Smart has officially released its new drive iPhone app into the wild. For the low price of $9.99 in the US ($11.99 in the EU), Fortwo owners can take advantage of tricks like an integrated Bing search, hands-free calling and streaming audio from over 10,000 internet radio stations. The app also features a local map based on the car's location. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for turn-by-turn directions. The company says that it's currently working on offering navigation, though it won't be available until later this year. The drive app will also mark the location of the car when you park when paired with the Fortwo installation kit. The best part? All of those features are wrapped up in one app, so you won't have to go fidgeting through screens while driving.
Unfortunately, to get the most out of the app, Fortwo owners will need to purchase the iPhone integration kit. At $300 plus installation, the kit features a cradle plus all of the necessary wiring to allow the phone to work in conjunction with the car's computer and audio system. On the shiny side, when customers buy the integration kit, Smart will hand over a $10 iTunes gift car, effectively making the app free. Ok, freeish. Once the Smart Fortwo ED hits the scene, the app will also clue drivers into information like battery life and how long it will take to charge the car -- handy stuff. Hit the jump for the full press release.
Unfortunately, to get the most out of the app, Fortwo owners will need to purchase the iPhone integration kit. At $300 plus installation, the kit features a cradle plus all of the necessary wiring to allow the phone to work in conjunction with the car's computer and audio system. On the shiny side, when customers buy the integration kit, Smart will hand over a $10 iTunes gift car, effectively making the app free. Ok, freeish. Once the Smart Fortwo ED hits the scene, the app will also clue drivers into information like battery life and how long it will take to charge the car -- handy stuff. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: Smart]
PRESS RELEASE
smart drive app and smart drive kit for the iPhone Available for Purchase
Multifunctional award-winning app combined with smart drive kit turns the iPhone into an integrated telematics, Bluetooth and multimedia system
Bloomfield Hills, Mich., (August 11, 2010) – The smart drive app for the iPhone, which made its United States debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show, is now available for purchase on the iTunes App Store for a one-time cost of $9.99. In addition, the smart drive kit, a cradle which enables advanced telematics in the fortwo with the iPhone app, is available for purchase and installation at smart center dealers nationwide. The app and kit are designed specifically for the smart fortwo.
Using an optional smart drive kit, which can be purchased through and installed by smart dealers, the iPhone can be directly charged and integrates the device's audio into the vehicle sound system. Together, the smart drive app for the iPhone and the kit – awarded the "Best Portable Telematics Solution" in the 2010 Telematics Update awards – turn the iPhone into a connected information and multimedia system for smart owners. Everyone that purchases the smart drive kit from a smart USA dealer will receive a complimentary $10 gift card for the Apple iTunes store, thereby making the smart drive app download free.
The app, created by engineers at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc., is easy to use. Featuring extra-large buttons and letters, the app allows users to listen to the iPhone's music library or thousands of web radio stations from around the world, provides Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calls, provides for identification of the vehicle's position on a map and automatically mutes the radio during phone calls when the phone is installed in the cradle. Additionally, the app can be used to search for points of interest through the app's database or via Microsoft Bing.
Later this year, users can upgrade the app to provide for a full navigation system for an annual subscription. The upgraded app will provide destination guidance with an on-screen map, voice delivered turn-by-turn instructions and real-time traffic data.
More information on the smart drive app for the iPhone and the smart drive kit is available at www.smartusa.com/driveapp.
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