Of course, hardware needs to be installed in your vehicle to perform these functions.

In a premium solution, these smartphone cellular communication solutions include telematics solutions. When the vehicle hardware is equipped with a GPS receiver, the location and speed of the vehicle can be communicated back to your smartphone. Business owners can track their fleet of company vehicles, and parents will know where their kids are a few seconds after pushing a button in an app.

The Future of Mobile Communication

SmartphoneAutomakers are working to allow our vehicles to talk to each other in order to reduce traffic congestion and the chance of accidents. For this to happen, your car or truck needs to know where all the vehicles around it are located and where they are going. The hardware exists today to make this happen, but the communication networks aren’t fast enough to implement the system.

In 2020, the fifth generation of mobile communication protocols (called 5G) will launch. Cell companies already have 5G hardware and are busy testing and configuring it to provide communication rates as fast as 20 gigabits per second with less than one millisecond of latency. Interestingly enough, the desire to have automobiles communicate efficiently with one another is driving this technology.

Latency is the time it takes for a message to travel between two devices. Right now, cell phones take 20 to 30 milliseconds to communicate to a server. For a vehicle traveling at 65 miles an hour, this delay means that a vehicle could have travelled more than 3 feet between when the message was sent and when it was received.

Add to that the time it would take to transmit that information to another vehicle, plus any computer processing time, and our accuracy based on communication speed is greater than 10 feet. That’s not adequate for an intelligent collision prevention system. If we can reduce the latency to 5 milliseconds, we’d have an accuracy of about 7 inches – more than enough to prevent vehicles from colliding.

Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

Until our primary mode of transportation is no longer our personal vehicles, the need and desire to communicate while behind the wheel will remain an important safety consideration. If you are interested in upgrading the smartphone technology in your car, truck or SUV, we invite you to visit your local specialist mobile electronics retailer. Be sure to bring your smartphone with you, so you’ll know exactly how the features and functions they demonstrate will work.

(KITT photo: By Shane K from Mississauga, Canada (KITT) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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Product Spotlight: Alpine iLX-F259

Alpine iLX-F259Ocala Car Audio is proud to introduce the next generation of Alpine Halo 9 source units with the new iLX-F259. Equipped with a 9-inch floating-design touchscreen that sits just in front of your dash like in a Mercedes-Benz or Mazda, this impressive multimedia receiver includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and support for a variety of digital media file formats. Let’s take a closer look.

The Amazing Alpine Halo 9 Design

One of the biggest challenges for someone wanting to upgrade the radio in their car or truck has been to find a mounting solution for a double-DIN multimedia receiver. The product specialists at Alpine overcame this roadblock with the floating-screen design of the Halo 9 source units. Equipped with a single-DIN chassis, the 9-inch touchscreen mounts in front of the radio location and is adjustable for height, mounting angle and distance from the dash for a clean and tidy look.

Alpine iLX-F259 Features

Alpine iLX-F259At the heart of the F259 is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. This voice-controlled interface makes it easy to place phone calls, send text messages and choose music streaming services without having to touch the screen or take your eyes off the road. The USB port will play MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC files as well as AVI and MPEG4 video files stored on a USB memory stick. With SiriusXM compatibility, you can have us add the SXV300v1 satellite radio tuner when we install the unit so that you can enjoy your favorite genre of music anywhere in the country without interruption.

Connectivity Options

The F259 includes an HDMI input on the back so you can connect an external video source like an overhead monitor, your laptop, a compact computer or a game system. A dedicated rear-vision camera input makes it easier and safer to park or maneuver your vehicle. The camera image appears automatically without the need to press any buttons as soon as you put the vehicle transmission in reverse.

See the Latest Alpine Halo Products Today!

If you are interested in the Alpine iLX-F259, drop into Ocala Car Audio and speak with one of our Product Specialists. You can also reach us by e-mail using our online contact page for more information about our products or services.

