In September 2010, SBD reported on the new “My BMW Remote” application that allows owners to communicate with their car through their iPhone. That launch followed the appearance of similar systems in the USA from Mercedes and Chrysler, but was the first system available in Europe. This month another app has hit the headlines with the BBC website featuring an app developed by SK Telecom from Korea on their Click! technology programme.
The SK Telecom app is primarily a telematics platform for electric vehicles but it has the ability to control the central locking system, the lights and the air conditioning. It also allows the user to start the engine while they are away from the vehicle (remote start) and to check the current location of the vehicle on a map on the device. A unique feature of the SK Telecom app is the ability to relay a live video feed from a camera inside the vehicle. If linked with the vehicle locator feature, you can improve the chances of recovering the vehicle if it’s stolen as well as potentially catching the thief!
The ability to access information or to control functions of a vehicle via smartphones will appeal to many people, especially since smartphone adoption is becoming more and more widespread across all global markets.
Vehicle Manufacturers can use the smartphone interface to constantly revise the customer facing features without being restricted by the normal vehicle lifecycle restraints. New features can be added via software updates as they become available rather than waiting for new or minor change model introductions.
For more information on SBD research into enhanced key fobs and remote start contact Juanita Appleby by email on jappleby@sbd.co.uk.
The video is currently available on the BBC website, click on the image below to be taken to the site and the app is introduced after 2m.
