We’re in the home stretch with Tech Guide’s popular 2020 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas to help you find the ideal gadget gifts that will put a smile on the face of your loved ones.
Today is Day 9 and we’re looking at in-car devices that can help us stay safe, stay in touch, keep us entertained and get us to your destination.
Here are Tech Guide’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Ideas:
DAY 8: Smart/IoT devices
DAY 9: In-car gadgets
DAY 10: TVs/Blu-Ray/4K
DAY 11: Appliances
DAY 12: Computers
DAY 9: IN-CAR GADGETS
NEXTBASE 622GW DASH CAM – $549.95
Nextbase 622GW 4K model dash cam is now available to keep Australians extra safe on the roads with improved, world-first SOS features, bad weather mode, image stabilisation and Enhanced Night Vision.
The 622GW revolutionises the purpose and use of Dash Cams in our cars, bringing together the world-first integrated Alexa voice control, worlds-only emergency SOS alerts, and the what3words location system into a truly life-saving, smart device.
As another Dash Cam first, the Nextbase 622GW also records crisp, perfectly lit 4K video with digital image stabilisation which cancels out vibrations from the vehicle and bumpy roads.
Nextbase’s Emergency SOS feature, available on the 622GW runs through 23 protocols to determine how serious a crash has been after it occurs.
If there is no response after 60 seconds, a package of data is sent to an operations centre, who will then try to call the Dash Cam’s owner.
Again, if there is no response, the emergency services will be dispatched with the integrator feeding information to the 000 operator, which can be set up to include location data, travelling direction, blood type and even next of kin details.
Another first comes with the new Enhanced Night Vision, available now for the first time in a Dash Cam.
Upgrades, including larger pixels and automatic brightness detection, mean that the 622GW Dash Cam brings the most intelligent and adaptive night vision yet.
As with all Nextbase Series 2 Dash Cams the 622GW includes Intelligent parking mode to protect your car in the parking lot.
Using its finely tuned G-Force detection system developed in the UK, the 622GW will automatically start recording if someone bumps your vehicle to make sure their details are captured, without the need for power from your car.
Available from Harvey Norman, Repco, Camera House.
UNIDEN DASH VIEW 30 – $399
The Dash View 30 has 2.5K video resolution and a slick cylindrical shape but have no screens. Users can view footage captured on the dash cams through the DashView that works on both iOS and Android as well as seeing a live view when connected directly to the device’s dual band wi-fi connection.
The device offers a 140-degree wide angle lens so your videos provide a wide and clear view of the road.
Also onboard is the Sony Starvis Image Sensor which has back-illuminated pixel technology which provides clearer videos in bright and low light environments.
The new Uniden Dash View also have safety speed/red light camera warnings which are constantly kept up to date as well as voice guidance control using the Smart One Touch function.
GPS is also built-in while dual band wi-fi provides a fast connection to transfer video from the onboard memory card to your iPhone or Android smartphone using the Dash View app.
The dash cams come with a 32GB MLC high endurance microSD card to maintain quality recordings and offer quick transfers.
READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT ON THE UNIDEN DASH VIEW 30
BELKIN BOOST↑CHARGE USB-C Car Charger 18W + USB-C Cable with Lightning Connector – $49.95
On the road this Christmas? Make the most of travel-time when it comes to in-car charging with this sleek and nifty USB-Power Delivery enabled charger.
It will fast charge your iPhone 8 or later from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes or enjoy optimal charging for other compatible devices with USB-C and USB-Power Delivery.
Designed for high wattage and a seamless fit to your dash, this compact car charger measures in at only 54mm by 20mm.
Despite its small size, this car charger has plenty of power to offer, with 18-watts and USB-Power Delivery to fast charge any compatible device, making it the perfect device to keep fully charged this holiday season.
Available from leading retailers.
AMAZON ECHO AUTO – $79
There are numerous Amazon speakers powered by Alexa you can buy but if you can’t bear the thought of leaving Alexa behind when you get in your car then you can try the new Echo Auto.
It is designed to bring Alexa along for the ride and enjoy the convenience of accessing information, directions and all kinds of content using your voice.
And like a regular Alexa speaker, Echo Auto gives users access to Alexa skills.
READ TECH GUIDE’S COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE ECHO AUTO
NAVMAN MiCAM GPS – $369
Navman has released a range of new in-car products including the MiCam GPS dash cam that can be your eyes and ears on the road and also get you to your destination.
Bringing together two decades of designing and building GPS devices, Navman says its MiCam has been released at the right time when motorists are faced with navigating new roads and tunnels and also battling distractions behind the wheel.
The Navman MiCam GPS has a 5-inch touchscreen and, for the first time, has been built on the Android platform which has allowed the company to combine premium functionality with its GPS technology.
The Navman MiCam GPS has everything the driver needs in one unit, including a hands-free link to your calls, along with up-to-date traffic information and rich verbal navigation.
This means the device can be used all the time and not just for turn by turn directions because it also adds red light and speed camera warnings and alerts when entering school zones.
READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT ON THE NAVMAN MiCAM
LASER FULL HD DASH CAM (NAVC-L08) – $49
The Laser Full HD Dash Cam is a must-have for every car when planning a weekend road trip or getaway! This innovative dash cam features a compact design and records in full HD. With its 2.2″ screen, auto-bump record, time stamp capability and wide view, you’ll be sure to catch everything on camera. For an inexpensive price of less than $50, the Laser Full HD Dash Cam is fully equipped to give you peace of mind while out and about.
Available from Big W.
NAVMAN MiVUE SENSOR XL – $299 (1000 XL) and $449 (1100 XL DC)
These Navman dedicated dash cams can record full HD video at 60 frames per second and are built with a five-layer glass lens.
They can also provide speed and safety cam alerts which can be updated for free monthly.
The 1100 Sensor XL DC also includes a rear camera that can 1080p full HD.
READ TECH GUIDE’S REPORT ON THE NAVMAN MiCAM
BOOST↑CHARGE™ Wireless Car Charger + Vent Mount 10W – $99.95
This fast, in-car wireless charging solution provides safe and convenient fast wireless charging on the go.
The vent mount includes a single-hand placement feature and a smart button to open and close the arms automatically, so you can easily place and remove the phone from the vent mount.
It also includes a CLA with two USB-A ports; one port to charge the vent mount using a USB-A to USB-C connection, and the second port to charge an additional device.
LASER PORTABLE DVD Player (7″, 9″ or 10″ screens available) – From $99
If a tablet isn’t an option for the kids, Laser’s Portable DVD Player will be a big hit. With the option to play movies from DVD discs or USB, the options are endless for hours of entertainment (and peace and quiet for the parents!).
With large 7-10 inch LCD screens, the DVD Player can be recharged via a wall or car power adapter and complete with earphones in the box, you can enjoy peace and quiet in the car while the kids quietly watch their favourite show in the backseat.
