Google has Android Auto and Apple has Apple CarPlay for newer cars offering in-car connectivity solution, but Samsung is targeting older or existing cars with its new Connect Auto dongle that will be introduced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 in Barcelona next week.
The Connect Auto dongle plugs directly into the OBD II port underneath the steering wheel and offers real-time alerts to help users improve their driving behavior, including increased fuel efficiency that will help drivers consume less fuel through the use of proprietary algorithms that analyze miles travelled, time on the road and price per gallon – a valuable feature for those in the transportation and logistics field, while offering a powerful LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that enables multi-user internet access that lets passengers in the car stream content and play online games.
It uses Samsung KNOX secured solution, runs on Tizen OS and lets developers use Tizen and Samsung’s Software Development Kit (SDK) to further add additional services. It also intelligently checks your car status from the on-board diagnostic port to recommend maintenance and repair services offered by a specialized network.
Samsung has partnered with AT&T for LTE solution, Orange Business Services for advanced IoT/M2M expertise and services and more companies such as Amdocs, AXA, Blink by Agero, China Unicom, Cisco, Crawford & Company, Ericsson, Europcar, HERE, IBM, Jasper, Oberthur Technologies, Openbay, Tantalum and Willis Towers Watson.
Samsung Connect Auto will be initially be available in Q2 2016 in the U.S. It will be showcased at the MWC from February 22nd to 25th.
Dr. Injong Rhee, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Software and Services, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, said:
We have been listening to our customers and pushing boundaries to create a connected car ecosystem that seamlessly integrates our products and partner services for a better driving experience. Through collaborations with valuable partners and experts across many industries, we are carrying out our vision of bringing IoT technology to people’s everyday lives.