Drive Experience: Reach your destination stress-free with safe car apps

For many people, the car has always been a symbol of freedom and independence – and in recent years it has increasingly evolved into a smart, digital all-rounder offering a wealth of new possibilities. When choosing a vehicle, car buyers are not only concerned with the technology under the bonnet, but above all with comprehensive safety features, comfort, fuel efficiency and sustainability. Services and technologies that promote efficiency and environmental friendliness are therefore in high demand. When it comes to comfort, modern driver assistance systems and advanced infotainment and entertainment solutions play a major role and have been finding their way into our motoring lives for several years now.

With the help of app systems such as Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, many mobile apps can be operated in the car without having to pick up your smartphone. Simply via the vehicle’s touchscreen display or by voice command. To do this, the smartphone is paired with the vehicle’s infotainment system. The apps authorised for use in the car are then displayed on the multimedia screen. This allows drivers to make phone calls or send WhatsApp messages whilst driving. Various apps help with tasks such as navigation, refuelling and parking. And thanks to modern entertainment systems, family and passengers are kept thoroughly entertained on long journeys with music, podcasts and more.

Many drivers would not want to be without these features, as they offer a more pleasant driving experience and help them reach their destination in a relaxed manner, whilst also allowing them to organise the odd task or two whilst on the move. However, using these additional features whilst driving is not without its risks, as they carry a high potential for distraction. Strict safety criteria are therefore crucial in the development of car apps.

Multitasking vs. safety – what to bear in mind during app development

To avoid unnecessary risks to the driver and other road users, safety is always the top priority when developing car apps. Every app developed must comply with Apple’s or Google’s guidelines. Certain functions must not be accessible whilst driving. This is regulated, for example, by predefined categories. Before an app can even be developed for CarPlay, a so-called ‘entitlement’ – effectively authorisation – must be obtained from Apple for the app concept.

A car app must be designed in such a way that it does not unnecessarily distract the driver’s attention. This means that operation should be simple and intuitive. Apple CarPlay, for example, also uses Siri voice recognition to facilitate interaction with the app. In addition, app developers work with specific templates in which the positioning of certain content is already predefined.

Data protection is, of course, a fundamental requirement in any app development. Only data that is strictly necessary for the intended purpose may be collected and used. Car apps must communicate with the vehicle via a secure connection. The latest encryption technologies ensure that no sensitive data is intercepted.

Materna has already been able to apply its expertise in this area whilst developing a prototype car app for electric vehicles. The main feature of this app is a map showing drivers nearby electric charging points. It also provides important information about the charging point, such as power output, plug type and payment options, as well as whether it is currently available. Through integration with Google Maps and Apple Maps, drivers can be navigated directly to the selected charging point.

If you have any questions about car apps or need support with development, please feel free to contact our experts on the Mobile Solutions Team.