Smart Tones Causing Massive Transformation In Automobile Technology

The way cars are designed and built is redefining the passenger experience. Already, we’ve entered an era of self-driving, autonomous vehicles. The auto industry, like most others today, is undergoing major changes, with technological advancements and groundbreaking software paving the way for a new type of transportation experience. The main objective for many businesses is to make everything as convenient as possible for the consumer – which means making everything more connected.

According to Wired, within the next few years, there will be approximately 50 billion Internet-of-Things devices installed across the globe, with a significant portion going to our cars. And considering Americans spend about 280 hours per year in their cars, on average, it’s no wonder there is such a demand for the experiences in them to be more connected and personalized. In fact, research conducted by McKinsey and Company revealed that more than 25 percent of consumersfind connectivity to be more important than other features, even fuel efficiency and engine power.

Over the past few years, our digital devices have become extensions of ourselves, allowing us to stay connected even while on the go. Although most buyers want, or even expect, their vehicles to have remote connectivity, they aren’t without their reservations. For example, McKinsey explained that while Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled functionality allows for data sharing between a person’s mobile devices and their automobiles, there is growing concern about the privacy and security implications this integration can present.

Driving toward innovation
Automakers have already made strides in increasing the efficiency of the internal operations and processes within a vehicle. But the latest advancements in communication solutions are reshaping the way car passengers conduct activities both in and outside the car. Imagine never having to carry keys with you or pull out a credit card when going through a drive-thru.

This type of simple, seamless and convenient experience is possible with Smart Tone technology. Using high frequency, inaudible “data over audio” sound waves, LISNR has created software that steers the vision of vehicles to a new level of innovation. From automobiles to entire fleets, this connected mobility makes sense for all transportation types. For individuals, it means a more enjoyable ride and for businesses, it means a more efficient and productive one.

Contrary to popular assumption, the connected car doesn’t require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. All Smart Tones need to facilitate automobile connectivity is a smart device, microphone and speaker. As such, it can help ease security concerns among consumers. With multi-factor authentication, the Smart Tones technology adds an extra layer of protection to devices and the transactions that occur between them. And because it uses existing speakers and microphones and doesn’t require any additional hardware, it is also more cost-effective compared to other technologies. Additional benefits include:

• Automatic personalization: Smart Tones play personalized tones and carry personalized data between digital devices and vehicles – meaning the car can immediately adjust to the preferred settings of the driver. Plus, the entire authentication process takes a matter of seconds.
• Keyless entry: With Smart Tone software, simply having your device on you can unlock the car. Fleet management companies, rental car businesses and ride-sharing agencies can track the location of vehicles in real time.
• Contactless payments: LISNR Smart Tone technology offers CarPay features that make it so drivers don’t even have to reach for their credit card when they stop at a gas station, toll booth or drive-thru.

Smart Tone technology demonstrates the type of innovations already available today that can fuel companies forward in making the transportation experience more engaging, efficient and convenient for drivers – and it offers a glimpse into what we can expect the future of automobile connectivity to look like.