How IoT works in Automotive mobile app Development
we can take Connected cars: the Top IoT Automotive Apps. In this article, we will make an overview of some of the most popular connected car apps and uncover the specifics of custom car apps development. Read on to know more!
Let's begin with the What are connected cars? actually,
Before we do the locomotive, let’s explore how connected cars work. The term ‘connected cars’ refers to cars with an internet connection. Such vehicles can easily connect to IoT devices, exchange data, download software for various purposes, and provide Wi-Fi to passengers. From entertainment to special upgrades, the purpose of the merger and connectivity takes the driver’s experience to a whole new level.
The main purpose of connected cars is data sharing. Understanding how cars use data is crucial to understanding how automotive applications work. So let’s look at the type of data gathered with connected cars.
The interchange of data works in five stages:
V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure): As the name implies, at this level, the car communicates with the surroundings to get information about road conditions, accidents, road construction, parking spaces, etc.
V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle): At this level, cars talk to each other about the location on the road to avoid traffic jams and accidents.
V2C (Vehicle to Cloud): It refers to a vehicle that exchanges data with cloud analytics sites. Car sensors collect data and send it to the processing cloud. The cloud-based analysis site then provides the driver with a variety of insights — from critical real-time data to maintenance visit management analysis.
V2P (Vehicle to Pedestrian): This type of data exchange helps protect pedestrians by identifying them on the road and informing other drivers about their presence with smartphone notifications.
V2X (Vehicle to Everything): At this level, data is exchanged between the car and other objects on the road, such as traffic lights, road signs, and traffic signs.
The growth of the connected car: a business case for automotive technologies and important examples
Although the automotive IoT market alone is emerging, its value by 2022 is estimated at $ 82.79 billion.
There is good reason for more businesses to invest in related projects. Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals. Automotive IoT Solutions provide a simple and affordable way to upgrade any car.
Some of the benefits that such apps offer to users include:
Real time vehicle monitoring and breakdown prevention
By using the V2C connection, the smart car app receives instant notifications about the condition of the car’s main systems and takes timely action to prevent errors. Timely access to data is one of the main advantages of connected cars, as it helps to significantly reduce maintenance costs.
Increased car efficiency and safety
Real-time monitoring gives drivers more control as it informs them about the condition of their vehicle. The data-based approach allows them to schedule repairs and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Managing a fleet of vehicles, for example, becomes easier and more efficient when operators are able to track the location of multiple cars and identify which of them require maintenance.
Ability to enhance the built-in capabilities of the vehicle with third party tools Advanced navigation systems, free parking spaces, pedestrian detection, avoidance of traffic jams, AI-driven safety and car entertainment systems all contribute to a better driving experience.
Users of connected car apps can benefit by getting cashbacks and discounts on services available through third party integrations.
Safe driving
Through V2I, V2V and V2X connections, smart cars keep track of road infrastructure and nearby surroundings and automatically adjust their route and speed according to real-time data. This dramatically reduces the number of accidents, eliminates congestion and creates a better and safer traffic situation.
Positive impact on society and the environment
Red reversible and safe driving allows more people to carpool, which is likely to increase the number of vehicles on the roads. Smart routing capabilities allow drivers to reach their destinations faster and more efficiently, reducing car exhaust emissions. On top of that, physically weaker people are able to use connected cars so that driving becomes more accessible.
Cost-effectiveness
Ultimately, one of the ways connected cars can change our lives is at increased cost-effectiveness. Although the connected car is not cheap and the automotive application usage comes at a price, it is difficult to underestimate the overall impact of using automotive application solutions saving fuel and time.
At the same time, there are many reasons for businesses to invest in automotive IoT:
Monetization and Demand: Although most apps in the App Store come for free or cost 99 cents, automotive apps are usually more expensive. This gives businesses the opportunity to easily monetize their products.
Third party integrations and partnerships are another source of revenue for automotive app developers. By selling access to your API to other businesses, you can achieve greater ROI. You can also develop direct partnerships with car manufacturers, so your devices are pre-installed on all vehicles.
