Dodge has introduced an all new 2014 Dodge Durango. The full sized SUV Durango will use state-of-the-art new technology, which includes a customizable standard class-exclusive 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and an available 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Uconnect Access services. The Durango will be the first vehicle to feature Chrysler’s brand new Uconnect Access Via Mobile. This technology is an extension of Chrysler Group’s suite of Uconnect Access services. Unlike some connectivity technologies from other brands, Uconnect offers an easy-to-learn and simple interface, along with a large 8.4-inch touchscreen. This technology will allow customers to enjoy their personal Internet radio accounts and stream audio content into the new Dodge Durango by using their own mobile device data plans.
There are four widely used Internet radio apps available with Uconnect Access Via Mobile – Aha by Harman, iHeartRadio, Pandora and Slacker Radio. Each Internet radio brand has individual features, making it easy to learn to use. For example, with the Pandora program customers can register their preferences by hitting the app’s familiar buttons – “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” – which are displayed on the available 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The Uconnect Access Via Mobile in the new 2014 Durango is not just a revised Uconnect program, it offers a significant enhancement to the current Uconnect Access. Considering that the existing Uconnect Access program was recently name by AOL Autos as the ‘Technology of the Year’, this new Uconnect program is sure to please. Another great feature of the Durango’s new technology involves a partnership with Sprint. This allows the Dodge Durango to come with a built-in wireless connection to accommodate Emergency Services Simplified, a suite of services designed specifically to provide security and convenience. Other brands offer built-in wireless capability, but they all go through the driver’s mobile phone, rather than real-time wi-fi.
Other Uconnect Access features include the ability to remotely sound the Dodge Durango’s horn and flash its lights – measures enabled by the Uconnect Access smartphone app that could serve as potential crime deterrents (or even to help locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot). While texting and driving is a huge danger and the cause of thousands of vehicle accidents each year, some drivers refuse to give up texting while on the road. Dodge’s technology has stepped in to make this a safe process. Owners of the 2014 Dodge Durango will be able to use Uconnect Access to tap the power of the Cloud. When a compatible Bluetooth cell phone is paired, Uconnect Access will complete actions such as announce receipt of incoming texts, identify the senders, and then “read” the messages aloud. To respond or compose any new text, drivers can simply dictate a message of 140 characters or less. The Cloud-based voice-recognition system converts spoken words to text and “reads” it back for accuracy before sending.
The UConnect Access system also includes navigation, of course. On-road travel is made easier by the premium’s navigation new 3D maps of well-known cities and landmarks, as well as street signs. And UConnect continues to be useful once you reach your destination as you can even transform your Durango into an on-demand WiFi hotspot. If this new technology interests you, contact your local Dodge store, such as the Ken Garff Dodge dealership of UT. They will be happy to answer all of your questions about the ’14 Durango availability, the new features of this model, as well as financing options.