We’re in the home straight with Tech Guide’s popular 2023 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas to help you find the ideal gadget gifts that will put a smile on the face of your loved ones.

It’s already Day 9 and today we’re taking a look at in-car devices that can help us stay safe, stay in touch, keep us entertained and get us to your destination.

Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:

Day 1: Cameras

Day 2: Smartphones

Day 3: Wearables/smartwatches

Day 4: Headphones/speakers

DAY 5: Gaming

DAY 6: Tablets/e-readers

DAY 7: Drones/Gadgets

DAY 8: Smart/IoT devices

DAY 9: In-car gadgets

DAY 10: TVs/Blu-Ray/4K

DAY 11: Appliances

DAY 12: Computers

DAY 9: IN-CAR GADGETS

NAVMAN MIVUE PRO 4K DC – $529

NAVMAN MIVUE PRO 4K – $369

Navman’s new MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC (dual camera) is being calling the best dash cams the company has ever built.

Navman has brought together industry leading features into a single unit so they can act as the driver’s high quality eyes on the road.

The MiVue Pro 4K records in true 4K resolution – 3840 x 2160P at 30 frames per second.

It also has on board 1/1.8-inch low light sensor that draws in a greater amount of light to improve clarity even in low light situations.

FULL REPORT HERE

NAVIG8R PORTABLE WIRELESS TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY – $169

The Navig8r 7-inch Portable Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Touchscreen brings voice activated smartphone integration technologies to any vehicle, offering convenience, safety, and functionality.

The product integrates your car and your phone, enabling you to access messages, make phone calls, get directions, select your favourite music tracks and more, all without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Easy to install and even easier to use, commands can be issued with your voice using Siri or Google Assistant. Integrated apps include maps (including Apple, Google, Waze and more), music (Apple, Spotify, Amazon and more), messaging (including WhatsApp), calls, podcasts, calendars and even AirPlay or Miracast for screen mirroring directly in the backseat.
FULL REPORT HERE

BELKIN BOOSTCHARGE MAGNETIC WIRELESS CAR CHARGER 10W – $99.95

Mount your iPhone on the vent with this magnetic wireless car charger and experience the convenience of effortless charging on the go.

This wireless car charger is designed to leverage the MagSafe technology in the iPhone devices.

Quickly charge your iPhone in the car with up to 10W of power, so you’ll always arrive with a charge. Mounting the phone is easy with the convenience of one-handed placement and perfect magnetic alignment every time.

View the screen in portrait to set the playlist and flip to landscape mode for GPS, all without interrupting your charge.

UNIDEN iGO 90R – $349.95

The Uniden iGO CAM 90R offers high-quality footage with up to 4K Video resolution on the Front Camera with a 3.16-inch Wide Angle LCD Colour Screen in outstanding clarity. The IGO CAM 90R has voice control allowing you to activate certain recording features via your voice when you are driving.

With a Wide View of 135° for the front camera and Ultra Wide view of 150° for the rear view camera ensuring that all events are recorded. The Uniden iGO CAM is ideal for Car, Courier, Taxi & Uber Drivers, Tradies, 4WD and Offroad Drivers, Truck and Commercial Drivers. In addition to the safety benefits, the enhanced video footage lets recreational road users capture scenic drives and off-road adventures in crisp detail.

FULL REPORT HERE

GME MT610 PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON – $379

For those who love the great outdoors and enjoy camping, bushwalking or 4WD exploring – a new device has been released by Australian company GME to keep them safe and locatable in the event of an emergency.

Australians love exploring our beautiful country and often that’s outside the range of our mobile networks so if something happens you can’t just dial 000.

The Australian made GME MT610 Personal Locator Beacon is an essential product for anyone who likes exploring the most remote parts of Australia.

Many people are unaware that our current cellular networks might be within reach of 99 per cent of the population but only 14 per cent of the Australian landmass.

FULL REPORT HERE

UNIDEN DASH VIEW 50R – $499

Uniden’s Dash View 50R is latest addition to its range with a resolution four times higher than HD so you can get an even clearer view on the road.

Included with the 50R is a 64GB MicroSD card to store your vision.

The new Uniden Dash View 50R – which includes a front and rear camera – also has voice control for completely hands-free operation.

The front 4K camera has a sleek design which can be easily positioned in front of your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.

FULL REPORT HERE

The post Tech Guide’s 2023 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas – Day 9: In-Car Gadgets appeared first on Tech Guide.

Navman is kicking off its Black Friday sales with a massive discount on the MiVue 880 Dual Camera dash cam and are throwing in a bonus Smartbox free as well as free shipping.

The MiVue 880 Dual Camera dash cam is available while stocks last for the special Black Friday price of $256.80 (usually $349) – and that includes free shipping and the Smartbox thrown in for free as well.

The MiVue 880 offers full HD 1080p recording front and rear and its videos are GPS-tagged and includes direction and speed.

It also offers premium safety alerts including school zone warnings at the right times of the day, black spots warnings and a heads up when approaching speed cameras and red light cameras.

The device has a 3-Axis G-Sensor and parking mode which is supported by the free SmartBox to provide continuous power after your engine is switched off.

This means the cameras will trigger a recording if your car is hit while its parked.

If you’re looking for a new dual camera dash cam, or want a great gift for a loved one, snap this up while stocks last!

The MiVue 880 Dual Camera (RRP $349) plus BONUS SMARTBOX (RRP $79) for just $256.80 plus FREE shipping.*

* Navman Black Friday offer is strictly limited and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, coupon, or trade-in. Discount applied in cart, offer ends 27th Nov 23:59 AEST only online at www.navman.com.au with shipping to Australian customers, while stocks last.

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Australian consumer electronics company Laser has unveiled and a new in-car touch screen display which allows drivers to enjoy the complete Apple CarPlay an Android Auto experience.

The Navigh8r 7-inch Portable Wireless Touchscreen is priced at $169 and brings Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto to vehicles which previously didn’t support these interfaces.

The device offers convenient and safe access to your smartphone while you’re driving including navigation and music streaming apps.

While more recent vehicles already support CarPlay and Android Auto, drivers with older vehicles and many second hand car buyers now have an easy plug and play way to access this latest technology to make their cars smarter and to improve the driving experience.

The Navigh8r 7-inch Portable Wireless Touchscreen is a snap to install and intuitively easy to use.

Drivers can even use their voice with Siri or Google Assistant to access features and issue commands and even send and receive messages.

The integrated apps include navigation apps like Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze and more along with music through Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and many more.

On the messaging side users can access WhatsApp, text messages and easily make and receive calls and access their favourite podcasts.

“With road trip season just around the corner, and the rising demand around in-car smartphone integration, the role of portable options is becoming incredibly popular,” said Chris Lau, Managing Director of Laser Corporation and Head of the Navig8r brand.

“We see this as a handsfree extension of your phone, great for gifting and ideal to make any ‘dumb’ car a smart one.

“It also continues our ongoing commitment to deliver such a compelling option that is well under $200.”

