Most people use their smartphones for more than making phone calls. One of the most popular things to do with your phone is to use its GPS for getting directions or having it read off turn by turn driving directions to you. Android phones come with Google Maps built in as well as Google Navigation. You may have other apps you may want to use while on the road as well as maybe having the need to make a phone call to see if somewhere is open for example.
Since Android devices are much more than a phone, Google has included a handy utility with the Android OS that allows you to have all the features you would need while on the road in one place. That way you can use a windshield mount bracket to hold your phone and have everything at your fingertips.
To use the Car Home app simply find it in your listing of apps and open it up to get to the main Car Home screen. From here you will notice several things you can do all from the main screen such as navigate or make a phone call.
Your features may differ depending on your device and version of the OS. The main options you will see include the Navigate tool which can give you directions to your destination including turn by turn voice directions. There is also a Phone button to enable you to make phone calls quickly. You can use the Voice Search to find a location, call a contact or search the web. The Contacts button lets you get to your contacts. Music is a quick way to launch the Android music player to listen to your stored songs. Exit car mode will exit the app.
If you notice there is a little arrow indicating that there are more options that you can choose from. Maps will take you to the Google Maps app to show you where you are, check traffic and so on. Settings let you change your general Android device settings. The final button is used to adjust the screen brightness so you don't get blinded while driving or don't have the device so dim that you can't see it. You can set it to automatic, night or day.
You may have noticed the blank slots on the second screen of the Car Home app. These can be used to add shortcuts to other apps or features if you have the Car Home update installed. If you do have the update then your other screen will have buttons that says Add shortcut allowing you to make the changes plus you will get additional blank screens for even more apps. If not then simply go to the Android Market and download the Car Home app from Google and you will be able to add your own shortcuts.
Now you should have all the tools you need for a successful road trip all in one place.
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