Samsung has unveiled today connected car solution, Samsung Connect Auto for a safer and more fun driving experience. With this solution, consumers gain comfort knowing their vehicle is secure, and enterprises gain productivity through fleet management capabilities and services offered by Samsung as well as partners.
Accoding to the company, Samsung Connect Auto plugs directly into the OBD II port underneath the steering wheel. It uses real-time alerts to help users improve their driving behavior, including increased fuel efficiency, while offering a Wi-Fi connection to keep passengers online while on-the-go. The solution is kept secure using Samsung KNOX , the company’s market-leading, defense-grade mobile security platform. Samsung Connect Auto will initially be available in the second quarter in the U.S. AT&T will be the first wireless provider of the solution in the U.S.
The backbone of Samsung Connect Auto is KNOX security and Tizen OS for interoperability. Samsung KNOX provides security from the hardware through the software levels, including applications. Prioritizing security differentiates Samsung Connect Auto from competitor offerings. Samsung also encourages safe driving behavior by using geo-fencing and driver rating algorithms. In the event of an accident, emergency alerts notify the driver’s contacts and accident concierge services are provided. A “Find My Car” app also helps in locating your car in real-time using LTE and GPS, as stated by Samsung in its press statement.
A powerful LTE Wi-Fi hotspot enables multi-user internet access that lets passengers in the car stream content and play online games. Fuel efficiency analysis helps 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.
A virtual mechanic intelligently checks your car status from the on-board diagnostic port to recommend maintenance and repair services offered by a specialized network. This enables quick notification of performance and helps reduce repair costs.
Samsung is creating a new partner ecosystem of carriers, insurance companies, roadside assistance operators and maintenance networks. Additionally, by partnering with auto manufacturers, Samsung is helping to bridge the gap between the automotive industry and the mobile world. Companies currently participating as part of Samsung’s connected car ecosystem include Amdocs, AT&T, AXA, Blink by Agero, China Unicom, Cisco, Crawford & Company, Ericsson, Europcar, HERE, IBM, Jasper, Oberthur Technologies, Openbay, Orange, Tantalum and Willis Towers Watson.
Samsung Connect Auto will be on display at this year’s Mobile World Congress.