Navig8r 7” Portable Wireless Touchscreen – Key Features:

 – Navigation – Whether the user prefers Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, or another mapping product, latest maps can be integrated with real time features just as would be seen on your smartphone. The user can issue voice instructions to get directions while driving.

– Music – stream, cast, or play favourite songs, playlists, and podcasts. Any app on the users smartphone such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and so on can be displayed on the touchscreen, and songs and actions undertaken with voice command.

– Messaging – touchless and by voice. Whether using WhatsApp, SMS, WeChat or other messaging platforms, the user can have messages read aloud, or simply speak aloud speech to be converted to text ready to send.

– Handsfree calling – Leave your phone in your pocket and dial numbers or contacts simply by talking. Use voice commands to check your calendar, play podcasts or engage in a team’s meeting.

– AirPlay and MiraCast – cast content from your phone (or tablet) onto the screen. Kids can watch streaming services from your phone on the screen when used in the backseat. While this feature might be restricted in cars with CarPlay built-in, the Navig8r Portable Wireless Touchscreen has multiple uses even out of the car thanks to its portability.

– Powered by USB – take it anywhere and keep it powered through any USB power source

– 7″ LCD screen with IPS – Using a high quality In-Plane-Switching LCD panel, the 7″ screen offers improved colour accuracy and consistency as well as a wider viewing angle.

– Bluetooth & Wi-Fi – Wireless connection from your smartphone means the phone can be left in the users pocket, handbag or backpack. Once connected, the pairing is saved so that next time the user gets into the car their phone is automatically re-connected.

– FM transmitter – with a choice of preset stations on the device, it can be simply tuned to FM radio to be enjoyed via the cars audio system or the device’s built-in speaker.

– Extendable Windscreen mount – offers a variety of installation options from close to the driver to a centrally located position. The extendable windscreen mount is adaptable for all windscreen types.

Add-On Accessory Available – Navig8r Reverse Camera – $29.95

Small enough to be mounted in the tightest of spaces, the Navig8r universal reversing camera is suited for any monitor device accepting a 3.5mm phono plug. Once installed, it offers the driver a clear view of what’s behind the car… night or day, rain or shine. The camera has HD 720p resolution and night vision and has an IP67 weatherproof rating.

Pricing and Availability:

The Navig8r 7” Portable Wireless Touchscreen is priced at $169 and is available now at Harvey Norman. The Navig8r Add-On Reverse Camera is priced at $29.95.

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In the ever-evolving world of automotive technology, electric cars have taken the centre stage. These eco-friendly vehicles are not only changing the way we think about transportation but also revolutionising the automotive industry itself.

From battery innovations to autonomous driving capabilities, electric cars are powered by cutting-edge tech. In this article, we’ll explore the technology that drives electric cars forward, including insights into electric car lease deals and a closer look at the impressive BMW i4.

The Electric Revolution

Electric cars, once seen as a niche market, have gained immense popularity in recent years. This surge in interest can be attributed to several key technological advancements that have made electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible and practical for consumers.

Battery Technology

At the heart of every electric car is its battery. Battery technology has seen remarkable improvements, resulting in higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer driving ranges. Lithium-ion batteries, which power the majority of EVs, have become more efficient and affordable, making electric cars a viable choice for a broader range of consumers.

The BMW i4, for example, boasts a state-of-the-art battery pack that allows it to cover impressive distances on a single charge. With advancements in battery technology, the i4’s range is competitive with many traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, alleviating the “range anxiety” that was once a concern for EV owners.

Charging Infrastructure

To support the growing electric car market, charging infrastructure has seen significant expansion. Charging stations are becoming more widespread and increasingly efficient. Innovations like ultra-fast DC fast chargers and wireless charging options are making electric car ownership even more convenient.

Additionally, home charging solutions are becoming more accessible and user-friendly. Many EV owners now have the option to install Level 2 chargers in their homes, reducing their reliance on public charging infrastructure. These advancements are not only making electric cars practical for daily use but are also contributing to the growth of the electric car market.

Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving technology is another area where electric cars are making strides. Many EV manufacturers, including BMW with its i4, are integrating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving capabilities into their vehicles. These systems use sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to enable features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and even hands-free highway driving.

The BMW i4, for instance, offers a suite of driver-assist features that enhance safety and provide a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving. As this technology continues to advance, it’s expected that electric cars will play a significant role in the adoption of self-driving vehicles.

Electric Car Lease Deals

With the growing popularity of electric cars, more consumers are exploring electric car lease deals as a cost-effective way to experience the benefits of EV ownership. Leasing an electric car often comes with lower monthly payments compared to traditional financing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

In addition to affordability, leasing an electric car provides the opportunity to drive the latest models with the most advanced technology. This allows lessees to stay at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, benefiting from improvements in range, performance, and features with each new lease.

Environmental Impact

One of the primary drivers behind the adoption of electric cars is their positive impact on the environment. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This eco-friendly aspect of electric cars aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.

Furthermore, advancements in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are helping to make the charging of electric cars even more sustainable. As the grid becomes cleaner, the overall environmental benefits of electric cars continue to grow.

The Future of Electric Cars

The journey of electric cars is far from over. With ongoing research and development, we can expect even more exciting innovations in the near future. Manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve battery technology, aiming for faster charging times, increased energy storage capacity, and longer-lasting batteries. These advancements will not only make electric cars more practical but also accelerate the transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet.

Moreover, electric cars are likely to play a pivotal role in the transformation of urban transportation. As cities around the world grapple with traffic congestion and pollution, electric vehicles are seen as a sustainable solution. Electric buses and rideshare services powered by EVs are becoming increasingly common, reducing emissions and improving air quality in urban areas. The convergence of electric cars, autonomous driving technology, and shared mobility services promises to reshape the way we move within cities, making transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Electric cars are not just a mode of transportation; they are a showcase of cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of the automotive industry. From advancements in battery technology to autonomous driving capabilities, electric cars like the BMW i4 are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the road.

If you’re considering making the switch to electric, exploring electric car lease deals can be a practical and affordable way to experience the latest in EV technology. As electric cars continue to evolve and become more accessible, they are undoubtedly playing a pivotal role in the shift towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced automotive landscape. So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or an eco-conscious driver, the world of electric cars offers something exciting and innovative for everyone.

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Tesla has revealed its upgraded Model 3 electric vehicle which includes an updated design and a range of new features inside and out.

Australian customers can configure the new Model 3 on the Tesla website with delivery expected between January and March 2024.

The most obvious change is the look of the vehicle which has a sleek and more aerodynamic look to help reduce drag and noise and increase range.

It has new wing-shaped headlights with integrated fog lamps to improve safety while driving at night.

The new Tesla Model 3 sports a new taillight which is designed in one piece and integrated into the boot.

And there are also two new paint options in Australia and New Zealand – Ultra Red and Stealth Grey.

There are numerous changes in the interior including a redesigned centre console to offer more space for the driver and passengers.

EVs are already quiet but the Model 3 will offer an even quieter ride courtesy of the 360-degree acoustic glass technology.

Noise will also be reduced with increased suspension bushings, improved seals and the addition of sound dampening materials.

