It was only a matter of time that the apps began swarming in for the latest Apple Watch gimmick, for the already preexisting connectivity capabilities of new cars these days with smart devices.
So, out came the apps and here’s Volkswagen’s version, designed specifically to offer owners similar connectivity to the Car-Net application, already available for smartphones.
Equipped cars can have their door locks actuated, fuel level can be checked, and the status of windows and the sunroof could keep you informed, in the event of any unexpected squall line thunderstorms during the hot summer months.
The app also allows drivers to locate their vehicle or find directions. Should you really have trouble finding your car in the massive mall parking lots taking up space these days, you can always toot the horn and flash the lights from your snazzy Apple Watch to help you locate it.
Parents can also watch over their new drivers, informing them of any speeding or boundary alerts.
Should you also own an e-Golf, you can check your charge status and estimated driving range, while also having access to the climate control system.
Of course, you could always play a prank on your passengers and fool them into thinking there’s a ghost in the car.
The future is now!
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VOLKSWAGEN TO OFFER CONNECTED-CAR FEATURES ENABLED BY NEW APPLE WATCH
Volkswagen’s Car-Net® app will sync with new Apple Watch
VW customers will be able to remotely lock*/unlock doors; check fuel level or charge status; set up speed and boundary alerts and more from their Apple Watch
Herndon, VA (May 5th, 2015) — Volkswagen of America, Inc., is excited to announce that VW’s Car-Net® platform will enable Apple Watch functionality for many new Volkswagen vehicles. The Apple Watch app will be available globally on all VW Car-Net® enabled vehicles allowing for enhanced connectivity on the go.
“These high-tech features, available through the Car-Net® app for Apple Watch, are paving the way to Volkswagen’s future of connected vehicles,” said Abdallah Shanti, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer for Region Americas. “As a part of Volkswagen’s Digital Vehicle Management Platform, this was a truly collaborative effort between our Technical Development and Group IT teams.”
The Car-Net® app for Apple Watch will allow VW customers to control a host of features and functions that are available through the Car-Net mobile app and Customer Web Portal directly from their wrist. Owners can keep an eye on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking* and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sun roof (open or closed). Finding a parked vehicle is a snap, with a map of the current vehicle location, walking or driving directions to the vehicle and the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights remotely. Customers can also receive speed and boundary alert notifications to monitor certain drivers in their households.
Drivers of Volkswagen vehicles with gasoline and TDI® Clean Diesel engines may remotely check their fuel level, while those driving the all-electric e-Golf will be able to check their current charge and estimated driving range, turn charging on or off and access climate control features.
VW Car-Net® is available on select trims of 2014 and later Beetle, CC, Eos, Jetta, Passat and Tiguan models and on all trims of 2015 and later Golf, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen and e-Golf models. For additional details, go to www.vw.com/features/vw-car-net/.
Car-Net for Apple Watch will be available in the App Store for Apple Watch, found in the Apple Watch app on iPhone®.
Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles. The VW Car-Net® integration with Apple Watch adds to the recent announcement made at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, introducing the second-generation “modular infotainment platform” (MIB II) which will feature advanced app and smartphone integration. Along with the new infotainment system, MirrorLink™ will integrate the apps and operating layout of numerous smartphones (including Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony) into cars. When MirrorLink™ is introduced, two other interfaces will also be launched under the App-Connect label: Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (Google®).