Apps really enhance the quality of our lives. The fact that we literally utilize and employ apps in all fields such as health, sports, entertainment, driver’s education, safety, and security—the list can go on for days. This is more than enough to prove how significant apps really are. And how much we depend on them to streamline most of our daily tasks. One industry that we can really take as a great example of the extent to which technology can impact and enhance operations and processes. This industry is the automotive industry, which is an ever-growing and enormous market. In this article, we will highlight the role of apps in enhancing this trillion-dollar industry. We will also give you a glimpse of the automotive app’s development.
The History of Apps and Technology in the automotive industry
The Formation of The Automobiles Concept
If you think about it for a minute, the journey that the automotive industry has taken is one hell of a fun journey. The journey started with steam tricycles, which were gigantic and not practical as reaching anywhere. Even if it was nearby, it usually took double the time. Then we reached the era of progressing bicycles with motors to make them faster. Which then led to the full concept of motorbikes in the late 1800s. Finally, in the early 1900s, the idea of motorized vehicles started to bloom and flourish. Many countries and organizations were rushing and competing to be the first inventors of fully functional automobiles. But, we can say that the United States had its fair share and dominated this industry.
The Rise of the Industry
Over time, the industry flourished more, with more ideas implemented, with over 81.6 million models invented, and more companies operating. At some point, there was a technological revolution in the industry, when automotive companies started to employ computers in cars to expand their functionalities. In addition to being a means of transportation, cars could also have other engaging functions. A while after the collision of technology and automotive proved to be very effective, companies started looking for other ways to use technology to help their customers and enhance their products. This came in accordance with the great rise of apps, which automotive companies thought was the way to do so.
Many companies started to establish their own apps that included everything an individual would need to maintain and drive their cars. It could also assist them on their daily route with navigation, entertainment, and even car maintenance. These types of apps were breakthroughs as they provided users with all they needed in only one place. Where everything could be done with one swift click.
Fast forward to today, when the outstanding creation of autonomous vehicles took the world by storm with their very advanced capabilities and technologies. Of course, autonomous vehicles depend greatly on apps to be controlled and operated. For instance, the renowned company Tesla provides their customers with an app on all app stores under the name Tesla. Which users install to be able to communicate with their vehicles and control them. Tesla car owners can do everything using this app, like control the heat in the vehicles, track the car, check the charging process and levels, lock and unlock, and anything else you can imagine.
Types of Automotive Apps
In the enormous market and industry of automotive vehicles, shines many types of apps that aid different operations and processes such as;
Car Diagnostics and Maintenance Apps
Car diagnostic and maintenance apps are the go-to for all car owners at the moment. Instead of wasting much time and money looking for someone to precisely diagnose your car’s problems and fix them, car owners can easily do this with only one tap. Car diagnostics and maintenance apps usually work by connecting to cars and scanning each and every part of them. After that, it can exactly tell what is going wrong with the car, the level of severity, and what needs to be fixed. They can also provide users with immediate maintenance services or suggest the best nearby maintenance centers based on all the reviews.
Virtual Assisting Apps
Virtual car assistance apps are another type that emerged with autonomous vehicles. Many people prefer these voice-based assistance apps because they assert that driving while using them is much safer and simpler. They offer assistance with everything during car trips. As they can provide them with faster routes and report traffic congestion and maintenance ahead. They can also be given permission to control car settings. Such as the radio, AC, and seats to make it easier to focus on the road and control this using voice-based services.
Autonomous Driving Apps
Tired of driving? Apps have got your back. Many companies expanding their autonomous vehicle lines and models. And more apps are emerging to help these car owners communicate with them. Usually, these apps are developed by the company itself or by other automotive app development organizations that collaborate with manufacturing companies. These apps, like the Tesla example we stated previously, help car owners control every bit of the car.
But if there is one thing we need to think about with these apps, it is their autonomous driving capabilities. Autonomous driving apps are gaining recognition recently as something out of this world. Imagine sitting in your car in a bad mood, you can’t deal with all the driving stress. So, you open up an app, set a route, and command the car to drive you there by itself. If it weren’t true, I would’ve sworn it was a really good sci-fi movie. However, it is very much true and exists.
