Video: Jaguar Land Rover and customer-centric approach to apps

In the video from the Consumer Telematics Show 2014, Peter Virk, head of connected technologies and apps, Jaguar Land Rover, showcases InControl Apps, a new smartphone integration platform launching on Jaguar Land Rover vehicles this year.

Speaking to TU’s Robert Gray, Virk says giving customers what they wanted was key when designing InControl Apps. “Rather than dictating an engineering solution or a supplier solution, we have made sure that we have touched every point that the customers want for our vehicles,” he says.

And a smartphone integration was a clear favorite. “The focus for us was to have an experience that the consumer can relate to,” Virk adds. “The benchmark today is my smartphone. I have my life on it. in fact, normally when we leave it at home or lose it, we start panicking.”

Compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones, InControl Apps allows users to bring their personal content into the vehicle and interact with a range of apps via Jaguar Land Rover’s in-dash touchscreens. Eleven apps, including iHeart Radio, Glympse, CitySeeker and Parkopedia, are available in the first wave.

All apps are optimized for the vehicle, using one-click access whenever possible and hiding unnecessary features to limit driver distraction. But they continue to live on the smartphone and maintain their original look and feel. Additional apps will come based on demand and trends.

According to Virk, reliance on the smartphone gives Jaguar Land Rover the flexibility to add new apps and content, and it also makes for a more personal connected experience.

Jaguar Land Rover’s plans for 2014?

Using vehicle information and data to make apps more intelligent. “For example, if I am looking for a parking space that’s in a particular location, [and] my system knows where I am and where I am going, it can filter that content for me automatically,” Virk says. “Bringing contextually sensitive apps in the car is key because, one, it reduces the driver distraction, two, it improves the user experience.”

Robert Gray is a regular contributor to TU.

For all the latest telematics trends, check out Telematics for Fleet Management Europe 2014 on March 12-13 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Content and Apps for Automotive Europe 2014 on April 8-9 in Munich, Germany, Insurance Telematics Europe 2014 on May 6-7 in London, Telematics India and South Asia 2014 on May 28-29 in Bangalore, India, Insurance Telematics Canada 2014 on May 28-29 in Toronto, Telematics Detroit 2014 on June 4-5 in Novi, Michigan, and Advanced Automotive Safety USA 2014 on July 8-9 in Novi, Michigan.

For exclusive telematics business analysis and insight, check out TU’s reports: Telematics Connectivity Strategies Report 2013, The Automotive HMI Report 2013, Insurance Telematics Report 2013 and Fleet & Asset Management Report 2012.

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