The new Model 3 interior now incorporates ambient lighting which is customizable from over 200 different colour combinations to offer yet another level of personalization.

Rear passengers will have access to an 8-inch touch screen so they can control air conditioning and entertainment from their rear seats.

Up front the 15-inch touch screen has also been improved with increased brightness and faster responsiveness along with a customizable user interface that will be improved constantly thanks to Tesla’s regular over the air updates.

The new Model 3 has taken a leaf out of the Model S Plaid’s (not available in Australia) book by eliminating stalks and the drive selector and replacing them with on-wheel and touchscreen controls.

Smart shift, first seen in the Model S plaid, can automatically select the correct driving direction for you instead of manually choosing it yourself.

On the safety side, the new Tesla Model 3 has energy absorbing side sills, a fortified battery pack mounted low in the vehicle to eliminate rollover risks as well as a super strong metal body structure that can withstand tremendous weight far beyond the actual weight of the car.

Drivers will enjoy new comfort and driving quality thanks to next-generation vehicle stability, improved power distribution and Tesla’s impressive traction control.

There are also upgraded wheel configurations in 18 inch and 19 inch options.

The new Tesla Model 3 starts at $61,900 plus on road costs. It offers up to 513km range.

The new Model 3 Long Range model starts at $71,990 plus on-road costs and offers up to 629km of range.

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Dash Cams are quickly becoming a must-have product for vehicles to document what happens on the road in the event of an incident or accident – but not all dash cams are the same.

Tech Guide has spoken to Navman Australia’s product manager Elvis Tran about what customers should look for in a dash cam and how the technology has evolved.

Navman sold more than 3 million sat nav products across Australia and New Zealand but has decide to focus solely on dash cams and develop new models of the MiVue dash cam range and develop connected dash cams for enterprise and business customers.

The latest Navman MiVue Alta dash cam that can blend in to your car and there’s also the MiVue Alta Workmate XDC dash cam for utes and work vehicles and the latest MiVue Pro 4K.

TECH GUIDE: More and more Australians are driving with dash cams these days, but aren’t they all the same? What makes a good quality dash cam?

ELVIS TRAN: While dash cams basically all do the same job, they’re really not all the same and you can see this in any of those dash cam compilation videos on social media. You’ll see headlights causing light to flare, or sunlight flaring after exiting a tunnel or an overpass, impossible to read number plates and street signs particularly in dark situations, which is when many accidents happen.

Navman dash cams are specifically designed for our region, they aren’t sourced as an international model and renamed. We ensure they go through the strict and vigorous testing and quality control processes of heat tolerance, excessive vibration and thermal shock testing as we know how hot it can get in-vehicle during the Australian summer.

TECH GUIDE: You’ve been a product manager for Navman for a number of years, how have you seen dash cam technology evolve and change in that time?

ELVIS TRAN: As you would know well Stephen, there are always early adopters in technology who want to get the latest gadget and that is certainly true in the early days of dash cams. I can still look back with pride to the first dash cams we developed, knowing that many of the features – HD video, GPS tagging for precise location and speed, 3-Axis G-Sensor to show direction of impact– all are still there.

What has changed is the breadth of features packed into each device and the variety of designs. We’ve incorporated the safety features from our PND (portable navigation device) into our dash cams including Premium Safety Alerts which include school zones, accident blackspots, railway crossing and speed zone changes on motorways to ensure the drivers are warned and can proceed with caution in these specific areas.

With the addition of voice activated commands, you can now control specific commands of the MiVue PRO 4K with the power of your voice for a hands-free experience, allowing you to focus on the road.

TECH GUIDE: What do you think are the most important features that every driver needs to have in their dash cam?

ELVIS TRAN: You have to have Full HD 1080P recording as a minimum and you must have footage that is stamped with GPS location and speed and information gained from the 3-Axis G-Sensor that shows the direction of impact of the vehicle. This is absolutely critical in providing evidence of fault in any accident.
I also think school zones and speed camera alerts are a must. No one wants to get a speeding ticket if they can help it, but even more so, no one wants to speed through a school zone and hit a child. If you have a dash cam that reminds you to slow down, then it is worth its weight in gold.

TECH GUIDE: The claim that the Pro 4K is the best dash cam Navman has ever produced is a big one, what have you got to back this up?

ELVIS TRAN: I know it’s a big call! We’ve designed, manufactured and sold a lot of dash cams over the years but honestly, I’m incredibly proud of this one. It really is the best combination of good design, latest technology and the most useful features for Australian drivers who want the best quality footage. We’ve learnt a lot and improved from the successful predecessor – the MiVue SENSOR XL to develop the PRO 4K range.

In developing the PRO 4K and PRO 4K DC, we really focused on the image sensor – a large 1/1.8” format 8-megapixel CMOS sensor that helps capture the 4K Ultra HD quality and detail needed. We’ve incorporated this sensor into a small footprint dash cam while still retaining a large 2.7” IPS LCD screen. Sensors of this size are normally found in premium compact digital cameras or high-end smartphones. The device is designed to fit unobtrusively onto the window, flat mounted with a 3M detachable mount.

It also has voice activation for emergency recording, and the rear camera is a useful 2.5K Quad HD all thanks to the 5-megapixel Premium STARVIS sensor. We’re proud to be one of the leading brands in the market with a true 4K front and 2.5K rear dual channel dash cam.

With 4K being the benchmark in TVs, you can even playback the footage on your 4K TV without any compromise on quality or upscaled footage.

Like all our top of the range dash cams, it comes with Smart and Low power parking modes. But what’s new in the PRO 4K DC is front and rear motion detection zones, giving you nose to tail protection to detect any movement when your car is parked, with the detection zones, it minimises the chance of false recordings that can be caused by clouds moving or birds flying past.

Combined with the new addition of H.265 (HEVC or High efficiency Video Codec) compression, each recording file only uses half the storage space needed compared to the conventional H.264 so it can capture and store twice as much footage than ever before without any compromise to the video quality.

Super MP4 recording is another new technology in our dash cams that ensures footage is reliably saved and minimising chance of file corruption by writing the files to the microSD card every 2 seconds. In conventional dash cams, the files are written and saved at the end of each recording duration so if the card was ejected, you’d lose the entire recording whereas with Super MP4, you would only lose the last couple of seconds.

One of the top faults our service department hears is file/data loss due to corruption or microSD card being ejected. You don’t want to be caught out at time when saving the footage is crucial and with Super MP4 recording, this new feature reduces the likelihood of this occurring.

TECH GUIDE: Is 4K really necessary in a dash cam? Many of your models are Full HD 1080P, isn’t that sufficient?

ELVIS TRAN: Full HD 1080P is the resolution standard in dash cams and really pretty good, 4K Ultra HD is four times that resolution and produces higher quality and clarity footage that’ll allow you to zoom in and see any necessary details to provide clear evidence if you’re involved in an accident.

Our lens is designed with multi-layer glass to ensure high picture quality and reliability in all conditions, without the risk of distortion, hazing or cracking that commonly occur in low quality and plastic lenses.

