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Nowadays it is becoming increasingly difficult to recognize whether your car is an extension of your cell phone or whether it is the other way around.
Either way, it’s impossible to ignore how closely these two important machines are connected and have gone beyond the basics of hands-free communication.
Today, in vehicles like the latest-generation Honda Accord, pairing your phone opens up a ton of digital features that enhance both the driving and ownership experience.
So, let’s tune into the Accord’s array of digital amenities to see what awaits us.
Digital ads
Okay, first of all: none of these conveniences would be possible without modern displays that mimic and/or leverage the functions of your phone in the car.
And in this regard, the 10th generation Honda Accord is state-of-the-art with a twin digital setup that includes a 10.2-inch multifunction digital instrument cluster in front of the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen at the top of the center section of the dashboard.
As expected, the instrument cluster displays all relevant driving information in clearly defined graphic elements, including speed and engine speed in traditional dials, fuel and battery level indicators in bar graphs, and numeric displays for ambient temperature and odometer.
And then there are a series of smaller icons spread across the screen that display cruise control settings, seat belt reminders, speed sign recognition information, and gear selection.
The Honda Accord also features a crystal-clear widescreen head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield in the driver’s field of vision so they don’t have to take their eyes off the road, including vehicle speed, current speed limit, cruise control information and lane departure indicators, and a compass.
In the center section of the digital instrument cluster, the driver can customize the display through a variety of functions, from highlighting adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance functions to displaying trip computer information, audio inputs and more, simply by scrolling through the menu with a switch on the steering wheel. It’s simple.
Drivers can also choose from three different themes that change the display.
But here’s the kicker: The Honda Accord also has built-in Google features, including Maps. And when you’ve entered navigation directions to a destination, the instrument cluster can display the map and turn-by-turn directions in the available space around the speedometer and tachometer.
Not only does this ensure the driver has a clear view of upcoming instructions rather than taking their eyes off the road and looking at the center screen, but it also frees up the infotainment display for easier access to other features such as controlling audio, ventilation and vehicle settings.
The central multimedia screen has a logical menu structure with all key functions highlighted by phone-style widgets, as well as a separate left-most section with a digital clock and quick-access controls for adjusting temperature, fan speed and audio volume.
On the other hand, there are a number of shortcuts for Home, Back, and important features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and FM radio. But owners can also customize this menu stack to their liking.
Connectivity
Staying connected is easy in the Honda Accord.
To pair your phone with the car, simply follow the instructions to connect via Bluetooth.
There’s even a wireless phone charging pad on the front of the center console, so you don’t have to deal with tangled cables in the interior. It’s that simple.
Google Suite
No matter what operating system you connect to, the Accord’s built-in Google suite opens up a whole new world of features.
We’ve already highlighted that the system uses Google Maps instead of a native GPS interface, making it more familiar to most while also providing the latest street information and live traffic information.
Additionally, Google Assistant allows users to ask for directions or recommendations to local attractions and restaurants or the nearest gas station in a natural voice, then select their destination based on Google’s star rating. It’s the perfect companion when exploring a new destination.
And then there’s the Google Play Store, where owners (once logged into their Google account) can download specific apps and customize the infotainment system to their liking, including alternative navigation systems like Waze or music providers like Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Spotify or the high-fidelity service Tidal.
Honda Connect app
This is how Honda integrates your phone into your car, but it can also be done the other way around via the Honda Connect app.
This smartphone app ensures owners can stay connected to their vehicle – and Honda itself – at all times, even when they’re not driving.
The convenience it offers is truly outstanding and once you get familiar with its functionality, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
First of all, it offers a variety of basic functions on the main screen, such as: B. Displaying your current fuel level and range, which can be handy if you suddenly go on a spontaneous road trip.
It also shows the vehicle’s current interior temperature, which can be important on hot summer days as you can then remotely activate the air conditioning for up to 10 minutes to cool down the interior before getting in and driving.
You can also save favorite destinations to Google Maps for easy access and send directions to the car before entering the vehicle, or search the app for the nearest amenities such as gas stations, ATMs or grocery stores.
There are also quick access buttons for sounding the horn and turning on the headlights, so you can easily find your car in a crowded parking lot and unlock the doors remotely if someone else needs access to, for example, retrieve an item from the car.
And then there is the digital key, with which the vehicle recognizes your smartphone in the same way as with the normal key fob.
Additionally, the latest Gen 2 version of the Honda Connect app offers a range of telematics services such as logging your driving history, searching for your car and push notifications when the vehicle detects low battery voltage, the security alarm has been activated or when the vehicle is about to undergo its next scheduled maintenance.
Owners can also geographically delimit a set radius from a consistent location, such as your home or office, set speed limits within it, and receive alerts if the vehicle either travels outside the radius or exceeds the set speed. This is of course helpful if you lend the vehicle to another driver.
The system also automatically notifies the Honda Care customer center in the event of a collision and prompts a representative to contact the owner to inquire about his welfare or call emergency services to provide the exact location of the vehicle. It is a potentially life-saving technology.
In this way, the 10th Generation Honda Accord leverages modern technology to make the driving and ownership experience easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
MORE: Explore the Honda Accord showroom