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Product Spotlight: Alpine iLX-F309

Alpine iLX-F309If you are looking for an amazing car stereo upgrade, drop by Ocala Car Audio and check out the awesome Alpine iLX-F309. This unique source unit features a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and fits into applications where large-screen radios don’t normally work.

Alpine iLX-F309 Touchscreen Display

Alpine iLX-F309While most multimedia receivers have a 6.1- or 7-inch touchscreen, the iLX-F309, also known as the Halo 9, features a massive 9-inch display. The body of the radio is a compact single DIN design that fits into almost any vehicle on the road. The screen mounts to the front of the radio and hovers just in front of your dash, just like the radios in a new Mercedes-Benz or Mazda. This large-screen design makes it easy to see navigation information or what song is playing with a glance.

Vehicle integration is quick and easy, thanks to support for the iDatalink Maestro vehicle integration module. With a Maestro RR or the new RR2, you can see vehicle information right the screen of the Alpine, adjust the climate controls and, in many instances, configure vehicle options.

Smartphone Integration for Safer Driving

The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay makes it easy and safer to send text messages, answer phone calls and choose the music you want to hear while driving. Activate the voice recognition system and ask for what you want. You can also get detailed turn-by-turn navigation instructions to the location of your choice using Apple Maps (CarPlay only), Google Maps and Waze.

Multimedia at Your Fingertips

The Alpine iLX-F309 will play MP3, WMA, FLAC and AAC files from a USB memory stick. The system includes an AM/FM receiver with HD Radio support, and we can add a backup camera to your car, truck or SUV to make maneuvering safer. The optional SXV300 satellite radio tuner will provide genre-specific entertainment from SiriusXM, and you can stream music from services like Pandora.

Upgrade Your Car Radio at Ocala Car Audio

If you are interested in experiencing the most unique and innovative radio on the market, drop by Ocala Car Audio and ask for a demonstration of the Alpine iLX-F309. You can reach us by phone or e-mail using our contact page for more information.

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Three Steps to Better Sounding Motorcycle Audio

Better Sounding Motorcycle AudioWith the warm weather upon us, now is the time to bring your bike to Ocala Car Audio to talk about building a better sounding motorcycle audio system. Whether you have a classic cruiser or you’re rocking a top-of-the-line CVO Limited, we can make your music sound better and play a lot, lot louder. Let’s look at the three most important steps in making your music sound great on your next ride.

Motorcycle Audio Systems Need Power

Just as it takes extra power to haul you and your 700-pound bike up a steep hill, being able to play your music at volume levels that are distortion-free at highway speeds requires much more than the paltry little amp built into a Boom! Box factory radio. We offer a variety of amplifiers from companies like JL Audio, Memphis Car Audio and Matts Pro Audio that use state-of-the-art Class D circuitry to produce incredible amounts of power while minimizing the load on your bike’s electrical system. We can mount these amplifiers inside most fairings to help maintain the storage space in your saddlebags or Tour-Pak.

With a premium amplifier onboard, your music will stay clear and detailed, even when the volume is cranked to 11!

Speakers Are Crucial to Great Sound

Better Sounding Motorcycle AudioImagine building a drag racing bike with a custom motor and chassis, then picking a touring tire to put that power to the ground. It’s not going to work! Speakers are like tires — they are what connects you to your music. Premium speakers can handle incredible amounts of power while continuing to sound great. Our upgraded speakers also happen to sound amazing. Your music will be more detailed and accurate at all volume levels.

In most cases, we have speakers that will fit directly into the factory speaker locations without the need for modification to your motorcycle. Our team of expert installers can also create custom installation solutions if you want to add speakers to your fairing or rear storage compartments.

Upgrade Your Source Unit for More Features

If you have an older motorcycle, then upgrading the source unit is a great way to create a better sounding motorcycle audio system. We carry a variety of source units that include Bluetooth audio streaming and USB ports to play MP3 and WMA files. Some will let you connect your iPhone or Android-based smartphone to provide nearly unlimited listening options while you ride.