TECH GUIDE: Why do sensors make a difference?

ELVIS TRAN: Dash cams work in many ways like regular cameras where the quality of the image depends on the size of the sensor, and how much light is pulled into the lens. Put simply, the larger the sensor the brighter and clearer vision and images are at night or in low light or car parks, and this can make the difference in your evidence of who was at fault.

TECH GUIDE: What feature of today’s dash cams do you think people need to know more about?

ELVIS TRAN: For me, parking mode is top of the list. Virtually all models in our range come with the ability to record when the vehicle is parked, and the engine is switched off.

So many accidents occur in car parks or on the street. This could be someone knocking your vehicle and driving off without leaving a note, or someone trying to break into your car or doing some sort of malicious damage, leaving you to fork out your excess on your insurance premium.

If your MiVue dash cam does have parking mode, it is absolutely worth buying the accessory you need to enable this to work – our SmartBox (which retails for $79) and have an auto-electrician professionally install it for you. This allows the device to sense motion, wake up and start recording with smart voltage and timer monitoring ensuring the dash cam shuts down safely when it reaches a selected threshold without draining your vehicle’s battery.

I think people also need to know that whatever their budget or the style of car – whether it is a high-end luxury vehicle that demands a discreet design, or an older car that is missing technology that can be found on newer cars like lane departure warnings, there is a style of MiVue dash cam to suit.

The post What to look for in a dash cam – they are not all the same according to Navman appeared first on Tech Guide.

Navman has released the new MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC (dual camera) and the company is calling them the best dash cams it has ever built.

Navman has brought together industry leading features into a single unit so they can act as the driver’s high quality eyes on the road.

The MiVue Pro 4K records in true 4K resolution – 3840 x 2160P at 30 frames per second.

It also has on board 1/1.8-inch low light sensor that draws in a greater amount of light to improve clarity even in low light situations.

Having that improved resolution provides far more detail in your footage so it’s even easier to make out things like number plates, street signs and car makes and models.

Each video is GPS tagged with the exact coordinates of any incident site along with other details like the direction of impact thanks to the onboard 3-axis G-Sensor.

The rear camera has a premium Starvis sensor and a 135-degree field of vision with the ability to record in 2.5K (2560 x 1440P) at 30 frames per second.

The MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC (which includes the rear camera) can be operated hands free with your voice which means saving a recording requires the driver to simply tell the device to start recording.

The front camera has a 2.7-inch LCD screen which makes it possible to review footage right there on the device while also offering fast file download via Wi-Fi to the MiVue Pro app.

In the event of an accident, the app allows you to download and share footage instantly from the accident site.

There are a number of safety features built into the MiVue Pro 4K and MiVue Pro 4K DC that will benefit even drivers of older cars.

These features include front collision warnings along with stop and go warnings when the vehicle in front of you has moved away If you’re still stationary.

There is also a lane departure warning system and even rear collision warnings which will offer an alert if someone is following too close behind you.

The MiVue Pro 4K also advises when you’re approaching safety cameras, red light cameras, school zones and railway crossings.

Drivers can also add the SmartBox for an additional $79 which will provide a continuous power source for the dash cam to operate in parking mode.

This means the MiVue Pro 4K can trigger recordings if someone hits your parked car and drives away.

The MiVue Pro 4K is priced at $369 while the MiVue Pro 4K DC (dual camera) is priced at $529.

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The technology used in cars and other road vehicles evolves at a rapid pace. As such, even the biggest driving enthusiast can often feel like they’ve missed something in the blink of an eye.

However, this quick guide will update you on some of the key tech features to look out for over the coming months. It covers some of the best updates in recent years as well as the hotly anticipated new launches.

Driverless Cars

It has been hard to discuss car technology in recent times without mentioning driverless vehicles. While the concept has existed for many years, the progress made over the past two years or so has been incredible. It is now possible to hail a driverless car through Waymo when visiting several U.S. cities. As a subsidiary of Google, it probably won’t be long before the service is available in other countries including Australia.

Furthermore, the road towards autonomous cars for everyday car owners is getting closer. Tesla already has autopilot and self-driving capabilities. Many other companies are developing their tech too. As with electric vehicles, the tech should become more affordable over time. Now is the time to keep an eye on it.

Garmin ZUMO

Satellite navigation devices are hardly anything new and now come as standard on most cars. However, motorbike riders will find that the dedicated motorcycle GPS tools from Garmin are ideal. The ZUMO range is specifically designed for bikers, even allowing them to find hilly routes with the Adventurous mode. The rugged housing is far better suited to weather exposure than the majority of car GPS systems on the market too.

The benefits for riders are clear. It can encourage you to find more adventures, find the best route to places, and avoid getting lost. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road. In turn, this can reduce the threat of crashes or the need for a motorcycle attorney. Maintaining safety and enjoyment never looked better.

Samsung Digital Key

It doesn’t seem that long ago that a manual key was the only way to enter a vehicle. Electric car keys changed the landscape, growing in huge popularity throughout the first decade of the 21st century. They soon became the norm. Further innovations have emerged over the past few years but, right now, Samsung’s Digital Key stands out as the best. Designed to work with BMW vehicles, it allows drivers to open their car through their Galaxy Smartphone.

Given the omnipresence of smartphones in our daily lives, this is a very convenient upgrade. It seems almost inevitable that similar solutions will appear on the market for Apple phones and owners of other Androids. Likewise, BMW will be joined by a host of other car manufacturers. This will be the future of car entry.

Apple CarPlay 2.0

CarPlay launched in 2014 and has seen major upgrades through iOS 9 to 17. However, the biggest update is set to arrive later this year when CarPlay 2.0 hits the market. The infotainment service already offers everything from co-pilot capabilities to simplified Apps. However, 2.0 is set to take over the vehicle’s entertainment systems rather than simply working alongside existing features. It will deliver a far more immersive experience.

Will there be teething problems? Problem. However, anyone with a compatible vehicle that already uses CarPlay will want to make the switch to 2.0. After all, the tech giant is pretty rapid with adding patches and software updates. There is no doubt that it will dominate the market in 2024 and beyond. 

Ford Steering Wheel Table

To unleash the full potential of a vehicle, it’s important to look beyond the driving experience alone. When sitting stationary in a parked car, perhaps to eat or quickly pull over to buy gig tickets, you want to be comfy. Sadly, steering wheels often get in the way. Until now. The new steering wheel table from Ford allows the driver to move it into three positions. This includes a horizontal (table) mode and tilted mode as well as the traditional position.

The innovative steering wheel will be available later this year on the new Ford Transit Custom. It’s set to be a gamechanger for the E-version too, providing convenience when waiting for the vehicle to charge. The device has already received a lot of praise and is sure to find its way into other Ford vehicles in the future.

The Mercedes E-Class Selfie Camera

Selfie cameras have played a key role in our lives over the last decade or so. Therefore it should come as nos surprise that they are set to enter our vehicles. The 2024 Mercedes E-Class will sport a dash-mounted selfie camera. It is primarily designed with social media streaming in mind but can also be used for video conferencing and other practical tasks. It’s probably not essential, but does highlight how car tech is adapting to our needs.

