Skip to main content

Rush to launch smartphone telematics applications

The number of global users of telematics smartphone applications will increase from 3.2 million in 2011 to 129 million in 2016, with North America as the dominant region, according to the latest ABI Research forecasts. Practice director Dominique Bonte comments: “The integration of smartphones and smartphone applications into vehicles represents nothing less than a renaissance of the interest in both consumer and commercial telematics markets. Car OEMs, automotive Tier Ones, telematics service providers and
May 16, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSThe number of global users of telematics smartphone applications will increase from 3.2 million in 2011 to 129 million in 2016, with North America as the dominant region, according to the latest 5725 ABI Research forecasts.

Practice director Dominique Bonte comments: “The integration of smartphones and smartphone applications into vehicles represents nothing less than a renaissance of the interest in both consumer and commercial telematics markets. Car OEMs, automotive Tier Ones, telematics service providers and independent system and software developers are rushing to launch smartphone applications, with new solutions being announced almost on a daily basis. The dynamics of the smartphone and application store revolution are now spilling over into the automotive industry.”

Telematics smartphone applications appear across many categories including infotainment (music streaming), remote control (door unlock), remote diagnostics (battery status), eCall & bCall, virtual dashboards, driver behaviour monitoring, advanced navigation, and even social media applications (Facebook and Twitter updates). They take the form of both standalone apps connected to the vehicle OBD-II bus, and apps operating in conjunction with embedded telematics and infotainment systems.

However, issues remain. The most important one is safety: the in-car use of smartphone apps increases drivers’ distraction. While 493 Apple’s iPod Out and 183 Nokia’s Terminal Mode allow users to control and display phone apps using in-car controls and displays, the end-to-end control over HMI design is relinquished by car OEMs to third party developers. Some OEMs are considering launching their own application stores and/or certification processes.

Finally, telematics smartphone applications constitute something of a double-edged sword for car OEMs, allowing them to bring cheap connectivity and innovative features to the market quickly but at the same time forcing them to hand over lucrative business opportunities to the mobile industry, as well as compromising on quality and safety.

ABI Research’s new ‘Telematics Smartphone Applications’ study covers the different types of telematics smartphone application (standalone, hybrid, embedded), drivers and barriers, main players and solutions, as well as user interface and safety issues. It includes detailed subscriber and revenue forecasts.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Nokia’s Navteq to provide map data and content to US Library of Congress
    May 18, 2012
    Nokia’s mapping subsidiary Navteq has announced its selection by the Library of Congress to provide map data for analysis and research within the Library of Congress' Congressional Cartography Programme (CCP). Established in 2002 to respond to congressional inquiries and requests for geospatial information regarding legislative issues, the CCP provides the United States Senate and House of Representatives with geospatial research and analysis in a presentation-ready format allowing Congress to make informed
  • Real time GPS tracking on school buses drives efficiencies
    January 25, 2012
    Application of real time GPS tracking to school buses is driving operational efficiencies and allowing parents to follow their childern's movements, report Jason Barnes
  • Connected vehicle data promises advanced weather warning
    August 29, 2012
    Connected vehicle research and development is being aimed at improving driver safety and mobility, but is also promising advanced weather monitoring and warning systems. Sheldon Drobot reports. Over the last few years, the United States’ Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Research & Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) have joined forces to promote safety, mobility and the environment through a new connected vehicle initiative. This aims to enable wireless communication between vehicles, infra
  • GSM-R market coverage grows nearly 50 per cent
    December 19, 2014
    GSM-R has been used in Europe for more than ten years to provide voice and data communications for railway and acts as a radio bearer for train control messages. Mandated by the European Commission and supported by the dynamic railway industry in the region, the GSM-R system has established a significant market in Europe. Over the past few years the market extended to regions outside Europe including Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Led by Nokia, Kapsch CarrierCom, and Huawei, GSM-R track coverage