Expert Installation by Ocala Car Audio

Better Sounding Motorcycle AudioWhether you need a set of replacement speakers or a full custom audio system, our team of technicians is available to work on your bike. Not only do our guys do great work, but they treat your motorcycle like royalty. Your paint and brightwork are protected at all times, and when we return your bike, it will be in perfect condition, but with better tunes!

Start on the Path To Better Sounding Motorcycle Audio

Drop by Ocala Car Audio in the heart of Marion County next time you are out for a cruise. Even if an audio system upgrade isn’t at the top of your list, have a listen to one of our bikes so you know what’s available. For more information, give us a call at 352-512-9897 or send an e-mail using our online contact form.

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A Quick Look at Apple and Android Smartphones

Apple and Android SmartphonesLooking back to the Palm Pilot and the original Blackberry, we have been on a constant path toward having full-blown computers with us at all times. Fast-forward a few decades and it’s rare that folks don’t have a smartphone in their pocket or purse. Apple and Android smartphones have changed the way we communicate and are entertained.

In the mobile electronics industry, we have been working hard to find ways to integrate your smartphone into your vehicle to help you safely communicate and listen to your music. Dive into any discussion about smartphones on Facebook, and you’ll quickly see it turn into a battle of which kind is better. As each device changes, seemingly by the hour, answering that question is nearly impossible. With that said, there are definitely benefits and drawbacks to each. Let’s look at some cold, hard facts about the Android and iOS operating systems and their associated hardware.

A Brief History of the iPhone

Launched in the summer of 2007 by Steve Jobs, the iPhone was touted as a game-changer in communication technology. Apple retains a unique advantage over Android-based smartphones in that it controls not only the hardware chosen for the device but the software as well. The iOS operating system is designed and tested to work together with the iPhone.

iPhone Complaints

Apple and Android SmartphonesWhat company doesn’t have haters? People either love the iPhone for iOS for its interface, associated software and approved hardware accessory devices or hate it for its monopolistic approach. Few people like having to use iTunes to load their music and the cost of MFI (Made for iPhone/iPod) approved cables and devices definitely raises their cost.

Is there a benefit? Definitely. When you buy an approved accessory, you know it will work. When you transfer music, you know it will play. You may lose some of the independence of doing what you want when you want, how you want, but the infrastructure exists to make owning and using an iPhone as trouble-free as possible.

Apple is often criticized by Android users for being late to the party with new features: “Oh, you added facial recognition to the iPhone X and wireless charging to the iPhone 8! That’s great, Android phones had that last year.” Maybe it takes longer for Apple to test these technologies. Maybe the development and testing time for each new phone takes a lot longer. We may never know, but it sure is nice when the features arrive and work flawlessly.

iPhone in the Car

Apple and Android SmartphonesApple led the automotive smartphone connectivity battle with CarPlay. CarPlay was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo as its first automotive partners. CarPlay offers an interface that mimics the icon layout on the phone to make using the system intuitive.

CarPlay allows users to use the Siri voice recognition engine to perform tasks like listening to text messages, making phone calls, selecting music and choosing navigation destinations. You don’t have to look at the screen at all to initiate any of those tasks.

With Apple under control of the CarPlay software, both OEM and aftermarket infotainment system manufacturers need to send samples to Apple for testing and approval before they can be sold. Apple works at its own pace, and we know this can cause delays. Are they worth it? If the system works the way it should, then most definitely.

Android-Based Smartphones

Apple and Android SmartphonesDeveloped by Google, the Android mobile operating system started development in 2005 and was launched in 2007. At the same time, the Open Handset Alliance – a consortium of hardware, software and telecommunication companies – was launched to advance open standards for mobile devices. The goal of the Open Handset Alliance was to create an open competitor to Symbian, Blackberry OS and iOS-powered devices. The first Android-based device was the T-Mobile G1, developed by HTC and launched in September 2008.

A fun fact about Android is its naming convention for each major release. While this practice is not uncommon, the names are rarely shared with the public. In order, the code names have been Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat and, most recently, Oreo. Clearly, the Android development team has a snacking issue.

