Your car's USB port is seriously underrated: 5 creative ways I'm using mine

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Your car's USB ports can do much more than charge your phone.
• Use your USB ports to play music or update your car's system.
• Even with wireless tech, USB ports still have their place.

In 2005, about 3.3 million cars sold included at least one USB port. Twenty years later, more than 200 million cars have embedded connectivity outlets (USB-A), and these days, a significant portion of them have USB-C ports. Some vehicles have as many as nine ports. Even many newer-model motorcycles have USB outlets.

Also: Your TV's USB port has hidden superpowers: 5 clever ways I use mine

Usually located on the front or rear consoles (and sometimes in the glove compartment), USB ports offer more than just charging devices. They enable music playback, phone connectivity, access ...