Collecting and using data: Like any IoT device, automotive products allow you to tap huge amounts of user and vehicle data. With it you can get valuable insights and design your product accordingly. Data can also be provided to third-party businesses operating in related domains: insurance companies, repair shops, roadside assistance providers, etc.
The first-mover advantage is another reason to enter this market. Existing automotive businesses and consumers are eager to see more innovations in this field, so the barrier to entry is currently very low.
Automotive apps have many ways to level your vehicle. Examples available in the App Store focus on features such as GPS and navigation, security, vehicle handling, fuel consumption and mileage logging, voice and gesture control, and multimedia access.
Listed below are a number of the simplest car apps currently available (according to customer feedback).
Automatic
Links: Web, App Store, Google Play
Product Type: IoT, Automotive Maintenance Application.
Hardware: Custom Car Adapters (Automatic Lite and Pro)
Target Platforms: iOS, Android and Web.
Key Features: Trip logging, Vehicle diagnostics, Fill-up logging, Bluetooth/3G synchronizing, Crash Alert, Parking and live vehicle following and outsider applications (Light Plan has restricted highlights)
Third Party Integrations: Large portfolio of applications and services to boost core application features.
The company provides an API for businesses and developers to make custom car applications that integrate with automation.
Application Monetization Model: Automotive cloud platform available for maintenance and repair service providers and insurance companies (consumer-based insurance, mileage insurance, safe driving incentives and teenage safety programs).
Dash
Links: Web, App Store, Google Play
Product Type: IoT, Automotive Maintenance Application
Hardware: Preferred device in addition as many supported third party Bluetooth-enabled OBD devices
Target Platforms: iOS and Android.
Key features: Detailed trip logs, real-time car monitoring and analysis, ability to locate cheap gas stations and repair nearby stores, social features (social media sharing, rewards, leaderboard), estimates for car repairs and scheduling and driving instructions.
Third Party Integrations: Integrates with other applications using IFTTT recipes.
Application Monetization Model: Its proprietary API for building insurance, aircraft management and post-market solutions, the framework are often accessed by third party businesses.
Zubie
Links: Web, App Store, Google Play
Product Type: IoT, Automotive Maintenance Application
Hardware: Compatible device (comes in 2 variants: with cellular service only, and with cellular + in-car Wi-Fi hotspot)
Target Platforms: iOS, Android and Web.
Key Features: Real-time driving insights, tips and warnings, maintenance alerts, engine diagnostics, roadside assistance, repair estimates & shop listings, real-time vehicle location, trip tracking, motion monitor (safety), discount and gas station map.
Optional: Wi-Fi hotspot in car.
Third Party Integrations: Connects to many third party applications and services.
Application Monetization Model: There are three plans available for the user: Personal, Business and Organization. There is also family choice in personal planning. The business plan includes a complete flight management solution (the ability to monitor the vehicle’s position, its condition and driver performance, as well as API access to integrate the platform with internal systems). The Enterprise Plan is suitable for insurance companies and auto dealers and provides data-based analytics and insights on request.
Navdy
Links: Web, App Store, Google Play
Product Type: IoT, driving applications, driver-assisted technology and enhanced realism.
Hardware: Compatible device (nerve portable head-up display and navy dial remote control button)
Target Platforms: iOS and Android.
Key features: gesture / voice control; Basic phone features including calls, messages, music, notifications and calendar; Navigation and Google Maps Search; Car maintenance information including speed, RPM and fuel level.
Third party affiliation: None. The app accesses the basic features (via Apple Music, Pandora and Spotify) of your phone’s maps, calls, messages, notifications, music, etc.
Application Monetization Model: No paid membership: Apps are free to use as soon as you purchase the required hardware.
GoFar
Links: Web, App Store, Google Play
Product Type: Bluetooth OBD2 Connected Car Adapter
Hardware: Bluetooth OBD2 Connected Car Adapter, Gopher Ray (Dashboard Device)
Target Platforms: iOS and Android
Key Features: Automatically logs mileage for easy tax and expenses to keep new drivers safe, financial performance, fast alerts, analytics alerts, real-time feedback.
