This news item is not about radio but it’s from the world of the connected car, where radio is paying a great deal of attention right now. Some of these tools fill gaps that radio long has occupied.
Inrix Inc. this week said it has a new a partnership with Samsung focused on “leveraging mobile technology to connect cars for smarter cities.”
Samsung makes mobile devices, while Inrix offers traffic information and driver services that are used by automakers and public transportation agencies; its products help drivers navigate day’s traffic and find cheap fuel and parking.
The companies highlighted several new apps and services.
With “Car Mode,” users can set a device to switch automatically to a “driver-friendly” user interface that uses voice controls and larger fonts and button sizes. The companies say this will make it easier for a driver to get traffic info, make calls, listen to messages and play music. Car mode provides traffic maps showing recommended routes, travel times and ETAs; it gives voice alerts about accidents and info about available parking and fueling options
Samsung’s “My Places” widget gives Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge owners info about the best route, travel time and ETA. App users can receive departure alerts telling them the best time to leave and expected travel time in traffic.
The “Morning!” Smart Alarm Clock is an app that is intended to help “get your day started right,” with weather, traffic conditions to work appointments of the day and unread email.
