Main Categories of In-Vehicle Navigation Products
In-vehicle navigation products, as a key feature of modern intelligent vehicles, come in a variety of types. Currently, mainstream in-vehicle navigation systems can be categorized into five types: factory-installed integrated navigation, aftermarket large-screen navigation, smart rearview mirror navigation, portable navigation devices, and mobile navigation apps. Factory-installed navigation systems are typically deeply integrated with vehicle systems, offering the best display quality and stability. Aftermarket large-screen navigation systems offer both cost-effectiveness and expandable functionality. Smart rearview mirror navigation systems save space and integrate driving recorders. Portable devices are suitable for temporary use. Mobile navigation systems, with their real-time updates and zero cost, are the most popular choice.
Advantages of In-Vehicle Navigation Products
In-vehicle navigation products are essential for intelligent vehicles. Currently available in-vehicle navigation systems offer numerous advantages, such as precise positioning, real-time traffic information, and voice prompts. Using in-vehicle navigation systems, drivers can more easily find their destination, avoid getting lost and getting stuck in traffic, and improve driving efficiency. Furthermore, in-vehicle navigation systems provide real-time traffic information to help drivers choose the best route. Voice prompts allow drivers to focus more on driving, avoiding distractions like checking maps. In-car navigation systems also offer a variety of route options to meet the needs of different drivers. Therefore, in-car navigation products are an indispensable feature of modern cars. Whether budget-friendly or high-end, they all provide drivers with convenient and safe navigation services, making travel easier and more enjoyable.
General Classification of In-Car Navigation Products
In-car navigation products can be categorized according to the following aspects:
By Vehicle Navigation
- Dedicated DVD Navigation: A device specifically designed for a specific vehicle model (mostly requires the original vehicle CD player to be removed).
- Universal Navigation: A device that can be retrofitted to various vehicle models with a frame.
- Split-Type Navigation: A specialized, dedicated navigation product that does not remove the original vehicle CD player and other components, serving as an upgraded DVD navigation product.
By Function
- Voice-activated Navigation with Live Assistant Service: This product is standard in smart cars, but the voice recognition software in aftermarket in-car navigation systems has a low recognition rate.
- Bluetooth Push-to-Talk Navigation: This product connects directly to the vehicle navigation system using the phone’s Bluetooth. After the initial Bluetooth connection, subsequent connections are automatically established. The signal is stable and reliable.
- External communication box and voice-activated navigation: This product requires an external communication box, and its signal receiving module is incomparable to a mobile phone signal receiving module costing thousands of yuan. In areas with poor signal quality, the phone may have a signal, but the in-car navigation system may not. This method is prone to frequent customer complaints. Furthermore, compared to Bluetooth push-to-talk, it requires a communication box and a SIM card, which is very troublesome.
How to Choose an In-Car Navigation Product
For users on a limited budget, portable navigation systems are an affordable option, typically priced around a few hundred yuan. For those seeking quality, a large-screen Android navigation system, particularly one with a screen size of 10 inches or larger, is recommended. Dongfang Qichen’s large-screen navigation system offers excellent configuration, heat dissipation, and workmanship. It uses a Qualcomm quad-core or MediaTek octa-core CPU and has over 1GB of memory, meeting various navigation needs.
In addition, when choosing an in-car navigation system, consider three key factors: hardware performance, map data, and user experience. Original navigation systems like Mercedes-Benz MBUX and BMW iDrive utilize automotive-grade chips, achieving sub-meter positioning accuracy. Combined with a heads-up display (HUD), they enable zero-drift operation, making them particularly suitable for premium car owners seeking quality. Leading aftermarket brands like Dickar offer octa-core CPU navigation systems with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. They support BeiDou III and GPS dual-mode positioning, shorten cold-start times to under 15 seconds, and feature a heat dissipation design that ensures stable operation in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 80°C. Smart rearview mirror navigation has seen significant growth in recent years, with the market size projected to exceed 12 billion yuan by 2025. Representative products, such as the Dickar DCH500, utilize the Sony IMX415 sensor, enabling clear lane recognition in low-light conditions and integrating ADAS driver assistance features. Although portable navigation devices are becoming increasingly popular, some models from the Dickar brand, thanks to their specialized outdoor navigation features, still hold an 18.7% market share among off-road enthusiasts. Regarding mobile navigation, Google Maps now offers lane-level navigation, covering most highways and urban expressways worldwide. Combined with CarPlay’s wireless screen projection function, it has become the preferred solution for car owners who need to modify their vehicles. Consumers can choose a navigation solution based on their daily commute distance, charging convenience, and smart needs. For short urban commutes, a combination of mobile navigation and a large in-car screen is preferred, while for longer trips, the original navigation system or a professional aftermarket navigation system is recommended.
Summary
This article summarizes the advantages and correlations of in-car navigation products and provides advice on selecting a retrofittable navigation system. Dickar is a professional manufacturer of automotive aftermarket and modification products. If you require related products or would like to customize them, please contact us.