Is Free Good?

Apple and Android SmartphonesAs we stated, the Android mobile operating system is released by Google under an open source license. This means that phone manufacturers don’t need to buy or license the operating system. This can reduce development costs and accelerate the focus on new technology.

As with most things, for every silver lining, there is a dark storm cloud nearby. With phone manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, LG, Sony and HTC each creating their own hardware and implementation of the Android operating system, updates for each device are at the mercy of the manufacturer and the wireless carriers. With Android about to roll out Version 8.1.0, not every device will get an upgrade.

In May 2017, coinciding with the launch of Android 8.0, Google announced Project Treble with a goal to streamline and simplify the update process for Android-powered devices. Only time will tell how successful they are.

Is Easy Good?

If you want to put a few songs on your Android phone, connect the USB cable to your computer, and drag the files to the Music folder. You can manage the files on your computer however you want, or not at all – if that’s your cup of tea. Similar folders exist for Pictures, Podcasts, Ringtones and Movies. You can treat them the same way you would a USB memory stick.

When Apple announced the iPod would move from Firewire to USB, radio manufacturers were quick to adopt interfaces that would allow control playback of the songs on the device in the car. This adoption took a lot longer for Android, and even up until last year, some source units could not play music stored on an Android phone by simply connecting the USB cable.

Bluetooth Problems

Apple and Android SmartphonesWith Apple and Android smartphones, Bluetooth connectivity is a big issue. Almost everyone has a Bluetooth hands-free solution in their car, so being able to use your phone with it is crucial to your productivity. Apple hasn’t been flawless in terms of backward compatibility to older source units, but for the most part, they seem to work well. Android, on the other hand, has been plagued with connectivity issues that vary by the phone manufacturer. Several aftermarket radio manufacturers cringe when dealers or consumers call about Bluetooth issues from specific brands.

Imagine if you update your smartphone and you can no longer connect to your vehicle’s hands-free system. With Apple, you can complain at the Apple Store or log into their support website. Though they won’t admit it outright, they pay attention to these issues and in many cases, fixes are released in updates.

If you own an Android-based phone, whom do you call when something doesn’t work? The store you bought the phone from? Your carrier? The manufacturer? Google? Simultaneously, each of them and none of them are singly responsible for the issue, nor can any one of them directly help you find a solution. Sure, there are exceptions, but with the open source philosophy of Android, connectivity with third-party devices is a lot more variable.

Android in the Car

Apple and Android Smartphones Android Auto was announced in 2014 as a joint effort between 28 automobile manufacturers. The actual Android Auto app was released on March 19, 2015; in May 2015, the Hyundai Sonata became the first vehicle to offer Android Auto support. Android Auto offers similar functionality to CarPlay, but eschews the menu-driven foundation and provides information about the function you are using on the screen. Voice commands and features work similarly to CarPlay.

Android Auto has an advantage over CarPlay with Google Maps and Waze. Both of these navigation solutions are considered superior to Apple Maps. You will find that many Apple users, unless they are using CarPlay, use the iOS versions of Waze and Google maps for their navigation needs.

Which Phone is Better?

Apple and Android SmartphonesOur goal isn’t to determine a winner in the battle of Apple and Android smartphones – that’s up to each individual user. If you use Macintosh-based computers at home, you may see no better option than to choose an iPhone. If you like the freedom of Android open architecture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Integration for Apple and Android Smartphones

No matter which phone technology you use, your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you integrate your phone into your vehicle. CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, audio streaming, hands-free calling solutions or even a custom mounting bracket are available for most vehicles. Drop by and see how they can make using your smartphone in your car safer and easier.

Steve Jobs photo by Ben Stanfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acaben/541326656/) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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Ocala Client Comes To OCA For Scion XB Backup Camera Solution

A local client came to Ocala Car Audio in search of a backup camera solution for his 2006 Scion XB. The client has done business with us before.

