Car.OS working with NexCruise device by Aha Innovations

Summary

The Caros app is a companion to a hardware device installed in vehicles, adding features like cruise control, economy mode, sports mode, and speed limit control. Designed for use before and after driving, the app collects trip data and displays it to the user. The onboarding process includes connecting the app to the device via Bluetooth and updating the device's firmware over the air. While users can monitor the status of features, direct manipulation of the hardware is limited. The app also tracks trip data to demonstrate the device's efficiency benefits.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Caros app is a companion tool for a hardware device installed in a car, enabling enhanced driving features like cruise control and speed limit functions.
• 😀 The app connects to the hardware device via Bluetooth and is used pre- and post-driving to collect and display trip data, not during driving.
• 😀 A one-time firmware update is required during initial setup, which is downloaded over the air (OTA) using the phone's hotspot.
• 😀 The app allows users to view the status of various driving modes (Cruise Control, Economy Mode, Speed Limit) but cannot directly change settings of the hardware device.
• 😀 The firmware update process involves the phone providing hotspot credentials to the device, allowing it to connect to Wi-Fi and download the latest software.
• 😀 The app logs trip data and provides insights on how the hardware device improves driving efficiency and performance.
• 😀 The app demonstrates the OTA firmware update feature, ensuring the hardware stays updated whenever it is installed in a new car.
• 😀 The app interface shows the status of driving modes (e.g., green light for Cruise Control engaged) and can track the vehicle’s performance over time.
• 😀 Cruise control can be engaged via the hardware controller, and once the brake is applied, it disengages automatically.
• 😀 Users are informed of the successful firmware update, with a message indicating the device is connected and ready for use.
• 😀 The app provides a simple and user-friendly way to monitor the benefits of the hardware device, including improved fuel economy and smoother driving features.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Caros App?

The Caros App is designed to act as a companion to a hardware device installed in the car, providing features like cruise control, driving mode selection (economy, sports, city), and speed limit control. It tracks and logs trip data, enhancing the driving experience before and after driving, not during.

How does the app connect to the hardware device?

The app connects to the hardware device via Bluetooth. Once connected, it allows the user to interact with the device, such as downloading firmware and changing settings related to driving modes and cruise control.

What is the process of updating the hardware's firmware?

The app facilitates an Over-the-Air (OTA) update by first providing the device with the necessary Wi-Fi credentials through the phone’s hotspot. The device then downloads and installs the latest firmware, a process that takes about 120 seconds and occurs only once for each car.

Can users manually update the hardware firmware after the initial setup?

Yes, users can choose to download further updates for the hardware after the initial setup. The app supports pushing OTA firmware updates as needed.

How long does it take for the device to complete the firmware update?

The firmware update process takes approximately 120 seconds to complete. Once done, the device is updated to the latest version and ready to use.

What features can users control through the app?

The app allows users to monitor and engage features like driving mode selection (sports, city, economy) and speed limit control. However, it cannot directly manipulate the hardware; users can only observe and monitor the device’s status.

How does the cruise control feature work within the app?

Once the car is in motion, users can activate cruise control via the app. The app reflects this status with a green indicator. If the brake is applied, cruise control disengages automatically.

What happens when the device is connected to the app?

When the device is successfully connected to the app, it verifies the device's status and updates the firmware if necessary. Afterward, users can observe the device’s current settings, such as mode selection and speed limit, in real-time on the app.

What is the app's role in tracking trip data?

The app logs trip data and provides insights into how the hardware features (like cruise control and driving modes) have impacted the user’s driving. It tracks the benefits provided by the hardware device during trips.

Can the app change the device settings directly?

No, the app cannot directly change the device settings through the app interface. It can only display the current status and provide users with the ability to observe the settings, while changes must be made through the physical hardware controls.