The Mazda Connect System is the Perfect Response to the Anti-Distracted Driving Act

Last week has proven to be a troublesome one for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with the Department of Transportation's recent implementation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. Confusion has been raised on a number of issues, such as if it's now illegal to use a GPS navigation app like Waze, or where exactly can a motorist place his or her smartphone and dashcam without these devices being declared as a distraction. Another issue that Twitter user @thundermushroom raised on the social media app with the MMDA is the fixed, tablet-like monitor found on top of the dashboard in some of today's cars, most notably in Mazda vehicles as pointed out in the post. The agency's reply? It would be better to place it lower down on the dashboard, illustrating how clearly unaware the MMDA was of the feature. It was only when the post went viral online that the MMDA backtracked and clarified that all built-in, assembled-as-stock features like the Mazda Connect infotainment system are allowed.

The Mazda Connect infotainment system is another example of the Japanese carmaker adopting its jinba ittai design philosophy of its cars and its drivers acting as one. Designed to be intuitive, the Mazda Connect system is composed of, depending on the vehicle model, either the seven- or eight-inch touchscreen and the Command Control knob.

Strategically located below the windshield line and in the middle of the dashboard, the touchscreen system was designed from the start to not interfere with the driver's line of sight--and yet be "well within the driver's field of vision" as indicated in a product brochure. It provides vital vehicle information at a slight glance.

Although browsing through the system's expansive menu by touching the screen is possible, it's when navigating the said menu through the Command Control knob, buttons, and accompanying volume dial that are laid out intuitively just under the driver's right hand that the usefulness of the combination really shines. The system is so easy to get used to that you'd wish all the cars in the market have it as you find yourself navigating through the menu using the Command Control knob with only slight glances at the screen. The Mazda Connect system also lets the driver pair his mobile phone via Bluetooth for a true hands-free call experience, using a built-in microphone to pick up the driver's voice while the car’s speakers serve as the audio output so the driver doesn't have to hold his phone while listening to the caller. Through Voice Control and Recognition, Mazda Connect also reads out SMS text messages and allows the driver to reply with preset ones. Controlling the system’s functions through simple spoken words is yet another feature that demonstrates Mazda's focus on safety while driving. "Mazda has been at the forefront of driving safety and convenience since the first Mazda Connect system was introduced in the current Mazda 3 in 2014," Mazda Philippines said in a statement. "It is the first mainstream manufacturer to use a rotary controller paired with an in-dash screen, a feature previously found only in luxury brands. The Mazda Connect system undoubtedly leads the way to safer and more convenient driving." https://twitter.com/thundermushroom/status/865416793522753536