Most cars these days, in the affordable segment, come equipped with almost all infotainment and smartphone connectivity features except the base variant. If you don’t have one in your car, you might be going through major FOMO like me. I drive an older model SUV that had nothing more than a basic music system, and was looking for an infotainment system that offered a decently sized screen and connectivity features for navigation and entertainment on commutes and road trips Do you provide MapMyIndia enters MapMyIndia with its latest range of Maple Gadgets, a range of devices for vehicles that include GPS Trackers, Dashcams, Smart Helmet Kits and what the company likes to call “Navitainment Systems”. Blending together navigation and entertainment, these are Android-based in-dash systems that offer a slew of features designed to enhance and enhance your driving experience.
Specs and Features
I checked out the ICENAV 7464 model (where ICENAV stands for Integrated and Connected Entertainment and Navigation), which comes in 9-inch and 10-inch screen size options. On offer are a 1,024 x 600 pixel LCD display, video output for rear seat monitors, support for rear view cameras, FM tuner, 4-channel 50W audio output, 360-degree bird view camera support, 1080p media playback, T5 octa- is the core. CPU, 4GHz RAM and 64GB storage. There’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for connectivity, and the device supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, that too wirelessly. It runs Android 10 with custom car-centric UI on top. Of course, it has the Mapmyindia branding and one of the most striking aspects is the NaviMaps app that comes preloaded, offering offline navigation. Two USB ports have been provided, and depending on the model of your car, you should be able to integrate existing steering wheel controls and use them seamlessly with the Mapmyindia system.
interface
While most usage is touch-driven, you do find a row of backlit capacitive buttons to the left of the screen, including standard controls like power, home, back, and volume up/down. Home and back functions are also available in the form of soft keys on top, as well as a recent apps key. The default home screen is made up of large, colorful tiles that give you a speedometer, time and date, and direct access to the music player and FM radio. A stationary dock is placed on the left side, which gives you access to the video player, NaviMaps, phone and settings. At the top, you also have a dedicated app drawer, where you can see all installed apps, and as with any Android phone or tablet, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to access the toggles. . Adjusting settings and screen brightness etc.
Use
Based on my experience, ICENAV 7464 greatly helps and enhances the driving experience. Part of it is entertainment, in that you can use the device’s audio player and video player to play media files, either from its built-in storage, or via a flash drive connected to a USB port. And since it’s an Android-based device and comes with the Google Play store, you can download and use any streaming app available on the platform to play media. Bear in mind that since there’s no built-in SIM card slot, you’ll need to provide the device with internet access, ideally through a mobile hotspot that can work on the go. Otherwise, you can even use your home Wi-Fi connection to download apps and content for offline playback later, provided it can reach your car where it’s parked.
The other major aspect is navigation, which can work through Android apps such as Google Maps or others downloadable through the Play Store. Of course, the built-in option is MapmyIndia’s own NaviMaps which includes offline maps for various states of India. The first time I used it, I got a prompt to update the preloaded maps, and the device went on to download large map files related to various Indian states. A GPS antenna is included with the device, and combined with the navigation app and built-in maps, the system is capable of providing offline navigation.
The Navi Maps app, powered by MapmyIndia’s extensive mapping expertise, provides a detailed view of your surroundings, and switching to 3D further enhances the experience. I love how readable these maps are, with large, clearly visible icons and arrow markers, complete with a clear indication of the speed limit that applies to the road you’re driving on. Flyovers, lanes and junctions are also clearly marked so you don’t miss a turn or need to stop to make sure you’re taking the right lane.
Yet another important aspect to consider is the support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The ICENAV 7464 provides support for both of these, and that too wirelessly. For anyone who isn’t using either of these while driving, you should know that this can be a game-changer during your commute and road trips – simply because it allows you to access important phone functions (like calling , messaging) are designed from the ground up. , navigation, music etc) with minimum hindrance to driving and safety. I tried both, and they work as advertised. Connectivity is seamless for the most part, and the phones automatically connect to the system… although I did have to manually initiate a connection a few times.
Decision
Mapmyindia Mappls ICENAV 7464 is priced at Rs 37,990 for the 9-inch model and Rs 38,990 for the 10-inch model. Needless to say, I think these make useful additions to your car, and enhance your driving experience. The overall set of features and how the device is able to deliver on the promise makes a huge difference, but if I had to point out two of the biggest highlights, I’d count built-in NaviMaps and support for wireless Android Auto/ Will do CarPlay is one of the most notable.
