We’re starting to see more and more phone-specific tech being built into cars lately, including wireless charging and software like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Today Chevrolet announced another new mobile feature for its cars, but it may not be something that you’d immediately think of.
Chevrolet plans to add a feature called Active Phone Cooling in several of its upcoming vehicles, including the 2016 models of the Impala, Malibu, Volt, and Cruze, all of which also offer wireless charging. With Active Phone Cooling, an air vent is placed next to the bin that includes the car’s wireless charging mat, and the vent is connected to the car’s air conditioning system. Active Phone Cooling will only work when the car’s HVAC system is turned on.
The goal is to keep a phone cool during times when it might start to overheat, like if you’re charging wirelessly and doing things like streaming music or using navigation, or during a hot day when the inside of the vehicle warms up.
Chevy’s Active Phone Cooling is definitely an interesting feature that some folks may have never even thought to include in a car. And while it’s not likely that you’ll need to use it every time you go for a drive, it could come in handy for those times that you’re using your phone to navigate and stream music, and you’re also charging it wirelessly to make sure that you don’t run out of juice midway through your trip.