Which Car Manufacturers Offer Connected Smartphone Apps
Our smartphones are taking over more and more of our everyday lives. It makes sense that they would be able to control some functions of our vehicles as well. From locking and unlocking the vehicle, to checking diagnostics, to seeing the vehicles current location, there are a number of functions now available from our smartphones. In this piece, well look not only at what these apps can do, but also at which manufacturers offer them.
What functions do smartphone apps offer?
Functions vary by manufacturer, but many offer the following:
- Lock/Unlock: Lock or unlock the car via your smartphone from anywhere
- Send destination: Send destination information directly from your phone to your cars navigation system
- Remote start/stop: Start your car from your phone to warm it up in advance or stop it if its currently running
- Real-time diagnostics: Check tire pressure or other gauges from your phone
- Electric vehicles: Check your cars range, battery level and settings
- WiFi Hotspot: Manage your WiFi hotspot
- Roadside assistance: Use your phones GPS to request assistance and send the exact location of your car
- Schedule maintenance: Set up maintenance appointments and find a local service center
- Vehicle location: Find your car on a map if you forget where its parked
Which vehicles offer connected smartphone apps?
Audi
Acura
The AcuraLink app includes functions such as lock/unlock, real-time diagnostics, schedule maintenance, and send destinations to the navigation system.
BMW
Buick
How To Take Screenshots On Android Auto
Android Auto easaes up many things, but some few things are much complicated. While you can eaisly taker screenshot on Apple CarPlay using an iPhone, there is no such option for Android Auto users.
There are, however, options to take screenshots on Android Auto from the developer options. You can check out our guide to take screenshot on Android Auto here.
Which Cars Come With Android Auto
Over 28 car manufacturers support Android Auto including Accura, Austin Martin, Audi, GMC. The supporting vehicles for Android Auto are expanding day by day and more vehicle manufactures are on the future list.
You need to check with either car dealers or their websites. Moreover, supported vehicle brand & models list are also available on Android website.
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Pair Your Vehicle And Activate Services Right From The App
The Mercedes me connect app lets you pair your vehicle and activate services like Remote Engine Start, Remote Door Lock & Unlock, Locate Vehicle and more, all on-the-go. Simply scan the QR code in the vehicles multimedia system, or enter your Vehicle Identification Number in the app to pair your vehicle. DisclaimerDisclaimerThen, touch one button to activate all of your services. If you need assistance, call or visit your Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Cr Tests The Tesla Model 3 Virtual Key
We left a smartphone equipped with the Tesla virtual-key app 5 feet outside the drivers door of our test vehicle and attempted to start the car. Even though the phone wasnt inside the Model 3, we were able to start it and drive away.
During a 10-mile trip without the phone or the backup keycard, no messages on the cars display warned us that the key was not in the vehicle, and the Tesla app didnt display any notifications that the car had been driven away.
That’s in contrast to what we’ve seen with other cars. Nearly every vehicle weve tested will warn the driver if the car is running but the key is absent.
For instance, when we tried the same test with a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and a 2018 Ford Expeditionboth equipped with a traditional key fobwe couldnt start either vehicle when the fob was more than a half-inch outside the drivers door.
We also tested a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt equipped with GMs KeyPass BLE-based virtual key. Although the app let us unlock the doors, the system still required a key fob to be present for the car to start.
Tesla says that it has plans to improve the accuracy of its BLE-based system. The company is also rolling out a software update for its virtual-key function so it unlocks the doors when any handle is pulled and opens the trunk when the button on the lid is pushed.
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Sygic Car Navigation Connects Your Phone With Your Cars Built
Sygic Car Navigation is an application for your mobile phone specially optimized to work with your cars built-in in-dash infotainment system and dashboard steering-wheel buttons.
Sygic Car Navigation runs on your Android device and seamlessly connects with your cars dashboard systems via MirrorLink®. MirrorLink is a device interoperability standard that offers integration between a smartphone and a car’s infotainment system where apps are hosted and run on the smartphone while drivers interact with the application through the steering wheel controls, dashboard buttons and touch screens of their car’s infotainment system. This combination of up-to-date navigation with maps stored on your phone and a simplified graphical interface thats ideal for use in the car brings a truly connected car experience to drivers.
In this video demonstration you will see how simple it is to connect and use Sygic Car Navigation with your cars built-in infotainment system.