Third Party Integrations: Export data to CSV
Application Monetization Model: The application is free, not hardware.
Tips for developing custom car applications: First experience
At FuGenx Technologies we have IoT car management apps that build a successful experience.
One such solution, Cobra Code, was developed for the Israeli market. The product includes a hardware device and software attached directly to the vehicle.
The automotive app offers the ability to control the car’s basic operations using a mobile device, such as opening / locking doors, disarming the keypad, and activating emergency lights. What’s more, the item gives the client admittance to finished outing reports, vehicle area and warnings. The iOS application has validation through Touch ID or Passcode.
Working with the solution described from the beginning, at FuGenx we can offer advice on some of the best methods for creating automotive applications. They have many factors to consider.
1. Set goals clearly and explain them to your developers
When designing custom car applications, the product description step is very important.
First of all, you need to define which ideas will fully meet your business needs, what features will add unique value or bring the highest ROI for your particular business in the long run.
Also read: How to create a mobile app description
Discussing your feedback about the future product directly with the developers can help you tackle development and business strategy challenges. Additionally, it helps you identify potential technical limitations and finalize your needs.
Your project managers can help you navigate potential pitfalls, provide expert advice on how to best implement your vision, and find the most appropriate solution for you.
Engaging your application development team in the project at an early stage will help you create a better product.
2. Consider the particulars of your vehicle application plan
There are a few fortes in vehicle application plan. In particular, driving applications are required Clear and plain UI, Voice/signal orders (to keep your eyes out and about), and Minimal interruption for the client. Accordingly, it is basic to recruit a fashioner with significant experience.
Additionally read: Mobile App Design: From Blueprint to Masterpiece
3. Select the appropriate technology stock
There are some specialties in car app implementation. Depending on the type of product you want to build, you can do the following:
- Integrate your application with on-board car computers using specific hardware tools and
- Configure communication between the Android / iOS app and the car app through different connection protocols (for apps designed to control the car from smartphones).
Also read: Developing apps for Android Auto
Therefore, the choice of your technology stock depends mainly on the target audience and the specifics of your product, which may be an app for Android Auto / Apple, Carplay / standalone or cross-platform app.
In order to make the right decision about the appropriate technology stock and product type, target audience research is required. Depending on the activity you want to implement, your development team will advise you on both aspects of each approach.
In addition to the large number of programming languages you can use, there are also third-party APIs that you can integrate or complete with the IoT platforms that serve as the basis for your application.
However, the latter can cause serious scalability problems on the road, requiring higher costs than a custom solution built specifically for your business.
Consider that more development time is required to build a scalable product. However, this is a must if you are considering the future growth of your startup.
4. Application development and testing
At this stage, all the highlights are executed in the code. The application ought to be altogether tried for every conceivable bug and similarity issues (this is significant for equipment programming incorporation and precision). Along these lines, the main thing here is to pick an accomplished and dependable specialized accomplice and let your group wrap up.
At the FuGenx Technologies we apply the Agile method to reduce risks and speed up the development process.
Side note: Creating a simple iOS / Android app for car owners is not that difficult. Most developers will be able to manage such a project. However, it takes specific skills and niche skills to create an app that connects directly with car hardware or through third-party connected devices. In this case,
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How to get started?
The best first step you can take to lay a solid foundation for your app development is the product innovation step. It has a functional specification, UX / UI design and visual prototype that gives you a clear idea of the final product. On average, this phase takes 4–6 weeks.
The product innovation phase can help you:
- Define the full scope of work and develop a roadmap for the project
- Set a realistic budget for your MVP and plan your resources
- Test the waters with your audience using a visual model
- Create a reliable investment pitch
- Get to know your team
- At FuGenx Technologies The Best Mobile app Development Company Bangalore, India we have the skills and related experience to build complex solutions in IoT in general and in the automotive sphere. It makes it a go-to technology provider for startups and enterprise companies looking for car management app developers.
To get professional advice on how to build your own automotive app, Get a free consultation with our team today.
