# Apps for Autos Hughes Telematics to Develop Downloadable Programs for Passenger Cars By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-02-20 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughes-telematics-auto-app References: [autoblog](http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/hughes-telematics-working-on-downloadable-apps-for-vehicles/) & [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/automobiles/15TECH.html?_r=3&ref=technology) [Hughes Telematics](http://www.hughestelematics.com/), 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nyt-audio), 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Driving Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-driving-app.md) - [All-Inclusive Automotive Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automotive-apps.md) - [Driving Interface Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-dashboard-app.md) - [Vehicle Performance Data Integrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vehicle-performance-data.md) - [AI Vehicle App Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/myvw-mobile-app.md) - [Deeply Integrated Automotive UIs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-carplay-ultra.md) - [Wireless Smartphone Car Adapters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-android-auto-device.md) - [Connected In-Car Gaming Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bmw-x-airconsole.md) - [Advanced Automotive Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waze-1.md)