Chevrolet has reinforced its place in the smartphone-meets-automobile world with Gogolink, an app and service that connects phones and in-car displays via Bluetooth or USB. Using the MyLink “infotainment system” – really, Chevy? – that comes standard on certain models of the Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Sonic, the app makes it possible to extend certain features of a smartphone to a larger screen that’s easier to operate.

Gogolink has a focus on driving through 3D maps and the ability to get live traffic updates on crashes, road closures, and alternative routes. The maps can be stored for offline use if things get too hectic. And if you need directions for local emergency services or something less hectic like a restaurant, that’s available too. Incoming calls are piped through the audio system, and the app enables hands-free calling, so drivers will be able to focus on the road.

Chevy drivers can expect media as well. Cars with MyLink will be able to play Pandora or Sticher Radio and play music through the car’s audio system. It will also play locally-stored music, and show a photo slideshow or play videos when the car is in park. Here’s a video demo of Gogolink.

I’ve seen similar systems in Ford, Lexus, and Toyota models that were good, but we’ll have to wait until the summer to see how Gogolink compares. Chevy says the system will cost $50 a short time after the 2013 Spark goes on sale in the U.S. and Canada mid 2012. Interested parties will have to return to get “a simple update at the dealer to accommodate the app.”

I like to drive and travel quite a bit since Indianapolis is in the middle of quite a few Midwestern cities, and since I’m not from around here, I don’t know where I’m going half the time. So I am sincerely thankful for Google Maps and Navigation, but it became increasingly annoying to pick my phone up to look at the map while dodging traffic and finding my destination. Finally, I broke down and bought a Cobra Mini-Mount. A few days later I bought my girlfriend one, and now it’s on all of my family members’ Christmas lists.

The Cobra Mini-Mount doesn’t have a striking feature or really any advanced design that sets it apart, but, to be blunt, it simply works perfectly.  It uses suction and a sticky grip on bottom to hold the mount in place while the arm of the device has a bottom ledge and stickiness to hold your phone in place. It also has an adjustable dial to hold your desired position for the mount in place so if you’re thinking it’s turning a lot whenever you hit a bump, it’s probably because this isn’t tightened enough.

I’ve only tried a handful of docks and most of those were aimed at a specific device. Being a universal device, the Cobra mount is designed to accommodate all shapes and sizes, and so it also has the perception of not necessarily being perfect for any device. I’m here to set that record straight. I’ve tried a couple different devices, and all of them are held beautifully. I’m not going to admit to my “take-a-turn-as-fast-as-possible” driving attitude, but let’s just say under “rigorous” testing none of my phones flew out of the mount.

The Cobra mount does need a little upkeep though. With a simple glass cleaner (my glass wipes in this case work great), you have to wipe down the sticky surface to keep it holding well. I let mine get about a weeks worth of fuzz and hair on it, and it was noticeably less sticky. Before I cleaned it, I turned the mount sideways to watch a video, and the RAZR I had attached fell because I had it charging and the cord tugged at it. You still need to be careful with your devices, but it took quite a bit to get the admittedly unusually shaped RAZR to fall.

The Cobra Car mount doesn’t seem highly touted, and I had a hard time tracking it down until Amazon finally started selling it. So you can find it on Amazon or at Accessory Highway for $19.95 and $24.95 respectively.

Android fans are always on the go, and that often means having a safe but accessible set-up when driving from Point A to Point B. Arkon sells a line of universal car mounts that provide such an experience. Arkon’s smartphone mounts fit a variety of devices, ranging from the HTC Desire, EVO, and Incredible, to the Motorola Droid, Droid 2, and Droid X (full list of phones supported available here).

I tested three Arkon products for phones that are set-up in a variety of ways: Friction Dash Mount, Windshield Mount, and a Removable Air Vent Mount. Each is made of light but secure material. They all feature cushioned edges that prevent the phone from moving or being scratched.

The Arkon Friction Dash Mount retails for $19.95 and a little on the hefty side depending on your vehicle. This may not be the best solution depending on your car; I found it difficult to install and remain in place because of my oddly shaped dash. The mount cannot be installed over where the airbag deploys, so setting this up was troublesome.

However, I can attest to the quality of the Windshield and Air Vent mounts. The Windshield mount is much easier installing and feels more likely to work long-term. The hinge is easy to turn and comes with an optional adhesive to stay on the dashboard. Not bad for $19.95. The Air Vent mount, which costs $14.95, has practically the same holder. In fact, the main holding portion of each product tested is practically the same; the differences come into play in the mechanism used to mount each to the car.

The Arkon line of products is stable, and easy to secure or remove your phone from the mount. Each mount is adjustable to rotate between portrait/landscape or into a better viewing position for navigation, music playing, or storage when driving. Each is reasonably priced and there are a variety of options. Visit Arkon.com to browse the full line. Here are a few photos and a quick video sample.

It’s unlikely that will get a car as cool as KITT from Night Rider in our lifetime, so we’ll just have to settle for the next best thing. Viper SmartStart is a new Android app that can control a car by interacting with hardware installed in an automobile.

Viper SmartStart can start your car remotely, a life-saver during those snowy Northeast winters (the physical car key must still be used to actually drive). The remote system also extends the range of your commands anywhere with a 3G signal, allowing owners to lock/unlock doors, open the trunk, turn on a security system, or be notified if an alarm goes off. That should help forgetful people cut down on the amount of times they run back to their car to double check if the door is locked, and provide an additional layer of security.

The Viper SmartStart app is free but requires purchasing the system hardware. The device costs $299 if self-installed, but it’s also available at Best Buy for $499 with full installation.

Coming quickly after the official unveiling of the Droid X, we are now seeing some of the first accessories which include a car dock and a home dock.

Both products are currently listed on the Motorola website, and the official names are the Car Mount for Droid X and the fancier sounding Multimedia Station for Droid X. In terms of pricing, expect to pay $39.99 for the car mount and $49.99 for the multimedia station. Plus, in regards to the multimedia station, that will work best with an HDMI cable and that will set you back an additional $19.99.

As for the Car Mount, this is fairly self-explanatory in description in that it will allow you to use your Droid X in your car. Basically its a car cradle that will automatically launch a dashboard app when your phone is docked. That app will then offer quick and easy access to features that will often use in a car such as Maps Navigation, music, voice search and calling. The car mount will also keep your phone charged while in use and has a 3.5mm jack that will allow for a connection to your car stereo for better sound.

Moving on to the Multimedia Station and you will find a home dock that will allow you to dock and charge your phone. Of course, there is also the option to connect an HDMI cable and display video and images on your HDTV.

All in all it looks like two decent accessories for Droid X owners.

[via Motorola]