Connected cars become reality
The on-board electronics of vehicles is constantly evolving. With advanced multimedia systems, the new models can stay connected to the network at all times to provide the driver with the information they need immediately.
And the Internet in the car is of great importance. The latest multimedia solutions speed up the search for a destination in navigation, allow you to effectively avoid traffic jams or call for help in an emergency. The Kodiaq and Octavia models have opened a new chapter in the history of Škoda infotainment systems.
For them, multimedia systems are provided, which are based on the second-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix system developed by Volkswagen. It offers many features and interfaces and has a capacitive touch screen. Thanks to them, the new models of the Czech brand have reached the forefront in their segment in terms of digital technology.
The already standard Swing platform has Aux, SD and USB inputs, buttons and knobs for quick selection of basic functions, as well as a touch screen that senses finger contact with its surface and does not require hard pressing.
Škoda engineers have also provided extensive opportunities for synchronizing the Swing station with mobile devices. One of the key features is SmartLink+, a MirrorLink-compliant solution that brings phone menus and individual apps directly to the car's center display. The optional SmartGate feature allows you to download information about your driving style to your smartphone. With the help of additional applications, the driver can analyze his driving style and collect data on vehicle performance.
The more advanced multimedia system Bolero and satellite navigation systems Amundsen and Columbus have a more efficient interface. But not only. When the driver or passenger places their finger on the screen, an additional menu is displayed to move the screen content or enter data. A practical element of the Kodiaq equipment is the ICC system, i.e. an on-board call center, which is an integral part of the Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus systems. The hands-free microphone picks up the driver's speech and then transmits it to the speakers at the rear of the car.
The Amundsen system can act as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, providing Octavia and Kodiaq passengers with unlimited internet access via their smartphones or tablets. The flagship Columbus module can be upgraded with an LTE module, which guarantees extremely fast data transfer with download speeds up to 150 Mbps. The list of additional equipment completes the useful Phonebox solution - it allows wireless charging of modern phones and amplifies its signal through an antenna on the roof of the car.
It is also difficult to overestimate ... the appearance of a multimedia station with a 9,2-inch screen. The dashboard looks much better and more modern. And it is undeniable that when buying a new car, we count on this effect of freshness. It's no surprise, then, that a growing percentage of new car buyers are ditching a more powerful engine in favor of some of the most interesting items on their list of optional extras, such as a multimedia system or proprietary audio system.
