Automakers like Ford, GM, and Kia are rapidly adding in-car communication technologies to help you stay connected to the outside world while inside your car. They’re also developing a number of smart phone applications that you can use to help you stay connected to your car while not in your vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz mbrace Smart Phone
Application lets you access car
features remotely.
Here’s a sampling of smart phone apps from the automakers:
Chevrolet
When the 2011 Chevrolet Volt rolls out later this year, drivers will be able to connect to their vehicle wirelessly and access remote features using the Volt’s OnStar telematics system and a smart phone app on their Apple iPhone®, BlackBerry® Storm™, or DROID by Motorola. The Chevrolet Volt OnStar smart phone app will allow you to:
- Know if the Volt is plugged in or not and whether it's charging on 120V or 240V.
- Schedule charging times to get the lowest off-peak rates and "Charge Now" if they need a quick boost.
- Remotely start the Volt to preheat or cool the cabin while plugged in to preserve a bit of EV range.
- Access battery charge level and gasoline and electric ranges.
- View displays of miles per gallon, electric-only miles, and odometer readings for the last trip and the lifetime of the vehicle.
The Volt app also can send text or e-mail notifications for charge reminders, interruptions, and full charge, as well as give you access to traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock, and remote horn and lights.
Chrysler Group
New Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep®, and Ram Truck vehicles, beginning with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, will provide smart phone applications with vehicle information, including high-resolution images and videos. The apps will complement existing user guides and DVDs currently provided with each vehicle. With the apps, you can browse functional categories and view detailed topics of interest relative to your specific Chrysler vehicle.
From each app you can browse product information, vehicle operating instructions, maintenance schedules, service contract details, warning lights and controls, warranty information, and customer assistance. You’ll also find links to Mopar parts and accessories, product brand gear and merchandise, and social media sites.
Jeep
The Jeep TripCast app has a Web and mobile interface that lets you share a trip with friends, family, and rest of the Jeep world. After creating your personal user profile and customizable Jeep avatar in TripCast, you can:
- Save and view personal or friends' trips, in real time or for later, on the Web and iPhone.
- Track your path in real time and download it to Google Earth.
- Share as much or as little of your trip with your friends or the public, based on settings you select.
- Get notified when a friend is in the area so you can chat.
- Post photos, videos, audio clips, and text and share them with friends. All content can be viewed "on location" on a map in real time.
- Discover new spots with more than 250,000 outdoor recreation locations by category including parks, bike paths, camping, ski resorts and more.
- Create playlists and listen to music while using the application.
Mercedes-Benz
Providing a new and portable way to connect with your Mercedes-Benz, the mbrace Mobile Application enables you to access select services remotely using a compatible Apple iPhone or BlackBerry smart phone. Remote Door Lock and Unlock, Dealer Connect, Vehicle Finder, Roadside Assistance and more are all at your fingertips, even when you aren't near your vehicle.
MINI
MINI Link is a map-based smart phone application that allows you to detect and connect with other members of the MINI community and share your favorite road recommendations and tips. From MINI Link, you can:
- Mark your favorite drives and sights, and check out spots that other MINI drivers have marked.
- Alert your fellow MINI drivers about traffic, cheap gas, or where it might be wise to mind the speedometer.
- Detect other MINI drivers in your area and automatically send them a digital wave without lifting a finger. Or, send waves manually to other MINI cars anywhere in the country.
- Socialize by creating a MINI community event.
Toyota
The Prius Experience App from Toyota has four modes to help educate and entertain Apple iPhone users interested in learning more about the EPA-rated 50 miles per gallon 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid car. Notably, the Prius Experience App takes advantage of the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer to give you a 360-degree interior tour of the Prius. The application has four modes:
- Tour - Rotate your iPhone for a 360-degree interior view of the Prius, then explore the features that make the car so unique.
- Interact - Use your iPhone camera to interact with the Prius ads you see in your favorite magazines.
- Draw - Touch the innovative multi-touch user interface to draw directly into the environment of the Prius, then watch it react to your shapes and objects.
- Play - Think your way through 10 levels of a force-based game that utilizes the accelerometer.
Do you use a smart phone application to connect with your car? What other kinds of smart phone apps would you like to see the automakers develop?