"Automatic" OBD2 Accessory

[amitmishra4]

Has this been discussed before? Does anyone use it?

https://www.automatic.com/

Would love to hear some feedback.

Cheers

[Van914]

I have used GoPoint BT1. You have to pay for the Apps.
I aso use Dash Command. I like it better.
These will not give you the info a Durmetric Cable will.
Van

[78F350]

That's $100. For less than $20 get an ELM327 bluetooth reader:
Amazon.com ELM 327 OBD2 Readers

Then choose one of many $5 or less apps. I like Touchscan.

[particlewave]

Way overpriced and seemingly justified by nothing more than some glossy marketing.

Pass.

[Meir]

you guys are missing the point.
this is not a diagnostic tool.
as part of my work, i evaluated this product as well as many others.
in fact, we still have it installed in one of our workers cars.
the fact that this products connects to the OBD port, doesn't necessarily mean it is a diagnostic tool. sure, it will read and report some basic fault codes, but the main goal of this products, it to improve safety and fuel efficiency.
it records trips, fuel consumption, accelerations and harsh braking as well as speed.
based on that, it creates some sort of a score. (very similar to the progressive snapshot).
the app is very very nice and has a lot of options for reports and notifications. it is also integrated with the If This Do That app. very cool by itself.
you can create notifications, set rules, save reports to Google docs and many other cool features.
the question to the OP, is what you expect it to do for you?

[particlewave]

Oh, I thoroughly read the page. That's why I concluded that it's overpriced for what it is (can get the same features for 1/4 that price).

The webpage is purdy, though.

[amitmishra4]

What I thought useful about this product is that it has a built in GPS that records everywhere you drive and where you park, etc. I have a Wi-Fi ELM 327 code reader(courtesy of timco on this board, whataguy!) that reads basic codes but isn't really designed to help with safety/efficiency like this accessory is. And its free for life? No fees or subscriptions for the basic services above.

Another thing that drew my interest is that they also claim that they will soon have IFTT support(I see that you mentioned that below), which means you will be able to use recipes for your home automation as well. Simple Example, if car is greater than 1 mile from house, then turn lights off and thermostat to away and lock door. I know this is not a perfect example because you could have a pet or a wife at home while you leave, but you get the idea of the possibilities.

I am not really supporting or putting down this device but just wondering what the other comparable products are in the market that can help you track your car using a GPS transponder like the "Automatic" so you can record your trips? Basically, do they have any real competitors in the market that can offer an average consumer (someone who doesn't want to splice wires or rig up a complex set up and integrate with third party applications) such a service at a cheaper price?

Amit

Originally Posted by Meir

you guys are missing the point.
this is not a diagnostic tool.
as part of my work, i evaluated this product as well as many others.
in fact, we still have it installed in one of our workers cars.
the fact that this products connects to the OBD port, doesn't necessarily mean it is a diagnostic tool. sure, it will read and report some basic fault codes, but the main goal of this products, it to improve safety and fuel efficiency.
it records trips, fuel consumption, accelerations and harsh braking as well as speed.
based on that, it creates some sort of a score. (very similar to the progressive snapshot).
the app is very very nice and has a lot of options for reports and notifications. it is also integrated with the If This Do That app. very cool by itself.
you can create notifications, set rules, save reports to Google docs and many other cool features.
the question to the OP, is what you expect it to do for you?

[Meir]

Originally Posted by amitmishra4

What I thought useful about this product is that it has a built in GPS that records everywhere you drive and where you park, etc. I have a Wi-Fi ELM 327 code reader(courtesy of timco on this board, whataguy!) that reads basic codes but isn't really designed to help with safety/efficiency like this accessory is. And its free for life? No fees or subscriptions for the basic services above.

Another thing that drew my interest is that they also claim that they will soon have IFTT support(I see that you mentioned that below), which means you will be able to use recipes for your home automation as well. Simple Example, if car is greater than 1 mile from house, then turn lights off and thermostat to away and lock door. I know this is not a perfect example because you could have a pet or a wife at home while you leave, but you get the idea of the possibilities.

I am not really supporting or putting down this device but just wondering what the other comparable products are in the market that can help you track your car using a GPS transponder like the "Automatic" so you can record your trips? Basically, do they have any real competitors in the market that can offer an average consumer (someone who doesn't want to splice wires or rig up a complex set up and integrate with third party applications) such a service at a cheaper price?

Amit

for what it is, i think the price is reasonable (and this is coming for a competitor )
your example of the home automation is perfect if that is what you want to get.
the cots is mostly for the software and support, as the hardware is relatively cheap to make. i think they just came up with a control panel you can use from a PC.
the big disadvantage of that device, is the fact that you need to use your phone as a logger and transmitter. so if someone else is driving your car, or your phone is not synced, you will loose some data. the fuel reading is accurate, although i'm not sure how they calculate the costs (maybe national average price?)
there are many other solutions and companies that offer a similar OBDII "plug and play" GPS tracking device, but the price will be higher (as the HW contains GSM modem), and will involve monthly fees for the communication costs.
we also offer a similar product, but not in the US.

[amitmishra4]

So who are the proven competitors in the market? I don't know of any really, which is why I am asking. Or are you not allowed to divulge that information becauase of the nature of your work? I would be interested in learning about alternate options out there and want to buy something in the immediate future. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Meir

for what it is, i think the price is reasonable (and this is coming for a competitor )
your example of the home automation is perfect if that is what you want to get.
the cots is mostly for the software and support, as the hardware is relatively cheap to make. i think they just came up with a control panel you can use from a PC.
the big disadvantage of that device, is the fact that you need to use your phone as a logger and transmitter. so if someone else is driving your car, or your phone is not synced, you will loose some data. the fuel reading is accurate, although i'm not sure how they calculate the costs (maybe national average price?)
there are many other solutions and companies that offer a similar OBDII "plug and play" GPS tracking device, but the price will be higher (as the HW contains GSM modem), and will involve monthly fees for the communication costs.
we also offer a similar product, but not in the US.

[Meir]

Originally Posted by amitmishra4

So who are the proven competitors in the market? I don't know of any really, which is why I am asking. Or are you not allowed to divulge that information becauase of the nature of your work? I would be interested in learning about alternate options out there and want to buy something in the immediate future. Thanks.

if you are interested in the home automation integration, that product might be the one for you. personally i'm not familiar with any similar product.
if you are looking for a GPS "on line" tracking device, than you will have to invest some serious time doing your research, as there are hundreds of options available.
obviously, i'm not in the position to recommend one.

[amitmishra4]

Thanks, I will look around and update this thread once I make a decision with the options.