Catch on the methods to build a car app in the most correct way

As in the case with any other app development, before you start creating, you should understand what MVP features your app will have. You can always add many cool and attractive features but only if you have an intention to spend a large sum of money on them. So now, when you build your own car app, you should keep in mind the features listed below.

Remote control. The first important feature. The goal of the app is to solve any issues remotely. You turn on/off music, monitor the condition of your car, adjust infotainment systems etc.

Voice control. This feature plays the same role as a remote control, but here you can control connected car apps by just using your voice. It will allow you to keep your attention on the road, and you will still be able to switch all necessary functions.

 

Access control. Since your car surely plays the same role in your life as your home, you cannot forget about safety. So owners must always be aware of who is trying to use services in your car. So you can add administrator rights to control all actions if you are not the only one who uses your app.

Integration with proprietary equipment. The most difficult feature that you will inevitably face. It is not a secret that many manufacturers of car equipment make their devices open for the 3rd party software. So you will have to find solutions described below.

Thus, there are two options to create your own car app and make it work. You can cooperate with car manufacturers to develop your app for their equipment. Or you can develop the app by yourself, but it will have much more limited functionality. But let's check everything in more detail.

Automobile manufacturers realize that modern portable technologies rule the world so they are impossible to ignore. So manufacturers also ponder cooperation with mobile app developers. In this case, they can look for good developers and offer them to develop necessary apps for cars.

They can provide you with all necessary technologies and their own APIs to create the app. Unfortunately, as a rule, car manufacturers create their equipment with proprietary software so you won't be able to make this app and install it on your equipment. That is the main (and probably only) problem you will face. And if you decide to partner with an automotive company, you will have to follow specific requirements while you make your own car app.

• One of the requirements concerns such MVP features like voice control. It should be the main bridge of communication between users and car infotainment systems that is connected to the smartphone in our case.
• No games, videos or texting are acceptable. All control must be performed using voice or minimal touch.
• User interface and user experience must be as simple as possible. Here you don't need to think about how attractive the design will be or what the color of this button or that button will be. The less complex it will be, the more chances the custom car app won't distract the driver from the road. Safety comes first - remember it.

Auto companies are also interested in cooperation with software developers. Moreover, some companies like Ford today can propose their own API libraries to build additional features and get access to Ford's connectivity communication system. The construction of different APIs makes it possible to develop cross-platforming solutions. Thus, car system will be able to connect all popular mobile platforms.

So, it makes a sense to cooperate with the auto company because it allows you to control all systems of the car. But if you don't want to and you are ready to start, you have one more option to create a car app.

 

Many cars are equipped with an Onboard Diagnostic System port that has several upgrades and the current version is known as OBD-II. This port works only one way. It doesn't allow you to control the car. It can only provide you with all the information. But that doesn't mean you have no chance to make use of it.

This port is used at service stations for diagnostics of the car's condition. But today you can use your app to check everything without the necessity of visiting the service station. You can monitor the following car features:

• Fuel usage;
• See charts and graphics of performance data;
• It can help drivers manage their car in a more efficient way;
• Condition of the accelerators and brakes.

And you can build car app that will send all this information from the Bluetooth dongle to your app. You will only see the results though. You will not be able to control them. But you will always be aware of how your car is moving, and what its condition is.

The development of an app for the OBD-II port can be pretty fast and inexpensive. Only if you are not planning on creating a stunning UI and adding some features like Share, Sign-in and so on. But connected car systems won't be available for you to the fullest extent. However, you can get an auto diagnostic app that will help you monitor your car's condition.