Thursday, 03 September 2015
SEAT downloads connectivity technology
SEAT is undertaking an ambitious plan to prioritise in-car connectivity across all of its models, seamlessly bridging the gap between the smartphone and infotainment system, so in today’s increasingly digital world the driver is always connected.
SEAT is undertaking an ambitious plan to prioritise in-carconnectivity across all of its models, seamlessly bridging the gap between thesmartphone and infotainment system, so in today’s increasingly digital worldthe driver is always connected.
Several new models, starting with the New Ibiza CONNECT andclosely followed by New Alhambra, Leon MY16 and Toledo MY16, will be availablewith Full Link, SEAT’s state-of-the-art, three-in-one connectivity solution.
Encompassing
The brand has also introduced SEAT DriveApp, workingalongside Full Link to support easy vehicle maintenance, eco driving guidance,traffic alerts and more.
The New Ibiza, launched in May at the Barcelona Motor Show,is the first model to benefit from the advanced technology which sees SEAT takea giant leap forward in the race to eradicate compromise from connectivity.
Full Link comes as standard on CONNECT, SEAT’sstate-of-the-art infotainment system, together with a SAMSUNG Galaxy A3smartphone. The new system costs £385 on SE models and above and includes anupgraded infotainment system with a 6.5” colour touchscreen.
With Full Link, designed in-house by SEAT engineers, thefull roster of smartphones running the latest iOS and Android software willconnect without hassle.
The software puts the phone’s features at the driver’sfingertips; essential functions, like satellite navigation from certified appsand Google Maps can now be used safely via the car’s touch screen. Apps whichhave been classified as safe are being added regularly, including Spotify andmany more.
Recognising the importance of driver concentration, FullLink addresses the need to communicate safely on the move. Temptation to use ahandheld device is eradicated, as drivers benefit from the system’s read-outfunction, which delivers messages (emails, Tweets and Facebook posts), news andsocial media streams audibly, ensuring productivity during long journeyswithout compromising safety. Drivers can also use its simple ‘Voice to reply’function as well as ‘Gesture control’ which allows drivers to perform simpleactions such as messaging or phone calls with a simple finger swipe across thecar’s infotainment screen, without taking eyes off the road.
In tandem with Full Link, SEAT DriveApp sendscondition-based maintenance alerts to the driver’s smartphone, promptingimportant regular checks like tyre pressures. It can even show the closest SEATdealer and any special offers on the item which needs replacing. Likewise,DriveApp’s traffic alerts help to steer drivers to the most effective route,and a ‘Challenger’ feature gamifies eco driving with a series of fun tests.Gamification promotes a gentle competitiveness as groups of company drivers canbe encouraged to compete for the best individual score. It can even check yourheartbeat as you drive.
As well as developing its own solutions, SEAT signed anagreement with technology giant, SAMSUNG, in March this year to developtechnological solutions to provide total connectivity across its full range ofcars.
SEAT head of fleet and business sales, Peter McDonald said, ‘SEATis striving, and achieving, excellence in several areas that our customersconsider to be vital. We aren’t content scoring highly when it comes to style,reliability and quality alone, we are now leading the way in connectivity,too.
‘Full Link is a demonstration in how to seamlesslyintegrate, and take full advantage of smartphone features whether you’re techsavvy or not. Any driver will undoubtedly benefit in terms of safety andminimising time lost, not to mention improved vehicle maintenance and driverbehaviour.’
Roll out of the technology begins with the New Ibiza and NewAlhambra – launched in the UK later this year – with more new SEATs set tobenefit from Full Link and SEAT DriveApp in 2016.