Kevin BosticAutomatic Labs has announced a new device that uses Apple's iPhone to turn normal cars into smart devices that can save drivers time and money, and it's now available for pre-order.
The Automatic Link plugs into a car's on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, typically located under the left side of the dashboard near where the driver sits. The OBD port has been built into every car sold in the United States since 1996, and it allows for the extraction of information on a vehicle's speed, fuel level, and error reports. The Link monitors these and other indicators, providing information on how drivers can get around more safely and control their energy usage.
Speaking with AllThingsD, Automatic co-founder and CEO Thejo Kote touted the device's potential to engender smarter driving.
"Making small changes in driving behavior can lead to big savings in gas," Kote said. "We're trying to improve the car ownership experience without upgrading the car."
The Automatic Link activates every time a driver turns a car on or off, and it generates a trip report showing where a car went, what its fuel efficiency was on the trip, and what that equates to in gas costs. It also displays weekly trends and timelines that can be shared with other owners of the same model of vehicle.
As a driver continues to use the device, it generates a weekly driving score report, logging things such as rough braking, speeding, and rapid acceleration. Users can then alter their driving behaviors in order to improve fuel efficiency going forward.
Automatic Link also uses GPS information to gauge the price of filling a car's tank by cross-referencing nearby filling stations, gas prices, and the current gas tank level.
The system also monitors car health through the OBD port, using push notifications to explain, for instance, why a user's 'check engine' light may be illuminated. It also has a built-in Crash Alert system that uses an iPhone's data connection to immediately report crashes to 911 with the user's name, location, and vehicle description.
The Automatic Link is available for pre-order from Automatic's site. The device retails for $70, with no subscription fees. It is currently compatible with only the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 and begins shipping in May. Automatic says an Android-compatible version — compatible with selected models — will be shipping this fall.
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16 Comments
It's in general the same optional functionality that Garmin rolled out for their Nuvis's a couple years ago. I've used it for some time now and it works well. Saved me a few dollars at my mechanic too.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=38354&locale=en_GB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDthYihY_ro
Cool. Stuff like this has been around for a while. Probably in the Apple app store as well. Is this another sponsored ad? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Bluetooth-diagnostics-compatible/dp/B005NLQAHS = Half the cost of the one listed here and available for years.
Pretty cool and useful. I can see parents of driving teens using this, I certainly would/will (I don't have to worry about that for at least another 5 years, just enough time to re-mortgage the house in order to afford the car insurance).
Now, where's the guy who usually chimes in about the government tracking our every move. He'll love this one.
It's a cool idea, but they need to get a decent marketing and legal advisor. Naming it a plain dictionary word makes the product incredibly expensive and difficult to market - and impossible to copyright. If they do get any traction, Chinese copies will be on the shelves with exactly the same name and there's not much they could do. It's like no one read business books anymore.
Been using a Scan Gauge II on my Highlander Hybrid for years. This will replace it nicely.