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Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

developer.automatic.com

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Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#21

Post by ascagnel_ »

TeeWEE wrote: post #7

I'm browsing this website for 5 minutes, and still dont fully understand what they offer. Do they offer an api to get data of their own drivers on the road? Or do they offer an api to get data of any car out there? Or do they have a box you need to install in your car, which has a built in rest api to get the data you need? I think the initial value this company provides should be more clear on the landing page.

Progressive Insurance offers a similar product, but the way the collected data is used isn't precisely defined. For example, it may try to raise your insurance premium if you exceed the speed limit, even though you're keeping pace with traffic flow (a common situation in the US).

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#22

Post by osi »

thejo wrote: post #20
osi wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I bought the first one as well. Huge waste, since it was not clear when I bought it that it wouldn't support my VW TDI (Diesel) engine. edit: just got the email about supporting my TDI a few minutes ago

We did not support Diesel cars when we launched two years ago. We do now. You can continue to use the device you have now if you car is model year 2006 or later, but please drive for a bit and let the firmware update to the latest version. The latest generation of the hardware supports Diesel as well. It was very clearly mentioned in various places on our website that Diesel cars were not supported before we added su…

I had pre-ordered in March of 2013, and tested it upon receipt of the device that September.

Glad to know support now exists, but the device was sent to a thrift shop many many months ago.

No worries on a refund now, it was just frustrating at the time :)

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#23

Post by mojoe »

My friend and I built something similar to this a few years back, but we never found the right audience. Here's the old kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1847359812/motobox-conn...

Ours connected to WiFi in driveways and dumped all driving data to servers that users could connect to via an API and web tool. I suspect our messaging and graphics were not polished enough, even though our hardware and software was cool.

I'd be really curious to find out what the most popular use of this "Automatic" device is. I'm always excited to hear about new uses for automotive data.

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#24

Post by codezero »

atonse wrote: post #2

I didn't know there was already a second generation Automatic. I pre-ordered the first one and had a lot of problems with it constantly losing connection and not tracking trips. I checked the app a few times to find out that data was just not collected, and it was just cumbersome to get the device to reconnect, with having to turn off my engine and do a dance to get it to talk to my car, that it just became a pain an…

That sucks yours didn't work out, but I just want to contrast the others here to say that my Automatic worked (and works) great in both my 2000 Honda Accord and my VW Jetta.

I've had a few minor connection issues, but over all it's been very solid when connected to my iPhones.

It definitely helped me adjust my driving habits.

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#25

Post by lsllc »

atonse wrote: post #2

I didn't know there was already a second generation Automatic. I pre-ordered the first one and had a lot of problems with it constantly losing connection and not tracking trips. I checked the app a few times to find out that data was just not collected, and it was just cumbersome to get the device to reconnect, with having to turn off my engine and do a dance to get it to talk to my car, that it just became a pain an…

I also have a 1st Gen Automatic that I got with the launch/pre-order. Same issues! I have a 2nd one I ordered last year for our other car ... same problem there.

It mostly just won't connect, seems far worse with the iPhone 6 than it was with the 5S. I tried Automatic Support, but didn't get very far beyond "iOS is killing the app due to memory".

When it works it's great! I'm also skeptical about buying a 2nd gen. Would love this to work properly!

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#26

Post by timw6n »

thejo wrote: post #6
CSDude wrote: post #5

I wish you had international shipping. I have an OBD adapter but no good application.

We've started accepting international pre-orders today!

I really hope you've had some good legal advice on your international returns policy: In particular I imagine that "our policy cannot cover damage incurred during shipment" is not going to prevent CC chargebacks if that were to happen.

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#27

Post by vln »

ascagnel_ wrote: post #21
TeeWEE wrote: post #7

I'm browsing this website for 5 minutes, and still dont fully understand what they offer. Do they offer an api to get data of their own drivers on the road? Or do they offer an api to get data of any car out there? Or do they have a box you need to install in your car, which has a built in rest api to get the data you need? I think the initial value this company provides should be more clear on the landing page.

Progressive Insurance offers a similar product, but the way the collected data is used isn't precisely defined. For example, it may try to raise your insurance premium if you exceed the speed limit, even though you're keeping pace with traffic flow (a common situation in the US).

I actually participated in the program a couple of years ago. You used it for 6 months and it monitored your driving looking for things like rapid acceleration/deceleration -- I assume that's what leads to most accidents. It also tracked time of day as an indicator of how risky you are to insure. When I used it, it was only used to discount your insurance if you were a good driver by their metrics, not increase any premiums.

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#28

Post by burger_moon »

kriro wrote: post #18

I've never thought about this because I don't even own a car anymore. Essentially it's a device that converts diagnostic data to a standardized format (and displays this in a corresponding app)? +now you can use the data in your own apps Is the app required or is there a device that I can plug in, read data for a while, unplug and get the data to a desktop (like a usb key)...because that would be interesting for me.…

Data logging software has been around for a long time that does exactly that. Some quick searching for your car should turn up some results.

Re: Build Apps for Cars on the New Automatic Developer Platform

#30

Post by elyrly »

Concerns that was brought up on another forum was the distribution of user information to third-parties ie. insurance, auto manufactures, etc. I was able to test the first iteration of the product a year ago and noticed it worked fine for basic needs (seamless UI experience, useful information) but it wasn't useful after a week of use.
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