The vast majority of touch screens integrated in vehicles prove to be too complex and impractical to use. Entering an address in the navigation system turns into a nightmare. Fortunately for the past few months, it has been possible to send a route directly from the Google Maps site to the vehicle's integrated GPS navigation system. Here's how it works..
What is the Google Maps Send to Car function for?
We have been witnessing for several months the explosion of on-board technos. The smallest city dweller offers on-board GPS to indicate to the driver the route to follow to reach his destination. These navigation systems once reserved for luxury cars are now part of standard equipment.
Despite their high prices, on-board GPS for cars are very often less efficient than navigation applications. Unfortunately, not all of them have a multifunctional touch screen and have to settle for a control wheel placed between the seats..
To enter an address you have to perform a whole lot of maneuvers on the virtual keyboard using a small joystick. It takes hours and it's anything but practical. And with a system with a touch screen, it's just as restrictive. In short it is a real hassle.
Aware of this problem, Google has just integrated a new feature into Maps allowing it to be prepared for travel directly to its computer and then to send it directly to the GPS navigation system of its car . Once behind the wheel of your vehicle, all you have to do is select your previously saved destination and click on a button to start navigating to this address..
Which cars are compatible with Send to Car?
This is where the problems start. This functionality is unfortunately not available on all connected vehicles. At the time of writing, only a few brands offer the Send to Car functionality . This is particularly the case for the following manufacturers:
- Audi
- BMW
- Infiniti
- Mini
- Nissan
- Toyota
Obviously the list is likely to grow very quickly. Do not hesitate to ask the technical service for more information. Note that the manufacturer Volvo offers a similar system via its Volvo On Call application. To benefit from this functionality, your vehicle must be equipped with the Sensus Navigation and Sensus Connect system.
Send destination addresses from the PC version of Google Maps
With the Send to Car function, Google makes it easier to manage car trips. Each motorist can now prepare their trips in advance. We will now see how to use this functionality.
Configure Send to Car
First, we will add a vehicle to your Google Maps account. For those who would like to use Send to Car from a smartphone or tablet, you will need to make sure that your devices all use the same Google account
- Open your web browser on your computer
- In the URL bar, enter the following address: https://www.google.fr/maps/sendtocar
- Press the Connect button
- Enter your Google account credentials
- Click the Add a car or GPS device link
- Select the make and model of your vehicle from the list
- Then enter the account identifier provided by the manufacturer of your vehicle. To find it, refer to the user manual of your navigation system.
Save a route on the on-board system
The Send to Car function is now set. You will be able to send a route from your computer.
- Open Google Maps on your computer
- Find the address of your destination
- Click the Send to your phone link
- Select your smartphone from the list
- Then press on send to the car then on the send button
You should normally receive a notification on your vehicle's GPS navigation system. For this you will need to make sure that your device is well connected to the internet
Vehicle not compatible with Send to Car
Your vehicle does not offer the Send to Car function? Do not panic. The most advanced on-board systems offer various functionalities such as the display of road maps in 3D, voice recognition but also the Mirror Link.
As a reminder, this device allows you to control the most important functions of your smartphone (music, contacts, etc.) from the car's multimedia unit without taking your eyes off the road. Nothing prevents you from using it to prepare in advance all your trips.
Finally be aware that Google allows all smartphone owners to take advantage of its interface specially designed for the car. To use it, simply go to the Play Store and download the Android Auto app. Here you will find more information on how to configure Android Auto on your smartphone.