We showed the client a few options for displaying the camera image. We started with a replacement rear view mirror, then showed him a multimedia radio. The Kenwood DDX-9903S offers a dedicated rear view camera input that shows up when the vehicle is put in reverse. This source unit also includes Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The customer loved the added features of the radio and the fact that the camera image would be displayed on a 7-inch screen.

We used an ADS Maestro RR and the TO1 harness to allow the new source unit to display information from the vehicle. The Maestro interface taps into the car’s CAN bus and shows information like tire pressure, battery voltage, coolant temperature, engine RPM and vehicle speed. We mounted an AIS LCCAM1 camera above the license plate.

The customer likes the camera system and loves the new radio.

If you are interested in a similar package for your vehicle, contact us here.

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Safer Driving With Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlayAt Ocala Car Audio, we work hard to offer our clients the latest and greatest technologies for their vehicles. Of course, safety always remains a top priority in everything we do and sell. Did you know you can now use your iPhone safely while driving? The only way this can be done is with Apple CarPlay. We are thrilled to offer this new technology to our clients; read on to hear more about it!

What is Apple CarPlay?

So what is Apple CarPlay? Great question! CarPlay is a software designed by Apple themselves to work specifically with an iPhone. It is compatible with any iPhone 5 or newer. This software is also built into many of the aftermarket radios that we sell here at Ocala. By having one of these radios installed in your vehicle, you’ll gain access to this incredible technology that allows you to use your iPhone while driving.

Siri Does the Work So You Can Focus on Driving

Apple CarPlayYou’re probably wondering, “How can I possibly use my phone while driving and remain safe?” The answer is ‘Siri’! She does all the work so you can keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. When you step into your vehicle and connect your iPhone, it instantly syncs with the CarPlay software in your radio. With one tap, you select the app icon on your radio that you want to use and the rest is done through voice control/Bluetooth. You tell Siri what to do and she does it. Simple as that.

What Apps Work with CarPlay?

Most of the common apps that you use most are available on CarPlay. This includes messaging, phone calls, maps, music and reminders. Additional apps such as Audible, Pandora, Spotify and Stitcher are also available. Imagine driving down the road and wanting to send a text message. Instead of picking up your phone and typing it word for word, you just tap the messaging icon on your radio. Siri will then ask you who you want to text. Through Bluetooth, you tell her who it is you want to message and then she will ask what you want the text to say. You tell Siri and then she confirms the message with you before sending it. If the person texts you back while you’re still driving, Siri will even read the message to you! The same system works for all the other apps available as well.

Stop by Ocala Car Audio Today

If you want the convenience of using your iPhone safely while driving, stop by Ocala Car Audio today. Our store is located in Ocala, FL and one of our team members would love to chat with you about which options are available in your vehicle. You can also contact us here for more info.

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Top Reasons To Get A Navigation System From Ocala Car Audio

Navigation SystemHere at Ocala Car Audio, we sell lots of installed navigation systems to our clients all around the greater Ocala area. You may be thinking, “Everyone has a smartphone these days, so why buy an installed navigation system?” That is a great question. Follow along as we explain the benefits of having us install a navigation system in your vehicle.

The Quality Of Mapping Is Better

First and foremost, you use a navigation system to get you from point A to point B. Unfortunately, we all know someone who has used the free navigation app on a phone, only to hear it say “You have arrived at your destination” when they surely are not where you need to be. Maybe that’s why it is free? Our systems use the same grade mapping as vehicle manufacturers and, to be blunt, they are much more accurate.

Save Your Data For Things That Matter

As time goes on, we use our smartphones for more and more things, and that eats up data. Our installed systems don’t eat up your data. Even more important, we all know that many of the wireless providers have dead spots around Ocala. If you don’t have data, you don’t have a navigation system. That never happens with our systems.