The camera isn’t designed to pose a distraction, which is why it is just a camera and not a screen too. However, anyone that makes content from their vehicle will find that this is a masterpiece. it is safer and more organised than planting a plug-in camera on the dashboard. It looks a whole lot better too.

GM’s Teen Driver Suite

If you are a parent of a new teen driver, GM’s Teen Driver suite should be at the top of your checklist. Technically, it isn’t new, as the product was first introduced in 2016 with Chevrolet’s Malibu Sedan. Since then, it has been added to many other models under the GM umbrella. New features were launched in 2022 while this year’s version has seen the Buckle To Drive feature extended to the passenger seat.

In short, you can’t drive the vehicle until driver and passenger are buckled up. This is combined with other features like top speed limits and sound system restrictions. Any parent that is worried about their child’s safety should look into this if they’re child is about to take their driving exam. If kids can’t be responsible, they don’t deserve to drive.

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The MG ZS EV midsize SUV is a leading the way in affordable electric vehicles – but it is also full of surprises.

We met up with the South Sydney Rabbitohs – MG Motor is their major sponsors – to get a tour of their new performance centre but to also show them a cool feature of the MG ZS EV called V2L – Vehicle To Load.

Basically what this means is that you can power other things from the battery of the MG ZS EV.

When the car is plugged in to a charger the battery is recharging – think of it like a larger version of a smartphone.

V2L is a discharging feature and allows users to attach a cable to the charging port and plug in and power other devices and appliances.

We met up with Rabbitohs players Tom Burgess, Campbell Graham, Jai Arrow and Ben Lovett to demonstrate V2L with a ball cannon, a ball pump and the Game Ready recovery device to treat injuries.

Take a look at the video above to see the Rabbitohs and MG’s V2L in action.

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Navman has released its new range of MiVue ALTA dash cams which are designed to blend into your vehicle while still offering great features and clear footage of anything that happens while you’re driving.

For a customer who wants the dash cam to look like a factory-fitted accessory, the Navman MiVue ALTA is the perfect choice.

ALTA is a first of its kind vertical front camera that can be integrated discreetly in the centre of the windscreen and out of sight from the driver.

The Navman ALTA starts at $329 and can be fitted too new and older cars thanks to its slim vertical profile.

“We developed this new range with Australian and New Zealand new car owners top of mind,” said Wendy Hammond, managing director, Navman ANZ.

“When we buy a new car, most of us don’t want to add anything that detracts from its beauty, so we wanted to build a dash cam that offered new car looks, as well as a host of great features for a lot less than drivers would pay for a device from a dealer.

“The result is a high-quality dash cam designed without compromise

“The MiVue ALTA will give drivers the high-quality evidence they need to protect themselves if they are in an accident – clear footage of what happened stamped with GPS coordinates and speed to pinpoint the exact location, and a 3-Axis G-Sensor to provide critical information like direction of impact.”

The MiVue ALTA captures full HD 1080P video which is optimised to look clear and sharp day and night making it easier to view important details like car number plates, road signs and people.

Any impact or sudden braking triggers the MiVue ALTA to save the footage to the included 32GB endurance microSD card.

MP4 footage can be viewed, downloaded and shared after an incident using via wi-fi on the MiVue Pro app.

The ALTA also comes with safety alerts which can be updated monthly via wi-fi so you can receive reminders when approaching red light and safety cameras, entering school zones, railway crossings and accident black spots.

The MiVue ALTA range was developed entirely in Australia by the product managers and built in Navman’s state-of-the-art factories before being tested to ensure it can handle local conditions and wildly varying temperature ranges in Australia.

There are three models in the MiVue ALTA range:

– MiVue ALTA – single front camera: $329.

– MiVue ALTA DC – two cameras recording front and back: $499.

– MiVueä ALTA Workmate XDC: $549. Designed and tested especially for the

Australian utes and small trucks. Regular rear cameras fitted on the rear windscreen on utes where the view can be obscured by the load. This issue is resolved with an external rear Full HD waterproof camera mounted just above the number plate. It also comes with a 10-metre cable for the extra-long trays.

All the MiVue ALTA products include parking mode with the addition of an optional Smartbox ($79) which can trigger the camera via the built in G-Shock and motion sensors to automatically record 5 seconds prior to impact and 15 seconds after.

This is ideal for capturing accidents in car parks.

If the other driver doesn’t leave their details after hitting your vehicle, their car’s number plate will be easily seen via the captured video.

The range is available now from leading retailers and at www.navman.com.au.

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Australia will be first country in the world where leading consumer electronics brand Belkin will release its products made from 72 per cent recycled plastics and plastic-free packaging.

Belkin made the decision in January during the Consumer Electronics Show to transition product materials to PCR (post-consumer recycled plastics) that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.

Australian customers will be the first to have access to these sustainable products which will include the Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub (AVC018), BoostCharge 30W Fast Car Charger Bundle and Standalone (CCA004) and BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (BPB011).

And customers will be hard pressed to notice any difference in terms of aesthetics, quality and performance between the PCR products and virgin plastic products.

But there will be clear call outs in the product packaging and product pages including “Made with Recycled Plastic Products” and “100% Plastic Free Packaging”.

Belkin continues to look for ways to further reduce its impact on the environment while maintaining the highest quality and performance.

The company sourced its PCR from reputable resin vendors which was tested by Belkin’s design assurance team.

“When we think about the difference a company of our size and influence can make on the planet, moving away from using virgin plastics in our products is an obvious decision, and I’m delighted that Australia is the first to launch these milestone products,” said Steve Malony, CEO, Belkin.

“My recent trip to Australia to mark our 40^th anniversary showed me the genuine passion that our team, our retail partners and our consumers have for practical but sustainable options.

“I am proud to work alongside the teams that made this shared vision a reality.

“Their dedication to doing the right thing inspires me and together, we will continue to work towards a more sustainable future.”

Belkin has made significant reduction in overall use of plastics in its product packaging.

The company has worked as a signatory to the Australian Packaging Organisation (APCO) to reach 2025 targets and develop packaging that not only reduces plastics but increases the amount of recyclable and compostable materials.

As a result there has been a 56 per cent year-on-year decrease in plastic use since 2019 globally.

Many Belkin products are now using more than 90 per cent recyclable materials including Belkin’s Magnetic Face Tracking Mount, SOUNDFORM Immerse Noise Cancelling Earbuds and Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro MagSafe range.

Belkin is kicking off several initiatives across its global business to become fully carbon neutral by 2030 and 100 per cent carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025.

Belkin’s 2022 Sustainability Report includes these commitments:

– Achieving over 65% reduction in greenhouse gas footprint since 2009 levels

– Achieving 35% carbon neutrality in operations since 2020

– Recycling of 26,524 tons of electrical and electronic devices, as well as 9,972 tons of packaging to reduce its carbon footprint on a much larger scale.

– Renewable Energy Credits from a wind farm to offset 100% of its U.S. warehouse facility’s power consumption and is improving its materials sourcing and usage to ensure operations are done ethically and efficiently.