Before downloading Sygic Car Navigation in please make sure your device has MirrorLink functionality. The full list of compatible dashboard devices and smartphones can be found on cert.mirrorlink.com/ProductListing
Canabalize The Key Fob
Begin with canabalizing the key fob. Instead of consuming one of my existing remotes, I turned to eBay. I found the model number of mine on the back. Its an Auto Start 05-A433. I entered this in on eBay and up popped a bunch of used key fobs that are compatible with my system. WARNING: Some of these remotes may look exactly like the one you want but they come in many revisions. Some revisions are not compatible with others. If you are not sure which to buy on eBay, try buying one new online. You will have to sync your remote with your car starter. As all car starters and car starter installations are different, I won’t go into detail on how to do this. Whoever installed your car starter can usually do it for a fee but I strongly recommend you google for the models manual as its a rather simple process. It usually involves either depressing the hood pin in a particular fashion , or pressing a button on the side of the remote starters brain under your dash. Now remove any screws from the case and pry it apart. The circuit inside and battery are not secured in any way and came out easily.
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Does My Apple Watch Support Apple Car Key
Apples Car Key feature is also available to use from a compatible Apple Watch. That means you can swipe your wrist near the car doors to unlock them, then hold it up to an NFC reader to start your car engine.
That said, Apples Car Key feature is only available on the Apple Watch Series 5 or later. Visit Apples website to identify your Apple Watch model.
You also need to ensure your Apple Watch is running watchOS 6.2.8 or later. To update your watch, open the Apple Watch app on your connected iPhone and go to My Watch > General > Software Update.
Let’s Say Ford Is ‘fashionably Late’
While the telematics features are new to Ford vehicles, the company is late to the telematics party. General Motors offered remote door unlocking via phone call with its OnStar system in the late 1990s, while more recent vehicles have a smartphone app, too.
Hyundai debuted similar functionality with Blue Link a couple years ago, and it even has a companion app for Android Wear and the Apple Watch, too.
Unlike OnStar and Blue Link, SYNC Connect does not offer call-center based services, such as emergency crash notification, turn-by-turn directions or stolen vehicle slow-down services.
SYNC Connect takes advantage of AT& T’s LTE network in the US, like GM’s OnStar, while Hyundai Blue Link operates on Verizon. The LTE modem employed in vehicles with SYNC Connect technology ensures Ford can easily take advantage of LTE networks around the world.
Ford includes five years of complimentary service to SYNC Connect with a new car purchase, a nice bonus over GM OnStar and Blue Link’s one year of complimentary subscription. Ford has not revealed the potential subscription costs after five years yet.
The 2017 Ford Escape crossover, also known as the Ford Kuga in Europe, will be the first car to feature SYNC Connect technology when it arrives at dealerships next spring. The firm has yet to release its roll-out plan for other models.
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How Do I Turn On Driving Mode On My Android Phone
Depends on your car model, sometimes you may need to tap on Android Auto-icon from Car Dash screen. Most of the car models, after connecting to Android auto from your cars aftermarket unit all you need to tap on Navigation sign.
This will open a similar Google Maps screen with all details . You may require to turn ON GPS and Bluetooth settings before start using this Android Auto driving mode.
Update Your Car Starter Or Security System With Smartphone Control
Whether you need unlimited range from a cellular-based smartphone control system or want to be able to use an RF remote with an app, many technologies are available. Drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer today to find out how you can make it easier than ever to start your car or truck using an app on your Android or Apple phone.
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How To Add Car Keys To The Wallet App On Your Iphone
Depending on your vehicle, you might be able to add car keys from a link that your car maker sends to you in an email or text message, or by following steps on your car’s information display:
Can I Use More Than One Iphone As My Main Key
No. Each user can only have one iPhone as their main key. But you can authorize up to five other people to use your BMW by simply sending them an invitation from your iPhone. Every user who has access can also activate an Apple Watch that is linked to the iPhone as an alternative key. In this case, two keys for the invited friends are displayed in the key list in the vehicle.
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You Can Now Ask Google To Start Your Kia Using Your Phone
Kia joined this years Consumer Electronics Show to unveil the Niro EV, an almost production-ready version of its first electric crossover, but its also using the Las Vegas event to introduce a new feature to its UVO infotainment system. Starting 2018, certain models will have infotainment systems compatible with Google Assistant, which will enable owners to execute a variety of remote commands. Likely to extend across the entire Kia range in the future, integration with Google Assistance is available only for models equipped with the UVO system so far. The list includes the Niro PHEV,Soul EV,Optima PHEV, and the K900 flagship sedan.
