Error reports and fuel consumption are sent to the app
Technology that checks the insides of a car engine and eventually sends a detailed fault alarm or simple driving statistics to the owner's smartphone is a given in most newer cars. Now, more affordable gadgets and associated apps are being developed that retrofit older models and also offer the benefits of the latest technology. To do this, the small devices only have to be attached to the vehicle's diagnostic port, from where they can read out information such as errors, fuel consumption and driving patterns and then send them to the app.
However, drivers must be careful not to be too distracted by the app and the information provided. According to the ÖAMTC http://oeamtc.at In 2012 inattentiveness was responsible for almost every eighth fatal accident in Austria alone. "When it comes to the use of multimedia applications in the car, it is always important to pay attention to the safety aspect," explains Max Lang, chief technician at the ÖAMTC, in relation to the press release.
Motor: Gadgets piss off older models (Photo: pixelio.de, PeterA)
Versatile service
Most gadgets on the market either send their information directly via a built-in cellular data chip, such as those from Mojio Inc. http://moj.io , or they need a smartphone nearby that provides the wireless internet connection. Auto specialist Dash Labs Inc. http://dash.by has developed an app that determines who is driving the car, what model it is and where you are currently. The app is even said to offer recommendations for trustworthy mechanics in the event the car goes on strike.
The North American telecommunications company AT&T http://att.com provides app developers in Atlanta with a center with various car models so that they can test their products in advance. The new technologies are intended to encourage consumers to connect their mobile devices to their cars - at the moment, only 20 percent of those who have the opportunity do so. The market research company Gartner http://gartner.com expects that within the next six years 70 to 80 percent of the cars sold will have the possibility of being connected to the Internet.
Critics are skeptical
While developers are convinced of the importance of their products as they give drivers access to a variety of information they did not have before, critics see problems with sales and not enough long-term value for consumers. Also, without constant internet connections, cheaper products would be unreliable as they cannot provide impact detection or theft prevention.
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