Today our connected world encompasses far more than just internet websites, it’s now extending to what we drive. Yes, many automotive manufacturers are now offering ways to interact with their vehicles via mobile applications such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. Services such as Jaguar’s InControl Connect and others make it possible for owners to control certain features in their vehicles. Here’s just a few things that connectivity can bring to the connected car experience:
Remote starting – Remote starting capability used to involve dedicated remote controls and custom-installed starting systems. Not anymore, several manufacturers are now offering remote start systems that are controlled by mobile devices. This gives you the ability to start up your car and make the inside cabin comfortable by activating the climate controls that cool or heat the interior based on the outside temperature.
View diagnostics – With display panels on new car infotainment systems displaying vehicle diagnostics, it was only a matter of time that they got ported to mobile devices. Many new cars offer the ability to communicate with a vehicle’s diagnostic systems which can alert you with things like when your tire pressure is low, your oil needs changing, and if any service issues are present.
Lock/Unlock your car – In a rush and need to get into your car as quickly as possible? With the help of your smartphone, you can unlock your vehicle from anywhere. This can be handy if the weather outside is bad, or it’s late at night and you don’t want to fumble with your car keys in the dark.
Locate your car – It happens to everyone at some point. You parked your car in a massive parking lot and you can’t seem to find it. Several manufacturers now offer smartphone apps that use mapping technology, in some cases Google Maps, to help guide you right to your car. Just imagine how handy this is late at night.
Request roadside assistance – Reedmantolljaguar.com says even though you can use your smart phone to call for roadside assistance, a smartphone app makes it even easier. Some apps make the process especially accurate by providing the GPS coordinates of where the vehicle is located.
Upload directions – One of the most useful features with a smartphone app for your mobile device is the ability to send directions from your smartphone or other mobile device to your car’s infotainment system. Google’s “Send to Car” feature is the most popular way to do this now.
Establish driving limitations – Got a teenager? If you do, this is the perfect feature to ensure you can sleep at night. You can use your any mobile device or home computer to set limitations on things like where the car is allowed to be driven, maximum speed and other driving parameters. And whenever you like, you can download a full report of these parameters during the time the vehicle was being used. Such oversight almost isn’t fair.
Report your vehicle as stolen – With roadside assistance becoming widely available, its features are also being expanded, and you can now make a report if your vehicle has been stolen from your mobile device. This information will be immediately forwarded to local law enforcement authorities.
Coming to dealership near you? Car dealers are reporting that connectivity to their automobiles is becoming a major draw for buyers so you can expect this trend to continue. While some of the features we explored are simply nice to have, many are genuine safety features and, as such, should become common place in the future.
Thanks to: Reedman Toll Jaguar
