5 smart gadgets for your car

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If you’re short on Christmas gift ideas or fancy treating yourself to something nice, here are some gadgets that can make your car smarter.

1. Automatic, a connected car adapter

Diagnose engine problems and remember where you parked

Gives you lots more data beamed to your phone

PHOTO: AUTOMATIC

Although I’m not convinced you need all the “Fitbit for your car” data this Automatic pumps out, some of it can be useful – like the gas usage tracking, which could help you drive more smoothly and improve your mileage. Plus it can remember where you’ve parked, send an alert in the event of a crash, and gives you detailed information when a warning light comes on the dashboard.



Automatic can do all this because it plugs into the car’s OBD-II port, usually secreted away under the dash, beaming data to the corresponding app on your phone.

As well as the safety and frugality features, it can modernize old cars by giving you a trip computer via the app.

Automatic is the best-known and a very highly-rated connected car adapter, which makes it a wiser choice than the array of cheaper clones which generally get poorer reviews and have fewer app features.

2. Pearl RearVision wireless reversing camera

Easy to install

Beams stream to your phone

PHOTO: PEARL

If your car has no backup camera, this is a simple and effective add-on. It connects wirelessly to your smartphone to give you live streaming of the view behind – plus proximity sensors.

The camera is embedded in the license plate frame. The kit also includes an OBD-II port plugin, which means it would interfere with the Automatic if you also bought that gadget.



There are cheaper solutions, but many require difficult and expensive installation that involves wiring it to the car’s electrics and installing a screen in the dash. The Pearl RearVision avoids all that hassle – you really can just slap it on yourself.

The startup, founded by ex-Apple engineers, launched its first product a few months ago and is already getting rave reviews on Amazon.

3. Zero Edge Z3 dashcam

All the essentials, no useless extras

2K HD video – and it comes recommended by The Wirecutter

PHOTO: ZERO EDGE

There are a lot of dashcams out there – but only this one has the distinction of being the top choice of the boffins at The Wirecutter. It’s also getting storming reviews on Amazon.

“It hits the mark in terms of image quality, usability, and value, and it avoids unnecessary features such as GPS and wifi that are found in many pricier cameras. Instead, it focuses on great image quality and reliable, automatic operation each time you get in your car,” says The Wirecutter.

4. TechMatte CD slot phone mount

Make good use of that CD slot

Set up – or remove – in seconds

PHOTO: TECHMATTE

Most automakers are run by old dudes in suits – and they all seem to think that CDs are still a thing. So you might as well make use of that useless slot in your car by turning it into a dock for your phone.

The TechMatte MagGrip CD Slot dock is easy to install with the turn of a screw, and then it’s solidly in place. It’s equally easy to remove.

This one comes recommended by The WireCutter too.

5. LED music-activated stickers, by Flexilite

Unmissable blue LEDs

Look at it… Just look at it!

Some would say it’s in questionable taste. Others would say, “OMG brah those LEDs are dope.” Or something like that.



Measuring 50cm by 16cm on a thin sheet, the blue LED lights don’t use much power, so they can be plugged into 12V DC power – such as into your cigarette lighter port via an adapter. The LEDs pulse in time to music or voices, though some of the harsher reviews say it’s also activated by road vibrations. Buyer beware.

Is it essential? No. Is it smart? No. Is it legal? 乁₍ッ₎ㄏ

But it sure is fun.

This article originally appeared on Tech in Asia.