Smart car solutions gets aggressive : New partnerships + funding
This week’s SmartCar roundup features Google’s entry into the connected car arena and Zubie’s $10 million funding round.
Google partners with Audi for connected cars
Sources claimed that come CES 2014, Google and Audi will be revealing a collaboration to develop an infotainment system based on Android. Though this is an area Apple’s had a head start, what Google aims is to produce an infotainment system that works with Android apps already being used by fAndroids.
The Android infotainment system will allow consumers to access music, navigation, apps and services, that are similar to the Android smartphone experience, making it more familiar for consumers to use.
Aside from Audi, Google is also expected to reveal collaboration with other automotive and tech companies such as chip maker Nvidia to establish the importance of having Android in automobiles.
Zubie’s $10M funding
Launching just last September, Zubie recently announced that it has raised $10 million in a series led by Castrol InnoVentures, Comporium, and OpenAir Equity Partners. Zubie offers both the dongle and service for $99.95 a year.
image via Zubie
It’s a device that plugs in a car’s standard port to allow the user to monitor the car’s whereabouts through their smartphone via a mobile app or even get the car’s diagnostics easily. It also allows drivers to track their driving so they can improve it, and even connect with their friends to share locations and simplify coordination during road trips.
The service hopes to keep car owners at ease, as Zubie translates the codes reported by the car’s engine to better understand what that warning light means. It can also track your car’s battery life and even get an idea of how serious a problem might be, and receive an estimate of likely repair costs before you go to the repair shop.
photo credit: Xabier.M via photopin cc
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