 “While we take pride in our achievements and sustainability efforts over the past four decades, we’re always looking ahead, setting new goals, and reaching for higher standards,” said Steve Malony.

“Our organisation is made up of people who want to leave the planet a better place for our children and future generations.

“We remain forever and authentically passionate about renewing our commitment to a circular economy and carbon neutrality and continuing our pledge to support the Paris Agreement.”

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Australian consumer electronics company Laser has unveiled its new range of affordable and reliable portable power stations – NRGVault – to keep us powered up anywhere and even during a blackout.

There are two models – PV500 (288Wh capacity) and PV1500 (1228Wh capacity) – which offer flexible charging solutions and power for a variety of products in numerous scenarios.

The NRGVault portable power stations are ideal for camping trips and road trips so they can power mini-fridges and lights and charge your mobile devices.

Tradespeople and DIYers can also take advantage of the products with the NRGVault providing enough juice to power tools and to recharge batteries of cordless power tools while also powering a light, their portable speakers and their mobile devices.

Forget running a 30m power cable to a power point – the NRGVault provides power on the spot.

And some remote sites don’t even have power so the NRGVault can come to the rescue and let workers get the job done.

Having the NRGVault also means you can power or charge your drone, photographic equipment and laptops.

The NRGVault can even be used at home in the event of a blackout to keep your fridge powered up so your food doesn’t spoil while keeping your modem and routers connected so you can still access the internet.

The NRGVault PV500 has a 288Wh capacity and weighs in at 3.8kg. It has two AC outputs, three USB ports (USB 3.0 and USB-C) and 12V car socket and is powerful enough to run a mini fridge, a TV, charge a MacBook Pro for four hours or charge an iPhone up to 17 times.

The PV1500 weighs 15kg and has four AC inputs, six USB ports (USB 3.0 and USB-C) and a 12V car socket.

The PV1500 has enough power to be used a home power backup, run power tools, run a mini fridge for 18 hours and charge an iPhone or drone 74 times.

“Launching the NRGVault brand and our first range continues our commitment to deliver affordable but high-quality technology to Australians, something we have done consistently for more than 35 years now,” said Chris Lau, Managing Director, LASER.

“There is significant interest in mobile power given the benefits it delivers across leisure and business, home and away, but consumers need to know that they have a robust, efficient and reliable option, especially around battery safety and reliability, and I’m thrilled that the NRGVault range will deliver all of this and more.

“Our three-year warranty is testament to our belief in the robustness of this range.”

Under the hood the NRGVault has a LiFiPo4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery which is the safest battery type available and offers more than four times the life of a standard lithium battery and five times the lifespan of lithium ion.

LiFePo4 has been rated for more than 5,000 charge cycles.

The batteries can charge to 85 per cent in under 90 minutes when plugged in to a wall socket.

The NRGVault is also safe even if it is crushed, pierced, dropped and submerged in water and has gone through extensive testing.

With the onboard Pure Sine Wave inverter, the NRGVault delivers smooth and steady continuous power so you can charge sensitive electronics like laptops and appliances.

Both NRGVault models have a small LCD screen which tells you the remaining battery life and info on how the power is being distributed for individual devices.

The NRGVault can also be recharged via solar panels (sold separately) which ensures off-the-grid compatibility for camping and caravanning.

The NRGVault PV500 (288Wh) and PV1500 (1228Wh) are priced at $599.95 and $1,799.95 respectively. They are available from Harvey Norman and at the NRGVault site.

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Navman has unveiled a new dash cam called MiVue Alta Workmate XDC that’s been designed for customers whose vehicle is the tool of their trade so they can safeguard themselves from unfair blame and protect their insurance.

Navman has tested the new device for Australia’s most popular utes and typical working conditions.

The rear dash cam, usually located inside the back window, is placed above the rear number plate to ensure it is not blocked by materials and tools usually founds in a tradie’s vehicle.

It also comes with a 10m cable so you have plenty of slack for larger vans.

Up front, the camera fits neatly on your windscreen with an integrated vertical mount so it can blend into the vehicle a lot better.

And there is no screen to make the device even larger and unsightly on your windscreen.

The new Navman dash cam app be used to access, view and share your videos.

The Navman’s front and rear cameras record at 30 frames per second in Super MP4 Full HD 1080p.

The 32GB memory card is included and the unit writes to the card every two seconds while minimising file corruption.

The Navman offers clear video from the Workmate with a 140-degree field of view and 135-degree FOV with a Sony Starvis sensor onboard.

And it can handle Australian driving conditions after being tested at temperatures ranging from freezing to up to 70-degrees Celsius.

Navman’s MiVue Alta Workmate XDC also provides safety camera alerts and a warning when entering a school zone.

With a Smartbox (priced separately at $79) that can provide constant power even when the engine is off it can record any incident in car parks should anyone strike your car when it’s parked.

The Navman MiVue Alta Workmate XDC is priced at $549 and is available now.

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Navman has announced a major pivot to focus on the rapidly growing dash cam market and will cease to design and manufacture personal navigation devices (PND) for Australia and New Zealand.

The current 2023 Navman GPS range will be its last, but support will be still there for customer service and tech support along with map updates beyond the two-year warranty until the end 2026.

The company has sold more than 3 million sat nav products across Australia and New Zealand. Last year’s sales were more than 30,000.

There are a few reasons behind Navman’s decision including the growing use of navigation on smartphones along with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in most recently manufactured cars.

Navman parent company MITAC Digital Technology Corporation also had to deal with the rising costs of product development and freight costs along with the worldwide shortage of screens and chipsets.

Developing new sat navs for Australia and New Zealand was no longer viable but the Navman brand is still well and truly alive.

Navman will still develop new models of its leading MiVue dash cam range for consumers as well as develop connected dash cams for enterprise and business customers.

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The Lightyear 0, on show at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, is the world’s first solar powered electric car – and it had its origins in Australia.

Four of the founding members of the company were part of the University of Eindhoven team that entered and won the World Solar Challenge in 2013.

The aim of the World Solar Challenge, which started in Australia in 1987, is to create an aerodynamic solar powered car and see how far and how fast it can go.

The Eindhoven University members took those learnings and decided to apply it a road car – the Lightyear 0 is the result of that work.

It’s already available in Europe in limited quantities and at a price of $US250,000.

But in six months – Lightyear 2 will be revealed.

And it will be aggressively priced at $40,000 to put it within reach of more customers when it is released in 2025.

They actually had the car on the booth, but it was hidden behind a wall of narrow slats which, if you walked quickly along the wall, you could get a sense of the shape.

The Lightyear 0’s bonnet, roof and trunk are all solar panels and can recharge the onboard battery on a sunny day to increase the range by up to 70km.

Now considering the average person drives about 35km a day this is more than enough charge so drivers don’t have to charge the battery in weeks.

There is a 60kW battery onboard which, when fully charged, can offer about 600km range.

I drive a Tesla Model S with a 75kW battery and get about 490km range with a 100 per cent charged battery.

The Lightyear 0 has a longer range with a smaller battery because it’s built for efficiency rather than performance.

