Digital Drivestyle

The rise of the smartphone

The smartphone has become an important part of many people’s lives. These small devices are more powerful than some small computers, thanks to their increasing processor power. Planning routes, reserving tickets, writing e-mails or finding restaurants – Mobile services have become widespread thanks to the smartphone. The small media also store more and more personal data. “Today the smartphone is far more than simply a digital companion; it is a form of second identity”, says Ralf Lamberti, the Head of “Infotainment, telematics and interior electrics/electronics” in the Daimler Group’s R&D division. There is also an increasing demand for this unrestricted access to information in the working environment as well. The smartphone has become a helpful companion especially when travelling. “While driving we want to have access to all of the things that we regard as a matter of course, such as our smartphone apps”, emphasizes Ralf Lamberti. Useful service programs which make driving more relaxed, more entertaining and safer.

The helpful companion when on the road

But which applications are important for business people? Above all, time and clever navigation are important factors for frequent drivers. This is where the smartphone comes into its own. The major advantage in comparison to conventional navigation systems: Its constant connection to the Internet enables the smartphone to utilize traffic information from external services which not only cover information about motorways and highways. The vehicles’ position data enables the service providers to better predict traffic jams. “The smartphones’ GPS data is used to locate traffic jams in real-time. But more than that, the technology is an important step forward in the direction of accident-free driving”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG. For example, drivers can warn each other about black ice and mark dangerous locations on a map. The “Packoo” app helps in the event of an accident. One click is enough and the emergency service locates the accident without the user having to report the location separately. The “Workshop finder” calls the nearest mechanic in a matter of moments. In order to prevent accidents from occurring, Bosch has developed an app which recognizes approaching corners and calculates the optimum speed on the basis of the curve.

The smartphone also provides targeted assistance when rapid and reliable management is required. “Delivery services have to drive to a variety of different destinations everyday – They have never driven to most of them before”, explaines Ralf Lamberti. Using a smartphone the routes can be precisely defined in advance. For example, Mercedes-Benz trucks possess a logistics management system which utilizes smartphones. New routes and jobs can be precisely determined via FleetBoard Management. Namely “everything which is important for a large transport operation,” states Ralf Lamberti.

Avoiding distractions while driving

However, the increasing importance and popularity of smartphones in the vehicle gives rise to one question: Does the small device distract the driver too much? An important issue. One which the automotive industry has been working on for years. “There are clear regulations”, said Ralf Lamberti. “For example, while driving videos may not be shown on the vehicle’s display. Certain font sizes and contrasts in the menus are also required.” One deciding factor is also how long the driver is permitted to look away from the road. “So the question is: How must an app be modified so that it can and may be used in the car?” The driver has two options: He does not own a smartphone. The automobile manufacturer installs a communication unit which includes a SIM card. Variant two: The driver has his own devices and applications on the smartphone and brings them into the vehicle.

The smartphone as a mobile on-board computer

However, the smartphone’s display is often much too small to operate it properly while driving. The “Drive Kit Plus” uses the driver’s iPhone as a means of accessing the Internet. “As soon as the device is connected to the vehicle, the smartphone’s contents are shown on the vehicle’s display”, explaines Ralf Lamberti. In future, voice and touch recognition aim to “enable a natural interaction with a smartphone”, explaines Prof. Bharat Balasubramanian, Head of Product Innovations and Process Technologies in Daimler’s R&D division. Instead of tapping the smartphone’s small buttons, the driver uses a finger to draw the letters on the touchpad.

Digital Drivestyle

Just how important social networks will be in the vehicle in future depends on the quality of the apps and their customization options. There is no point in having an unfiltered news stream in the vehicle. Combining the applications and their connection to the on-board system are decisive factors here. The challenge consists of preparing the contents properly.

“We are working on a new generation of vehicles which are available to us as digital companions”, announced Dr. Dieter Zetsche. The “digital lifestyle” of the young generation can no longer be ignored in the vehicle. To the contrary, the age of the “Digital Drivestyle” is just beginning to gain momentum.