Google Assistant allows drivers to interact with the car via smartphones or Google Home by using simple voice commands
Google Assistant allows drivers to interact with the car via smartphones or Google Home by using simple voice commands. According to Kia, owners can ask Google Assistant to start or lock their cars, to start and stop battery charging, the climate control system, or the horn and lights. Commands include, “Tell UVO to start my Soul EV, or “Tell UVO to lock my Niro.”
What Is Android Auto
Android Auto is Googles proprietary app available on Google Play Store. This is used for mirroring most of the app from an Android device to a cars built-in dashboard. Android Auto is designed with an intuitive interface, large button panels, and full integration of Google Assistant .
The first announcement happened in while the application itself released by Google on March 2015. Hyundai is the first car manufacturer which offer Android Auto support with its version Sonata sedan. After its successful run, a number of companies started giving Auto support.
Android Auto works with any android device and runs on supported car models. To make full use of this you must go through following list of pre-requisites:
- Device OS: The Android device must have OS version 5.0 or above. For better performance, OS should have 6.0
- Active Internet connection: Some of the application like iHeart Radio, Waze may require internet connectivity. To enjoy an uninterrupted service your device must have an active Internet connectivity.
- USB Cable: For Mirroring, You must have to use any high-quality data cable that is supported by the cars USB dock and your phone. Since many phone manufacturer now provides travel adapter which includes head-adapter and a USB cable so you can use them for device connectivity.
- Compatible Head-Unit: Not all car manufacturer supports Android auto, so you also need check compatible vehicle or compatible third-party radio to fit into your car.
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Bluetooth Vehicle Control Options
If you want effectively unlimited range, then a cellular-based smartphone remote control option is the only choice. With that said, what if your phone could connect to your vehicle directly using technology like Bluetooth? A product called CarLink or SmartControl may be exactly what you are looking for, and more!
This remote control package includes a one-button remotes that provide two-way communication with a range of up to 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers. The antenna and remotes work with most name-brand remote starter and security systems on the market, including Compustar, Viper, iDatastart, CodeAlarm, Omega, Pursuit and many more.
Heres where your phone comes into play. With the CarLink/SmartControl app installed on your phone, you have the option of connecting directly to the antenna in your vehicle using Bluetooth. You can lock, unlock, arm/disarm or remote start your vehicle with a tap on the screen. You can also monitor battery voltage and remaining remote start runtime, and if your starter system includes a thermistor, you can see the temperature in the vehicle. Pretty neat, isnt it?
Take Control Of Your Car’s Tech With These Six Apps
Remotely start your vehicle, charge your EV’s battery, and beam music and destinations to your car’s dashboard with these car commanding apps.
OK, so you you can’t remotely drive a BMW with a phone like James Bond does in “Tomorrow Never Dies,” but there are plenty of real apps that will let you take control of your car and its tech with little more than your smartphone and a data connection. From beaming destinations to your Toyota’s navigation system with Entune to remotely unlocking your doors with GM’s OnStar RemoteLink, we’ve rounded up a few of the best car-controlling apps.
OnStar RemoteLink When many people think about General Motors’ OnStar telematics service, they think about the little blue button on the rearview mirror, but that’s only one part of the picture. The other half is the sweet OnStar Remote Link. With this app, you can remotely lock and unlock your doors, start or stop your vehicle’s engine, and honk the horn and flash the lights to help you locate your ride in a crowded parking lot. A vehicle finder shows you where your car is on a map. You can also search for destinations and send them to your car’s OnStar system for turn-by-turn navigation.
When used with a gasoline-powered vehicle, you can view your fuel levels and monitor your tire pressure from the app. Pair the app with a Chevrolet Volt and you can also monitor the RE-EV’s battery level and adjust your charging schedule.
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Introduction: How To Start Your Car From A Cell Phone Via Gsm Relay
In this instructable I will show you how to start your car from your cell phone. I already had a car starter installed in my truck years ago but the range was terrible and you had to press the button for a precise amount of time, otherwise it would just ignore it. So instead of pressing a button all day long from 10 feet away I decided I wanted to start my truck from anywhere in the world!
Set Up Your Android Auto App
If you’re using Android Auto for the first time, here are some steps to get started:
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What Do I Need For The Bmw Digital Key
The Comfort Access option , active Connected Drive Services on your BMW, a compatible iPhone and an established link between your BMW vehicle and your BMW ID .
The list of compatible iPhones and operating system versions may vary for different car models and software. You can view the list on the BMW website. You only need an internet connection to set up the Digital Key. Once it has been set up, no active internet connection is required in order to unlock the drivers door and start the engine. After youve opened the door, you must place your iPhone in the smartphone tray to start the car.
