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Many vehicles on the road today don't come equipped with the latest infotainment and safety technologies. Retrofitting such systems can often be complex and expensive. However, a growing range of smart accessories can significantly enhance the functionality and safety of an older car, without requiring a trip to the workshop.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to provide you with objective and practical guidance. This article introduces various smart car gadgets and gives you clear criteria to make an informed decision for your vehicle.
The selection of accessories is vast. To find the right solution for your needs, you should consider three key aspects.
A primary reason for an upgrade is the desire for modern connectivity. Many gadgets allow you to retrofit CarPlay or use Wireless Android Auto. Before purchasing, check if your smartphone is compatible with the device. A portable car display is often a simple plug-and-play solution that requires no permanent modifications to the vehicle and brings functionality directly to a large screen. Pay attention to the supported connection types, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, to ensure stable and fast pairing.
Modern gadgets can increase driving safety. A dash cam with GPS not only records traffic events but also logs the exact route and speed, which can be helpful in reconstructing an accident. For comprehensive protection, a 4-channel dash cam captures events in front of, behind, and on the sides of the vehicle. A car surveillance camera with parking mode can also document vandalism or parking dings, even when you are not in the vehicle.
Easy installation is a crucial criterion for many users. Most portable devices are powered via the 12V socket (cigarette lighter) and can be attached to the dashboard with suction cups or adhesive mounts. For features like 24-hour parking mode, some dash cams require hardwiring to the car's battery (hardwire kit). Consider what level of installation effort is acceptable for you.
Based on the criteria above, we have compiled a selection of products that cater to different needs—from comprehensive surveillance to safely monitoring children during the drive.
Why it stands out: According to the manufacturer, the AZDOME M350 is the first dash cam with native integration into the Apple "Find My" network. This allows you to locate your vehicle using the standard app on Apple devices, without needing an additional application or subscription. The 4-channel dash cam provides a near-seamless all-round view.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For safety-conscious drivers, especially Apple product users, who want complete documentation of their driving and a reliable tracking function for their vehicle.
Why it stands out: This system combines a baby car camera with the functionality of Wireless CarPlay. The camera feed is displayed directly on the vehicle's original infotainment screen, so no extra monitor obstructs your view. This helps you keep your eyes on the road while keeping an eye on your child.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For families with babies or young children whose vehicle already has a factory-installed, wired CarPlay system with a touchscreen. It's a solution to enhance safety and comfort when traveling with children. (Note: According to the manufacturer, full functionality is designed for use with an iPhone.)
Why it stands out: This device is a comprehensive 2-in-1 solution for a complete car infotainment upgrade. It combines a large touchscreen for Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto with an integrated dash cam system (front and rear cameras). The installation is simple and requires no modifications to the vehicle.
Advantages:
Who is it for? For owners of older vehicles without a modern infotainment system who are looking for an easy-to-install, all-in-one solution to add navigation, hands-free calling, music streaming, and a dash cam function.
The products featured here cover specific use cases. If you are looking for other configurations or specialized cameras, a wide variety of other models are available.
? Explore our full range of car cameras and accessories
1. Are dash cams legal in Germany? Yes, the use of dash cams is generally permitted in Germany. The recordings may be admissible as evidence in court proceedings. However, their use is subject to the strict requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Permanent, indiscriminate recording of public spaces is not allowed. Modern dash cams solve this problem with a loop recording function, where old footage is continuously overwritten. Only in the event of an incident (e.g., triggered by a G-sensor) is the corresponding sequence saved permanently.
2. How can I retrofit CarPlay in an older car? There are two main methods: Replacing the entire car radio with a CarPlay-compatible model is one option, but it is often expensive and installation-intensive. A simpler and more cost-effective alternative is a portable car display, like the featured ESSGOO model. These devices are placed on the dashboard and powered by the 12V socket. They connect wirelessly to your smartphone, providing a full CarPlay or Android Auto interface.