EV Charging and Fuel Stations Finders
Lastly comes the not-final automotive app type you might encounter. EV charging and a fuel station finder are essential for any car owner. Instead of wasting time by driving around for many miles in search of a charging or fueling station, you can easily find them on the app. This app lists all the nearby stations for app owners by getting permission and access to their locations and finding the best solution. These types of apps are very effective and time-saving, especially in difficult situations.
In what ways did apps impact the automotive industry?
Enhance Functionalities
There is no doubt that the employment of apps in the automotive industry is great—legendary even. One of the main advantages of apps in such an industry is that they really enhance the functionality of the cars. As a result, people no longer just buy cars to drive to and from places. Instead, they base their decisions on other factors and look for features that the apps typically support.
Boost Sales
With the great enhancement of functionality comes an even better advantage. People are now head over heels for the new technologies and functions that automotive app development offers. This, in turn, leads to a great boost in sales for both the automotive companies and the apps.
Enhance Safety and Security
When it comes to safety and security, we should salute apps for enhancing them for the automotive industry. Apps can be considered tools that every car owner now uses to ensure the safety of himself first, then the safety of his car. Apps can now allow users to track their cars and monitor them while they are away. Additionally, apps like virtual assistance apps help users focus on the roads and ensure the driver’s safety.
Providing Users With Easy All-In-One Solutions
What is better than finding all that you need in one place? That is exactly what apps did. One of the major advantages that automotive app development provided users with was an all-in-one, easy solution. Instead of going and being dispersed in different places, you will find all that you need in one app. Whether you need to fix and maintain your car, control it, recharge it, or even buy it, you will find it all there.
An Overview of Automotive App Development
Automotive app development is now a vital process for all car manufacturing companies, car owners, and developers who are interested in the automotive industry. The emergence of new and prominent technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality has really expanded the role of apps and automotive app development even further by unlocking new capabilities.
As much as automotive app development is important, it can also be quite difficult due to the fact that implementing the technologies and advanced features that automotive apps call for requires both effort and money.
However, many development techniques are now capable of accomplishing the same results with less time and money. And yes, I’m talking about no-code and low-code. While many can say that both are very limited when it comes to features, many platforms actually offer robust features that can be necessary to go through an automotive app development journey. Many also offer integration with third-party applications that would be perfect for developing such apps.
What Features Should Be Included During the Automotive App Development Process?
Speaking of features, a lot can happen in the automotive app development process. From designing layouts and interfaces to generating codes. But choosing and employing features may remain the most important aspect, as they determine where this app is going and how it is functioning. Automotive apps can include a plethora of features, such as:
Vehicle Maintenance Tracking
Vehicle maintenance tracking is a core feature of any automobile app. With this function, drivers can stay updated on when it’s time to maintain parts of their cars, such as changing the oil or changing the tires. It can also notify drivers when it’s time for more comprehensive maintenance or a full examination. By including this feature, you may aid car owners in keeping up with regular maintenance and, in turn, reduce the likelihood of costly malfunctions.
An accurate and reliable navigation map is a must-have function for any automotive app. Users should be able to easily navigate to their destinations and receive clear, step-by-step directions. The app should also provide real-time traffic updates and alternate routes in the event of delays or roadwork. The app should also have a simple interface that lets users navigate the map with ease. The time and stress of driving can be reduced if drivers have access to reliable navigation.
Voice-based Assistance
More and more people are using automotive apps that provide voice-based assistance. This feature helps users operate the app with voice commands, which is particularly helpful while driving. Users don’t need to take their eyes off the road to do things like make phone calls, adjust the music, or ask for directions. You can make your app more secure and user-friendly by including voice-based assistance.
Fuel Tracking
Every automotive app needs a way to keep track of gas usage. While saving money and lowering one’s carbon footprint, it also allows users to monitor their fuel intake and expenses. A user’s average fuel usage can be determined, and suggestions for more fuel-efficient driving can be offered when they utilize a fuel-tracking app. By combining this feature with GPS, users can find gas station locations and pricing in their nearby area.
Remote Vehicle Control
It is possible to manage certain of your car’s functions from your phone thanks to a feature called remote vehicle control. The engine may be started and stopped, doors locked and unlocked, and even the temperature and music may change in this way. Those who wish to prepare their vehicle’s internal temperatures before getting in or who want to check that their vehicle is locked from a distance will find this function particularly helpful. Users may feel safer and more at ease with its help.
