Verizon Telematics, this week announced the commercial availability of hum, an aftermarket vehicle technology and subscription service that enables drivers on the road to make their car smarter through a simple solution regardless of their wireless service provider.
Creating a Smart, Connected Driving Experience for More Than 150 Million Vehicles. http://t.co/HXoqtzPpSs pic.twitter.com/vkUcnnryzm
— Verizon News (@VerizonNews) August 26, 2015
Powered by the Verizon Telematics technology, hum provides subscribers with a self-installed solution that helps predict potential issues, prevents breakdowns and offers protection when problems arise. Verizon's hum is packaged on a two year subscription plans starting at $14.99 per month and free equipment for the first vehicle worth around $120. It also includes a smartphone app allowing subscribers to monitor their vehicle health, contact help, and manage maintenance needs from anywhere.
Verizon said that at the simple press of a button, drivers receive diagnostic information, pinpoint roadside assistance and live consultation with ASE-certified mechanics and emergency personnel on-demand. Subscribers can install hum through an onboard diagnostic (OBD) reader that is plugged into the vehicle’s OBD port, and a Bluetooth-enabled device that is clipped to the visor. Through GPS-based technology, hum helps accurately dispatch advanced roadside assistance, alerts emergency personnel of a car’s location if a crash is detected, and assists authorities in locating a vehicle that has been reported stolen.
Andrés Irlando, CEO, Verizon Telematics
This service equips drivers on the road today with the same level of information about their vehicles that fitness wearables deliver about our health. Simply put, Hum democratizes the safety and convenience of vehicle connectivity. By modernizing traditional ‘roadside assistance, Hum is designed to deliver ultimate peace-of-mind behind the wheel. Now, in addition to being protected with live help and emergency services, drivers will know what their check engine light means and will be empowered with information and knowledge on how to get the problem fixed and what it may cost.
