Connected Car versus phone.

The connected car represents a vision for the future shared by car manufacturers and innovators across a number of industries. But what will a connected car do that a phone can’t? A lot. Connected cars will receive information automatically. Everything that you type into your phone: where you’re going, how you decided to get there, when you arrive—the car will already know.

But how will you pay?

Ever used a parking app? Pull out your phone, launch the app, enter in the parking spot number, select the amount of time and pay. This is better than using change from the cup holder. But the connected car can make it even better.

Launch the app = put it in park.

Imagine that you’re in the parking spot. You put it in park. Your connected car sends a message to the parking beacon. The dashboard asks, “Would you like to park?” You tap “Yes.” That’s it. When you’re done shopping? Just pull out of the spot. When you put the car in drive, the beacon calculates exactly what you owe. No running back to check the meter. No adding fifteen minutes from your phone. It’s effortless.

Not just connected but smart.

The connected car won’t just make it easier to pay. It could also make life easier. What if you wanted your insurance company to only bill you for the miles you drive? What if you wanted to know how much a fill up would cost? What if while you fill up, you want to know that your favorite drink is inside and if it is on sale? Your connected car will be able to tell you all of that. And it will tell you to charge your dead phone, since it hasn’t left your purse.