For a start, it’s a lot lighter thanks to having the motors on each wheel with independent control rather than having a central drive shaft which would weigh it down.

As a driver of a Tesla I always wondered why they couldn’t have a solar roof instead of a glass roof.

So if you owned a Lightyear – parking your car in the sun is exactly what you’ll prefer.

* Stephen Fenech travelled to Las Vegas with support from Samsung, LG, Hisense and ASUS.

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Drivers can cut the cord when connecting to Android Auto with the Motorola MA1 Wireless Car Adapter which can connect your smartphone to your car’s screen without having to mess with cables.

Priced at $159, the MA1 Wireless Car Adapter from Motorola plugs into your car’s USB port to enable your smartphone to wirelessly connect to the vehicle.

There are no apps to download and no settings that need to be adjusted – you simply plug in the MA1 Wireless Car Adapter and put away the USB cable for good.

The Motorola MA1 also utilises voice control through Google to send messages, enter addresses for navigation, get directions and control your media playback with the Hey Google command.

And this is all done with your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Android Auto is supported by more than 500 car models in Australia which mostly require a USB cable to connect.

Now the Motorola MA1 provides a seamless wireless connection even though their vehicle doesn’t have the factory supply technology to enable it.

To use Android Auto wirelessly on your car’s display, the vehicle must be compatible with Android Auto and paired with an Android smartphone running Android 11 or higher.

Users can check Android Auto car compatibility at www.android.com/auto/compatibility.

The Motorola MA1 wireless car adapter for Android Auto is available now for $159 from Amazon and selected Telstra stores.

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We’re in the home straight with Tech Guide’s popular 2022 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas to help you find the ideal gadget gifts that will put a smile on the face of your loved ones.

It’s already Day 9 and today we’re taking a look at in-car devices that can help us stay safe, stay in touch, keep us entertained and get us to your destination.

Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:

Day 1: Cameras

Day 2: Smartphones

Day 3: Wearables/smartwatches

Day 4: Headphones/speakers

DAY 5: Gaming

DAY 6: Tablets/e-readers

DAY 7: Drones/Gadgets

DAY 8: Smart/IoT devices

DAY 9: In-car gadgets

DAY 10: TVs/Blu-Ray/4K

DAY 11: Appliances

DAY 12: Computers

DAY 9: IN-CAR GADGETS

NAVMAN MiVUE 900 DC – $299

Having eyes in the back of your head is always a good idea, especially when most road accidents are ‘nose to tail’.

The new MiVUE900 DC has two cameras – front and rear both recording in Full HD 1080p at 30 frames per second. The front camera also has a Premium STARVIS Ultra Low Light Sensor, perfect for dark streets or car parks.

It comes with a full suite of safety alerts, which can be updated monthly for free. And if they are in an accident, event recording instantly triggers and hard saves the footage without them thinking about it.
READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT HERE

BELKIN BOOST CHARGE WIRELESS CAR CHARGER WITH VENT MOUNT – $99.95

Bringing wireless charging convenience to the driver’s seat, enjoy your holidays this Christmas with 10W of wireless power and a single-hand accessible vent mount.

Let your passengers charge their phones or keep the kids’ tablets running on long drives with an additional feature of USB-A.

The Qi-compatible device is compatible with Samsung, Apple, Google and other Qi-enabled phones and devices.

Available from belkin.com/au, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys

UNIDEN DASH VIEW 50R – $499

Uniden’s Dash View 50R is latest addition to its range with a resolution four times higher than HD so you can get an even clearer view on the road.

Included with the 50R is a 64GB MicroSD card to store your vision.

The new Uniden Dash View 50R – which includes a front and rear camera – also has voice control for completely hands-free operation.

The front 4K camera has a sleek design which can be easily positioned in front of your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.

READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT HERE

MG EV CHARGE HUB – From $1,990

MG Motor Australia and New Zealand have released the MG Charge Hub – a new charger which will work with every type of electric vehicle.

The unit can be installed in your home, office or hospitality venue and offers Type 2 charging capability.

There are two units to choose from – the 7kW single phase and an 11kW three-phase configuration.

The MG Charge Hub is available now from MG Motor dealers and is priced at $1,990 (7kW) and $2,090 (11kW – suitable for homes with three-phase power).

READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT HERE

NEXTBASE 622GW DASH CAM – $549.95

The Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam is among the first range of dash cams that provide Emergency SOS.

This revolutionary new feature will alert the emergency services to your location in the event of an accident.

The market leading Dash Cam also comes with image stabilisation, 4K quality picture and the ability to view footage in Super Slow Motion at 1080p and 120fps.

The 622GW Dash Cam is available from retailers including Bing Lee and Ted’s Cameras.

NAVMAN MiVUE 1200 SENSOR XL DC – $479

Top of the range, this is the dash cam with the biggest sensor on the market in its the front camera.

This allows more light to be pulled into the camera, producing super clear vision and more definition. The front camera also records at 60 frames per second, allowing it to smoothly film even very fast-moving objects.

The device records on two channels offering an extra layer of protection for footage and it comes with a 32GB endurance micro-SD card.

As you would expect on a high-end model, the MiVUE1200 Sensor XL comes with safety and speed alerts and will even remind you to turn your headlights on when entering a carpark!

SONY XAV-AX6000 IN-CAR RECEIVER – $999

You can add the latest technology to your car with Sony’s new car AV receiver which offer full voice control for navigation along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and HDMI connectivity to watch content while you’re parked.

The new XAV-AX6000 has a flush 6.95-inch bezel-less flush display and full wireless smartphone connectivity so you can enjoy Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without the need to connect a cable.

It comes with a GPS antenna, and it can all be controlled with your voice when you want to navigate, communicate or play music while you’re driving.

READ TECH GUIDE’S COMPLETE REPORT

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Dash cams are one of the smallest automotive devices on the market and now also one of the most useful. They’re like seatbelts, you don’t think need one until you really need one.  But are they all the same? What do you need to look for?

Tech Guide sat down with Wendy Hammond from Navman, manufacturers of Mivue dash cams and Micam GPS to find out more.

Tech Guide: Give me your one-minute elevator pitch on why people need dash cams in their vehicles

Wendy: Safety and protection from other drivers. Its incontrovertible evidence of fault, location, direction and speed of impact gives an exact picture. Without it, you’re unprotected. The other driver could be louder, bigger, aggressive in their response. You don’t need to argue with them (or their insurers), you have the proof.

Tech Guide: I sense you’d like to talk for more than a minute …

Wendy: Yes please! I’d also add that people don’t think they need a dash cam until the moment they’re in an accident and it can be a costly lesson to learn.  If you get the blame, you also lose your no-claims bonus (and how many of us increase that to reduce our premium – it’s often hundreds of dollars) but the cost of your next premium inevitably also goes up.

Tech Guide: Like me you have no doubt seen your fair share of dash cam videos, what’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen lately?