A Navigation System Is Safer To Use

Navigation SystemWhen you upgrade to an installed navigation system, it becomes your hub for all the entertainment, smartphone and navigation functions you will use while driving. What this means to you is everything is designed to work together, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road, making you a safer driver. The display is larger, and it mutes your music when it announces a turn, so you feel more confident of where you are going and are less likely to make a mistake while driving.

You Have Options Galore

Navigation SystemAn installed turn-by-turn navigation system is also a technology upgrade for most vehicles on the road. All our systems include Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, as well as USB ports to control your external media. SiriusXM satellite radio is a popular option, as are backup cameras that can be displayed right on the full-color screen.

For the ultimate in convenience, some of our systems offer Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto – the best way to safely harness the power of your smartphone in your ride. Imagine being able to talk, text, set and hear reminders, and listen to your Internet radio stations, all by using your voice.

Come Experience Them For Yourself

We invite you to contact us or stop by Ocala Car Audio – in where else but Ocala – to experience the difference an installed navigation system can make for you. Our team will design and install the best solution for your needs.

You can also contact us by clicking here.

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Adding An Auxiliary Input To Your Factory Radio

Auxiliary InputA message that mobile enhancement retailers strive to share is that we want you to come to us with your feature requests or ideas. If you want a remote starter or audio system upgrade, you know to come to us – but did you know we also can install heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors or auxiliary input jacks on factory audio systems? We can, and our prices are often much less than dealer options or upgraded trim packages on new vehicles. Let’s look at a few options for auxiliary input additions.

Why Would You Want an Auxiliary Input?

Auxiliary InputWe all seem to have at least few hundred of our favorite songs stored on our cellphones or portable media players. We listen to them while we are out for a walk, grocery shopping or even at our desks at work, but we can’t always listen in our cars or trucks. If your factory radio doesn’t have Bluetooth or a USB port to which you can connect your phone, then there is no easy way to enjoy your music. In addition, in many states and provinces, it is illegal to wear headphones while driving. What is the solution? We can add an auxiliary input to your factory radio.

An auxiliary input interface allows you to connect the 1/8-inch headphone jack output of your smartphone or media player to your radio. Once it is connected, you can listen to your music through the factory radio and speakers.

Optical Connection

Auxiliary Input
NAV-TV MOST AUX adapter

Many European vehicles, such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, Audi, BMW, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Bentley, use a digital fiber optic bus communication system called MOST for multimedia and audio transfer. MOST stands for Media Oriented Systems Transport. This fiber optic system handles audio signals between the radio, Bluetooth, and iPod modules and amplifiers. In many models of the vehicle brands listed above, we can add an in-line module that provides a stereo auxiliary input. No need to replace the expensive radio. Just connect to your smartphone’s headphone jack and enjoy.

Wired Connections

Auxiliary InputSeveral companies manufacture auxiliary input interfaces that mimic the presence of an optional satellite radio tuner module. The interface will have a stereo input connection for your music and will connect to your factory radio via the satellite radio tuner interface port. Just press the Sat button to activate the input.

Many older vehicles on the road had the option for a CD changer. We can provide an auxiliary input interface for many of these vehicles that allows you to connect your portable media player or cellphone to these radios. To select the aux input, just press the CD changer button.

RF Connection

For decades, one of the most popular methods of feeding and audio signal into a radio that didn’t have a dedicated auxiliary input was to use an FM Modulator. These devices would take the audio signal from your media player or phone, and transmit that into your radio via the FM receiver. You would turn the modulator on, tune to a specific radio station (which is selectable so it doesn’t interfere with a local station), and voila – you could hear your music. These are still available when a wired connection is simply not possible. The sound quality is limited by the FM receiver of your radio, but it’s better than listening to your music via the speaker built into your phone.

Visit Your Local Car Audio Specialist Today

While there isn’t an auxiliary input interface available for every make, model and trim level of vehicle, a lot are covered. Drop by your local car audio specialist retailer to see if one is available for your vehicle. You will likely want to have the shop install the interface for you – they know how to take apart the dash or remove the radio without damaging anything. And they know the best places to power the new interface. Boy, are they ever smart!

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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