What is a Connected Device? Often used in relation to smart devices and IoT device types, a connected device is a type of gadget that has the built-in ability to connect to networks and share data without the need for human input. They combine various abilities and technologies to enable the automation of tasks, data exchanges between devices and systems, or interact directly with a user. While not so long ago they were quite rare, today we can find connected devices in many industries and applications, including Vehicle Telematics, and in the home with things like refrigerators and smart thermostats, along with personal gadgets such as fitness trackers and smartwatches. Telematics IoT and Connected Vehicles One of the most impressive use of connected devices is found in the automotive industry, and specifically in telematics systems. Telematics IoT brings together the collection, processing and transmission of data, both internally within the vehicle and to central management systems. Crucial for the transportation and logistics industries, these connected devices in telematics IoT systems allow for real-time monitoring of vehicles from remote locations, and are essential for fleet management solutions as well as on board navigation and safety systems. One of these processes is connected car systems, providing internet access for vehicles on the road, allowing them to share data internally and with other devices outside the vehicle. This means that a telematics equipped vehicle can collect data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, location and so on, and share it with the manufacturer, service center, fleet manager and more to improve efficiency, performance and safety. In addition, we can use this data to set up pro-active maintenance schedules to lower running costs or provide a better driving experience though personalized in-vehicle services. Connected Device Platform Service When we look at connected devices, what is important is what they connect to and how they use data to deliver service, perform a task or otherwise assist in some system. It is the end result that make connected devices so useful, and one of the more common ways they are used is in tandem with a software platform that uses the data they send. One of the most common examples of this kind of connected device platform service is in fleet management, where vehicles transmit data in real time, and a central cloud platform, such as AutoPi Cloud, provides a simple interface that allows fleet managers to monitor vehicle use and condition and manage fleet vehicles with ease. Applications in Connected Vehicles Connected vehicles have become an integral aspect of the automotive industry today, with the connected device platform service varying depending on usage. It could be a suite of applications that allow for real time traffic updates based on the vehicle’s precise location, adjusting the sat nav route to compensate while the vehicle is on route. However, there are other applications that can transform ownership rather than driving, for instance, remote diagnostics that warns of issues before they become a major problem using predictive maintenance systems, while usage-based insurance services are now possible thanks to this kind of data. For usability, the ability to start the vehicle and warm the interior remotely can be a big help in colder climates, and could be accomplished from a single app on a smartphone, improving the user experience, and with other features delivering safety and efficiency, it’s a comprehensive approach to vehicle management. Conclusion Together, connected devices and platform services offer incredible potential, able to integrate technology and usability to carry out more tasks, more easily, more quickly, improving efficiency and in the automotive sector especially, lowering costs and improving safety.