TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Smartphone Apps Mobilizing Vehicle Telematics

R. Colin Johnson | Date: 01-28-11 | Comments

Automobiles are adding smartphone apps to vehicle telematics systems that use wireless connectivity to access, control and manage all on-board systems.

Table of Contents:

Smartphone Apps Mobilizing Vehicle Telematics

Mobile smartphone apps integrated into automotive telematics systems are transforming our vehicles into rolling data centers capable of maintaining at-the-wheel connectivity to networks, services and even your favorite social media sites.

According to Allied Business Intelligence (ABI Research, Oyster Bay, N.Y.) there are a total of 37 million vehicle telematics users (such as OnStar subscribers), but less than 10 percent are accessing vehicle systems with their smartphone. ABI predicts that number to grow to over half by 2016, or 129 million. General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and BMW have already pioneered adding smartphone connectivity for vehicle functions like door unlock, engine start, remote diagnostics and battery status, while third parties are developing a new crop of apps.

"Telematics service providers and independent system and software developers are rushing to launch smartphone applications," said ABI Research Practice Director Dominique Bonte. "The dynamics of the smartphone and application store revolution are now spilling over into the automotive industry."

By adding this special sensor-studded rearview mirror to any car, OnStar connectivity can be maintained in non-GM vehicles.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (held in Las Vegas), General Motors announced that it was making its OnStar telematics system available as an add-on to any vehicle. By replacing the rearview mirror of your existing car with a special OnStar mirror, existing vehicles can be wirelessly connected to resources for turn-by-turn navigation, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services and hands-free calling. The OnStar mirror includes the "blue button" for on-demand instant assistance plus has a built-in accelerometer that automatically reports a crash in the event you are unconscious.

Next: MyLink App Gives Real-Time Access to Vehicle Functions >>