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INRIX Powers the Connected Car Via INRIX Apps for Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge and Gear S

INRIX Powers the Connected Car Via INRIX Apps for Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge and Gear S Image Credit: INRIX

INRIX, a provider of big data technology, announced its partnership with Samsung for the delivery of Connected Car services for smarter cities. The partnership sees INRIX whose big data solution provides timely traffic and navigation information from hundreds of cities around the world making its service available on Samsung's latest devices, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge and Gear S. 

The INRIX solution extends the Connected Car ecosystem which has been growing very rapidly in the recent year. A large number of new technologies and solutions have made their way into this market which is expected to see almost 90% of cars being connected by 2020 (click here for more other analysis on the Connected Car). Service providers, auto-makers and in-vehicle connectivity hardware providers have all made their grand entry into this segment while on the service end, content providers are rolling out their cloud-based applications to deliver a wide array of telematics and infotainment services into the car. Hybrid players who combine hardware products with cloud-based applications accessible on smart phones are also competing head-to-head with other players in this segment. On the content providers end, companies are investing millions into their cloud-based applications to gather, store and deliver real-time information that meet the driver's needs while he/she is on the road. Within this space, content aggregators are bringing to market their own platforms which integrate the offerings of hundreds of content providers, allowing their clients (such as auto-makers) to choose their own customized content bundles for their cars. INRIX for example, offers a very rich database of real-time traffic information via its application that can be accessed on the digital platforms in cars, for example, via the Airbiquity platform (from Airbiquity) that carries INRIX as one of its offering. As a result, auto-makers such as Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Toyota are able to offer INRIX on their car's digital screens. 

With this latest move, INRIX real-time traffic and travel time information will be available on new apps and services on the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge and Gear S.  What this means is that consumers who purchase these latest devices from Samsung will have a ready access to INRIX services and applications, namely the 'Car Mode' service, 'My Places' Widget and  “Morning!” Smart Alarm Clock App. The 'Car Mode' allows phone users to switch their mobile device into a driver friendly gadget that aligns the user interface to a driver's requirements with features such as voice controls and larger, crisper fonts and button sizes. In terms of content, the 'Car Mode' turns on the real-time traffic maps that show the best routes, travel times and ETAs to home and work. Other navigation services provided on this mode include the information on the closest available off-street parking and least expensive place to refuel. The 'Car Mode' turns the mobile device into a solution for in-vehicle connectivity and infotainment as drivers are able to use the mobile device as the 'digital screen' to remain connected to the data and voice network and safely and conveniently enjoy a wide range of services such as music and navigation/fuel/parking and other rich information that guides and facilitates the journey.

At the same time, the "My Places" Widget provides Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge owners with ‘glance and go’ insight into the best route, travel time and ETA from their current location to home and to work. Via integration with the Samsung Gear S Smartwatch, notifications and alerts generated from the INRIX XD Traffic app can now be received on this smartwatch. The feature enables users to receive departure alerts for saved places in the app that tells them the best time to leave and expected travel time in traffic to their destination. In addition, INRIX also powers the information provided on its Morning! Smart Alarm Clock app that pulls all the information necessary for the user to kick-start the day - weather and traffic conditions, appointments and unread emails for example as well as recommended departure times and travel times in traffic to work and alerts to accidents and other incidents causing delays on their route.

INRIX Vice President of Marketing Jon Maron
Together with Samsung we’re transforming how millions of drivers navigate their world. By connecting drivers through collaborations with partners and customers like Samsung, we’re not only making navigation easier for Samsung device owners but creating a network effect that makes our roads work smarter for all drivers.

Author

Executive Editor and Telecoms Strategist at The Fast Mode | 5G | IoT/M2M | Telecom Strategy | Mobile Service Innovations 

Tara Neal heads the strategy & editorial unit at The Fast Mode, focusing on latest technologies such as gigabit broadband, 5G, cloud-native networking, edge computing, virtualization, software-defined networking and network automation as well as broader telco segments such as IoT/M2M, CX, OTT services and network security. Tara holds a First Class Honours in BSc Accounting and Finance from The London School of Economics, UK and is a CFA charterholder from the CFA Institute, United States. Tara has over 22 years of experience in technology and business strategy, and has earlier served as project director for technology and economic development projects in various management consulting firms.

Follow Tara Neal on Twitter @taraneal11, LinkedIn @taraneal11, Facebook or email her at tara.neal@thefastmode.com.

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