Stay Safe with Driving Mode on Your Smartphone
Whether it’s due to texting, taking calls, or changing up your music, being distracted by a mobile device is one of the leading causes of car accidents worldwide. Developed for both Apple and Android devices, users can now activate smartphone driving modes for a safer driving experience.
We take a look to discover just how useful Driving Mode can be, whether you’re using Maps or choosing a podcast.
What is driving mode?
Simply put, driving modes are a safety feature used to make sure you’re not distracted by your device, therefore allowing you to focus safely on your driving. Courtesy of features such as hands-free and Do Not Disturb mode, it yields more freedom to drivers.
Available for both iPhone and Android devices, driving modes enable you to remain connected when you’re in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re using Siri or one of the Android smart assistants – driving modes make apps more driver-friendly and allow you to get to your destination undisturbed.
How driving mode works for iPhone
Apple’s Do Not Disturb While Driving feature is an excellent way to keep you and your passengers safe when you’re behind the wheel. Conveniently switch to the Do Not Disturb mode and your device will block any incoming calls or messages, as well as automatically notifying the person who’s contacting you that you’re driving.
Don’t worry - when there’s an emergency, people will still be able to contact you. If someone texts you the word Urgent, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone and will be alerted by a specific sound, so you can safely pull over and deal with the situation.
Setting up Do Not Disturb is simple, and only takes a moment – just follow these steps:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Find Do Not Disturb
- Scroll down and tap Activate
- Then, choose from three options: Automatically, When Connected to Car Bluetooth, or Manually
- You’re all set
How driving mode works for Android
The steps for turning driving mode off and on using an Android smartphone will vary depending on the model of your device. These instructions should work on the majority of Android handsets:
1). Open your device’s Settings application
2). Find Sounds or Connected Devices
3). Tap Driving Mode or Do Not Disturb
4). Select Turn on Automatically
5). You’re all set.
Another popular way of using driving mode in your car is downloading the app Android Auto for your vehicle. Viewed on your car’s dashboard or entertainment display, this app replicates your device’s onscreen layout in a more clear and distinctive way – for faster, safer access.
Compatible apps that use driving mode for Android and Apple
There’s also a selection of individual apps that are optimised to work in tandem with the dedicated driving mode on your device. Spotify’s dedicated Car View makes everything that much clearer and more distinctive, so you can see what’s playing at a glance.
Car View allows you to change or pause a song quickly and easily, without opening the app, so you don’t have to concentrate on controlling the onboard entertainment. Moreover, when connected to a Bluetooth audio system, your device instantly recognises the vehicle’s movement and switches to driving mode accordingly – so you don’t need to manually activate it every time you get in the car.
Audible is another app that includes a driving mode feature. When enabled, it only presents three buttons on your screen: Play/Pause, the option to reverse thirty seconds, and Add Bookmark. This is to reduce the possibility of any distractions during those early morning commutes. To access the Car Mode on Audible, simply tap on the vehicle icon at the top of the screen.
Using Google Assistant is another excellent way to keep your eyes on the road. Simply ask your smartphone to play your favourite playlist, without lifting your hands from the steering wheel. Say the wake words, Hey Google or Okay Google followed by your playlist of choice.
Plus, with Google Assistant you’re able to read and send messages, and even make calls – by just using your voice. You can even use it in conjunction with Google Maps too, so you can get to where you need to be as well as having full control over your vehicle and handset.
To use Google Assistant, you may need to download the app. Some Android devices have a built-in Google Assistant, which you can turn on by going into Settings, General, and then toggling on or off.
Fot the latest smartphone tech, capabale of the above-mentioned features, be sure to check out the best deals on the latest iPhone and Android handsets at Mobiles.co.uk.