Hughes Telematics, the company that’s created the latest in-car communication systems for Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, is working on a new series of compatible downloadable widgets that will make your car responsive to inputs from exterior sources, like a cell phone or laptop computer.
According to the New York Times, potential applications include a carbon emissions estimator loaded with tips on how to shrink your footprint, a camera that would automatically snap and e-mail photos of individuals around the car during a break-in and an iPhone app that can unlock doors, start the engine and reset the alarm.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Connected Car
- The trend of developing downloadable programs for passenger cars, allowing them to be responsive to inputs from exterior sources.
- Smartphone Integration
- The trend of developing smartphone apps that can unlock doors, start the engine, and perform other functions for passenger cars.
- In-car Safety and Security
- The trend of using in-car communication systems to enhance safety and security features, such as automatically snapping and emailing photos of individuals around the car during a break-in.
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- The industry that can benefit from developing compatible downloadable widgets and smartphone apps for passenger cars, creating new ways to interact and enhance the driving experience.
- Mobile Technology
- The mobile technology industry can explore opportunities in developing smartphone integration solutions for cars, allowing users to control various car functions through their smartphones.
- Internet of Things (iot)
- The IoT industry can leverage the connected car trend to develop innovative in-car safety and security features, such as using sensors and cameras to detect and prevent break-ins.
