drive
Select car makers developing Apple Watch-ready vehicles
Porsche has invented the “Porsche Car Connect” feature for Apple Watch, which allows Porsche car owners to lock and unlock the car's doors remotely.– AFP pic, April 27, 2015.Even before the launch of the much-hyped wearable, car makers were developing dedicated Apple Watch apps, to allow owners to control certain car features remotely. BMW and Porsche are among the brands leading the charge.
Also available for Android and iOS, the BMW i Remote is designed for owners of the BMW i3 all-electric city car, and the BMW i8 hybrid sports car. The app allows users to view battery details, check whether the doors are locked, and even control the cabin temperature remotely.
Meanwhile, Porsche has its Car Connect app, which offers many of the same functions. Users can review driving data and battery details for hybrid vehicles, and they can check to make sure the doors, windows and roof are closed and locked. The horn, headlights and climate control can also be controlled remotely.
Only the beginning
Still in the testing phase, the Apple Watch app developed by American manufacturer Tesla, will also allow users to check their car's autonomy, set climate control options and turn the headlights on or off.
Of course, the Apple Watch isn't the only wearable of interest to car makers, and especially to those that already offer mobile apps tailored to their cars. Hyundai, for example, has launched an Android Wear-compatible version of its Blue Link app, which can be used to start or lock the engine besides controlling the doors, climate and horn. The technology is compatible with all of the brand's latest cars on sale in North America. – AFPRelax news, April 27, 2015.
Please note that you must sign up with disqus.com before commenting. And, please refrain from comments of a racist, sexist, personal, vulgar or derogatory nature and note that comments can be edited, rewritten for clarity or to avoid questionable issues. As comments are moderated, they may not appear immediately or even on the same day you posted them. We also reserve the right to delete off-topic comments