Technology

I'm another CarsGuide reader who is upset about outdated satnav mapping and the cost of updates from car companies. Why can't they cut the price and get updates that cover the new roads I drive?

When Nissan and Mazda promote the "in-built GPS factor" they very carefully don't say it is at least two years out of date. They have enough lead time to get Sensis or any other provider to be up to date. Even a $99 unit from Aldi promises six-monthly free updates. Not like Sensis who want over $200 and are three years behind.

As I travel an average of 50,000 kilometres every year in my car I believe the less distraction I have when driving the better. I have a mobile phone driving solution with two Apps, Trigger and Safe Text Answering Machine. Safe Text allows the phone to reject texts, and incomings calls if wanted, by sending a return text message automatically. The Trigger App senses the presence of the car's Bluetooth connection and opens for turning on prior to driving. It then senses the car's Bluetooth disconnecting after the drive to turn off Safe Text. I am never again distracted by incoming texts whilst driving and I believe all mobile phones and cars should be equipped with these functions.