ConnectedTravel, a connected vehicle platform and application services company, has launched its mobile infotainment, commerce, and rewards platform and the debut of what it says is the automotive industry’s first consumer application system to “gamify” the driving and riding experience. It expands upon Apple’s CarPlay.
CarPlay provides a simplified way to use your iPhone interface on a car’s touch screen, giving users access to Siri voice controls, as well as Apple Maps, Apple Music, Phone, Messages, and a variety of third party apps.
ConnectedTravel collaborated with Honda to develop Honda Dream Drive to offer both drivers and passengers a complete end-to-end solution with a broad range of convenient services and engaging entertainment options, while minimizing the potential for driver distraction, according to John Moon, managing director, Strategic Partnerships, Honda Innovations.
He says it’s the system is the first end-to-end content and commerce platform in a vehicle that caters to both drivers and passengers individually while offering them a broad range of convenient services and engaging entertainment options. It works via two apps, one driver focused and another for the passenger, that have been designed to work seamlessly with the Apple CarPlay system already in the vehicle. Since the system runs through an app updates can be made on the fly, eliminating the need for time consuming dealer visits.
The driver experience offers a proprietary voice controlled user interface into a range of search, reservation, ordering and purchasing services integrated with Honda’s in-vehicle payment technology. Drivers are able to find and pay for goods and services such as fuel, food, coffee, movie tickets and parking.
For passengers, Honda Dream Drive offers an immersive entertainment, education, information, and retail platform. They can choose from a variety of experiences built for the vehicle and curated for their trip.
Honda Dream Drive experiences include a selection of mixed reality games that are integrated with vehicle telematics and interact with original comics, travel applications tuned to explore destinations along the route, all while engaging in the rewards experience directly from the passenger’s mobile device.
The system has also been developed to reward both drivers and passengers for using Honda Dream Drive with points and rewards earned by engaging in a variety of in-vehicle activities. These points can then be redeemed for goods and services at over 50 brick and mortar as well as online retailers.
Passengers and drivers are rewarded with points for everyday driving, listening, watching, learning, and transacting with retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Macys, AMC Theatres, Bed Bath & Beyond, Burger King, Dominos, iHop, Petco, Regal Cinemas, Staples, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, TGI Fridays and other brands.