Wendy: To be honest it’s not Russians driving erratically any longer, it’s really the quality of the footage. When you step onto these sites, you can really tell a good dash cam from a bad one.  The good ones have crisp, clear footage, stamped with GPS coordinates, speed and 3-axis G-sensor, street signs can be clearly read, along with number plates. The bad ones are shockingly bad, there is little use in having footage if the sunlight is flaring across the screen, if you can’t see the make of car, let alone the number plate. These dash cams are not worth the time it takes to install them.

Tech Guide: What makes some dash cams better than others?

Wendy: It comes down to quality of footage and this means quality of the lens – is it glass or plastic? Glass is what you want your dash cam to have – ours do.  Plastic lenses are cheaper and tend to warp and distort the footage. Then there are the sensors, many of our models come with a STARVIS low light sensor or our Mivue Sensor XL has a huge two-thirds of an inch sensor which captures more light and incredibly clear images especially in low light, dark situations like nighttime or driving in carparks. And then there is how the device has been manufactured and tested. Ours are tested incredibly rigorously, taken to temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius and way below freezing, they are shaken and dropped, to make sure they robust enough. Others aren’t. Many brands don’t have their factories or the same high standards we do.

Tech Guide: How easy is it to download footage?

Wendy: We’ve tried to make it as simple as possible. Today’s entry level models use the desktop Mivue Manager – you plug in your micro-SD card and download from there. And you can use this on Mac or PC.  Our other models use what we call EZYShare via wi-fi, which is an app you download to your phone and connect with your dash cam to download and share footage instantly, even from the accident site.

Tech Guide: How important is the quality of the microSD card you choose for the dash cam?

Wendy: We don’t get a lot of complaints, especially considering the number of models we’ve sold around Australia and NZ, but the one of the most frequently heard is that their dash cam isn’t recording properly. And ninety-nine times out of 100 it is not the dash cam but the micro-SD card. It’s really important to use the right type of card – one that is robust enough for constant recording and re-recording dash cams need. There’s lots of information on this on our website. Once you have the card, make sure you format it regularly and check that it is indeed working.

Tech Guide: Many of your dash cams come with a lot of safety alerts, are these really essential?

Wendy: Only if you want to avoid getting speeding tickets or going through red lights, school zones and so on. They can be updated monthly via wi-fi on most of our models, and I personally find them very useful, an audible warning to let you know if you’re approaching a camera or pedestrian crossing. They’re particularly useful for people who aren’t driving the latest model cars, some of which come with this sort of tech, albeit not as frequently updated.

Tech Guide: You sell dash cams with just one (front) camera or two (front and rear). Which do you recommend?

Wendy: The fact is most accidents are nose-to-tail so it makes sense to have both, but it can come down to what wiring drivers want in their car as the rear camera is linked and wired from the front camera, and also budget as single cameras are generally less expensive, but our dual cameras start at less than $300.

Tech Guide: Does your Mivue dash cam need to have a screen?

Wendy: It doesn’t, and some of our more discreet models don’t, but for many drivers it is comforting to able to see on the screen that the camera is recording, and it also acts as a true and accurate driving speedo, also showing when a safety camera is coming up.

Tech Guide: You’ve been making dash cams for some years now, what’s the background to the Navman story on this?

Wendy: Quite a few years we were bought by Mitac, a large global technology conglomerate with a large division including R&D working in automotive tech, which incorporates AI and IoT. It’s a huge advantage for us, we’ve been able to design, develop and manufacture products for our local markets.

Tech Guide: What does this level of R&D mean for the market? What kind of innovation will we see in the future?

Wendy: In addition to dash cams for Australian and NZ drivers, we have a large and growing operation under the Mitac Australia business offering connected dash cam telematic solutions to commercial and industrial customers like fleet operators, resources companies and trucking industry. Connected dash cams enable the recording from front, rear and inside a driver’s cabin to be instantly transmitted back to an organisation’s central hub where it can be monitored, analysed and used for driver safety. It goes way beyond what any regular driver would need but I feel sure some of the R&D will feature in future dash cams.

Visit www.navman.com.au and if buying for Christmas, order by 9 December 2022 for guaranteed delivery.

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A dash cam like Navman’s MiVue 900DC has become an essential device for your car that will have your back in the road – and now Tech Guide readers can get a 15 per cent discount and free shipping for themselves or for Dad on Father’s Day.

You need eyes in the back of your head while driving – and the Navman MiVue 900DC can provide them.

DC stands for Dual Camera – it has a front and rear camera to be your eyes and ears on the road.

Did you know 30 per cent of all accidents are nose to tail and most of the time it’s not the fault of the driver in front?

The MiVue 900DC can capture full high-definition video thanks to the Starvis low light sensor.

And it also captures other data through the three-axis sensor including GPS location, speed and direction of impact.

This information can be used for insurance claims and handed over to the police as evidence.

The Navman MiVue 900DC has a small screen with the front camera that can tell you your current speed along with safety alerts when approaching a red-light or speed camera, accident blackspots and warnings when approaching school zones at those times when the speed limit drops to 40km/h.

The Navman MiVue 900DC is usually priced at $299 but Tech Guide readers can receive a 15 per cent and free shipping at the Navman website by using the code techguide15 at checkout.

This offer will be available until August 31, 2022.

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Uniden has unveiled a new 4K smart dash cam – the Dash View 50R – as the latest addition to its range with a resolution four times higher than HD so you can get an even clearer view on the road.

Included with the 50R is a 64GB MicroSD card to store your vision.

The new Uniden Dash View 50R – which includes a front and rear camera – also has voice control for completely hands-free operation.

The front 4K camera has a sleek design which can be easily positioned in front of your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.

The front 4K camera and the Full HD rear camera both offer a 140-degree field of view to capture a wider area and offer even more detail so you can clearly read number plates and street signs.

Uniden uses Sony’s Starvis Image Sensor with the same back-illuminated pixel technology used in CMOS image sensors for even higher video quality and clearer footage in bright and low light environments.

And when you’re not driving the Uniden Dash View 50R is also keeping an eye on things with Parking Mode.

This allows users to record any incidents around their vehicle when they are away from the car in car parks and shopping centres.

The Uniden Dash View app makes it possible to playback video wirelessly on your smartphone as soon as it’s been recorded.

It’s also easy to share clips through the app to insurance companies, authorities – or on social media.

The Dash View 50R also gives drivers a warning when approaching red light and fixed speed cameras.

Key features:

• Front Camera: 4K video resolution 3840 x 2160p
• Rear Camera: 1080P FHD
• Optimum night vision for outstanding low-light sensitivity
• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) imaging
• Loop recording / event recording
• 64GB high endurance Micro SD Card
• 140 Wide Angle Front & Rear cameras
• Energy Saving Smart Parking Mode
• Voice guidance
• 2 Year Warranty (SD card & accessories 6 months)
• H.265 (Optimised video coding technology than H.264. High efficiency video coding (HEVC) format) 20-60% more recording
• Built in GPS and G-sensor
• Safety speed / red light camera warnings
• Wi-Fi for footage transfer
• Smartphone APP

The Uniden Dash View 50R RRP is priced at $499.95 and includes a 64GB Micro SD Card and a hard wire kit.

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