While Apple and Google have been looking to enter the automobile technology industry by introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into new cars, Samsung is looking in the opposite direction.
For Samsung's connected car initiative, named Samsung Connect Auto, the company will be focusing first on older cars.
"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," says Injong Rhee, Samsung executive vice president and mobile communications head of research and development for software and services.
The device for Samsung Connect Auto is plugged into the onboard diagnostic port, which can be found beneath the steering wheel or in the footwell of the driver's seat in almost all car models that have been released over the past two decades. The little plastic box will then be able to monitor the operation of the vehicle and provide updates on its economic efficiency.
Samsung Connect Auto will not require a connection to a smartphone, instead utilizing its own 4G LTE data connection to be able to send the data and location of the vehicle to a cloud-based server.
Samsung Connect Auto will be issuing real-time alerts to users to help in the improvement of their driving behavior, including how to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicle. The device will also provide users with a Wi-Fi connection to keep the vehicle's passengers online while traveling.
Security remains a major focus of the solution, as it utilizes Samsung's KNOX mobile security platform. With this security system in place, users will not have to worry about their vehicle suddenly becoming a viable target for hackers.
Samsung Connect Auto is powered by Samsung's own Tizen OS, with the device to be opened for developers to create additional services. The device also utilizes geo-fencing and algorithms for rating drivers, and in case an accident occurs, Samsung Connect Auto will be notifying predetermined contacts regarding the incident and will also call in accident concierge services.
The device also features a Find My Car app, which will allow drivers to easily locate their vehicle in crowded parking lots. Companies can also utilize Samsung Connect Auto to gather information regarding the vehicles in their fleet.
Samsung Connect Auto will be launched in the United States in the second quarter, with AT&T tapped as the first telecommunications company partner of the system.
